Tencent, the Chinese tech giant, has halted operations at one of its pivotal U.S. video game studios. The closure of Team Kaiju, headquartered in Shenzhen, signifies a setback in Tencent’s aspirations to position itself as a formidable game developer in the Western market. Sources familiar with the situation disclosed that the decision to discontinue Team Kaiju was executed in June, prompting the reassignment of its personnel to other Tencent projects. To protect the confidentiality of the information, the sources spoke on condition of anonymity.
Leadership Changes and Game Development: The Team Kaiju Episode
Team Kaiju, under the leadership of accomplished game designer Scott Warner, was actively involved in crafting a high-budget multiplayer game. Warner, recognized for his directorial role in successful games like “Halo 4,” became a notable addition to Tencent in 2020. However, Warner parted ways with Team Kaiju in April, a development reflected in his LinkedIn profile, while the studio’s website is no longer accessible.
Tencent Global Gaming Aspirations: Studio Expansions and Challenges
Tencent, a major player in the global gaming industry, has been diligently working towards expanding its influence by establishing overseas studios and developing games tailored for international markets. Despite Tencent’s reserved stance on the Team Kaiju shutdown, this decision aligns with the broader efforts to fortify its global gaming footprint.
The closure of Team Kaiju, initially reported by Eurogamer.net, sheds light on the dynamic challenges faced by Tencent in navigating the intricacies of the Western gaming market. Notably, Tencent recently unveiled its most ambitious console title, “The Last Sentinel,” created by a team of approximately 200 individuals at its Lightspeed LA game studio. Tencent’s strategic focus on international expansion resonates with its well-established reputation for developing popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile, which have gained widespread acclaim among Chinese players and are known for their cost-effectiveness in production.
Read More (Game Industry – Tech Foom)
