September 30 , 2008—Twisted Pixel Games, LLC, an Indiana-based independent gaming studio focused on producing top-quality original titles for digital distribution on numerous gaming consoles, has announced its decision to relocate its game development studio to Austin.

In launching their new facility near downtown, Twisted Pixel plans to create 12 to 15 new jobs within the first three months, with plans for expansion to 25 jobs within their first three years. Austin was one of several locations in the running, including Seattle, WA and Raleigh, NC. They anticipate moving the company within the next two to three months, with game development beginning upon arrival.

“We look forward to contributing to the growth of the creative media industry in Austin with a very talented team, a shining new studio and highly engaging games,” said Michael Wilford, CEO Twisted Pixel Games, LLC. “Austin’s reputation as a digital media powerhouse and magnet for skilled game developers had the greatest influence on our decision to join the Austin gaming community. The incredible quality of life, cost of living and supportive community in Austin certainly doesn’t hurt either.”

Earlier this year, the PAX 10, a showcase of ten independently developed games, selected by a panel of 50 industry experts, chose Twisted Pixel’s entry The Maw out of over 80 submissions as the best in terms of gameplay and "fun factor." The Maw is a 3D action-adventure game expected to debut on Xbox LIVE® Arcade in early 2009.

“Twisted Pixel’s decision to move its game development studio to Austin speaks volumes for Austin’s ongoing success in attracting top-notch digital media companies,” said Ward Tisdale, Director, AMD Global Community Affairs and Chamber Digital Media Industry Recruitment Chair. “The local gaming community is thriving with these kinds of new additions, and Central Texas’ entertainment software base will continue to grow and mature as more companies discover the talent and quality of life Austin has to offer.”

The company’s mission is to become a leading developer of digitally distributed console games with ambitious and inspiring character-driven IP that exceed consumer expectations. Twisted Pixel is a registered developer for Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS. This important announcement strengthens the efforts of Opportunity Austin to diversify Austin’s key digital media industries.

Founded by three game industry veterans, Michael Wilford, CEO, Frank Wilson, CTO and Josh Bear, CCO, the company was created explicitly to pursue digital distribution. The company’s goal is to produce the highest quality console game software, and to increase value for consumers by leveraging digital distribution’s advantages. Learn more about Twisted Pixel at www.TwistedPixelGames.com.

Opportunity Austin, the Chamber’s five-year economic development initiative to create 72,000 new jobs and increase payroll in the Central Texas region by $2.9 million has already surpassed its goals in the first four years with an addition of 112,200 jobs and $4.9 billion in payroll to the region since the program’s inception in 2003.