Side acquires Roboto Entertainment to expand Chinese presence

Games services provider Side has acquired boutique art studio Roboto Entertainment. The move is intended to strengthen Side’s global art capabilities and expand its footprint in mainland China through the establishment of a new studio in Chengdu.

Andrea Cordella, the founder of Roboto Entertainment, has been appointed as Side’s Global Head of Art and will serve as the studio head for the new Chengdu location. Cordella’s team will collaborate with Side’s Shanghai office and its broader network of co-development teams across Asia, EMEA, and the Americas.

Side CEO Deborah Kirkham noted that the acquisition is part of a regional strategy to capitalize on the Chinese gaming market, which is projected to reach $59.8 billion by 2030. Roboto Entertainment, founded in 2014, specializes in environment and world-building art for AAA and AA console and mobile titles.