Games developer Creative Assembly unveils 100-job Newcastle expansion

The UK’s largest video games developer is creating around 100 North East jobs.

The Creative Assembly – part of SEGA Europe – has expanded into Newcastle.

Bosses say the venture, known as Creative Assembly North, will create technical and creative roles over the coming years and act as a sister base to sites in Sussex and Bulgaria.

It will be led by industry veteran Giselle Stewart [pictured, above].

She said: “Starting a new development studio from scratch with the full support and insights of one of the UK’s oldest and largest studios is incredibly exciting.

“Creative Assembly North establishes us in one of the biggest cities for the games industry in the UK, which has a growing development community of both experienced professionals and aspiring students.

“We are bringing new job opportunities to the North East, building a studio which amplifies the fantastic culture and values of Creative Assembly.

Giselle added the move will build on Creative Assembly’s existing connections with Newcastle University and Teesside University, with officials set to create a scholarship programme to increase sector diversity and extend the Legacy Project education scheme.

 

 

Jennifer Hartley, director of Invest Newcastle, which is part of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, hailed Creative Assembly’s move as “incredible news”.

She said: “Newcastle and Gateshead have one of the largest and most historic games communities in the UK, and this investment cements our ability to attract world-leading brands, as well as furthering our position as a leading tech hub.

“Creative Assembly’s investment will provide a huge opportunity for the talent coming out of our world-leading universities, colleges and schools, giving our residents access to good quality jobs.”

Professor Chris Day, vice chancellor and president at Newcastle University, added: “Our researchers and students have worked with Creative Assembly for many years, and this is a welcome and exciting move that will strengthen our focus on aligning education with games industry needs.

“We look forward to working more closely with Giselle and the new Creative Assembly North team.”