FunPlus, the maker of “State of Survival” and “Kings of Avalon,” has opened Studio Ellipsis in Lisbon, a new creative hub focused on expanding the indie game company’s IP across entertainment platforms.
Led by Alexandre Amancio, head of studio, senior vice president and head of worldbuilding and IP strategy at FunPlus, Studio Ellipsis’ ambition is to create “entertainment experiences that meet the evolving expectations of modern audiences.” explained.
Studio Ellipsis’ first project is FunPlus’ Sea of Conquest: Cradle of the Gods, a comic series based on the strategy game Sea of Conquest: Pirate War.
According to FunPlus, “Through a combination of cross-platform game development and transmedia storytelling, the studio brings FunPlus’ IP to life in new ways, inviting fans to explore fresh lore, characters, and stories in the coming days. In the coming months, the studio plans to announce additional projects expanding the FunPlus world portfolio, as well as original IP designed for cross-media development.”
Amancio joined FunPlus in August 2023 after founding Montreal-based game studio Reflector Entertainment and serving as creative director for Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed franchise, transitioning from mobile-first games to PC and PC. He will oversee a team expanding into console-focused titles. and a focus on transmedia storytelling across platforms.
“FunPlus has been making cross-platform games, but they have always been mobile-first and free-to-play games. Studio Ellipsis was built to expand that horizon,” Amancio said. variety. The idea of experimenting and trying new media and new approaches to making games, even merging genres and doing it in a fast, iterative and low-cost way, seems to be in the DNA of games. It’s something. This is a way for FunPlus to break free from traditional ways of doing things and open up new potential markets in the future. FunPlus is actually a very forward-looking company. This idea of building intellectual property and being the first in the world is actually the reason I joined FunPlus a while ago. And I think Studio Ellipsis is a natural evolution to that first step. ”
FunPlus chose Lisbon to host Studio Ellipsis because of the Portuguese capital’s “growing potential as a creative and technological hub” and “recognition as a dynamic environment for game development and digital entertainment.” I’m doing it. Over the next three years, Studio Ellipsis will focus on attracting both local experts as well as international talent looking to push the boundaries of storytelling and IP development, with more than 50 The plan is to create jobs.
As part of the new studio launch, FunPlus is collaborating with local universities and organizations such as APVP (Portuguese Video Production Association) and Unicorn Factory Lisboa’s Gaming Hub to foster local talent and the development economy .
“The launch of Studio Ellipsis marks a pivotal moment in FunPlus’ journey to become a global powerhouse in entertainment, far beyond our roots in the strategic genre,” said FunPlus Chief Business Officer. Chris Petrovich said. “By establishing a dedicated studio in a vibrant city like Lisbon, we are not only expanding our existing world, but also laying the foundation for new IP that will succeed in multiple media. , represents our commitment to evolving with our audiences, meeting their demands for immersive storytelling and creating experiences that deeply resonate with our fans.”
Carlos Moedas, Mayor of Lisbon, added: “We are very proud to welcome Fun Plus’ Studio Ellipsis to Lisbon, the European Capital of Innovation.” Thanks to initiatives like Unicorn Factory, our city is turning into a global hub for innovators and unicorn companies, developing the most ground-breaking and disruptive technology products and services. This unprecedented initiative has transformed lives across the city, creating more than 15,000 job opportunities within three years. We are excited to add FunPlus as a new member of our exciting and diverse technology community. Welcome to Lisbon! ”
Watch the Studio Ellipsis announcement video below.