What the opening of FunPlus’s Lisbon-based Studio Ellipsis means for Portugal’s growing gaming industry
Plus, what to expect from the upcoming Madeira Blockchain Conference
Welcome to the fourth edition of Games From Portugal, a monthly publication that brings you the latest updates and news stories from Portugal's video game development sector and creative industries. This newsletter is brought to you by eGames Lab, a unique e-games development and creative industries cluster in Portugal.
This month, in the wake of news that mobile gaming powerhouse FunPlus is opening its first dedicated game studio in Lisbon, helmed by the former Creative Director behind Assassin’s Creed, we discuss why Portugal has emerged as a major game development hotspot.
With the Madeira Blockchain Conference also right around the corner, we break down what attendees can expect from this groundbreaking event—from cutting-edge panel discussions on the future of decentralized finance and blockchain innovations to exclusive networking opportunities with industry leaders and emerging tech pioneers.
Both of these stories, as well as a look at eGames Lab’s attendance at the Macau International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) and Mobidictum Conference 2024 Istanbul, are detailed below.
Why FunPlus and Other Game Studios Are Choosing Portugal
With over 2,000 employees worldwide, operations throughout Switzerland, Singapore, and Spain, and multimillion-dollar strategy hits like State of Survival and Kings of Avalon, FunPlus has cemented its reputation in the mobile gaming space. As you can imagine then, many heads turned when the publisher announced that it was opening a new dedicated studio helmed by industry veteran Alexandre Amancio.
Speaking on the announcement, Chris Petrovic, Chief Business Officer at FunPlus, said that the launch of Studio Ellipsis “marks a pivotal moment in FunPlus’ journey to become a global powerhouse in entertainment” and lays “the foundation to allow its IPs to thrive across multiple mediums.” While the seeming focus on transmedia is noteworthy, arguably the most surprising part of the announcement for many was FunPlus’ choice of location for the newly revealed Studio Ellipsis—Lisbon, the capital of Portugal.
Traditionally, the most popular location for game studios is the US, which is home to more than 47,000 game companies, including Epic Games, Activision Blizzard, and EA. That’s followed closely by England and Japan, where you’ll find Nintendo, Konami, Capcom, and many others. Portugal, however, is nowhere near as widely recognized for its gaming sector, making it appear to be an unconventional choice.
But if you take a closer look at the facts, it becomes clear that Portugal’s gaming sector is on the rise and holds a ton of promise just waiting to be unlocked. According to Portugal’s Trade and Investment Agency, AICEP Portugal Global, Portugal’s gaming industry is expected to reach revenues of around 258 million dollars in 2024. The number of video game companies operating in Portugal increased from 36 to 114 between 2018 and 2022, with the number of employees rising from 91 to over 500.
Mobile gaming is particularly prolific in Portugal. Around one million people (around 10.6% of the population) are estimated to play mobile games in Portugal, accounting for around 56 million dollars of the overall turnover generated by Portugal’s gaming sector. This likely influenced FunPlus’s decision, given that its portfolio revolves around mobile.
Studio Ellipsis’ Director, Alexandre Amancio, who many will know for his work leading several installments in Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed franchise, must also have recognized this. Speaking to PocketGamer, he said that he was looking for somewhere that had “bootstrap start-up energy” that could fuel creative ideas, and he felt that the best place for the studio to attain that was Lisbon.
But FunPlus is far from the first major video game company to make that decision. Over the past few years, the city has attracted significant investors, including US company Fortis Games, The Gang, OnTop Studios, Phat Fingers, and Testronic.
Many were likely encouraged by Lisbon being named the European Capital of Innovation last year by the European Union. The title was awarded to the city thanks to sustained efforts to support the development of tech startups, such as the Lisbon Gaming Hub from Unicorn Factory Lisboa, a physical hub spread across two floors designed to bring together innovative companies, universities, and other leading companies in the gaming sector to encourage the growth.
Looking at Portugal as a whole, eGames Lab has been making great strides to boost the region's renown among the wider gaming industry. In bringing together 14 companies, R&D centers and public and private entities from across the region, it has built a platform for Portugal’s most talented gaming companies and experts to share knowledge, support each other in driving innovation, raise the region’s profile and ultimately increase investment.
Many members of the eGames Lab consortium have already delivered some fascinating projects, including the augmented reality live sports tool FootAR and gamified meditation-turned-wellbeing platform Chill. There are still more to come too, including Hanno, a third-person action adventure built on Unreal Engine 5.
“The arrival of FunPlus and the establishment of studios like Studio Ellipsis in Lisbon reinforce Portugal's recognition as a true hub of innovation in the videogaming industry,’ says Cláudio Pestana, Project Manager at eGames Lab Portugal. “At eGames Lab, we've been working hard to build a robust ecosystem and promote collaborations that boost innovation and growth in this industry in Portugal. These advances reflect our industry's potential to attract international investment and put Portuguese talent on the global map.”
eGames Lab has also significantly strengthened Portugal’s industry expertise, creating over 110 jobs and setting a solid foundation for growth. With new studios like FunPlus also entering the region, which expects to generate more than 50 additional roles in the next three years alone, the region is well-positioned for lasting success and expansion in the gaming sector.
With increased success, there should be increased investment. Portugal’s gaming industry's annual growth rate is expected to exceed 11% by 2027, and with new studios like Ellipsis coming to bolster Portugal’s gaming prowess, the country’s potential to emerge as a premier hub for developing standout games will only increase as time goes on.
Madeira Blockchain Conference 2024: A Preview of Portugal’s Biggest Technology Event
Now in its third year, the Madeira Blockchain Conference has become a major staple of the tech industry not just in Portugal but throughout the world. This year’s installment alone is expected to attract more than 400 attendees, who’ll be treated to a rich program of activities covering AI, Web3, and blockchain technology.
