FUNPLUS ANNOUNCES OPENING OF STUDIO ELLIPSIS IN LISBON FOCUSED ON CROSS-PLATFORM GAME DEVELOPMENT AND EXPANDING IP ACROSS MULTIPLE MEDIUMS

FunPlus :

Lisbon, Portugal – October 16, 2024 – FunPlus, one of the world’s largest independent game companies has announced the opening of Studio Ellipsis in Lisbon, a new creative hub focused on expanding FunPlus’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.

Alexandre Amancio, who joined FunPlus in 2023, brings his expertise in creative direction, narrative design and IP development to lead this exciting new venture.

“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,” said Alexandre Amancio, Head of Studio and Senior Vice President World Building & IP Strategy at FunPlus. “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,” said Chris Petrovic, Chief Business Officer at FunPlus. “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.”

Watch the Studio Ellipsis Announcement Video here.

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 digital platforms.

Watch the Sea of Conquest: Cradle of the Gods Trailer here.

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.

“I am incredibly proud to welcome Studio Ellipsis from FunPlus to Lisbon, the European Capital of Innovation,” said Carlos Moedas, Mayor of Lisbon. “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. 

Download assets here.

About FunPlus

FunPlus is a global creator of interactive entertainment experiences powered by technology, with cross-platform game development and IP creation at its core. Founded in 2010, FunPlus is an organization that fosters top industry talent globally, with offices in over 10 cities and 6 countries, and more than 2,000 team members worldwide. FunPlus is home to talented creative teams who are well-known for developing hugely popular mobile strategy titles including State of Survival, King of Avalon, Guns of Glory, Stormshot and Sea of Conquest.

Please visit www.funplus.com to find out more.

About Studio Ellipsis

Studio Ellipsis, a FunPlus studio, focuses on world-building, intellectual property (IP) development, and cross-platform game innovation for the audiences of tomorrow. Founded by Alex Amancio, the studio is located in Lisbon, Portugal. It combines experienced industry professionals with emerging talent, promoting collaboration across teams in Europe and Asia to leverage diverse perspectives and craft fresh and original transmedia entertainment experiences.

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