Smilegate makes strategic investment in Upside Ventures... Accelerates global market expansion

Upside Ventures, a Startup Founded by Dan Houser, Co-Founder of Rockstar Games

Smilegate announced on the 4th that it will make a strategic investment in the media and entertainment company Absurd Ventures.

Absurd Ventures was founded by Dan Houser, co-founder of Rockstar Games. Dan Houser is responsible for building and creating successful IPs (intellectual properties) that can serve as the foundation for various cultural contents based on immersive storytelling. He also served as the creative director for franchises that have sold over 500 million copies worldwide, including GTA and Red Dead Redemption.

Absurd Ventures is home to game veterans who developed many 'AAA' level franchises such as Call of Duty and Pok?mon Go. They are currently building a new vision through diverse IP universes spanning media including video games, live-action and animated TV, movies, audio fiction podcasts, books, and comics. In 2025, they plan to launch the crime fiction universe "AMERICAN CAPER" as an original comic book series.

Through this agreement, Smilegate has secured partnership opportunities for new IPs produced by Absurd Ventures. Smilegate and Absurd Ventures have agreed to actively leverage each other's strengths and continuously expand business opportunities for sustainable growth.

Sung Junho, CEO of Smilegate Group, said, "Smilegate aims to present works loved by game fans worldwide together with Absurd Ventures," adding, "The partnership with Absurd Ventures will be a very important momentum for Smilegate to advance as a global IP powerhouse."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.