{{Short description|Video game development company}}{{Infobox company | name = Room 8 Group | type = Private | industry = Video game development | founded = {{Start date and age|2011}} in Sevastopol, Ukraine | founder = Sviatoslav Pohrebnoi | key_people = Sviatoslav Pohrebnoi (founder, board member), Anna Kozlova (CEO) | services = Game development, art production | num_employees = 1,100+ | num_employees_year = 2025<ref name=":3" /> | website = {{URL|https://www.room8group.com/}} }} '''Room 8 Group''' is an international video game development company that provides co-development, art, trailers, and quality assurance (QA) services. The company has collaborated with major publishers such as Microsoft, Nintendo, Ubisoft, Sony, Gameloft, Take-Two Interactive, Electronic Arts, and others. Room 8 Group co-created projects for video game IPs and franchises including ''Call of Duty'', ''Diablo'', ''Assassin's Creed'', ''Star Trek'', ''The Walking Dead'', ''Doctor Who'', and more.
== History == The company was founded in 2011 in Sevastopol, Ukraine, by Sviatoslav Pohrebnoi.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Takahashi |first=Dean |date=2025-02-25 |title=Room 8 Group hires game dev and tech leaders and consolidates brands |url=https://venturebeat.com/games/room-8-group-hires-game-dev-and-tech-leaders-and-consolidates-brands/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=VentureBeat |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2021-06-30 |title=Room 8 Studio: The Games That Shaped Them |url=https://80.lv/articles/the-life-and-development-process-at-room-8-studio/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=80.lv |language=en}}</ref> Initially operating as a development studio, it released its first co-developed titles and grew to a team of 30 employees. In 2013, Room 8 Studio was established, and the company released ''Cyto's Puzzle Adventure'',<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-10-31 |title=Cyto's Puzzle Adventure - Breaking Out and Evolving Ideas |url=https://www.gamesauce.biz/purehtml/2013/10/31/cyto-puzzle-adventure-breaking-out-and-evolving-ideas/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=Gamesauce: Global Inspiration for Game Developers |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Украинская мобильная игра Cyto выходит на западные рынки |url=https://ain.ua/ru/2013/03/19/ukrainskaya-mobilnaya-igra-cyto-vyxodit-na-zapadnye-rynki/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=ain.ua |language=ru}}</ref> which was listed among the Best New Games on the App Store in 68 countries.<ref name=":0" />
In 2014, the company worked on projects such as ''Cookie Jam'', ''World of Tanks'', ''Piano City'', and ''Mahjong Journey''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Room 8 Studio- Why Every Game Developer Should Consider Outsourcing on Cubebrush.co |url=https://cubebrush.co/blog/room-8-studio--why-every-game-developer-should-consider-outsourcing |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=Cubebrush}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Музыкальная игра украинской студии взорвала App Store |url=https://ain.ua/ru/2014/10/14/muzykalnaya-igra-ukrainskoj-studii-vzorvala-app-store/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=ain.ua |language=ru}}</ref> In 2016, it expanded into porting and video production, obtained certification from PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, and worked on games based on franchises such as ''Family Guy'', ''Power Rangers'', ''Kubo'', and ''Independence Day''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Room 8 Group запускає нову студію з виробництва трейлерів — Heroic. Більшість команди з України |url=https://gamedev.dou.ua/news/room-8-group-new-heroic-studio/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=DOU |language=uk}}</ref><ref name=":0" />
In 2018 the company began its global expansion, uniting multiple studios and broadening its focus, becoming Room 8 Group. It then established the co-development studio Dragons Lake.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Valentine |first=Rebekah |date=2019-03-01 |title=Room 8 Group announces new independent co-development studio |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/room-8-group-announces-new-independent-co-development-studio |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en}}</ref> That year the company co-developed various AAA projects, contributing to titles such as ''Indivisible'' for 505 Games, ''Call of Duty: Cold War'', and ''Fall Guys''.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Room 8 Studio оголосила про зміни у структурі компанії |url=https://gamedev.dou.ua/news/room-8-structural-change/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=DOU |language=uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Konstantinov |first=Pavel |date=2024-10-04 |title=Best Game Companies in Ukraine |url=https://retrostylegames.com/blog/best-game-companies-in-ukraine/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=RetroStyle Games |language=en-US}}</ref>
