FunPlus, the Swiss developer behind popular titles such as State of Survival and King of Avalon, has announced the launch of Studio Ellipsis in Lisbon, Portugal. This marks a major strategic move for FunPlus as it expands its focus beyond mobile gaming, diving deeper into transmedia storytelling and cross-platform game development.
Studio Ellipsis is led by industry veteran Alexandre Amancio, a former Ubisoft Assassin's Creed creative director and the founder of Reflector Entertainment. Amancio, who joined FunPlus in 2023, will spearhead the studio’s mission to develop immersive entertainment experiences across various mediums, including comics, TV shows, films, and more. The studio aims to breathe new life into FunPlus' existing intellectual properties (IPs) and create original content that captivates modern audiences.
A New Frontier for Interactive Entertainment
At the heart of Studio Ellipsis’ ambition is a desire to cater to evolving consumer expectations. As entertainment becomes increasingly immersive and multi-platform, FunPlus is positioning itself to stay at the forefront of this transformation. "Fans are no longer passive consumers; they are explorers, seeking immersive experiences across a wide range of platforms," said Amancio. "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."
The first project emerging from this new venture is Sea of Conquest: Cradle of the Gods, a comic series based on FunPlus' popular mobile game Sea of Conquest: Pirate War. The comic, developed by a talented team of artists and writers, is already available for free on digital platforms, marking the studio's debut into the transmedia space.
Lisbon as a Creative and Technological Hub
FunPlus selected Lisbon for Studio Ellipsis due to the city’s growing reputation as a creative and technological hub. The Portuguese capital has become a vibrant environment for game development and digital entertainment, with increasing recognition from global companies. “Lisbon is a city of innovators, and we are thrilled to establish Studio Ellipsis here,” said Amancio.
The studio’s presence in Lisbon is set to create more than 50 new jobs over the next three years, further contributing to the local ecosystem. FunPlus also intends to collaborate with universities and organizations such as the Associação de Produtores de Videojogos Portugueses (APVP) and The Gaming Hub by Unicorn Factory Lisboa to foster local talent.
A Vision for the Future of Entertainment
For FunPlus, the opening of Studio Ellipsis is a pivotal step in its long-term goal of becoming a leader in interactive entertainment, far beyond its origins in mobile gaming. Chris Petrovic, chief business officer at FunPlus, emphasized the significance of this moment, stating, “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.”
Studio Ellipsis will play a key role in advancing FunPlus' broader vision of world-building and transmedia storytelling. The studio’s creative ambitions aim to enrich the fan experience by offering narratives that extend across platforms and genres, meeting the growing demand for immersive and interconnected stories.
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, FunPlus is positioning itself to be a major player in this new era, crafting experiences that resonate with fans globally and pushing the boundaries of storytelling across games, comics, TV shows, and more.
Watch the announcement video here: Studio Ellipsis Announcement.
