Side acquires Roboto Entertainment, expanding China art footprint beyond Shanghai

Side acquired Chengdu-based art studio Roboto Entertainment for an undisclosed sum. The deal launches Side Chengdu, led by founder Andrea Cordella. Cordella becomes Side's global head of art, overseeing Side's worldwide art division. Side calls this its biggest art-service expansion since the 2021 purchase of 5518 Studios.

Side acquired Roboto Entertainment, founded by industry veteran Andrea Cordella, on October 22, 2026.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The acquired unit becomes Side Chengdu, specializing in environment and world-building art.
"I knew from the moment I met Deborah and the team at Side that the company aligned with the values my team and I hold dear," - Andrea Cordella, Global Head of Art, Side.
Cordella's new role links Chengdu to Side Shanghai and Side's global network.

Chengdu becomes Side's second China hub alongside its existing Shanghai studio.
"A double-down on a winning regional strategy." - Deborah Kirkham, CEO, Side.
Side projects China's games market will grow 4% in 2026.
It expects the market to reach $59.8 billion by 2030.
Side cites China's player engagement, esports activity and spend among the world's highest.

Kirkham notes half of this year's Gamescom Opening Night Live titles were made in China.
Roboto's team has shipped AAA and AA titles across console and mobile platforms.
Side already provides QA, localization, co-development, art and audio services in China.
Its QA line recently expanded via a partnership with AI QA platform Modl.AI.
Side says the new studio broadens what it can offer developers in China and beyond.

Side's 2021 acquisition of 5518 Studios was its prior benchmark for art-service growth.
Side also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Savvy Games Group last year.
That deal opened a physical Side office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Chengdu and Riyadh both show Side pairing acquisitions and MOUs with local offices.

For Publishers & Developers: Consolidate environment art, QA and localization for China-built titles under one vendor contract.
For Investors & VC: Add independent China art boutiques to deal-flow lists as full-service consolidator exit targets.
For Service Vendors: Reprice standalone environment-art bids to China developers against bundled full-service offers.