Two top names from the region's video game community have launched a new company to design the next generation of digital mobile entertainment.
Alex Zoro and Andy Wafer have set-up Pixel Toys at the University of Warwick Science Park’s Warwick Innovation Centre in Gallows Hill as part of its Ignite programme.
FreeStyleGames co-founder Mr Zoro and former Codemasters chief game designer Mr Wafer, who have over 25 years’ experience in the industry between them, are focusing on developing and publishing games and digital entertainment for the tablet, mobile and handheld market.
Mr Wafer, chief executive of Pixel Toys, said they were currently putting the finishing touches to a new game which would be released in the spring.
“We make games for all ages for global markets that people can download from mobile app stores,” he said.
“Pixel Toys is going really well and we have our first game coming out in April for the Nintendo 3DS console which is really exciting.
“We have been working on that since the company started in October in collaboration with another group of people.
“We are concentrating on producing high-end mobile games next because of the huge surge in sales of smartphones and tablets and the different ways in which users want to play their games now.
“Our experience of working on games for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 gives us an added edge in the game development and publishing market and we want to bring that knowledge to other platforms.”
Pixel Toys has recruited senior artist Phil Irving and plans to take on further staff and short-term contractors within the next few months to work on future projects.
Karen Aston, centre manager at the Warwick Innovation Centre, said Pixel Toys had the experience and contacts in a competitive industry to flourish.
“Pixel Toys joined the innovation centre as part of our Ignite programme and after starting in Ignite space are about to move into commercial space within the site,” she said.
