Independent UK developer Splash Damage has revealed plans to double the size of its development team to 60 people following its entry into a long-term partnership with Bethesda Softworks that will see the studio move into multiplatform development on an as-yet unannounced title.

It has begun its recruitment process by taking on new art director Olivier Leonardi (Rainbow Six: Vegas and Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones), audio director Chris Sweetman (Black, Burnout: Paradise), lead character artist Tim Appleby (Mass Effect) and producer Chris Dawson (Driver, Test Drive, Evil Genius).

"I couldn't be more excited about this influx of amazing talent to Splash Damage, especially as we start developing for multiple platforms," said Splash Damage owner Paul Wedgwood. "Their experience and knowledge are a hugely positive contribution to Splash Damage and will help us further establish Splash Damage as one of the up-and-coming studios in the world."

Art director Olivier Leonardi added, "I'm thrilled to be working here at Splash Damage. These guys treat each game as a unique creative exercise, rather than just going through the motions year after year, and that really impresses me."