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CodeDev Group launches dev studio Full Spectrum Interactive
CodeDev Group, also known as The Unreal Guys, has launched a new game development studio named Full Spectrum Interactive. The studio is led by UK industry veterans Matt Southern, Christian McKinney, and Rob Williams, and will focus on developing small to AA titles while also offering co-development services. Full Spectrum Interactive aims to leverage talent from CodeDev Group and its optimization division, The Performance Guys.
Jobs roundup: August 2026 | CodeDev Group appoints Ben Board as CEO of The Performance Guys
This article rounds up recent hires and promotions across the gaming industry. Key appointments include Ben Board as CEO of The Performance Guys, Nate Nanzer as EVP at Paramount Games, and Tracey Thompson returning to Bethesda as VP of communications. Several other companies like Epic Games, Amazon, and Microsoft also saw personnel changes.
Cyan reveals abandoned prototype for new Myst game, confirms different Myst game is in development
Cyan Worlds has confirmed a new Myst game is in early development, codenamed Mudfish, while also revealing an abandoned prototype called Project Anglerfish. The studio also announced physical editions of its Myst and Riven remakes for PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC. Separately, game optimization firm CodeDev, also known as The Performance Guys, has launched a new division focused on Unreal Engine optimization, having previously worked on titles like Mafia: The Old Country.
CodeDev launches optimisation division The Performance Guys
UK co-development studio CodeDev has launched a new division named The Performance Guys, dedicated to tackling critical optimization work for game development projects. The division, which includes engineers and technical artists, aims to deliver significant memory usage savings and has already worked on titles like Mafia: The Old Country. CodeDev also developed an internal tool called 'Performance Intelligence' to provide detailed insights into budget and CPU usage, supporting optimization efforts across Unreal Engine, Unity, and proprietary technologies.
Should you work on your own games as an external development studio?
This article explores whether external development studios should also work on their own original games alongside client projects. While some studios like Redcatpig and Lab42 see internal projects as crucial for team motivation, skill development, and creative outlets, others like Code Wizards and Airship prioritize their service-based business model to avoid resource drain and client competition. The consensus suggests that while internal projects can offer significant benefits, careful management and clear focus are essential to balance them with external work.
What lessons have developers learned from external development?
External development studios emphasize the critical importance of trust and clear communication with clients, often valuing these over raw talent. Key lessons learned include aligning visions, being adaptable to client workflows, adding value beyond basic tasks, specializing in core competencies, and continuously updating technology and processes. Careful scaling and scope discipline are also vital for long-term success in the external development sector.
What does the future of external development look like?
Industry leaders discuss the evolving landscape of external development in the gaming industry, predicting a shift towards more strategic, integrated partnerships rather than simple outsourcing. Factors like AI, increasing game complexity, and publisher budget pressures are driving this change, leading to a more specialized and collaborative approach.
Jobs Roundup: April 2026 | CodeDev appoints Andy Norman as COO
Unreal Engine studio CodeDev has appointed Andy Norman as Chief Operating Officer, with Norman expressing enthusiasm for building strong relationships with staff and clients. Separately, creative communications agency DDA has hired Tom Goldberger as Vice President of Gaming, leveraging his extensive PR experience from companies like Square Enix and Ubisoft.
Jobs Roundup: April 2026 | Frederik Hammes appointed managing director of Gamescom organiser
Several key appointments have been made across the gaming industry. Frederik Hammes is the new managing director of Game Events GmbH, the organizer of Gamescom, succeeding Stephan Reichart. Rovio has appointed Smith Dela Pena as performance marketing lead for Angry Birds Dream Blast, and Yolanda Zhang is the new senior product manager for Diablo Immortal at Blizzard Entertainment. Additionally, Andy Norman has joined CodeDev as COO, and Tom Goldberger is the new vice president of gaming at DDA.
Jobs Roundup: April 2026 | Sega Europe appoints Irina Kim as chief financial officer
This article rounds up recent executive appointments across the gaming industry. Notable changes include Irina Kim as CFO of Sega Europe, Joost Hagesteijn leading Roblox's European operations, and Andy Norman appointed COO of CodeDev. Several other key roles have also been filled at companies like Astragon Entertainment, Rovio, and Blizzard Entertainment.
