In a significant turn of events, Jumpship, the studio behind the critically acclaimed sci-fi survival game Somerville, has regained its independence. Co-founder Dino Patti recently reacquired the studio as part of Thunderful's restructuring efforts. Additionally, Patti has also taken ownership of shares in Sad Owl Studios, known for their award-winning indie game Viewfinder. This move marks a fresh start for both studios, with Patti aiming to rebuild Jumpship in an entirely new direction.
A Fresh Start for Jumpship
In the autumn of 2023, the gaming industry witnessed a notable shift when Swedish group Thunderful announced the transfer of all shares in Jumpship to its co-founder, Dino Patti. This decision came as part of Thunderful's cost-saving measures, which led to significant layoffs within the company. Patti, who initially founded Jumpship in 2017 alongside movie animator Chris Olsen, had previously produced hit titles like Limbo and Inside. After Jumpship's acquisition by Thunderful in 2022, Patti continued to serve as a strategic advisor. However, following the recent changes, he now finds himself at the helm of a studio that is currently devoid of employees but ripe with potential.
Patti expressed his excitement about this new chapter on social media, stating that while the road ahead will be different, it presents a unique opportunity to reimagine the studio's future. He emphasized the importance of fostering an environment where creativity and innovation can thrive, particularly in how talent is nurtured within the gaming industry. Patti's vision includes a bold reimagining of storytelling and gameplay, focusing on emotional depth and ambition. He believes that sometimes the most promising beginnings emerge from unexpected yet familiar places.
The gaming community has responded positively to this news, with many anticipating what Patti and his team will bring next. Somerville, Jumpship's previous work, was praised for its beautiful narrative and engaging gameplay, setting high expectations for the studio's future projects.
From a journalist's perspective, Patti's return to Jumpship signals a renewed commitment to pushing boundaries in game development. His emphasis on creating an environment that values and supports creative talent could set a new standard in the industry. As we watch this chapter unfold, it's clear that the gaming world is bracing for exciting innovations from this reinvigorated studio.