Lemon Sky Studios is a computer-generated imagery studio that produces art for animation and video game titles, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The company is best known for outsourcing computer animation and art project for major video game titles such as Final Fantasy VII Remake, Resident Evil: Resistance, Warcraft III: Reforged, StarCraft: Remastered, Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, Marvel's Spider-Man, and Gears of War 5.[1] The studio also involved in animation series such as TruckTown[2] and Nickelodeon's Middle School Moguls.[3]
 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Art Outsourcing, game development, 3D animation |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Headquarters | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
Key people | Cheng-Fei Wong, Ken Foong |
Number of employees | 500 |
| Website | lemonskystudios |
Organization
editLemon Sky's production team is made up of over 450 artists and production staff.[4]
The studio's headquarters is located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with an additional branch located in the city of Penang.
The studio's founders, Cheng-Fei Wong and Ken Foong has effectively stepped down as the CEO and COO as of 2024.
Milestones
edit2006
edit- Founders Cheng-Fei Wong and Ken Foong establish their first game art studio, Igloo Digital Arts.[5] The studio becomes the first Malaysian company to work on in-game assets.
2008
edit- The studio contributes work to its first AAA game project, Afro Samurai, and its first TV animation project, Buzzy Bee.[6]
2010
edit- Igloo Digital Arts is restructured and officially renamed Lemon Sky. [7]
2014
edit- Lemon Sky signs a Memorandum of Understanding with Bandai Namco Malaysia to facilitate development of future games. [8]
2015
edit- Lemon Sky launches a second studio in Penang under the name of Lemon Sky North.
2017
edit- Lemon Sky celebrates its 10-year anniversary with Hello Lemon Sky, an event inviting the public to visit the studio and learn from experienced artists. [9]
2018
edit- Lemon Sky debuts AstroLOLogy, its first original animation IP. [10]
- Electronic Arts announces its partnership with Lemon Sky on Command & Conquer Remastered Collection. [11]
2019
edit- Lemon Sky wins Exporter of the Year and Gold Awards for the Services (Mid-Tier) Category in the Export Excellence Awards 2019.[12]
2020
edit- As part of its rapid expansion, Lemon Sky moves to its new headquarters in UOA Business Park.
2021
edit- AstroLOLogy gains 1 million subscribers on YouTube. [13]
- iCandy Interactive Ltd acquires Lemon Sky. [14]
- Lemon Sky wins a Gold Award for the Services (Mid-Tier and Large) Category in the Export Excellence Awards 2021.[15]
2022
edit- Lemon Sky receives its ISO 2700 certification.
- Lemon Sky announces the development of its original video game IP, Metal Genesis.[16]
- Lemon Sky wins a Gold Award for the Services (Mid-Tier and Large) Category in the Export Excellence Awards 2022. [17]
2024
edit- Lemon Sky Studios announces the early departure of CEO and COO, with a management transition led by Executive Director Mr Kin Wai Lau. [18]
- iCandy Interactive Ltd initiated legal action against former executives of Lemon Sky Studio, Mr Cheng-Fei Wong and Mr Ken Foong for alleged breaches of fiduciary duties and financial misconduct. Lemon Sky Studio assures zero impact on all ongoing projects. [19]
Video game projects
edit| Title | Release Year | Developer | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Go Vacation | 2011 | Bandai Namco Entertainment | Nintendo, BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment, Namco Bandai Games America Inc. |
| The Sims FreePlay | 2011 | Maxis, Firemonkeys Studios, EA Mobile, Blue Tongue Entertainment | Electronic Arts |
| Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed | 2012 | Sumo Digital | SEGA |
| SimCity | 2013 | Maxis | Electronic Arts |
| Shadow of the Eternals | 2013 | Quantum Entanglement | Quantum Entanglement |
| War of Legions | 2013 | Ateam | Ateam |
| Outrace | 2013 | Yubi Games | Yubi Games |
| Game of War: Fire Age | 2013 | Machine Zone | Machine Zone |
| FIFA 14 | 2013 | Electronic Arts | Electronic Arts |
| NBA 2K14 | 2013 | 2K Sports | 2K Sports |
| Call of Duty: Ghosts | 2013 | Infinity Ward | Activision |
| Dead Rising 3 | 2013 | Capcom | Microsoft Studios |
