Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit dev Velan Studios opens office in Toronto

Velan Studios has expanded into Canada, opening a new office in Toronto.

Located in the Downtown neighbourhood, the new office will help Velan develop upcoming self-published titles and partner with other industry IPs. The developer has also become a member of the not-for-profit organisation Ontario Interactive.

“At Velan, our goal has always been to make breakthrough games that feel like magic and deliver something that surprises and delights players,” said studio CEO and co-founder Karthik Bala.

“As we continue to grow, we’re excited to bring that mindset to Toronto and collaborate with developers in the area who are curious, thoughtful and passionate about crafting truly special player experiences with us.”

Velan is hiring for hybrid roles with three days a week in the studio, as well as onsite positions at its new Toronto office and its headquarters in Troy, New York.

Current positions include senior gameplay animator, art director, senior technical artist, studio art manager, senior systems designer, senior combat designer, and senior level designer. Additional roles will soon be announced.

“Toronto is a global hub for digital media and game development, driven by unmatched talent, creativity and a highly skilled workforce,” said Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow.

“We’re proud to welcome Velan Studios and support their expansion as they create innovative, world-class games, generate high-quality jobs and strengthen our growing interactive entertainment sector.”

Velan was founded in 2016 by Vicarious Visions founders Guha and Karthik Bala.

Its multiplayer game Knockout City was shut down in June 2023, roughly two years after launch. GamesIndustry.biz spoke with co-founder Guha Bala about the closure and hopes for a sequel.

In 2024, the developer announced it was in the early stages of reorganisation following the cancellation of a project by an external developer. 46 employees were notified that their jobs were at risk.