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Ex-Riot Games, Mediatonic and Lady Shotgun devs have formed a new studio in the UK.
The Cambridge-based developer, named Octopus 8 Studios, is currently working on two mobile and tablet games.
Its first title is set to be released by the end of the year, with its second game due in early 2014.
The developer said it would be working with young "breakthrough talent" in the UK, and would build a policy of giving up-and-coming artists a platform to develop their skills and ideas.
Developers at the studio include Mediatonic senior designer Justin Parsler, ex-ZeniMax Online Studios global director and Jagex director of community engagement Rich Barham and Lady Shotgun designer Chris Cox.
“Today’s announcement represents the beginning of a very exciting period for us,” said Octopus 8 Studios chief creative officer Justin Parsler.
“Our development teams have been working hard on our first two titles, which we believe showcase their great talent and combine originality and high quality in a way that is sure to appeal. I am really thrilled to see well designed games that would probably never have been published by traditional methods reach an audience.”
Octopus 8 CEO Rich Barham added: "We are continuing to see a move away from traditional, medium-sized games companies which span the gap between self publishers and the industry giants. Many of the middle-sized companies have large, cumbersome and expensive infrastructures which are struggling to maintain profitability in an agile and changing marketplace.
"Too many good companies and people are suffering this situation, and there are better ways to manage an evolving industry, particularly with much of the superb talent which is currently being throttled by the vicious circle of needing experience to demonstrate it. Octopus 8 Studios is doing things a different way, and we believe it’s the right way – for games people, and for games."
