Hamburg-based developer Fishlabs has made two new hires as the studio prepares to make its free-to-play debut later this year.

The first is Oliver Blaha (pictured), previously a lead developer at German publisher InnoGames, as junior backend architect.

Blaha is set to manage the server architecture of the company's upcoming free-to-play and multiplayer titles.

Paul Evers also joins Fishlabs, having previously served as junior programmer at Keen Games. In his new role, Evers will focus on the development of Fishlabs' upcoming multiplayer titles - another area where the studio is looking to expand.

Expected user rush

"Since we are going to release our first mobile free-2-play title later on this year, the time is ripe for a complete overhaul and optimization of our server architecture in order to prepare it for the expected user rush," explained Michael Schade, Fishlabs' CEO.

"This is quite a challenge, because on mobile there is always the chance that millions of gamers from all over the world will be accessing your servers and downloading your titles on a launch weekend.

"Furthermore, we also have to expand our team in order to make sure that we can deliver our distinctive premium quality on the highly competitive F2P market as well.

"We're glad to have Oliver and Paul on board now, because they are two very talented and highly motivated programmers, who will be a tremendous help for our frontend and backend development."

Fishlab's recruitment drive comes just weeks after Fishlabs announced the opening of its new in-house QA department, which is overseen by two other fresh appointments - Paul Guillaumon and Thomas Bark.