FTS: Smilegate to Publish Absurd Ventures' AAA Open-World "A BETTER PARADISE" Game

 

Smilegate to Publish Absurd Ventures’ AAA Open-World Game Set in the A BETTER PARADISE Universe

 Smilegate expands partnership with former GTA creative director Dan Houser for global AAA publishing

New game set in A BETTER PARADISE universe in development, funded by Smilegate

August 6, 2025 – Smilegate today announced that it has signed an agreement with Dan Houser’s Absurd Ventures to globally publish the studio’s upcoming AAA, open-world, sci-fi action-adventure game, set in its mind-bending A BETTER PARADISE universe. The partnership follows Smilegate’s strategic investment in Absurd Ventures, announced last year.

A BETTER PARADISE is an expansive universe created by Absurd Ventures, the company founded by Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser, the former creative director and lead writer of the GRAND THEFT AUTO and RED DEAD REDEMPTION franchises, among others. Building on the studio’s talent for crafting incredible narrative worlds and characters, A BETTER PARADISE has already spawned a hit audio fiction series, A BETTER PARADISE Volume One: An Aftermath, which debuted at the top of Apple’s Fiction charts and won the 2024 Signal Award for Best Episode of Scripted Fiction. Absurd Ventures is also releasing a novelization of the first volume of A BETTER PARADISE’s story, due out in October 2025.

Currently in early development, the video game is being written and creative directed by Houser alongside his worldbuilding and creative team which includes longtime collaborators Lazlow, and Michael Unsworth. The game’s development at Absurd Ventures is being led by veteran studio head Greg Borrud who was previously General Manager of Niantic and co-founder of Pandemic Studios. Houser and Borrud have been building an elite team at Absurd Ventures studios and the A BETTER PARADISE game project boasts senior game development talent with previous experience from Bungie, Treyarch, Respawn, Insomniac, Riot, and more, with lead credits on best-in-class action and adventure games such as Call of Duty, Destiny 2, Valorant, Spider-Man 2, Hogwarts Legacy, and many others.

With a top-tier development team, Absurd is officially in development on this new AAA game, driven by an ambitious and exciting creative vision. The company expects Smilegate’s expertise and experience, as proven by its success in the global gaming industry, to bring strong synergy to their strategic publishing partnership. Following its equity investment in Absurd Ventures last year, Smilegate plans to make a full-scale investment, including development funding, into the A BETTER PARADISE project to help ensure its global success. 

Sung Joon-ho, CEO of Smilegate, said:

“We are thrilled to take on this new challenge in the global AAA game market alongside Dan Houser and Absurd. We are confident that the strong storytelling of the ABP universe combined with the development capabilities of the Absurd team will result in an outstanding title. We are a company with a developer-first DNA and truly understand what development studios need,” he emphasized. “Through our partnership with Absurd, we will fully support the A Better Paradise game project and do our utmost to help create a new title that will be loved by players around the world. Smilegate will leverage its extensive experience and success in global markets to ensure the ABP project becomes a beloved success worldwide.”

Dan Houser, founder of Absurd Ventures, stated:

“Absurd Ventures was set up to tell new and different kinds of stories, and to create what I hope are interesting and compelling original experiences. This new game is an opportunity to go somewhere entirely different and to take players on an entirely new adventure. I am excited to be going on this journey with the amazing team that we are building here at Absurd Ventures and am grateful that we are partnering with Smilegate who really understand and support our vision.”

Kwon Hyuk-bin, Chief Visionary Officer of Smilegate, added:

“Dan Houser and I have formed a deep friendship through our shared interest in games and the future, and I find it especially meaningful that we are now able to share our creative visions through this collaboration on the A Better Paradise project,” he stated. “We’re excited to present a title that reflects the vision we’ve often discussed—one that we hope will deeply resonate with gamers around the world.

Through this joint project, Smilegate aims to grow beyond Asia and become a major player in the global gaming industry.

Absurd Ventures was advised by Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks, P.C. and Fenwick & West LLP in connection with the transaction. Smilegate was advised by DLA Piper.

Support us below!

FTS: Destiny: Rising sets Global Launch for August 28th

The next chapter in the Destiny universe is almost here—and it’s going mobile in a big way. NetEase Games has officially announced that Destiny: Rising, the highly anticipated free-to-play sci-fi RPG, will launch globally on August 28, 2025 for iOS and Android. Pre-orders are live now on the App Store and Google Play.

Set in an alternate timeline before the events of the original Destiny, Rising introduces a bold new saga where players step into the role of The Wolf, a fully customizable Lightbearer. Whether you're a veteran Guardian or a newcomer to the franchise, this mobile entry offers a fresh start with familiar firepower.

🔓 Pre-Order Now & Unlock Day-One Rewards 

Pre-registration is already heating up, with over 5 million players signed up. That milestone unlocks 10 free draws at launch—just for showing up. More rewards will be revealed as the numbers climb, so now’s the time to lock in your spot.

What to Expect in Destiny: Rising

• Classic looter-shooter gameplay, reimagined for mobile
• Dynamic PvE and PvP modes, including six-player strikes and open-world missions
• Playable heroes like Ikora Rey and Iron Lord Jolder
• Relic-based Super Abilities that define your combat style
• Mythic-tier gear and a brand-new weapon class
• First-person and third-person perspectives, with controller support

Whether you’re rolling solo or teaming up with friends, Destiny: Rising delivers the kind of high-stakes action and deep customization that fans expect—now optimized for gaming on the go.

