BioWare and Remedy execs form new mobile studio

Lead figures from some of gaming’s biggest developers have launched a new venture together.

Samuli Syvähuoko is the founder of Max Payne and Quantum Break outlet Remedy Entertainment, while Giuliano Cremaschi, Mikko Kinnunen, Juha Matikainen, Tero Teelahti, Didier Pippel and Nick Joore formerly held exec positions at studios such as Crytek, Seriously and BioWare.

They have unveiled Armada Interactive, a mobile developer based in Helsinki that is said to be working on 3D multiplayer titles and technology.

“The cornerstone of Armada’s games will always be true innovation, hence, their first project will be based on a new and revolutionary user experience,” the company said in a press statement.

“This innovative experience is being incorporated into a game with a robust metagame and an engaging intellectual property (IP). This first game will elevate the mobile gaming experience by focusing on unparalleled visuals, synchronous PvP modes, and easy-to-access but hard-to-master core gameplay. The game’s features will also be ideal for eSports.”

Armada, which actually opened last year but remained under the radar until now, has been bolstered by $3 million in its first round of funding.

Among the firms backing the startup is Initial Capital, as well as Index Ventures, PROfounders Capital, Backed, Reaktor Ventures, Sisu Game Ventures, Chris Lee, Reynir Hardarson and Ben Feder.

The Walking Dead: No Man’s Land developer Next Games has also invested in the studio, with Next CEO Teemu Huuhtanen serving on the Armada board.