Strategic Partnership Between Smilegate and Upside Ventures
Smilegate, a prominent name in the global gaming industry, has recently announced a significant collaboration with Upside Ventures, a creative studio founded by Dan Houser. Houser is widely recognized for his role as the creative director of the iconic 'GTA' franchise. This partnership marks a new chapter in the development of a highly anticipated triple A-class science fiction open-world action adventure game.
The game, based on the surreal 'A Better Paradise (ABP)' worldview created by Upside Ventures, is set to be launched globally. This project represents a major step forward for both companies, as it combines the storytelling prowess of Houser with the technical expertise of Upside Ventures. Prior to this announcement, Smilegate had already made a strategic investment in the company, signaling its confidence in the potential of ABP.
The Vision Behind ABP
ABP is not just a game; it is an expansive world that has captured the attention of many. Dan Houser, known for his work on 'Red Dead Redemption' and 'GTA', has crafted a narrative that has already gained recognition. The audio fiction series associated with ABP has topped the Apple Podcast Fiction category and won the 'Signal Award for Best Episodes of Scripted Fiction' at the Podcast Awards 2024 Signal Awards. Additionally, the ABP novel is scheduled for release in October, further expanding the universe.
Currently, the game is in the early stages of development, with Houser overseeing the writing and direction. The World Building and Creative Team, which includes long-time collaborators such as Lazlow and Michael Unsworth, is working alongside him. The development is led by Greg Borrud, a veteran developer at Upside Ventures, who previously served as Niantic's general manager and co-founded Pandemic Studios.
Building a Top-Tier Development Team
Upside Ventures has assembled an elite team of developers for the ABP project. This team includes veterans from leading game studios such as Bungie, Treyarch, Respawn, Insomniak, and Riot Games. These professionals have been instrumental in the development of popular titles like 'Call of Duty', 'Destiny2', 'Valorant', 'Spider-Man2', and 'Hogwarts Legacy'.
The collaboration between Smilegate and Upside Ventures is expected to bring together the best of both worlds. Smilegate's experience in the global game market will provide valuable support to the ABP project, while the company plans to make a full investment, including development costs, to ensure the project's success worldwide.
Perspectives from Leadership
Smilegate's Group CEO, Sung Jun-ho, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, "We are very excited to take on a new challenge in the global AAA gaming market with Dan Hauser and Upside Ventures. I am confident that the combination of the solid storytelling of ABP's worldview and the outstanding development capabilities of Upside Ventures will create a great work."
Dan Houser, founder of Upside Ventures, emphasized the company's mission to create immersive experiences. He said, "This game is an opportunity to move into a completely different world and bring users new adventures that they have never experienced before. We are very excited to be on this journey with a great team gathered for a new challenge at Upside Ventures."
Kwon Hyuk-bin, CVO of Smilegate, highlighted the significance of the partnership, saying, "It is very meaningful that we can share each other's vision through cooperation with my friend Dan Hauser, who has had a deep friendship through the common theme of game and future. We will present a new vision that will impress game fans around the world."
Expanding the Storytelling Universe
Upside Ventures, centered on storytelling, produces a variety of content, including original video games, live-action and animation movies, TV, audio fiction, novels, and comics. The company's original IPs include ABP, crime noir 'American Caper', and comedy satire 'Absurdaverse'. In 2025, a range of new works, including the 'American Caper' Graphic Novel series, ABP feature novels, and the Upservers animation project, are set to be released.
Based in Santa Monica, California, Upside Ventures operates a separate studio in Marine, further solidifying its commitment to creating innovative and engaging content.