New games studio Last Arrow opens in Gateshead

New games studio Last Arrow has opened in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear led by industry veterans from Sumo Digital, CCP, and Electronic Arts.

Its core leadership team consists of CEO Ron Ashtiani, studio director Owen O’Brien, design director Andrew Willans, and technical lead Chris McClure.

Ashtiani has nearly three decades of experience in the entertainment industry, having founded visual design studio Atomhawk. Recent role was non-executive director at Steamforged Games.

Studio director Owen O’Brien also has almost three decades of experience in the industry in publishing and development. Was the executive producer for EA Dice’s Mirror’s Edge.

Last Arrow is the latest venture of Pneuma Games Group, the parent company of Double Eleven.

The studio is currently focused on building its core development team and creating original IP. It is actively seeking roles for those with expertise in using Unreal Engine 5.

“We are assembling a team of specialists with extensive genre-specific experience who are passionate about delivering innovative gameplay, exceptional execution and an immersive player experience to our audience,” said Ashtiani.

O’Brien added: “The industry is facing increased pressures through layoffs and a generally subdued appetite for private investment.

“However Pneuma Games Group are bucking that trend and with their support we’re able to build a new studio with a specialised team who are already working on the studio’s first original IP.”

Earlier this year, Pneuma Games Group opened Cast Iron Games. Based in Tileyard North, Wakefield, the studio is led by veterans Arden Aspinall and Jon Seymour.