MMO Dev Opens U.S. Studio with Ex-Blizzard Staffers

Korean Ragnarok Online (PC) developer Gravity Co. Ltd. has opened a new studio in the U.S., staffing it with former Blizzard North developers. Called L5 Games, the San Mateo, Calif. studio is a subsidiary of Gravity's North American arm, Gravity Interactive Inc.

"We intend to develop online games targeting the North American market, one of the fastest growing online gaming markets, with the outstanding developers of L5 Games who have a successful track record and thorough understanding of the culture of the North American market," said Gravity CEO Il-Young Ryu in the announcement.

Blizzard North is known for the Diablo PC series of action-RPGs. Blizzard closed the studio in 2005, with Bill Roper and other employees going on to form Hellgate: London (PC) developer Flagship Studios.