HB Studios Launches First Golf Simulation Game for Newest Consoles
October 15, 2014 – Lunenburg, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Lunenburg-based video game developer, HB Studios Multimedia Ltd, has developed and released its latest game. The Golf Club is being sold throughout North America, Europe, South America, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Available for the newest gaming consoles on the market - PlayStation 4 and Xbox One - plus PC, the golf simulation game is the first of its kind in several years and incorporates not just the player-aspect of the sport but also, via a powerful creation suite, golf course design.
The Government of Canada is providing HB Studios with a repayable contribution of $500,000 to assist with the development, launch and marketing efforts of The Golf Club through ACOA’s Business Development Program. This project is enabling HB Studios to self-publish the game, providing them with a competitive edge within the industry. By self-publishing its proprietary game, it enables them to maximize the revenue potential from game sales now and in the future.
HB Studios first opened its doors in July 2000 in a Lunenburg store-front building with a team of nine employees. A few years later, it moved into a standalone, 20,000 square foot studio that currently houses its own gym, daycare and 250 seat theatre. Today, it is the largest video game developer in Atlantic Canada and employs roughly 80 people within the community.
Quick Facts:
- The Golf Club is the first official video game of the Volvo World Match Play Championship, a live golf tournament, taking place this week in the UK. Globally renowned golf players from all over the world will test out The Golf Club during the event.
- With the release of The Golf Club, HB Studios has shipped 45 titles selling more than 23 million units and contributed to 19 others.
- HB Studios has appeared regularly in the Develop 100 - the list of the “World’s Best Game Studios.”
- Just over 50% of H.B. Studios’ employees are from Nova Scotia. Remaining team members come from across Canada and abroad, including France, China, Australia and Turkey.
- The Studio has worked with the world’s top Publishers including EA, Activision, Sony, Konami, Atari, THQ and MLB.com to name a few.
- The video game industry in Canada employs over 16,500 full-time employees and contributes over $2.3 billion to Canada’s GDP. – The Entertainment Software Company of Canada
Quotes:
“Since opening its first office in Lunenburg 14 years ago, HB Studios has continually gained recognition in the video game development industry, attracting and retaining a highly-skilled workforce in the region. Our Government is pleased to support HB Studios as it embarks on an innovative endeavor to further strengthen its position in the highly competitive global gaming software sector.”
- Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue and for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margaret’s, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (ACOA)
“ACOA has been a fantastic business partner for HB Studios since day one, demonstrating foresight and a strong understanding of the video game industry. The organization’s support will once again enable us to evolve our business, thus further strengthening our position as one of Canada’s leading independent game developers.”
- Jeremy Wellard, CEO and Creative Director, HB Studios Multimedia Ltd.
Associated Links:
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Alex Smith
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
Email: Alex.Smith@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Melanie Wellard
Director of Operations
HB Studios
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
902-634 8316
