EA Inaugurates Chicago Studio

Officials from Electronics Arts have officially opened new offices for the company’s Kudo Tsunoda-led development studio in Chicago, which will specialise in next generation fighting games for the company. The new studio is currently working on three new titles for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, although only beat ‘em-up Def Jam: Icon has so far been announced – the other two described only as a licensed property and a new fighting game. The studio employs 150 staff, many of which have previously worked on the popular Fight Night boxing simulation series. The studio is set to increase its workforce by 100 employees over the next year, under the stewardship of vice president and general manager Kudo Tsunoda. "We are pushing next generation development and technology to the limits and looking for the best talent to help us to create innovative games," said Tsunoda. "We are in a great location downtown in a unique building that gives us access and visibility to the best resources and creative minds of this thriving city." Chicago mayor Richard M. Daley added, "One thing that sets Chicago apart from many other cities is our diverse workforce, which can meet the needs of just about any business. EA Chicago will create new jobs and add to Chicago's reputation as a global center of innovation."