Film producer Bad Robot Productions has partnered internet group Tencent and a division of mass media and entertainment conglomerate Time Warner to form a US-based game development venture called Bad Robot Games, The Verge has reported.
Tencent will act as Bad Robot’s strategic partner, while Time Warner will make a minority investment through game production unit Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment. No financial terms have been disclosed.
Bad Robot will tap its filmmaking expertise and talent to collaborate with traditional game developers on original titles for mobile, PC and console platforms.
The company had already partnered video game producer Epic Games to work on an as-yet-unreleased title called Spyjinx.
Tencent will reportedly own commercial distribution rights in Asia for Bad Robot Games releases. The division will be helmed by Dave Baronoff, who has reportedly directed Bad Robot’s interactive output since 2006.
Hollywood film director JJ Abrams, who co-founded Bad Robot, is also expected to play a role in the new venture. He said: “I am a massive games fan and increasingly envious of the amazing tools developers get to work with, and the worlds they get to play in.
“Now we are doubling down on our commitment to the space with a unique co-development approach to game making that allows us to focus on what we do best, and hopefully be a meaningful multiplier to our developer partners.”