Smilegate Will Publish Former Rockstar Co-Founder’s Next Game

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Absurd Ventures, established by ex-co-founder of Rockstar Games Dan Houser, has revealed a publishing deal with Smilegate for their inaugural game. Set in the A Better Paradise universe, this upcoming title promises to be an expansive open-world sci-fi action-adventure, boasting a production quality comparable to AAA standards.

Title yet to be named is currently in its initial stages. Dan Houser is overseeing both writing and creative direction. Lazlow and Michael Unsworth, who have collaborated with him previously on Grand Theft Auto, are also involved in the creative process. It’s important to mention that Smilegate made a tactical investment in the company last year, but now they aim for a comprehensive investment and financing of the new title’s development.

In a press statement, Smilegate CEO Sung Joon-ho expressed excitement about collaborating with Dan Houser and Absurd in the international AAA game market. He is optimistic that the compelling narrative of the “A Better Paradise” universe, along with the development skills of the Absurd team, will lead to an exceptional game.

As a company deeply rooted in development, we grasp the requirements of studios exceptionally well. In collaboration with Absurd, we’re committed to backing the ‘A Better Paradise’ game project wholeheartedly. Our goal is to aid in creating a global hit that captivates players worldwide. With Smilegate’s extensive experience and proven success in international markets, we aim to make ‘A Better Paradise’ a cherished success globally.

House stated, “Absurd Ventures was established with the intention of narrating unique and distinctive stories. We aim to develop captivating original experiences, and this upcoming game provides us with a chance to venture into uncharted territory and offer players an entirely fresh adventure. I am thrilled about embarking on this journey alongside the exceptional team at Absurd Ventures, and I’m grateful for our collaboration with Smilegate, who truly share and endorse our vision.

It might take some time before we see the outcomes, yet it’s intriguing to watch the developments, particularly following the setback of MindsEye, a venture led by Leslie Benzies, who was once president of Rockstar North and a producer of GTA. Despite updates aimed at fixing numerous problems, the collaboration with Hitman has been postponed, and there are rumors that the staff at Build A Rocket Boy could be facing job cuts.

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2025-08-07 00:12