Expression Games, the previously fully remote studio behind Hell Let Loose: Vietnam and a co‑developer on Star Wars Galactic Racer, has announced the launch of a brick‑and‑mortar office in Manchester. The decision, explained by CEO Errol Ismail, stems from a combination of staff preferences and the practical requirements of the studio’s collaborative partners. Since its debut in August, Hell Let Loose: Vietnam has moved more than a million copies, a milestone the company highlighted in its statement.
In parallel, Ismail confirmed that the studio has spent two years working alongside Fuse Games on the upcoming Star Wars Galactic Racer project. Expression Games was founded in 2022 after Ismail and several other senior members left Fabrik following its acquisition by Firesprite, a PlayStation subsidiary based in Liverpool. Since its inception, the studio has regularly featured in GamesIndustry.biz’s Best Places To Work awards, reflecting its strong internal culture. "A physical space has always been part of our long‑term growth strategy," Ismail told GamesIndustry.biz, emphasizing that this move does not signal a retreat from remote work.
"The decision to operate fully remotely actually predates Expression; it was made when I was studio director at Fabrik. Remote work allowed us to tap into talent from across the United Kingdom." Nevertheless, the company has always envisioned a dedicated office—a plan that was delayed by what Ismail refers to as the "industry crash at the end of 2023." The new Manchester hub is intended to serve as a creative nexus where team members can gather, brainstorm, and collaborate in person.
"It isn’t about replacing remote work; it’s about giving our people additional options for how they work," Ismail explained. Attendance will be optional, and the studio will maintain its flexible, no‑core‑hours policy, leaving the choice of when and where to work entirely up to each employee.
The office, according to Ismail, "reflects our culture while providing an inspiring environment for those who prefer face‑to‑face interaction." The move also responds to broader shifts in the talent market. "We’re seeing that our people crave more connection, and we need to facilitate that," Ismail said, noting that just over half of the current staff live within a reasonable commuting distance to the Manchester location. The city’s vibrant atmosphere played a significant role in the decision. "Manchester is a fantastic place to build games.
The Northern Quarter, in particular, is buzzing with creative businesses and offers a lifestyle that aligns with our team’s preferences," he added. The studio’s philosophy of complete flexibility—no set hours and no mandatory office presence—required a space that could coexist with that ethos, and Manchester’s dynamic cultural scene fit the bill. Beyond internal collaboration, the Manchester office is expected to bolster Expression’s co‑development capabilities. Certain projects demand on‑site infrastructure, especially when the studio hosts partner data locally.
"We need physical infrastructure for specific collaborations, and this new space prepares us for the next wave of growth and success," Ismail said. Education and talent development also feature prominently in the studio’s plans. The Manchester office will act as a bridge to local universities, fostering relationships that can feed fresh talent into the industry. "We already have ties with Manchester Metropolitan University and a longstanding partnership with Bolton, and we’re expanding those connections.
Supporting educational partners is essential for building something lasting," Ismail noted. In summary, Expression Games’ new Manchester studio represents a strategic blend of flexibility and physical presence. While remote work remains a cornerstone of the company’s operating model, the office offers a dedicated environment for collaboration, creativity, and community building.
It also positions the studio to meet the logistical needs of its co‑development partners and to deepen its engagement with academic institutions, ensuring a pipeline of skilled talent for future projects. The initiative reflects a broader industry trend where studios seek hybrid models that accommodate diverse working styles while still delivering high‑quality, collaborative game development.