Supercell invests $2.8m in 2UP Games
New remote-first New Zealand studio will focus on co-operative games for mobile
Clash of Clans developer Supercell has invested $2.8 million in a new studio, 2UP Games.
The start-up is based in New Zealand, but operates a remote-first model to allow staff to work from anywhere in the world. It represents Supercell's first investment in the area.
2UP Games will specialise in co-operative games for mobile platforms that manage to achieve similar retention to games like Clash of Clans. It is now hiring its initial team.
The studio was co-founded earlier this year by Joe Raeburn and Tim Knauf.
Raeburn was one of the first hires at UK mobile developer Space Ape Games, and was a game lead on Samurai Siege and Rival Kingdoms.
Meanwhile, Knauf previously worked at Weta Workshop and Magic Leap, contributing to the development of titles such as Dr Grordbort's Invaders.
Supercell's developer relations lead Jaakko Harlas said: "It's a privilege to be supporting 2UP Games on their mission to bring players across the world together around co-op gaming.
"Everything we've done at Supercell has show that the ability to co-operate in games excites and engages players like nothing else, and is a key ingredient to building games for the ages."