Certain Affinity has a proven track-record developing innovative, triple-A action games, including both original titles and co-development of games in blockbuster franchises like “Call of Duty,” “Halo,”, “DOOM,” and “Left 4 Dead.” Certain Affinity’s new studio will be opening in February in the Fashion District in the heart of downtown Toronto. To select the right location for its new office, Certain Affinity worked closely with Toronto Global, a team of experienced business advisors assisting global businesses to expand into the Toronto Region.
Certain Affinity recently celebrated its 12th anniversary; during its history it has developed or co-developed 29 products across 12 different franchises, with more than 100 million units sold. The new Toronto location will support the Austin studio currently developing an ambitious original title as well as an original IP game, “Last Expedition,” which is a sci-fi co-op FPS.
“Toronto is becoming a hub for game development with its progressive and multicultural environment and its thriving design and technical talent pool,” said Max Hoberman, Certain Affinity’s President and Founder. “We have built a company not only with top talent and benefits, but also with one of the game industry’s most inclusive and diverse cultures, and we look forward to bringing this mindset to our new Toronto studio and to being a positive member of the Toronto business community.”
The new studio, which is expected to ramp up to 60 developers later this year, will be a fully integrated extension of the Austin office, which currently has more than 170 full-time employees. Historically, Certain Affinity has been known for development and co-development on other studios’ titles. While maintaining its core co-development business, the company has recently shifted its focus to lead game development, with a model of developing games as a service, available online and continuously updated with new features and content.
“The Toronto Region is drawing the attention of the world for its emerging digital media and game development sectors, its diverse and welcoming community and dynamic cultural scene,” said Toronto Mayor John Tory. “I’m thrilled that Certain Affinity will call Toronto home, create jobs for our talented residents and contribute to our reputation as a global centre for innovation, creativity and economic growth. Welcome to the Toronto Region!”
Certain Affinity is seeking a variety of skilled and passionate team members to join the company in Austin and Toronto, including artists, engineers, designers, producers, and more. Anyone interested in joining this growing independent AAA game developer can see a list of current job openings.
In 2016 the self-funded Austin-based company took its first round of investment, totaling US$15M, in order to fuel growth and expand its lead development and original IP efforts. Capstar Partners, a local private equity company, participated in this round alongside Hong Kong-based Leyou Technologies Holdings Limited. Leyou is also funding development of a full game with Certain Affinity, and recently announced that the development loan for this game has been increased to US$33M. This will directly support Certain Affinity's ongoing expansion in Austin as well as Toronto.
"Our success in Austin has been incredible and we're fortunate to be based in such a thriving, creative and supportive city," said Max Hoberman, Certain Affinity's President and Founder. "We've built a business with one of the industry's most inclusive and diverse cultures, filled with talented people full of pride and passion for their work and for the company. Austin is our home and headquarters and we will continue growing here and continue investing in this city and community, while also accelerating our expansion through our sister site in Toronto."
Certain Affinity has played an important part in the growth of the Austin game development industry through its support of Austin Community College and The University of Texas at Austin. Certain Affinity's leaders are also active and vocal members of the community, with Max Hoberman serving as Vice Chair of Technology for the Austin Chamber of Commerce in 2017, and Mojdeh Gharbi, VP of Marketing and Operations, recently joining the boards of Goodwill of Central Texas and Workforce Solutions Capital Area. She also serves on the Media Production Advisory Committee representing the game industry at the Texas Film Commission, and is part of the leadership team for Good Work Austin.
In 2017 the company moved into a newly-renovated building at 7620 Guadalupe Street in North Central Austin. More recently it expanded this facility with the addition of an event space intended for the local gaming community to host meetups and other community events. The first event is in its early planning stages now.
"We are excited to see one of our homegrown and largest game development companies expand internationally. Certain Affinity opening a supporting office in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is further evidence that Austin is becoming a global hub for tech and entertainment companies," said Charisse Bodisch, Senior Vice President, Economic Development. "Certain Affinity is a strong member of the Chamber of Commerce, and we appreciate their continued and growing dedication to Austin."