| Dead Rising 3: Apocalypse Edition | 2014 | Capcom | Capcom |
| Soulcalibur: Lost Swords | 2014 | Project Soul | Bandai Namco |
| Omega Quintet | 2014 | Idea Factory | Idea Factory, Compile Heart |
| Dark Souls II | 2014 | FromSoftware | Bandai Namco |
| MLB 14: The Show | 2014 | San Diego Studio | Sony Computer Entertainment |
| NBA 2K15 | 2014 | Visual Concepts | 2K Sports |
| Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin | 2015 | FromSoftware | Bandai Namco |
| Bloodborne | 2015 | FromSoftware | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward | 2015 | Square Enix | Square Enix |
| World of Tanks | 2015 | Wargaming | Wargaming |
| Gears of War: Ultimate Edition | 2015 | The Coalition, Epic Games | Microsoft Studios |
| Tales of Zestiria | 2015 | Bandai Namco | Bandai Namco |
| NBA 2K16 | 2015 | Visual Concepts | 2K Sports |
| WWE 2K16 | 2016 | Yuke's | 2K Games |
| Need for Speed: Edge | 2015 | EA Korea | Tencent, Nexon, Nexon Korea |
| Disney Magical World 2 | 2015 | Bandai Namco | Nintendo, Bandai Namco |
| Big Bang Galaxy | 2015 | Ateam Inc. | Ateam Inc. |
| Vega Conflict | 2015 | KIXEYE | KIXEYE |
| Dark Souls III | 2016 | FromSoftware | FromSoftware |
| NBA 2K17 | 2016 | Visual Concepts Entertainment | 2K Sports |
| Valkyrie Connect | 2016 | Ateam Inc. | Ateam Inc. |
| Pirates: Treasure Hunters | 2016 | Virtual Toys | Virtual Toys |
| Tales of Berseria | 2016 | Bandai Namco | Bandai Namco |
| WWE 2K17 | 2016 | Visual Concepts, Yukes | 2K Sports |
| Gears of War 4 | 2016 | The Coalition | Microsoft Studios |
| Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization | 2016 | Aquria | Bandai Namco |
| Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare | 2016 | Infinity Ward | Activision |
| Dead Rising 4 | 2016 | Capcom | Microsoft Studios, Capcom |
| Gravity Rush 2 | 2017 | Project Siren, Sony Interactive Entertainment | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| Tales of Berseria | 2017 | Bandai Namco | Bandai Namco |
| Mario Sports Superstars | 2017 | Bandai Namco, Camelot Software Planning | Nintendo |
| MLB The Show 17 | 2017 | San Diego Studio | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| The Elder Scrolls: Legends | 2017 | Dire Wolf Digital, Sparkypants Studios | Bethesda Softworks |
| Final Fantasy XV: A New Empire | 2017 | Machine Zone | Machine Zone, Epic Action LLC |
| Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood | 2017 | Square Enix | Square Enix |
| Tekken 7 | 2017 | Bandai Namco Studios | Bandai Namco Entertainment |
| StarCraft: Remastered | 2017 | Blizzard Entertainment | Blizzard Entertainment |
| Uncharted: The Lost Legacy | 2017 | Naughty Dog | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| WWE 2K18 | 2017 | Yuke's, Visual Concepts | 2K Sports |
| Marvel's Spider-Man | 2018 | Insomniac Games | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| WWE 2K19 | 2018 | Yuke's, Visual Concepts | 2K Games, 2K Sports |
| Diablo III: Eternal Collection (Nintendo Switch) | 2018 | Blizzard Entertainment | Blizzard Entertainment |
| Mist Gears | 2018 | Tri-Ace | Alim Co.Ltd. |
| The Grand Tour Game | 2019 | Amazon Game Studios | Amazon Game Studios, Heavy Iron Studios |
| Anthem | 2019 | BioWare, Bioware Austin LLC | Electronic Arts |
| Mortal Kombat 11 | 2019 | NetherRealm Studios, Shiver Entertainment, QLOC, Shiver | Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment |
| Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers | 2019 | Square Enix | Square Enix |
| Teppen | 2019 | GungHo Online | GungHo Online |
| Gears 5 | 2019 | The Coalition | Xbox Game Studios |
| WWE 2K20 | 2019 | Yuke's, Visual Concepts | 2K Games, 2K Sports |
| Warcraft III: Reforged[22] | 2020 | Blizzard Entertainment | Blizzard Entertainment |
| Resident Evil: Resistance[23] | 2020 | Capcom, NeoBards Entertainment Ltd. | Capcom |
| Final Fantasy VII Remake[24] | 2020 | Square Enix | Square Enix |
| Command & Conquer Remastered Collection[25] | 2020 | Lemon Sky Studios, Petroglyph Games | Electronic Arts |
| The Last of Us Part II | 2020 | Naughty Dog | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| Wasteland 3 | 2020 | inXile Entertainment | inXile Entertainment |
| Marvel's Avengers | 2020 | Crystal Dynamics | Square Enix |
| Baldur's Gate III | 2020 | Larian Studios NV | Larian Studios NV |
| Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit - Remastered | 2020 | Stellar Entertainment Software | Electronic Arts |
| Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales | 2020 | Insomniac Games | Sony Interactive Entertainment America |
| Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered | 2020 | Insomniac Games | Sony Interactive Entertainment America |
| Demon's Souls | 2020 | Bluepoint Games | Sony Interactive Entertainment Japan Studio |
| Marvel Strike Force | 2021 | Scopely | Scopely |
| Overwatch 2 | 2021 | Blizzard Entertainment | Blizzard Entertainment |
| Mass Effect: Legendary Edition | 2021 | Electronic Arts | Electronic Arts |
| Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart | 2021 | Insomniac Games | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| Diablo II: Resurrected | 2021 | Blizzard Entertainment | Blizzard Entertainment |
| Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes | 2022 | Intelligent Systems, Omega Force | Nintendo |
| Rumbleverse | 2022 | Iron Galaxy | Epic Games |
| Saints Row | 2022 | Volition | Deep Silver |
| The Last of Us Part 1 | 2022 | Naughty Dog | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| Gundam Evolution | 2022 | Bandai Namco Online | Bandai Namco Entertainment |
| Star Ocean: The Divine Force | 2022 | tri-Ace | Square Enix |
| Warlander | 2023 | Toylogic | Plaion |
| Forspoken | 2023 | Luminous Productions | Square Enix |
| Hi-Fi Rush | 2023 | Tango Gameworks | Bethesda Softworks |
| The Settlers: New Allies | 2023 | Ubisoft Düsseldorf | Ubisoft |
| Wild Hearts | 2023 | Omega Force | Electronic Arts |
| Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty | 2023 | Team Ninja | Koei Tecmo |
| The Sandbox | 2023 | TSB Gaming | TSB Gaming |
| Monopoly Go | 2023 | Scopely | Scopely |
| Redfall | 2023 | Arkane Austin | Bethesda Softworks |
| Street Fighter 6 | 2023 | Capcom | Capcom |
| Final Fantasy XVI | 2023 | Square Enix | Square Enix |
| Exoprimal | 2023 | Capcom | Capcom |
| Armored Core VI: Fires Of Rubicon | 2023 | FromSoftware | FromSoftware, Bandai Namco Entertainment |
| Baldur's Gate 3 | 2023 | Larian Studios | Larian Studios |
| Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 | 2023 | Insomniac Games | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
Animation projects
edit| Title | Release Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Buzzy Bee and Friends | 2009 | TV 2 (New Zealand) |
| Surfer Girl | 2013 | Surfer Girl |
| Sydney Sailboat | 2014 | ABC 4 Kids (Australia), 3e (Ireland), Tiny Pop (UK), Raydar Media |
| TruckTown | 2014 | Treehouse TV (Canada), Tiny Pop (UK) |
| Gummandos | 2015 | Spin Master |
| Pumpkin Reports | 2015 | Nickelodeon, Qubo, Rai Gulp |
| Future-Worm! | 2016 | Disney |
| Ocean Groove with Maestro Ning | 2018 | Genting |
| AstroLOLogy | 2018 | Lemon Sky Animation |
| Tinpo | 2018 | American Greetings Entertainment |
| Knights of the Zodiac: Saint Seiya | 2019 | Toei Animation |
| Middle School Moguls | 2019 | Nickelodeon |
| Spookadilly | 2019 | Genting |
| Big City Greens | 2020 | Disney |
| Santiago of the Seas | 2020 | Nickelodeon |
| Battle Kitty | 2022 | Netflix |
| Not Quite Narwhal | 2023 | |
| Pokémon: Path to the Peak | 2023 | The Pokémon Company |
| Playdate with Winnie the Pooh | 2023 | Disney Junior |
| Mighty Monsterwheelies | 2024 | Netflix |
Controversies
editIn March 2021, game journalist Chris Bratt from People Make Games interviewed 19 current and former employee from Lemon Sky Studios and Indonesia-based animation studio Brandoville regarding working conditions. The testimonial from employees revealed that Lemon Sky Studios allegedly put its artists through unpaid overtime and had them work weekends to meet tight deadlines from triple-A clients.[26][27] The higher-ups allegedly used passive-aggressive methods to pressure Lemon Sky artists to work overtime.[26] Lemon Sky Studios denied the allegations as "factually and legally inaccurate" and "are surprised that such allegations are targeted at Lemon Sky", stating they abide all Malaysian employment laws. Lemon Sky Studios also stated they will "take appropriate measures in response", include "obtaining feedback from all of our employees regarding their individual concerns".[28]
References
edit- ^ "Lemon Sky Animation Sdn Bhd". MobyGames. Archived from the original on 2021-07-25. Retrieved 2020-04-28.
