Tencent has officially closed its TiMi Montreal studio, which was known for developing AAA open-world games and mobile titles like Pokémon Unite and Call of Duty: Mobile. The studio, led by former Assassin's Creed creative director Ashraf Ismail, was five years old. Reports suggested that the shutdown was anticipated among team members, who shared their sentiments on social media regarding the loss of a talented and close-knit group. TiMi Group as a whole has studios that employ thousands worldwide, highlighting the impact of this closure in the gaming industry.

Why did Tencent close TiMi Montreal?

Tencent closed TiMi Montreal due to strategic business decisions following high-profile departures within the studio's leadership. The decision reflects broader trends in the gaming market and the restructuring within the company.

TiMi Group is part of a larger gaming ecosystem and has made significant impacts on both mobile and larger platform gaming. Besides Pokémon Unite, TiMi's portfolio includes well-known franchises, showcasing their ability to merge mobile gaming with AAA experiences. This closure may influence future game development strategies, particularly for Tencent’s other studios.