Too Human developer Silicon Knights is getting close to $4 million from the Canadian government for its new project.
According to
a report in the local Tribune, the company is building a "top tier" title over the next two to five years, and the grant will help it add 65 additional jobs to its staff of over 100.
"This is going to benefit Silicon Knights in ways that are profound and long-lasting," said Silicon Knights boss Denis Dyack. "In our industry, you have to be very careful never to announce anything until the right time. We can only say it's a next generation title and a high production value game."
The government intends the grant to support the growth of modern high-tech business in the province of Ontario and in Canada, a vote of confidence for the long-term power of the video game industry.
"[Silicon Knights'] growth and their success is very important to our community," Dykstra said. "Not only in terms of job creation but also in terms of attracting and retaining the types of highly skilled workers Niagara needs to prosper."
As for providing taxpayer dollars to fund a private company, Dykstra said the federal government can give money if it doesn't impact on a competing business. Silicon Knights doesn't have competition in the province and is rare in the country.
Walter Sendzik, general manager of the St. Catharines-Thorold Chamber of Commerce, titled Silicon Knights as a community anchor, and that the grant adds to investments in local universities that are aimed at "building a new cluster in Niagara."
In February 2009 Silicon Knights
hired a new vice president, industry newbie Michael Mays, to help lead the company through what it called a period of continuing growth.
