Smilegate Signs Publishing Deal for New Triple-A Title with Upside Ventures

Expanding Partnership with Former GTA Director Dan Houser
Smilegate Invests in Game Development and Targets Global Market

On August 7, Smilegate announced that it had signed a global publishing agreement with Upside Ventures for a new triple-A (blockbuster-level) game.

Smilegate and Upside Ventures. Photo by Smilegate

Upside Ventures is a studio founded by Dan Houser, who previously served as the creative director for the crime action game franchise "Grand Theft Auto (GTA)" at the renowned North American game company Rockstar Games.

Upside Ventures is currently developing a science fiction (SF) open-world action-adventure game based on the "A Better Paradise (ABP)" universe.

ABP is an expansive universe created by Upside Ventures, and an audio drama series based on it reached No. 1 in the fiction category on Apple Podcasts. A novel adaptation is also scheduled for publication in October.

The ABP-based game is currently in the early stages of development, with veteran developers from globally recognized studios such as Bungie, Treyarch, Respawn, Insomniac, and Riot Games participating in the project.

Last year, Smilegate made a strategic investment in Upside Ventures and secured partnership opportunities.

Founder Dan Houser stated, "I am delighted to embark on this journey with the outstanding team that has come together at Upside Ventures for a new challenge, and I am grateful to partner with Smilegate, which truly understands and wholeheartedly supports our vision."

Kwon Hyukbin, founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Smilegate Group, said, "It is very meaningful to share not only our visions but also a deep friendship with my friend Dan Houser, with whom I have connected over the shared themes of games and the future. We will present a title that will inspire game fans around the world."