Between 2020 and 2021, the company launched an Art Direction & Visual Development division and opened a hub in Montreal, Canada.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sinclair |first=Brendan |date=2021-06-30 |title=Room 8 Studio opening Montreal location |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/room-8-studio-opening-montreal-location |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en}}</ref> It also worked on BBC Studios' ''Doctor Who'' and Remedy Entertainment's project, ''Control''.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tupikov |first=Kostiantyn |date=2022-08-31 |title=Room 8 Group Opens Two New Offices in CEE |url=https://itkey.media/room-8-group-opens-two-new-offices-in-cee/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=ITKeyMedia |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2022, Room 8 Group began providing IP Game Development services and acquired a US-based studio, Massive Black.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rousseau |first=Jeffrey |date=2022-03-28 |title=Room 8 acquires Massive Black |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/room-8-acquires-massive-black |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en}}</ref> It also launched a QA division and opened a production hub in Poland.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rousseau |first=Jeffrey |date=2023-03-20 |title=Room 8 unveils Highlight QA |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/room-8-unveils-highlight-qa |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Producent gier Room 8 Group otwiera biuro w Warszawie. I w kilku innych krajach europejskich |url=https://dou.eu/community/posts/room8group-in-poland |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=DOU |language=pl}}</ref> The company acquired Brazil-based creative studio PUGA Studios<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rees |first=Lewis |date=2022-11-01 |title=Room 8 Group closes acquisition of Brazil-based creative studio PUGA Studios |url=https://www.pocketgamer.biz/room-8-group-closes-acquisition-of-brazil-based-creative-studio-puga-studios/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=www.pocketgamer.biz |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rousseau |first=Jeffrey |date=2022-04-28 |title=Room 8 to acquire PUGA Studios |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/room-8-to-acquire-puga-studios |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ukrainian game developer Room 8 Group acquires Brazilian PUGA Studios |url=https://en.ain.ua/2022/05/02/room-8-group-acquires-puga-studios/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=en.ain.ua |language=en}}</ref> and grew to over 1,000 employees.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top 25 game development companies of Ukraine |url=https://mezha.media/en/2023/05/30/top-25-game-development-companies-of-ukraine/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=Mezha.Media |language=en}}</ref>
In 2023, Room 8 Group established Heroic, a trailers and cinematics studio.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rousseau |first=Jeffrey |date=2023-03-01 |title=Room 8 unveils new production studio Heroic |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/room-8-unveils-new-production-studio-heroic |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Rees |first=Lewis |date=2023-03-02 |title=Room 8 Group unveils trailer and cinematic production studio Heroic |url=https://www.pocketgamer.biz/room-8-group-unveils-trailer-and-cinematic-production-studio-heroic/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=www.pocketgamer.biz |language=en}}</ref> That year the company worked on projects such as ''Alan Wake 2'',<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-11 |title=Українська студія Room 8 поділилася зображеннями моделей, які створила для Alan Wake 2 |url=https://players.com.ua/news/ukrayinska-room-8-podilylasya-zobrazhennyamy-modelej-yaki-stvoryla-dlya-alan-wake-2/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |language=uk}}</ref> ''Dead Space'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Що саме робила українська команда Room 8 Studio для ремейку Dead Space |url=https://gamedev.dou.ua/news/room-8-studio-work-in-dead-space-remake/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=DOU |language=uk}}</ref> ''Diablo IV'',<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Персонажі, татуювання та зброя. Room 8 показала свій внесок у розробку Diablo IV |url=https://gamedev.dou.ua/news/room-8-work-on-diablo-4/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=DOU |language=uk}}</ref> ''Forza Motorsport'', ''Star Wars Jedi: Survivor'', ''Hello Kitty Island Adventure'', ''Apex Legends'', ''Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope'', ''Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II'', ''Metal: Hellsinger'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=The whole universe has a