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| (Image Source: PocketGamer.biz/FunPlus) |
FunPlus, one of the world’s largest independent video game development companies, has announced the opening of Studio Ellipsis in Lisbon, a new creative hub focused on expanding the company's intellectual property (IP) across a variety of entertainment platforms. Led by industry veteran Alexandre Amancio, Studio Ellipsis’ ambition is to create entertainment experiences that cater to the evolving expectations of modern audiences. Through a combination of cross-platform game development and transmedia storytelling, the studio will bring FunPlus’ IP to life in new ways, inviting fans to explore fresh lore, characters, and stories. In the coming months, the studio will unveil additional projects that expand FunPlus’ portfolio of worlds as well as original IPs designed for cross-medium development.
Amancio, who joined FunPlus in 2023 after founding Montreal-based game studio Reflector Entertainment and servings as creative director on Ubisoft’s “Assassin’s Creed” franchise and is currently the company's Head of Studio and Senior Vice President for World Building and IP Strategy, brings his expertise in creative direction, narrative design and IP development to lead this exciting new venture, saying, “We are witnessing a transformation in how audiences engage with entertainment. Fans are no longer passive consumers; they are explorers, seeking immersive experiences across a wide range of platforms. Studio Ellipsis is our response to this shift, creating new opportunities for fans to navigate deeper into the worlds they love, while also crafting original IPs that inspire and captivate, empowering them to become part of the journey.” This marks a significant step forward for FunPlus, already a well-established developer and publisher of mobile games, with the goal of becoming a leader in the broader interactive entertainment space, building on this vision of world-building and IP expansion. The Lisbon-based studio, founded by a core team of highly experienced professionals, will spearhead FunPlus’ efforts to deliver rich stories and characters through multiple entertainment mediums, allowing fans to explore these worlds from fresh perspectives.
“The launch of Studio Ellipsis marks a pivotal moment in FunPlus’ journey to become a global powerhouse in entertainment, extending far beyond our roots in the strategy genre. By establishing a dedicated studio in a vibrant city like Lisbon, we are not only expanding our existing worlds but also laying the foundation for new IPs that can thrive across multiple mediums. This studio represents our commitment to evolving with our audiences, meeting their demand for immersive storytelling, and creating experiences that resonate deeply within our fans," said FunPlus Chief Business Officer Chris Petrovic. Studio Ellipsis is the latest milestone in FunPlus’ strategic move to evolve beyond gaming, embracing transmedia storytelling. The first project to launch from this initiative is "Sea Of Conquest: Cradle Of The Gods", a comic series based on the popular strategy game "Sea Of Conquest: Pirate War". This high-quality comic was developed by a talented team of artists and writers with the first issue available now for free on various digital platforms.
Lisbon: A Growing Hub For Creative Innovation
Lisbon was selected as the home for Studio Ellipsis due to its burgeoning potential as a creative and technological hub with the Portuguese capital gaining recognition as a dynamic environment for game development and digital entertainment. FunPlus’ investment in the region, coupled with its collaboration with local universities and organizations like the APVP (Associação de Produtores de Videojogos Portugueses) and The Gaming Hub by Unicorn Factory Lisboa, will foster local talent and contribute to the growth of the game development ecosystem. Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas commented, “I am incredibly proud to welcome Studio Ellipsis from FunPlus to Lisbon, the European Capital of Innovation. Thanks to initiatives like the Unicorn Factory, our city has transformed into a global hub for innovators and unicorn companies where some of the most groundbreaking and disruptive tech products and services are being developed. This unprecedented effort is changing lives across the city with over 15,000 job opportunities being created in under three years. We are thrilled to include FunPlus as a new member of our exciting and diverse tech community. Welcome to Lisbon!” Over the next three years, Studio Ellipsis plans to create more than 50 jobs, with a focus on attracting both local professionals as well as international talent eager to push the boundaries of storytelling and IP development.
