Games jobs Reloaded in Scotland

The move will create 22 "high-quality" jobs in games engineering, 3D art and design.

Reloaded Productions acquired the rights for the online multi-player game All Points Bulletin (APB), pictured, last year after Dundee-based Realtime Worlds went into administration in August.

The US company, which already has studios in California and Bangalore, India, plans to relaunch the game as APB Reloaded. The investment is being supported by Scottish Development International and backed by a 25,000 grant from Scottish Enterprise.

Bjorn Book-Larsson, chief executive of Reloaded Productions, said the decision was taken after he had been impressed with the quality of game development professionals he met during a visit to Scotland.

He added that the company hopes to increase the size of the team over time.

Culture minister Fiona Hyslop said: "It is testament to the talent, infrastructure and cutting-edge skills Scotland has to offer in this fast-growing and competitive market and our continued promotion of this key sector internationally.

"This announcement reinforces Scotland's global reputation for creativity and innovation and as an attractive location."

Hyslop yesterday also launched the Scottish Government's creative industries strategy which sets out moves to support the sector including improving skills and increasing investment and access to finance and international markets.

She added: "We want to realise the full potential of our creative industries. I am confident this strategy will help make Scotland a more successful country with opportunities for all to flourish."

Realtime Worlds went into administration with the loss of 250 jobs just months after APB was launched.

The company was founded in 2002 by developer Dave Jones who had previously been involved in creating the hugely successful Grand Theft Auto game.