Max Payne 3 Vancouver studio closing as Rockstar expands Toronto studio

Rockstar Games has announced plans to expand its development studio in Toronto. As a result, Rockstar Vancouver, developer of Max Payne 3, will close.

Current Rockstar employees of the Vancouver-based development team will be moved to the new custom-built facility in Oakville, Ontario. All members of the Vancouver team have the opportunity o join Rockstar Toronto or take positions in other Rockstar studios.

"Expanding Rockstar Toronto and bringing our Canadian development talent together under one roof underscores our commitment to building world-class teams that can make the kind of groundbreaking entertainment experiences Rockstar Games is known for," said Vice President of Publishing and Operations for Rockstar Games Jennifer Kolbe.

The studio expansion is being supported by the Ontario government. While no financial details were disclosed, Rockstar mentioned plans to add more than 50 new positions to the combined Canadian team.

"We believe a single Canadian team will make for a powerful creative force on future projects. We plan to add more than 50 new positions to our combined Canadian team, and are pleased to be entering into this strategic partnership with the Ontario government."

"Rockstar Games' decision to expand its Toronto studio demonstrates the confidence in Ontario's leading-edge digital gaming industry. By providing financial support and tax incentives to help companies grow, we maximize Ontario's competitiveness in the global economy and support job creation," said Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development and Innovation.

Rockstar Toronto has worked on several critically acclaimed titles including Max Payne 3 and The Warriors. Meanwhile, Rockstar Vancouver has worked on Bully and Max Payne 3 as well.