rhythm: як українські розробники з Room 8 Studio допомагали створювати Metal: Hellsinger |url=https://gamedev.dou.ua/blogs/room-8-about-metal-hellsinger-creation/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=DOU |language=uk}}</ref> and ''The Quarry'',<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-08-16 |title=[From the industry] Room 8 Group announces strategic partnership with Audiogroup to elevate game development services |url=https://mcvuk.com/business-news/from-the-industry-room-8-group-announces-strategic-partnership-with-audiogroup-to-elevate-game-development-services/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |work=MCV |language=en |issn=1469-4832}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-26 |title=Call of Duty and Dead Space Art Producer: Game Art Production |url=https://80.lv/articles/call-of-duty-and-dead-space-art-producer-game-art-production-from-the-inside/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=80.lv |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Room 8 Studio опублікувала концепт-арти персонажів, створені для Redfall |url=https://gamedev.dou.ua/news/room-8-redfall/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=DOU |language=uk}}</ref> and was shortlisted in the Creative/Co-Development Partner of the Year category at the MCV/Develop Awards.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pavey |first=Vince |date=2023-04-12 |title=Here are the finalists for the 2023 MCV/DEVELOP Awards! |url=https://mcvuk.com/business-news/here-are-the-finalists-for-the-2023-mcv-develop-awards/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |work=MCV |language=en |issn=1469-4832}}</ref>
In 2024, the company finalized the integration of Massive Black and PUGA Studios.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rousseau |first=Jeffrey |date=2024-02-08 |title=Room 8 Group finalizes integration of Massive Black and PUGA |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/room-8-group-finalizes-integration-of-massive-black-and-puga |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en}}</ref> It joined industry organizations TIGA and UKIE,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ukie |url=https://ukie.org.uk/members/room-8-group |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=ukie.org.uk}}</ref> and was shortlisted for several awards at the MCV/Develop Awards,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shoemaker |first=Richie |date=2024-09-12 |title=The shortlist for the 2024 MCV/DEVELOP Awards! |url=https://mcvuk.com/business-news/events/the-shortlist-for-the-2024-mcv-develop-awards/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |work=MCV |language=en |issn=1469-4832}}</ref> TIGA Awards, and Develop: Star Awards.<ref name=":5" /> It won the Best Service Provider award at the Mobile Games Awards<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mobile Games Awards 2024 - Winners and finalists |url=https://www.pocketgamer.biz/mga2024/winners/best-service-provider/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=www.pocketgamer.biz |language=en}}</ref> and the Commitment to ESG award at the TIGA Awards.<ref name=":6" /> In 2024, Room 8 Group worked on over 320 projects, including ''Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Crusader Kings III''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-28 |title=Ukrainian developers from Room 8 Studio got into the credits of the game Indiana Jones and the Great Circle |url=https://newssky.com.ua/en/ukrayinski-rozrobnyky-z-room-8-studio-potrapyly-v-tytry-gry-indiana-jones-and-the-great-circle/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=Newssky.com.ua |language=uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Українська Room 8 Group працювала над Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. До проєкту залучили 58 фахівців |url=https://gamedev.dou.ua/news/room-worked-on-black-ops-6/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=DOU |language=uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Everything is Grander in New Expansion for Crusader Kings III on Console |url=https://www.paradoxinteractive.com/media/press-releases/press-release/everything-is-grander-in-new-expansion-for-crusader-kings-iii-on-console |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=Paradox Interactive |language=en}}</ref>
== Activities == The company worked with partners across 30 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Sweden, South Korea, and Brazil. Partnerships include Activision, Quantic Dream, Machine Games, Krafton EU, Paradox Interactive, Blizzard Entertainment, Compulsion Games, Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, Nintendo, Gameloft, Xbox Game Studios, Unity, Intel, Sony, SEGA, Amazon Games, and Riot Games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Украинская компания Room 8 показала свою работу над игрой Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope от Ubisoft |url=https://dev.ua/ru/news/room-8-mario-1700559141 |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=dev.ua |language=ru-UA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Українська компанія Room 8 показала свою роботу над грою Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope від Ubisoft |url=https://dev.ua/news/room-8-mario-1700559141 |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=dev.ua |language=uk-UA}}</ref><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":4" />
