Other Ocean Group Inc. (OOG), an accomplished video game development company based in California, has chosen to locate a new development studio in Newfoundland and Labrador. The company’s St. John’s studio, which will operate under the name Other Ocean Interactive, will specialize in the handheld, downloadable, and small-scale console segments of the video game industry and will produce titles for many platforms such as Apple’s iPhone, Nintendo’s DS and Wii, and Microsoft’s Xbox 360.

“We are tremendously pleased to be partnering with the province to help establish and grow the video game industry in Newfoundland and Labrador,” says Andrew Ayre, owner and CEO of Other Ocean Group and a native of the province. “As Newfoundlanders, we know the determination and drive of the people, and we are delighted to be bringing our industry experience home to create well-paying, long-term jobs.”

Over a five-year period, the company plans to create 62 skilled jobs in the province that will include video game artists, designers, producers, programmers, and management staff. The provincial government, through the Department of Business, worked to secure OOG’s expansion to the province and will invest up to $2.4 million over five years to assist the company in locating and staffing a studio and positioning itself to compete for global business opportunities. The funding will assist in offsetting initial startup and operating costs, including wages, relocation, recruitment, training and marketing, office space and leaseholds, and capital costs.