Expression Games opens Manchester studio, keeps remote work optional for staff
Summary
Expression Games opens its first physical studio in Manchester.
CEO Errol Ismail says talent market shifts and co-development clients drove the move.
Hell Let Loose: Vietnam has sold 1 million units since its August launch.
The studio will not mandate office attendance, preserving its remote-first policy.
01
Hybrid model answers talent pressure without ending remote work
Over half of the current team live close enough to use the new office.
Expression keeps no core hours and will not require anyone to attend in person.
"Our people need more connections, they want more connections, and we need to facilitate that"
The space is positioned as an optional creative hub, not a replacement for remote work.
02
Co-development clients push need for on-site infrastructure
Expression spent two years co-developing Star Wars Galactic Racer with Fuse Games.
Ismail says some client projects require hosting data on-site, which remote setups cannot support.
He frames the Manchester office as preparation for the studio's next round of growth.
03
Manchester chosen for culture and local talent pipeline
Ismail cites Manchester's Northern Quarter and its creative industry density as a draw.
Expression holds existing education ties with Manchester Metropolitan University and a past link to Bolton.
The studio plans to deepen these university partnerships through the new physical base.
What this means
For Publishers & Developers: Require on-premise secure infrastructure when shortlisting remote-first co-dev partners for IP-sensitive projects.
For Service Vendors: Pitch secure on-site data hosting and compliance setups to remote-first UK co-dev studios.
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