Launched in 2015 with four people, Skyhook Games now has a 20-strong team and its rapid growth means it is taking a bigger space at Elevator Studios in Liverpool. Tony McDonough reports
Video games specialist Skyhook Games is expanding its operation in Liverpool by taking a new 2,500 sq ft space at Elevator Studios in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle.
Launched in 2015 by managing director, David Harper and art director, Jonathan Greenwell, Skyhook evolved from a small studio space in Elevator Studios with a team of just four.
Its team is now 20-strong and this growth has necessitated the move to the bigger space within Elevator, which was one of the pioneers of the transformation of the Baltic district into one of the fastest-growing digital and creative hubs in the UK.
In summer 2020, Elevator founders Tim and Paul Speed sold the 82,000 sq ft complex, which comprises four 200-year-old Grade II-listed warehouses, to property investment venture CERT Property. CERT also owns the former Bibby Line headquarters in Duke Street which is being transformed into a small business hub.
Skyhook specialises in the creation of realistic environments, props and vehicles, as well as providing additional specialist and technical support to help other studios get their games across the finish line. It will launch its own Lawn Mowing Simulator game from their new base at Elevator Studios which will be released on PC and X-Box Series X this summer.
Finance and operations director, Graham Chellew, said: “Moving into this great studio gives us the space we need to evolve and grow, take on new team members, and create a large open plan work area whilst acting as a training and mentoring hub for our junior and newer staff members.
“The dedicated space also provides defined areas to work, collaborate, innovate and socialise, also enabling us to fully embrace a hybrid working model to meet the needs of all our staff.
“Having started our business in Elevator, we are pleased that the building remains part of our ongoing journey and will be the base from where we our first title is born. It is undoubtedly recognised as an epicentre for gaming within Liverpool.
“We work with several other gaming companies based in the building and together have formed a co-operative and supportive ethos, where we encourage each other to thrive and build.”
Howard Lord, managing director of CERT Property, added: “This move by Skyhook typifies the spirit of Elevator that sees occupiers grow within the building, utilising the space and flexibility to suit their needs. This, combined with the ability to network and collaborate makes Elevator the perfect place for tech firms.”