It worked in partnership to provide co-development and technology services on titles like ''Redline Royale, Dead by Daylight, Life is Strange, Godfall, Bulletstorm, Angry Birds, Outriders, Lords of the Fallen,'' and more.<ref name=":3" />
Room 8 Group's art division worked on franchises such as ''Call of Duty, Overwatch, Diablo,'' and more.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-07 |title=Celebrating Ukrainian Game Developers with Xbox Game Camp |url=https://news.microsoft.com/en-cee/2024/11/07/celebrating-ukrainian-game-developers-with-xbox-game-camp/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=CEE Multi-Country News Center |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":3" /> Room 8 Group has been recognized for its contributions to game art and animation, being shortlisted for industry awards such as the TIGA Awards and Develop: Star Awards.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=2024-11-30 |title=TIGA Games Industry Awards 2024 Winners & Runners UP |url=https://invisioncommunity.co.uk/tiga-games-industry-awards-2024-winners-runners-up/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=Invision Game Community |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Develop:Star Awards 2024 Finalists Announced |url=https://www.developconference.com/latest-news/developstar-awards-2024-finalists-announced |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=www.developconference.com |language=en}}</ref>
== Public activities ==
=== Humanitarian aid in Ukraine === Since 2020 Room 8 Group has supported various humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaser |first=Rachel |date=2022-03-08 |title=Room 8 Group will donate its 2022 net profit to Ukrainian relief |url=https://venturebeat.com/games/room-8-group-will-donate-its-2022-net-profit-to-ukrainian-relief/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=VentureBeat |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-10 |title="Ігри закінчились". Як спільнота геймерів та розробників об'єдналась для допомоги Україні |url=https://www.holosameryky.com/a/6479294.html |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=Голос Америки Українською |language=uk}}</ref> In 2023, Room 8 Group provided financial assistance for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine following the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam. The company donated $50,000 to the charity funds Rescue Now and UAnimals to support relief operations in the Kherson region. Rescue Now facilitated evacuations, provided accommodation, and delivered humanitarian aid, including the installation of two water purification stations in the Dnipropetrovsk region, supplying clean drinking water to over 15,000 people. UAnimals focused on rescuing and caring for animals affected by the floods, using the funds to purchase a dedicated evacuation truck to transport displaced animals to safe locations across Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-03 |title=For free wings and curious noses: meet the laureates of the 2024 Animal Protection Award |url=https://uanimals.org/en/uncategorized/doing-it-all-for-the-sake-of-free-wings-and-inquisitive-noses-we-introduce-the-winners-of-the-ukrainian-animal-protection-award-2024/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=UAnimals |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2024, Room 8 Group contributed $12,000 (500,000 UAH) to aid in the reconstruction of Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital in Kyiv after it was severely damaged by a missile strike. The company's specialists also took part in the rebuilding initiative.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Українська Room 8 Group пожертвувала 500 тисяч гривень на відновлення «Охматдиту» після російської атаки |url=https://gamedev.dou.ua/news/room-8-donate-to-ohmatdyt/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=DOU |language=uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-10 |title=Скільки великий бізнес задонатив на Охматдит? |url=https://mig.com.ua/skilky-velykyj-biznes-zadonatyv-na-okhmatdyt/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=Газета МИГ |language=uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Як ІТ-компанії підтримували військо у 2024 році. Фінансовий аналіз AIN |url=https://special.ain.ua/donation-it-2024-ain/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=special.ain.ua |language=uk}}</ref>
== References == Category:Video game development companies Category:Multinational companies <references /> Category:Video game companies established in 2011