New US branch for Korean game makers GRAVITY Co.

It was announced today that GRAVITY Co., the minds behind the Korean hit Ragnorock Online, have opened a new studio in San Mateo, California. The new L5 Games employs former Blizzard North employees in an effort to make games that will specifically target American audiences.

The official press release after the jump.

“GRAVITY, Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq:GRVY) (the “Company”), an online game developer and publisher, today announced that the Company has formed L5 Games Inc. (”L5 Games”), a game development studio based in San Mateo, California, which will now be a wholly-owned subsidiary of GRAVITY Interactive, Inc., GRAVITY’s operation in the U.S.

L5 Games has hired former Blizzard North employees who held leadership roles in successful franchises such as World of Warcraft, Diablo and the StarCraft and Warcraft series. Over half of the employees have more than 10 years of experience in game development and represent a variety of cultural backgrounds.

“We are happy to announce that former employees of Blizzard North have joined L5 Games as members of the GRAVITY family,” commented Mr. Il-Young Ryu, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GRAVITY. Mr. Ryu added, “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.”