Sponsored By

Report: Google has quietly opened a new game studio called Arcade

Google has quietly established a new social game startup called Arcade that will focus on creating multiplayer mobile experiences.

Chris Kerr, News Editor

May 3, 2018

1 Min Read
Game Developer logo in a gray background | Game Developer

Google has quietly established a new social game startup called Arcade that will focus on creating multiplayer mobile experiences. 

As reported by Bloomberg, the new opening is part of Google's overall effort to form more in-house studios and companies. 

Arcade will be led by Michael Sayman, the 21-year-old prospect who started his career as a Facebook intern at the age of 17. 

Sayman left the social media giant for Google's parent company Alphabet Inc. last year, and has also been credited as Arcade's founder and co-owner. 

"People familiar with the matter" claim Arcade's debut app is scheduled for release this summer, and will apparently contain some trivia game elements. 

They also suggest the studio's game roster won't tie-in with any existing social networks, but will rather ask uses to create a unique account using their phone numbers.

As for why Google would neglect some of the biggest social networks in the world, the internet company apparently hopes its games can "become something of a social network" in themselves. 

Of course, it's worth taking the above with a pinch of salt until we see or hear anything concrete. Right now, the only thing we know for sure is that Arcade is open for business. 

"It’s a very early experiment," said a Google spokesperson, confirming the existence of Arcade without giving away much else, "but there aren’t many details to share right now."

Read more about:

2018

About the Author

Chris Kerr

News Editor, GameDeveloper.com

Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.

Daily news, dev blogs, and stories from Game Developer straight to your inbox

You May Also Like