Side Expands Global Art Services with Acquisition of Roboto Entertainment

In a strategic move to bolster its global art capabilities, leading games services provider Side has announced the acquisition of the boutique art studio Roboto Entertainment. Founded by industry veteran Andrea Cordella, Roboto is renowned for its exceptional expertise in environment and world-building art for video games. This acquisition marks a significant step for Side as it seeks to enhance its presence in mainland China, a rapidly growing market for the gaming industry.

New Opportunities in a Booming Market

The gaming industry has faced a slowdown globally, yet the Chinese market continues to thrive, with expectations of a growth rate of 4% by 2026. This growth signals a projected market value of approximately $59.8 billion by 2030, highlighting China as a critical region for game developers due to high player engagement and spending. Deborah Kirkham, CEO of Side, expressed pride in the team’s eagerness to expand their workload and the intention to grow significantly in this vital market.

As part of this acquisition, Andrea Cordella will assume the role of Global Head of Art at Side while also overseeing the new Chengdu studio. He is expected to lead collaborations with teams in Side's existing Shanghai office and its expansive network across the Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Asia.

A Vision for Creative Excellence

Andrea Cordella's leadership in the new Chengdu studio is a testament to Side's dedication to artistic innovation. With Roboto Entertainment's team having experience with notable AAA and AA titles on various platforms, this merger aims to leverage top-tier talent in environment art to offer enhanced services to global developers. Cordella expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that both teams share a commitment to excellence and creativity in the gaming medium. He emphasized how games provide unique interactive experiences where players and creators actively participate together.

Furthermore, Side’s recent expansion of its QA offerings through a collaboration with AI-driven QA platform, Modl.ai, has already set the stage for robust services tailored for Chinese developers. This acquisition amplifies Side’s service capabilities, allowing them to meet the increasing demand for high-quality game development support.

A Bright Future for Side

Side has established itself as a formidable force in the gaming industry since its inception in 2009, growing rapidly from its Japanese roots with over 15 studios across various continents. As it enhances its service offerings to include art production, game development, localization, and player support, Side is positioned to become a leader in providing comprehensive creative and technical solutions to renowned game developers. This acquisition of Roboto Entertainment is not just a growth strategy but a commitment to fostering innovation and supporting creative endeavors in the gaming realm.

In conclusion, with its acquisition of Roboto Entertainment, Side is not only expanding its operational footprint but also engaging a wealth of artistic talent to further its mission of delivering high-quality global gaming experiences. The new Chengdu studio promises exciting opportunities, serving as a bridge that connects regional artistry with global gaming trends.

For more information on Side and its services, visit their official website.