Marvelous AQL opens social, mobile games branch in Europe

Newsbrief: Japanese developer and publisher Marvelous AQL has expanded to Europe with a new office in the UK, which will focus on localizing social and mobile games for the region. The new branch, MAQL Europe, is led by Harry Holmwood, formerly VP of software and licensing at game accessory maker PDP. He is currently setting up a team in Tunbridge Wells to focus on marketing, partnerships, developments, and localization. MAQL Europe will specialize in localizing titles from its parent company's Asian studios, as well as from development partners in North America. The new office is also seeking publishing, marketing, and development partners in Europe. Based in Tokyo, Marvelous AQL is the result of a merger last October that included Marvelous Entertainment (No More Heroes), AQ Interactive (Bullet Witch), and mobile/social game developer Liveware. Marvelous' U.S. branch was absorbed earlier this year by European publisher Rising Star, as it opened an office in the country.