Stadia opens new studio led by former God of War studio head

Google has announced the opening of a new Stadia Games and Entertainment studio in Playa Vista, California.

The studio is being led by Shannon Studstill (pictured, below), formerly head of studio at Sony Santa Monica, where she also served as executive producer on 2018’s God of War.

“The new Playa Vista studio will focus on delivering exclusive games, using new gameplay mechanics, creative ways to play together and unique interaction models that we’re just starting to explore,” said Jade Raymond, VP and head of Stadia Games and Entertainment.

“While we’re not ready to share specific game plans yet, rest assured we are listening to what gamers want and adding our own Stadia twists to create new IP and experiences.”

Raymond, who’s in charge of Stadia’s first-party games production, added: “I’ve been a fan of Shannon’s for a long time, and have admired her award-winning work leading Sony’s Santa Monica Studio and the industry defining franchises like God of War that have won fans all over the world.

“She has an extensive background in product development and creative leadership, but most importantly, she’s a visionary who, as the Studio Director, will lead and inspire the Playa Vista teams.”

The Playa Vista studio is currently looking to fill various positions including director/head of publishing and creative director, first-party games.

In December, Google announced the acquisition of Journey to the Savage Planet developer Typhoon Studios, which joined the first Stadia Games and Entertainment studio based in Montreal.

Prior to that, a group of senior Assassin’s Creed developers joined the Montreal studio, which is led by Sébastien Puel.

Raymond has previously said Stadia will deliver some “exciting” exclusive content each year, but that it may take several years before a “big bet” from a first-party studio pays off.