A GAMING firm aims to move up a level after revealing plans to increase its workforce.

Coatsink, which has released five games, says it wants more staff after moving to Sunderland Software Centre.

The company, which was previously based in Middlesbrough, employs 13 people and aims to lift turnover from £350,000 to £550,000 next year.

Bosses say it is now developing two new games and updating Chip, a robot-themed mobile puzzle game.

Tom Beardsmore, Coatsink’s managing director, said: “Everyone here has a real love of games and the industry, and are really proud to be part of a community that’s genuinely thriving in the North-East.

“We made the move to Sunderland to accommodate further growth, and I’m delighted by how quickly that’s happened.

“Things have been going really well for us.”

Councillor Harry Trueman, deputy leader of Sunderland City Council, added: “It’s great to see businesses like Coatsink flourish in Sunderland.

“It is yet another example of the truly innovative businesses we are attracting.”