Embracer Group's Amplifier Game Invest division is opening a brand new studio in Montréal, Canada.

The venture is called Goose Byte and is being headed up by Gameloft, Ubisoft and People Can Fly vet Theodor Diea – who is serving as CEO and creative director – and CT and principal game developer Nathan Ross Powel, previously of Codemasters, Ubisoft and Behaviour Interactive.

This new venture will be focused on new IP for both console and PC.

“Building game development teams for the long run in a hub like Montréal requires extraordinary people who can shape creative teams, design exciting games and operate a successful business," Amplifier CEO Per-Arne Lundberg said. "We are incredibly happy to be able to form a studio around Theo and Nathan."

Diea added: “Goose Byte is meant to be a bold breath of fresh air for developers in a city that is simply burgeoning with game development talent. We’re building a studio around the concepts of trust, respect, inclusivity, sustainability, and a healthy dose of ambition. The core values of Amplifier Game Invest makes them an obvious pick when looking for a partner to build this studio. We’re thrilled to begin this journey with them.”

Embracer acquired Amplifier Game Invest back in April 2019 when it was known as Goodbye Kansas Game. It was rebranded in January 2020.

Local economic promotion agency Montréal International reckons that the number of people working in the region's games industry has increased by eight per cent over the last ten years.