Games company scales up with move to bigger space in Elevator Studios

Skyhook Games has taken a large studio space, totalling 2,500sq ft, at Elevator Studios in Liverpool as part of the firm’s rapid expansion plans.

The video game business specialises in the creation of realistic environments, props and vehicles, as well as providing additional specialist and technical support to help other studios get their games across the finish line.

Skyhook will launch its own Lawn Mowing Simulator game from its new base, which will be released on PC and X-Box Series X, this summer.

Launched in 2015 by managing director David Harper and art director Jonathan Greenwell, Skyhook evolved from a small studio space in Elevator Studios with a team of just four to this recent relocation, housing a team of 20.

Finance and operations director, Graham Chellew, said: “Moving into this great studio gives us the space we need to evolve and grow, take on new team members, and create a large open plan work area whilst acting as a training and mentoring hub for our junior and newer staff members.

“The dedicated space also provides defined areas to work, collaborate, innovate and socialise, also enabling us to fully embrace a hybrid working model to meet the needs of all our staff.”

He added: “Having started our business in Elevator, we are pleased that the building remains part of our ongoing journey and will be the base from where our first title is born.

“It is undoubtedly recognised as an epicentre for gaming within Liverpool. We work with several other gaming companies based in the building and, together, have formed a co-operative and supportive ethos, where we encourage each other to thrive and build.”

Howard Lord, managing director of CERT Property, said: “This move by Skyhook typifies the spirit of Elevator that sees occupiers grow within the building, utilising the space and flexibility to suit their needs. This, combined with the ability to network and collaborate, makes Elevator the perfect place for tech firms.”

Spanning 82,000sq ft, Elevator comprises four 200-year-old Grade II-listed warehouses in Parliament Street, split into smaller units from 200 sq ft to 3,000 sq ft in size. The redevelopment of the building in 2007 formed a critical part of the rebirth of the wider Baltic area.