adminThe new Expression Games Manchester studio gives the developer a place for in-person collaboration while keeping remote work and flexible schedules in place. The studio says the move responds to what its staff need and to the physical infrastructure required for some co-development projects.
Image credit: Expression Games
Why Expression Games opened a Manchester studio
Expression Games, the developer of Hell Let Loose: Vietnam and a co-development partner on Star Wars Galactic Racer, had operated entirely remotely. CEO Errol Ismail said a physical workspace had been part of the company’s long-term growth plans, but the studio does not intend to make office attendance compulsory.
The company adopted remote work before Expression Games was established, when Ismail was studio director at Fabrik. That approach allowed the team to recruit talent across the UK. The plan for an office was later delayed by what Ismail described as the industry downturn at the end of 2023.
For teams considering a similar setup, the key distinction is whether an office is an optional resource or a required workplace. Expression says its Manchester space is intended to provide another way to work, rather than replace remote arrangements.
A flexible creative hub for the team
The studio will not set mandatory office days or fixed working hours. Employees can decide when and how to use the space, which the company describes as a place to meet, collaborate and develop ideas in person. Slightly more than half of the current team live close enough to access the office.
“Our people need more connections, they want more connections, and we need to facilitate that.”
Manchester’s Northern Quarter was chosen in part because of its creative businesses and city lifestyle. Ismail said the location supports the team’s needs while fitting with the company’s flexible working approach. For staff, an optional shared space can make in-person collaboration possible without changing the flexibility of remote work.
Errol Ismail collecting the company’s most recent Best Places To Work Award. Image credit: GamesIndustry.biz
Support for co-development and education
The office also provides physical infrastructure for certain projects. Ismail said some partners require the studio to host data on-site, making a dedicated location useful for future co-development work. Expression has spent two years co-developing Star Wars Galactic Racer with Fuse Games.
The studio also plans to build on education relationships with Manchester Metropolitan University and Bolton. Ismail said the company wants to support its education partners in developing significant opportunities. For studios working with universities, sustained relationships can help connect education with the needs of the games industry.
Expression Games Manchester studio and its growth plans
Expression Games launched in 2022 after Ismail and other key figures left Fabrik following its acquisition by Firesprite. The company said Hell Let Loose: Vietnam had sold one million units since its August release. It has also regularly received recognition in the GamesIndustry.biz Best Places To Work Awards.
The Manchester office marks a step in the studio’s growth, but its stated policies keep remote work, flexible hours and employee choice in place. The Expression Games Manchester studio is intended to serve as an optional meeting point for staff, support certain partner projects and strengthen local education links.
