True to its claim, Singapore sure is going BIG on Media these days!

Amongst the many developments announced during the Asia Media Festival was the grand opening of the first Asian development centre of Germany's No1 Video Games Publisher 10tacle.

With its Asian headquarters in Singapore, 10tacle which already had its publishing activities in the region has relocated and expanded to include a full development team. The Asia development centre's first fully financed development is underway and the studio has been agressively hiring talent from Singapore and internationally to produce its first original title scheduled to debut at China Joy in Mid 2006.

Setting up an Asian Headquarters in Singapore creates a gateway for the 10tacle Group to access one of the most challenging markets for Western Publishers and developers. Speaking to Animation 'xpress just prior to the launch, 10tacle Asia Pacific CEO Aroon Tan said,"We are confident that Singapore's position as a hub between Western adn Estern industries will foster new and exciting game content. Fusion of development technologies, art styles and new rich gameplay will enhance 10tacle Studios' game portfolio in the years to come. Strong Government support encourages potent media convergence from example animation series and feature films with video games, which is another important part of 10tacle's business model"

MDA CEO Dr Christopher Chia remarked,"Singapore's ability to bridge Asian and Western cultures, its strong IP infrastructure, together with the presence of established players like 10tacle, will certainly make for a powerful combination to establish Singapore as the 'place-to-be' for the game development industry"

Founded by CEO Michele Pes in August 2003, 10tacle Studios AG (The German Parent of 10tacle Studios Asia) raised over SGD$80Million in Games Funds in Europe last year. The studio employs over 150 associates in its multiple locations and development centres at Darmstadt, Hanover, Bavaria, Belgium and Singapore and its portfolio covers all the three pillars of interactive entertainment: online, offline and wireless.