Destineer To Open New Office In Raleigh, NC

Minneapolis-based Destineer (First To Fight), a developer and publisher of video games and virtual training simulations, has announced plans to open up a new 16,000-square foot studio in Raleigh, NC on August 28, according to local news reports. The company, which currently employs 70 individuals (65 of which work at its Minneapolis headquarters), expects to hire approximately 100 individuals to work at the new location. According to a report from the Triangle Business Journal, Destineer plans over the next two years to hire employees from a variety of different skill sets, including software engineers, 3-D artists, game designers, quality assurance employees and administrative personnel. The report noted that a key factor in Destineer's decision to open the new office was the area's low housing costs, as well as its “strong existing video game development community, three of the nation's top universities.” Earlier this year, the company, which is headed by former Bungie vice president Peter Tamte and former Atari senior vice-president Paul Rinde, confirmed an equity investment of $12 million from private-equity firm The Exxel Group. Destineer has previously worked with military personnel to create Close Combat, which had over 40 U.S. Marines consulting on the project to add realism based on their own experiences in the service.