Full Breakdown
Tencent Shutters TiMi Montréal Studio Amid Western Retreat
2/22/2026, 11:46:05 PM
Closure of TiMi Montréal Studio
Tencent has officially closed its TiMi Montréal studio, which was established in July 2021 and had not released any games during its five-year existence. The closure occurred on February 20, 2026, following indications from sources that the shutdown was imminent. Employees expressed their sorrow on social media, with one senior gameplay programmer noting that while the team had been aware of the impending closure, it did not lessen the emotional impact. Another team member highlighted the exceptional talent and camaraderie within the studio, stating, "It’s one of those experiences that sticks with you for a very long time."
Background on TiMi Montréal
TiMi Montréal was part of the TiMi Studio Group, a subsidiary of Tencent, and was positioned to develop "AAA open-world multi-platform games." The studio was led by Ashraf Ismail, a former creative director of the Assassin's Creed franchise, who joined after leaving Ubisoft amid controversy in 2020. Despite its ambitious goals, TiMi Montréal did not announce any game releases and there is no information regarding its involvement in supporting projects from other teams.
Broader Context of Chinese Companies in the West
The closure of TiMi Montréal reflects a broader trend among Chinese companies, particularly Tencent and NetEase, as they divest from Western assets. Over the past 18 months, both companies have been scaling back their investments in Western game studios, a shift that has become increasingly evident. This retreat follows a period of aggressive expansion fueled by the pandemic-era boom in gaming, during which Chinese gaming giants sought to establish a foothold in the Western market.
Criticism and Industry Response
Critics have pointed out that the lack of game releases from TiMi Montréal raises questions about the effectiveness of Tencent's strategy in the West. The studio's closure is seen as indicative of the challenges faced by Chinese firms in adapting to Western gaming markets, where competition is fierce and consumer expectations are high. Furthermore, the absence of any announced projects during its operation has led to speculation about the studio's direction and management.
Official Statements & Responses
As of now, Tencent and TiMi representatives have not provided any official comments regarding the closure of TiMi Montréal. The silence from the company contrasts with the emotional responses from former employees, who expressed disappointment over the studio's potential going unfulfilled.
What's Next for Tencent?
The closure of TiMi Montréal raises questions about Tencent's future strategy in the Western gaming market. As the company reassesses its investments, it remains to be seen whether it will continue to pursue opportunities in this region or shift its focus back to its core markets in Asia. The gaming community will be watching closely for any further developments from Tencent and its remaining studios.
