Shiver Entertainment formed by ex-Zynga and EA COO John Schappert

Former EA and Zynga executive John Schappert has opened new game development studio, Shiver Entertainment.

Venture Beatreports that the new Miami-based studio will be financially backed by publisher Nexon and focus on PC, tablet, and mobile free-to-play offerings.

"I’ve had the luxury of working for some great companies and great people and seeing the world from different viewpoints," Schappert said.

"All of that led to what I see as the future, free-to-play. It’s what people want. Tablets and mobile are on a great curve. They enable us to player anywhere and everywhere."

Shiver appears to be part of a recent initiative by Nexon to invest in startups led by notable industry veterans. Along with Scappert’s new studio, the publisher has also backed Greg Richardson’s Rumble Games and Brian Reynold’s SecretNewCo.