Paramount Launches New Game Studio to Focus on Star Trek, TMNT, and SpongeBob Franchises

Paramount is diving headfirst into the gaming world, announcing the launch of its new gaming division, Paramount Games Studio, during Summer Game Fest. This studio will take charge of all video game development for the company.

The first project on the slate for Paramount Games Studio is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin, developed by the renowned action-game studio PlatinumGames. The division also includes two internal studios, one of which is led by Amy Hennig, currently working on a game featuring Black Panther and Captain America. More projects from Paramount Games are on the horizon, indicating that the studio has ambitious plans.

The studio aims to create or partner on games based on popular franchises like Star Trek, SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Avatar: The Last Airbender. There’s even potential for games inspired by Top Gun, Mission: Impossible, and Yellowstone, among others.

In a conversation with an executive from Paramount Games Studio, Shawn Kittelsen, he shared insights into what this new venture means for the company. He noted that before the merger with Skydance, there was already a focus on game development, with two Skydance studios working on titles like Marvel 1943 and VR games such as The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners. The merger has elevated gaming to a priority status within Paramount, positioning it as a key content pillar alongside film and television.

The two Skydance studios are now part of Paramount Games, along with the franchise licensing group that manages properties like TMNT and SpongeBob. Kittelsen emphasized that the goal is not just to license out IP but to actively create games.

“We’re going to make games ourselves internally,” he stated. “We’ll also seek co-development partners to create games that we will fund, publish, and control. Since the merger, we’ve been focused on building a diverse portfolio that includes both internal and external teams, while also licensing where it makes sense.”

Kittelsen highlighted the importance of growing the business thoughtfully, avoiding rapid expansion that could lead to unmanageable commitments or projects.

Skydance New Media, under Hennig, is currently dedicated to Marvel 1943, while Skydance Interactive is developing an unannounced premium game for PC and consoles based on an original concept. Kittelsen mentioned that these teams will complete their current projects before moving on to new ones.

Another project in the works is a Star Wars game announced in 2022, described as a cinematic action-adventure with an original story. However, Kittelsen reiterated the focus on Marvel 1943, casting doubt on when Hennig might get to pursue her Star Wars vision.

The core franchises driving Paramount Games include the Ninja Turtles, SpongeBob, Star Trek, and Avatar: The Last Airbender, but Kittelsen indicated that all of Paramount’s properties are open for exploration.

He also pointed out less obvious candidates like Survivor that could inspire future games. “There’s a lot we can do with Top Gun and Mission: Impossible, and even The Godfather is in the mix,” he said. “With South Park, the challenge is high because the game needs to capture the humor perfectly.”

Kittelsen emphasized that the goal is to ensure that every fan is catered to, whether they’re looking for a AAA title or a mobile game. The dedicated games division will explore all avenues to engage with fans across different platforms and genres, always prioritizing a player-first approach.

He also stressed the importance of being selective in partnerships, stating, “We’re not working with anyone who hasn’t produced a classic before,” and highlighted the need for careful growth.

“Long term, we want to expand our internal capabilities, but we’re mindful of the lessons learned in the gaming industry over the past few years,” he concluded. “The last thing we want is to rapidly acquire teams without proper diligence.”