Vykarian Renames, Grabs Looking Glass Exec

Shanghai-based outsourcing developer Vykarian renamed itself Vyk Games Inc., believing that the new name will help promote the company's globalization's efforts and game development presence worldwide. Founded in 2006 with the help of game designer American McGee (American McGee's Grimm), Vyk Games specializes in providing art, design, and development services. Though headquartered in Shanghai, the studio has regional offices in Nanjing, China, and Portland, Oregon. The studios client's include companies such as Activision, Electronic Arts, Vivendi, Turbine, Foundation 9, THQ, Midway, Sony Online Entertainment, Sega, and Gearbox Software. Vyk Games also announced the appointment of Tom Sperry as its new chairman and CEO, who will be charged with streamlining operations and developing the company's worldwide presence. Previously, Sperry served as CEO for mobile multiplayer service provider Exit Games for three years. Prior to that, he was executive director at HNC Software, director at Looking Glass Studios, and international program manager of Microsoft's Games Division. "Video game development is becoming more and more difficult to manage as consumer expectations continue to rise and we challenge Hollywood for leadership in the entertainment market,” says Sperry. “As developers and publishers face increasingly higher costs with development projects and tighter deadlines to deliver a high quality product, there are many areas in which Vyk Games can help our partners achieve those goals." He continues, "Our intention is to help these companies develop great games, deliver on time and achieve higher profit margins. I look forward to heading up our efforts globally and offering great service in this increasingly competitive market."