Everywhere developer Build a Rocket Boy is opening a Montpellier studio

Former GTA boss Leslie Benzies’ company will still be headquartered in Edinburgh

Build a Rocket Boy, the studio helmed by former Grand Theft Auto producer Leslie Benzies, has announced its plans to open a new studio in France.

The Montpellier studio will assist in development on Everywhere, the studio’s ambitious first game which is planned for release in 2023.

The new Montpellier studio will “accommodate the expanding needs of the global development team” and become a talent centre for developers in France, according to a statement from the developer.

Build a Rocket Boy will continue to be headquartered in Edinburgh and will have further operations in Budapest.

“I am thrilled to have these fantastic industry veterans heading up our Montpellier studio,” Benzies said in a statement.

“The talent in the Montpellier area that has been joining us over the past year has taken Everywhere to a whole new level. Putting down roots and opening an office in France will dramatically expand our footprint and is the next natural step in Build A Rocket Boy’s evolution.”

Edinburgh-based Build a Rocket Boy premiered the first trailer for Everywhere during Gamescom Opening Night Live in August, when it also confirmed plans for a 2023 release.

According to the studio, Everywhere “seamlessly blends gameplay, adventure, creativity, and discovery in an all-new multi-world gaming experience that redefines how players connect with one another and the digital world around them”.

Speaking about the game back in August, Benzies said: “Our intent has always been to push the boundaries of what a videogame can be while still delivering an innovative player-first experience.

“The team we’ve built and the partners we’ve made since our founding are coalescing around the unique vision we’re bringing to life. It’s exciting to be a part of, and we can’t wait to reveal more about Everywhere in coming months.”

Following speculation that the game could support NFTs or cryptocurrencies, a studio representative stated on Reddit that the game is built on Unreal Engine 5 and not the blockchain, but that the company isn’t dismissing such technology.