SkyBox Labs

SkyBox Labs is a Canadian video game development studio founded in 2011, working across full-service development, AAA co-development and original games. Based in British Columbia, it partners with developers and publishers on console, PC and other interactive platforms. Its work spans engineering, art, animation, interface development and support for games that continue to evolve after launch.

The studio contributes gameplay systems, engine and graphics programming, networking, cross-platform integration and performance optimization. Its production capabilities also include character and environment art, lighting, rigging, technical art, shaders and quality assurance. Development work encompasses C++, Unreal Engine 5 and proprietary game engines, with teams supporting both new productions and established franchises.

Development partnerships

SkyBox Labs has worked extensively with Microsoft’s game development teams. On Halo Infinite, its contributions included campaign systems such as the TACMAP, the Forge editing toolset, interface work, lighting and environment art. Its Halo work also includes Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Halo 5: Guardians, Halo 5: Forge and the Unreal Engine 5 project Halo: Campaign Evolved.

For Minecraft, the studio helped implement Bedrock Edition cross-platform play on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4, alongside ongoing feature and graphics development. Other collaborations include development support for Bungie’s Destiny 2 expansions and Marathon, Bethesda Game Studios’ Fallout 76, and Wizards of the Coast’s Magic: The Gathering Arena. Its wider portfolio includes strategy game expansions, remasters and multiplayer integration for the Age of Empires, Age of Mythology and Rise of Nations series.

Original games and company development

Alongside partner projects, SkyBox Labs developed original games including Stela, a cinematic platformer, and TASTEE: Lethal Tactics, a turn-based tactical game. This combination of original production and external collaboration forms a substantial part of its development history.

The company expanded its production presence across Burnaby and Victoria in 2022. NetEase acquired SkyBox Labs in January 2023 through NetEase Games, with the studio continuing to operate independently under its founding leadership.