Smilegate Expands Its Reach with Absurd Ventures' New AAA Game

Smilegate to Publish New AAA Game from Absurd Ventures

In an exciting development for the gaming community, Smilegate has announced that it will partner with Absurd Ventures, a studio founded by industry veteran Dan Houser, to globally publish an upcoming AAA open-world game set in the stunning universe of A BETTER PARADISE. This strategic alliance marks an important milestone for both entities, especially following Smilegate's investment in Absurd Ventures last year.

A BETTER PARADISE: A Visionary Universe

The universe of A BETTER PARADISE is an expansive narrative landscape created by Absurd Ventures. With Dan Houser, the co-founder of Rockstar Games and former creative director behind globally acclaimed franchises like GRAND THEFT AUTO and RED DEAD REDEMPTION, the game promises to offer a captivating narrative and immersive gameplay that will resonate with a wide audience. The universe has already made waves, achieving success through its audio fiction series "A BETTER PARADISE Volume One: An Aftermath," which topped Apple's fiction charts and won the Signal Award for Best Scripted Fiction Episode in 2024.

The upcoming game is currently in its initial development stages and is being creatively directed by Houser alongside a team well-versed in crafting compelling worlds. This includes renowned collaborators Lazlow and Michael Unsworth, who have significantly contributed to the projects at Rockstar Games.

A Talented Development Team

Overseeing development at Absurd Ventures is studio director Greg Borrud, a veteran who previously held leadership roles at Niantic and co-founded Pandemic Studios. Under his guidance, the elite team at Absurd Ventures comprises industry talent already recognized for their contributions to major games developed at Bungie, Treyarch, and Riot. This powerhouse of expertise includes credited developers from popular titles such as Call of Duty, Destiny 2, Spider-Man 2, and Hogwarts Legacy.

The ambition behind this AAA project is palpable, driven by a shared vision of creativity and innovation. Smilegate, aiming to leverage its deep industry experience, is set to provide significant support not only through financial backing for development but also by applying its strategic insights into global gaming markets.

A Promising Collaboration

Sung Joon-ho, CEO of Smilegate, expressed his enthusiasm for this partnership, stating, "We are excited to take on the global AAA gaming market challenge alongside Dan Houser and Absurd. We believe that the strong narrative of the A BETTER PARADISE universe, combined with Absurd's development capabilities, will truly create an exceptional title that players will adore worldwide."

Dan Houser reinforced this sentiment, explaining, "Absurd Ventures was designed to tell unique stories and create engaging experiences. This new game allows an exploration of a completely different place and offers players a fresh adventure. I am thrilled to embark on this journey with our incredible team at Absurd and work with Smilegate, who genuinely understand and support our vision."

As the excitement builds, Kwon Hyuk-bin, Smilegate’s visionary director, highlights the meaningful friendship he and Houser have built over their shared passion for gaming. He said, "It is especially significant that we can share our creative visions through this collaboration in the A BETTER PARADISE project. This is a title we hope will make a profound impact on players globally."

Looking Ahead

Smilegate aspires not only to thrive within the Asian markets but also to establish itself as a strong contender on the global gaming stage. As development progresses, more details regarding the release timeline and platforms will soon be announced. Interested gamers can stay updated by visiting the official A BETTER PARADISE website and following the project's social media channels across various platforms.

In summary, the collaboration between Smilegate and Absurd Ventures promises to be a game-changer in the industry, offering players a unique and immersive journey through the vibrant universe of A BETTER PARADISE.