Ubisoft establishes new studio

French publisher Ubisoft has announced the opening of a new studio in Sofia, Bulgaria, as part of the company's ongoing strategy to develop major software titles internally.

The studio has opened its doors with a team of 21 employees, including a core group of 11 staff members who have recently completed work on Xbox 360 flight simulation title, Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII.

Led by Alexandru-Ion Radu - recently appointed director of recruitment and training at Ubisoftâs Romania studio - the company plans to rapidly expand the 21-strong with an additional 40 team members by the end of the year.

Christine Burgess-Quîmard, executive director of Ubisoft's Worldwide Studios, commented: "The opening of our new studio in Bulgaria is part of Ubisoftâs ongoing strategy to develop major titles internally, ensuring creativity and innovation.

"The core team of developers from Bulgaria has already proved itself and we look forward to expanding our studio through recruitment of the talented local engineers and artists," she added.

Development work has already begun at the new studio, the team working under the artistic guidance of Michel Ancel on a PC conversion of Rayman Raving Rabbids, in addition to developing a console adaptation of television drama tie-in, CSI: 3 Dimensions of Murder.