The video game development industry in London has been growing for some time now, thanks in large part to the local company Digital Extremes, the company responsible for developing ultrapopular games like Homefront and Bioshock II. Digital Extremes has received some very good news that is certain to mean more impressive games, not to mention an expansion of the game development industry in London.

London-Fanshawe MPP Khalil Ramal made the announcement that the province is granting $2.5 million to Digital Extremes, which will allow the company to expand its already impressive work. The grant will allow the company to make numerous improvements including moving to a larger space in Citi Plaza downtown, update technology that will be able to automate the programming of 3D games and hire an anticipated 30 new employees.

President of Digital Extremes Michael Schmalz explained that much of the company's success is based on Evolution Engine, software that aids in game development. He said the grant will allow Digital Extremes to refine that software and give the company a more competitive edge in the global market. "Right now, we can't hire people fast enough," said Schmalz. The company's current roster of over 50 employees will continue to grow with money from the provincial grant.

In order to accommodate the growing workforce of Digital Extremes, the company is moving into a space that, according to Lucas Blois, a Manager of Citi Plaza, will be suited to a young, urban workforce. The new office space will feature bike storage, a lounge and a full kitchen.

Michael Feeney Jr., Coordinator of the Advanced Programming Game Development program at Fanshawe, said he anticipates that the grant will have a positive impact on students in his program. "The game development community is pretty small," he said. "If you look at how many programmers there are in London and area doing programming for places like a bank versus programming for gaming companies, I would suspect it's close to 100:1 … For our students, any increase in demand is good."

The future of video games, particularly the gaming industry in London, is looking brighter than ever. Gamers have a lot to look forward to, and Londoners will have one more reason to be proud of their city, so keep those gaming thumbs in shape!