Hamburg-based studio InnoGames has appointed Wim ter Schüren as its new head of game development, in a bid to accelerate the company's transition from browser-based specialist to cross-platform developer.

Ter Schüren (pictured) will manage a group of more than 60 developers as he takes charge of InnoGames expansion onto mobile devices.

"Furthering cross-platform development in a seamless way at InnoGames will be a challenge that requires innovative technical solutions – which is definitely exciting to me," explained ter Schüren.

"InnoGames' growth is very sustainable and its portfolio caters to a broad user base, while also providing long-term player motivation. That is what convinced me to come on-board."

Branching out

InnoGames has been hiring throughout 2012 with a view to strengthening the mobile side of its operations. When we caught up with the company's MD Michael Zillmer back in August 2012, he explained mobile was "growing rapidly in importance for InnoGames."

"We have a new policy at InnoGames that all of our upcoming titles will be cross-platform," Zillmer continued.

"Giving our players access to their game accounts via virtually every platform is crucial and a huge goal to reach."

It is hoped that ter Schüren – who joins InnoGames from eSailors IT Solutions where he served as head of software development – can effectively integrate mobile development into the German developer's existing development activities.