The conference, which will take place from 18 to 19 November at the Funchal Cultural and Research Center, will serve as a significant meeting point for experts, enthusiasts, and newcomers to the world of blockchain. Here’s a look at what attendees can expect from this groundbreaking event, from expert-led panels and hands-on workshops to networking sessions with blockchain innovators from around the globe.
Insightful Keynotes and Panels by Blockchain Leaders
The conference will bring together some of the brightest minds in the blockchain industry, including founders, technologists, investors, and policymakers. Attendees can expect a series of keynote presentations and panel discussions on a broad range of topics, including digital identity, crypto regulation, marketing strategies, ownership, and more.
Here’s a sneak preview of some of the highlights taking place during the two-day event:
Tommaso Astazi, Head of Regulatory Affairs at Blockchain for Europe, will discuss the European Union’s strategy for crypto regulation.
A panel including Salomé Azevedo, Dotmoovs, and Bin Hu, Macau Science Tech University, will discuss the level of ownership players should have in a video game.
Several innovative new projects will be unveiled, including Consensus Blockchain for the Blue Economy: The Forum Oceano Project by Rodrigo Oliveira and Web3 and Bauhaus of the Seas Project by Prof. Nuno Nunes (IST).
Where art and blockchain are taking us will be discussed by a panel that includes Malcolm Dare (filmmaker and photographer), Nuno Cortesão, and Marco Madruga (artist).
Blockchain Workshops: Learn first-hand from industry experts
For those looking to improve their technical skills, the conference hosts two workshops designed for all experience levels. Each workshop will be hosted by a leading industry expert, who’ll share their first-hand experience and talk attendees through the latest developments in blockchain technology and how to use cutting-edge tools. Everyone who participates in these workshops will also receive an NFT POAP.
The first workshop, hosted by Carlos Faira of fourt.io, will be held on 18 November and cover “From Keys to Passkeys: Improving User Experience with Account Abstraction.” The second workshop, held on 19 November by Andrius Bartminas of EnterpriseGo Digital, will cover " AI-Driven Blockchain Pathfinder—matching blockchain layer ones to your project requirements.“
An opportunity to build new connections
Whether you’re looking to pitch a new project, explore investment opportunities, or exchange ideas, the conference offers a perfect setting to build professional relationships and find potential partners. Over 400 professionals from across the industry are expected to attend, and there will be ample opportunities to connect with them via dedicated networking zones, coworking spaces, and even a post-conference after-party.
Maurício Marques, Co-Founder and CEO of Yacooba, said: “We established the Madeira Blockchain Conference to encourage discussion surrounding technology and its global impact. Blockchain is not all about Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies. It’s a giant leap in terms of our society's organization and its endeavors for the future. Living in a decentralized world will be completely different from where we are now.
“We wanted to create an intimate environment in which developers, startups, thinkers and everyday people can mingle and debate without being pressured by time or stress. Madeira is the right place for it. There’s no rush and, besides the conference, attendees and speakers also have the opportunity to explore this beautiful island.”
eGames Lab takes Portugal’s gaming potential worldwide at MIF Micau and Mobidictum Istanbul
During October, eGames Lab showcased Portugal’s growing creative and technical talent in the video game sector at one of the industry’s most prolific events, the Macau International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF). eGames Lab was joined by several key partners and consortium members—including Yacooba, ACIF-CCIM, FootAR, Infinity Games, PACT, and Solvit—all of which brought distinct expertise and exciting projects to the table.
Together with its various partners, eGames Lab engaged with potential investors, partners, and leaders in digital entertainment, focusing on identifying opportunities for cross-border collaboration. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting a strong interest in the innovative solutions the consortium is developing and reaffirming that Portugal is rapidly becoming a key player in digital technology.
Cláudio Telo Pestana, Project Manager at eGames Lab, said: “MIF Macau proved to be an exceptional platform for expanding our network, learning from industry pioneers, and strengthening the bridge between Portugal and China in gaming technology and digital innovation. We look forward to building on the connections and insights gained from this outstanding experience. Our friends in China can expect us back next year.”
But the MIF wasn’t the only event last month where eGames Lab shone the spotlight on Portugal’s growing potential. The consortium also made its mark at the Mobidictum Conference 2024 in Istanbul, celebrating Portugal’s rise as a promising game development hub and forging connections with game developers, publishers, and investors worldwide.
Marco Vieira, Information Technology Coordinator at the ACIF-CCIM, said: "eGames Lab had the privilege of participating in the Mobidictum Conference in Istanbul, one of the largest events for the mobile gaming industry in the region. At Mobidictum, we showcased several games developed by the consortium, underlining Portugal’s innovative contributions to digital entertainment and gaming technology.”
Updates from The eGames Lab Consortium
RedCatPig is headed to Lisbon for Web Summit 2024, one of Europe’s most influential tech conferences, as a beta startup. It marks a significant milestone for the company, which first debuted as an Alpha Startup at the event five years ago.
Miguel Campos, leader of the eGames Lab Consortium, shared his vision for creating Portugal’s first dedicated investment fund for the gaming industry.
Business & Gaming Stories Affecting Portugal
After conducting an operational review, co-development studio Kokku has laid off seven staff members at its Portugal office. A Kokku spokesperson said the decision was made to align the studio with the firm’s strategic goals and support structured and scalable growth. The Portugal office will continue to operate moving forward.
Allianz Group has chosen Lisbon, Portugal, as the location for its new European Tech Hub, Allianz Services. Lisbon’s growing reputation as a rising star among Europe’s tech hubs is one of the key reasons for the decision. The new hub will harness AI to enhance its service capabilities and keep it at the forefront of technological advancements.
