Talking Tom developer Outfit7 is set to open a new mobile games studio in Barcelona in January 2019.

The team will be led by the company's own senior director of design and animation Dani Bajc.

The studio has been tasked with producing new projects based around the Talking Tom and Friends IP, as well as developing several unannounced mobile games.

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“This is an exciting time for the company and for myself. I’m really passionate about mobile games,” said Bajc.

“I believe we’re going to create a great new team in Barcelona, one that will share the fun with our users through our games. The city has an impressive creative talent pool and growing gaming scene.

“We’re looking forward to being part of it and sharing our knowledge, expertise and innovative company culture.”

Outfit7’s portfolio of mobile titles has racked up more than eight billion downloads to date. In 2017 the company was bought by Chinese chemical firm Jinke - having initially been pipped by a consortium of investors in a rival bid.

Barcelona appears to be an increasingly popular destination for games companies. Other companies to open up shop in Spain in just the last year include Chartboost, Tilting Point and Scopely.