Paramount Skydance is making a major push into the video game industry with the launch of a new unified studio, Paramount Games Studio. The move signals a strategic shift for the media giant, which has long relied on third-party developers for game adaptations of its iconic franchises. Now, with the combined resources of Skydance Interactive and Skydance New Media, the company aims to become a serious player in the gaming space.
The new studio will oversee the development of several high-profile projects, including the long-awaited Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra, a team-up game featuring Captain America and Black Panther that was first announced in 2021. Also in the pipeline is an untitled Star Wars game, developed in partnership with Lucasfilm. These titles represent the kind of blockbuster IP that Paramount hopes will resonate with both casual and hardcore gamers.
According to a statement from Paramount, the studio will be led by Tony Driscoll, the company's current head of corporate strategy and development. Driscoll will also continue to oversee integration planning for the proposed Warner Bros. Discovery merger. He will be joined by former Skydance game veterans Dan Prigg and Shawn Kittelsen, along with other new leadership. Together, they will have access to a vast library of franchises, including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Mission: Impossible, Star Trek, Top Gun, and everything under the Nickelodeon umbrella.
“This division launch marks a meaningful evolution in how we think about games – not as an extension of our business, but as a core pillar of our content strategy alongside film, television, and streaming,” Driscoll said in a statement. “We are committed to creating exceptional games for every type of player, from casual to AAA, and building enduring experiences across our beloved Paramount IP and original worlds that deepen fan engagement and drive long-term growth.”
The announcement comes as Paramount Skydance continues its aggressive expansion. Earlier this year, the company outbid Netflix to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, a merger that is still pending approval but promises to reshape the entertainment landscape. CEO David Ellison has outlined plans for the combined studios to produce 30 films annually, with 45-day theatrical windows to support cinemas. Now, with the gaming division, Paramount is looking to replicate the success of Warner Bros.' own gaming arm, which has produced hits like the Batman: Arkham trilogy and Mortal Kombat.
Fans won't have to wait long for more details. Paramount Games Studio is set to announce its first major AAA title tonight at Geoff Keighley's Summer Game Fest, which kicks off at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles at 5 p.m. ET. The event is expected to reveal more about the studio's upcoming slate and could include a first look at Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra or the Star Wars game.
For those who love a good war game, check out The Ultimate Ranking of the Greatest War Video Game Masterpieces Ever. And if you're into superhero action, Prime Video's 'Spider-Noir' Redefines the Superhero Genre with Gritty Style might be right up your alley.
With a treasure trove of beloved franchises and a clear commitment to quality, Paramount Games Studio is poised to make a significant impact on the gaming industry. Whether it's through epic superhero battles or intergalactic adventures, the studio aims to create experiences that deepen fan engagement and drive long-term growth for the company.
