LA is home to hundreds of video game companies, including Google.
Late last year, the tech giant released Google Stadia, a video game streaming service that allows people to play dozens of major game titles without a console through their Chromecast, Chrome browser or compatible device.
Now Google is expanding its Stadia footprint by opening up a dedicated Stadia Games and Entertainment studio in Playa Vista.
Google says the new Stadia studio will focus on developing exclusive games, work on new gameplay mechanics and test out new ways for players to interact. The company doesn’t share specifics about what games it’s working on, but Google said in a blog post that it’s “listening to what gamers want and adding our own Stadia twists to create new IP and experiences.”
The company is also actively hiring people to work on Stadia at the new Playa Vista location. It recently appointed Shannon Studstill, who’s worked in the video game industry, to head the team as studio director. Studstill previously served as the VP of product development for Playstation and she’s worked on major game titles including the God of War franchise.
“I’ve been a fan of Shannon’s for a long time, and have admired her award-winning work leading Sony’s Santa Monica Studio and the industry defining franchises like God of War that have won fans all over the world,” Jade Raymond, the VP and head of Stadia Games and Entertainment, said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to welcome her to the Stadia family!”
This Playa Vista studio is Google’s second Stadia Games and Entertainment studio. The first one opened in Montreal last October.