- ^ "Trucktown". Lemon Sky Studios. Archived from the original on 2020-03-07. Retrieved 2020-06-04.
- ^ Middle School Moguls (TV Series 2019– ) - IMDb, archived from the original on 2019-09-20, retrieved 2020-04-28
- ^ "Malaysia's Lemon Sky Studios part of project to remaster Command & Conquer | The Star". www.thestar.com.my. Archived from the original on 2020-06-02. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
- ^ "Igloo Digital Arts Sdn Bhd".
- ^ "Project Timeline".
- ^ "About Us".
- ^ "Bandai Namco Singapore and Lemon Sky signs MoU". 12 December 2014.
- ^ "Malaysian CGI Animation Studio Lemon Sky Celebrates 10 Years". 6 June 2017.
- ^ "Malaysia Focus: A Look 3 Animation IPs That Reveal The Country's Burgeoning Creative Talent". 18 December 2020.
- ^ "Malaysia's Lemon Sky Studios part of project to remaster Command & Conquer".
- ^ "Paying tribute to the nation's top exporters".
- ^ "AstroLOLogy Celebrates 1 Million Subscribers!".
- ^ "Australian game publisher buys over Lemon Sky Studios, for RM135mil".
- ^ "Export Excellence Awards".
- ^ "Metal Genesis Has Landed!".
- ^ "Export Excellence Awards 2022 Winners" (PDF). The Star.
- ^ "iCandy Subsidiary Lemon Sky Studios Leadership Transition".
- ^ "iCandy Commences Legal Action on Former Lemon Sky Executives".
- ^ "Lemon Sky Animation Sdn Bhd". MobyGames. Archived from the original on 2021-07-25. Retrieved 2020-05-05.
- ^ "Project Timeline". Lemon Sky Studios. Archived from the original on 2020-02-02. Retrieved 2020-05-13.
- ^ "Lemon Sky's eventful journey together with Blizzard in 'reforging' "Warcraft III"". Facebook. January 28, 2020. Retrieved October 18, 2021.
- ^ "Malaysia's Lemon Sky Studios Helped Bring Final Fantasy VII Remake and Resident Evil Resistance To Life". IGN Southeast Asia. 2020-04-16. Archived from the original on 2020-05-02. Retrieved 2020-05-13.
- ^ meckronos (2020-04-15). "Malaysia's Lemon Sky Studios Contributed On Final Fantasy VII Remake And Resident Evil Resistance". Gamer Matters. Archived from the original on 2020-05-29. Retrieved 2020-05-13.
- ^ "Malaysia's Lemon Sky Studios part of project to remaster Command & Conquer | The Star". www.thestar.com.my. Archived from the original on 2020-06-02. Retrieved 2020-05-13.
- ^ a b "Southeast Asia's Lemon Sky & Brandoville Studios Allegedly Put Its Artists Through Unpaid Crunch [Update] | KAKUCHOPUREI.COM". kakuchopurei.com. 2021-03-05. Archived from the original on 2021-07-25. Retrieved 2021-12-07.
- ^ How Game Publishers Buy Crunch Overseas, 4 March 2021, archived from the original on 2021-12-07, retrieved 2021-12-07
- ^ Bashir, Dale (2021-03-08). "Malaysian CGI Art Studio Lemon Sky Denies Allegations Staff Undergo Crunch Without Pay". IGN Southeast Asia. Archived from the original on 2021-07-26. Retrieved 2021-12-07.