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Steel City Interactive: Forging a Future in Fight Sports Gaming
Steel City Interactive (SCI), based in Sheffield, is strategically expanding its technical and creative departments to bolster the future of its “Undisputed” franchise. This move signals a significant phase of growth for the studio, driven by the success of “Undisputed,” which has sold over 1.5 million copies since its full launch in October 2024.
Strategic Partnership with Amiqus
To facilitate this expansion, SCI has partnered with Amiqus, a recruitment agency known for its expertise in the gaming industry. This collaboration aims to attract experienced developers across various disciplines, including engineering, art, and design. Tim Coupe, SCI’s VP of Studio, emphasized that this recruitment drive reflects the studio’s long-term ambitions, not only for “Undisputed” but also for SCI as a leading creative force in gaming.
Leadership and Vision
The expansion is spearheaded by Tim Coupe, a seasoned industry veteran with experience at EA and Codemasters. Coupe’s vision involves enhancing the technical polish and player engagement of “Undisputed,” positioning it as the cornerstone of a revitalized category in sports gaming.
Aims for Growth
SCI’s growth strategy involves building upon the success of “Undisputed” by releasing regular updates and content. These updates include a wide array of fighters, cosmetic items, and new venues. The game, available on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, and PC, features a roster of over 100 fighters, including boxing legends such as Tyson Fury, Canelo Alvarez, Katie Taylor, and Roy Jones Jr. It also boasts innovative footwork and punching systems, along with a comprehensive Career Mode.
SCI’s place in Sheffield
SCI’s expansion is also a boon for the Sheffield region, contributing to the growth of the games development sector. Liz Prince, Business Manager at Amiqus, highlighted SCI’s impressive growth trajectory and expressed Amiqus’s delight in supporting the studio’s expansion through their new Amiqus Alliance service.
A Retrospective Look
Founded in 2020 by the Habib brothers (Ash, Asif, and Asad), SCI has rapidly grown from a small team to a significant player in the sports gaming market. In January 2024, SCI announced eight new hires to the “Undisputed” development team, bringing the total staff count to 72. These additions included key personnel such as Tom Miles as Head of Studio, Ben Heavens as Head of Production, and Dayantha Walawwatta as Art Director.
Studio Expansion
SCI also moved into a larger studio space in Sheffield, complete with an in-house motion-capture facility. This facility is crucial for capturing the nuances of movement and punches of boxing legends, enhancing the game’s authenticity.
Game Features
“Undisputed” offers 16 unique fight locations, including arenas and gyms, across multiplayer, single-player, and Prize Fight modes. The Career Mode is a highly anticipated feature, adding depth and longevity to the gaming experience. SCI has partnered with prominent boxing organizations, such as the World Boxing Council and the British Boxing Board of Control, to enhance the game’s credibility and appeal.
Future Development
SCI is committed to creating a studio culture that fosters creativity, collaboration, and long-term impact. This commitment extends to building a strong team with the right skills, mindset, and values. The partnership with Amiqus ensures that SCI attracts talent that aligns with these principles.