Full Breakdown
Paramount Unveils New Gaming Studio, Announces TMNT: The Last Ronin
6/10/2026, 12:22:24 AM
Core Facts
Paramount Pictures and Skydance Media launched Paramount Games Studio in June 2026, merging their gaming assets—including Skydance Interactive and Skydance New Media—into one unit. President Tony Driscoll, a former Epic Games, Warner Bros., AT&T and Disney executive, leads the studio, with Shawn Kittelsen overseeing creative and production.
Official Statements & Vision
Driscoll said the launch is “not an extension of our business, but a core pillar of our content strategy alongside film, television and streaming,” and pledged to “create exceptional games for every type of player… and build enduring experiences across our Paramount IP.” Kittelsen said games are now a “content pillar alongside film and TV” and a priority since the merger.
Flagship Titles
Flagship titles announced include:
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin – a third-person action-adventure by PlatinumGames, revealed at Summer Game Fest.
- Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game – a 2-D fighting title, the first under the Paramount Games Group label.
- Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra – a World War II adventure starring Captain America and Black Panther, delayed past early-2026.
- An untitled Star Wars game, slated for discussion after the Marvel title.
Development Approach
Kittelsen said Platinum’s pitch emphasized themes and character growth, not just combat, and noted that the earlier *Mutants in Manhattan* lacked sufficient support, prompting a more resource-intensive effort for the new TMNT game.
Regulatory Landscape & Criticism
The studio’s expansion coincides with Paramount’s pending $110 billion Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition, slated to close by September 2026 pending regulatory approval. Lawmakers, activist groups and an industry coalition have raised antitrust concerns. Kittelsen warned against “being just voraciously acquisitive” and over-extending the portfolio.
Verbatim Quotes
> “We are a content pillar alongside film and TV. We’ve been a priority for the company since the merger,” — Shawn Kittelsen, SVP, head of creative and production
> “If you look at the landscape of the industry, the worst possible strategy we could have would be to be just voraciously acquisitive and get too deep into a portfolio of games that we’re not prepared to support, and teams that we are not prepared to manage.” — Shawn Kittelsen
> “This division launch marks a meaningful evolution in how we think about games – not as an extension of our business, but as a core pillar of our content strategy alongside film, television, and streaming,” — Tony Driscoll, President, Paramount Games Studio
> “We are committed to creating exceptional games for every type of player, from casual to AAA, and building enduring experiences across our beloved Paramount IP and original worlds that deepen fan engagement and drive long-term growth.” — Tony Driscoll