 A New Destiny, A New Legacy 

This isn’t just a mobile port—it’s a full-fledged expansion of the Destiny universe. With a new timeline, new characters, and new threats, Rising invites players to shape a future that’s never been written. And with Bungie’s DNA woven into the experience, you can expect the same polish and narrative depth that made the franchise a global phenomenon.

Until August, Lightbearers—get ready to rise with more from this Developer preview:

Support us below!

Deadzone: Rogue – The Ultimate Summer Co-op Thrill Ride?

(Transmission begins: Space Pod 7, orbiting the gaming galaxy. Snacks? Check. Controller? Check. Let’s talk about Deadzone: Rogue.)

The Perfect Summer Kickoff? Possibly... There’s something magical about finding a game that pulls you in for hours without realizing it. Deadzone: Rogue is exactly that kind of experience. It’s a sci-fi roguelite FPS that throws you into the depths of the ISS-X, a derelict spaceship crawling with rogue machines and deadly threats. The moment you boot it up, you’re in... no fluff, no filler, just pure roguelite action. You get blips of information as you progress, but it isn't presented to you in a fully laid out story in the beginning. Let's dive in!

At $24.99, this game is a steal. But here’s the catch... it’s still in Early Access, and the price might change when v1.0 drops. If you’re even remotely interested, now’s the time to jump in before the final pricing decision is made. The same thing happened with Starnaut. Not sure whether it will increase in price or if they'll change their mind... but I appreciate when developers understand that their game isn't done done so in turn they give early supporters the hook up. This support helps them be able to reach the finishline financially, and just so you know... you aren't obligated to play it ahead of the official release if you'd prefer to wait.

Co-op Gameplay – The Real Test of Skill Solo runs are fun, but co-op mode? That’s where the chaos truly shines. Grab a friend, squad up, and tackle the harder modes together. The game’s difficulty scales beautifully, meaning teamwork is essential. You’ll need to coordinate attacks, share resources, and strategize to survive the relentless waves of enemies.

The fluid movement and gunplay make every firefight feel exhilarating. Whether you’re dodging enemy fire, chaining elemental attacks, or blasting through hordes, every action feels responsive and rewarding. The only thing missing? Rumble feedback in the controller. But hey, the devs are still working on the game and are open to feedback... so who knows what future updates might bring?

Replay Value – One More Run, Just One More Deadzone: Rogue is the kind of game that keeps you coming back. Every run is different, thanks to its procedural generation and deep progression system. You’ll constantly unlock new weapons, perks, and upgrades, making each session feel fresh. The challenge missions add another layer of depth, ensuring that even seasoned players have something to strive for.

And let’s be real... this is the perfect game to lose yourself in. My last session? Nearly two hours flew by before I even realized it. That’s how easy it is to jump in and lose track of time. The controls make this game even better, it doesn't feel stiff... which has turned me off with some games (especially if there is no reason for it.)

Get in While the Getting Is Good Deadzone: Rogue is still evolving, and the devs at Prophecy Games are listening to the community. The FAQ section even hints that the price may change based on how the game performs and player feedback. Similar things have happened with other games, so if you like what you see, snag it now before v1.0 drops.

So, Space Cadets, if you’re looking for a fast-paced, co-op-friendly, endlessly replayable FPS to kick off the summer, Deadzone: Rogue is one worth considering. Grab your weapons, upgrade your abilities, and dive into the chaos... because in Deadzone, survival is the only mission.

(Transmission ends. Space Pod 7 drifting into the next gaming adventure. Snacks? Running low. Time for a resupply at the Space Snack Shack. "Computer"... autopilot to the nearest Space Snack Shack. Time for a nap.)

 + Sophi 

Support us below!

Games + Software + Book Bundles!

Take control with the AJAZZ AKP153 Studio Controller

Nintendo Switch 2: First-Party V. Third-Party Games—A Battle of Pricing and Strategy

As you know, the Switch 2, is on the way! The excitement is palpable. But beyond the flashy next-gen hardware upgrades and features, there’s a different conversation brewing—game pricing. With Mario Kart World launching at a whopping $79.99, we have to ask: Will third-party developers win big on Nintendo’s own system?

For a long time, Nintendo’s first-party games have been the main draw of their consoles. If you wanted the latest Zelda, Smash Bros., or Mario Kart, you knew the price would stay firm—sometimes forever. Unlike other publishers, Nintendo is famous for keeping their games at full price for years, rarely offering discounts. But now, with a potential $20 price gap between Nintendo’s biggest games and major third-party titles, the playing field might be changing.

Think about it—if you’re an average gamer balancing bills, rent, and life’s expenses, that extra $10 to $20 per game matters. A lot. Some players will still shell out for Nintendo’s exclusives, no question. But for others, that price gap might make third-party titles the go-to option. And developers likely know this. If studios like Capcom, Ubisoft, and Square Enix set their prices strategically, they could grab a bigger slice of the market.

Nintendo wouldn't be able to ignore such a thing. Either they’d need to offer more competitive pricing, or find some other way to keep gamers from flocking to third-party alternatives for the most part. Because at the end of the day, money talks. Not everyone can casually spend $80 per game, and if the Switch 2 becomes a third-party haven simply due to affordability, Nintendo might have to rethink its pricing strategy. One things for certain, that would be a win for gamers!

游戏开始！

Support us below!

Games + Software + Book Bundles!