UK mobile developer Kwalee has announced a "complete company reorganisation" of its development team less than a year after the firm was founded.

Following up the global release of Gobang Social, the Leamington Spa-based studio has unveiled former Codemasters man James Horn as its new art department lead, in the first of a series of new appointments.

The team works

Horn previously worked on franchises such as Colin McRae: Dirt and TOCA: Race Driver.

Also joining the Kwalee team is Adam Philbin, who will serve as interactive designer. Philbin previously plied his trade at fellow UK studio Neon Play, working on – amongst others – Traffic Panic 3D.

"Hiring Adam enables us to run two separate development teams, leading them efficiently and professionally to produce numerous fantastic games at once," said Kwalee CEO David Darling of Philbin's appointment.

The inrush of new talent doesn't stop there, however. Kwalee has also appointed senior programmer Pedro Carcia from Portugal. He will be joined by programmers Evan Harris and Pete Hancox – Hancox formally of console developer Eurocom.

"At Kwalee we want to create really playable and innovative mobile games," concluded Darling.

"Our up-and-coming games are original, and our new team will help inspire imagery and vibrant ideas that will make Kwalee stand out above the rest."