Independent game developer secures funds for new project following acquisition of rights from Sega
Amplitude Studios, the Paris-based video game developer renowned for its popular 'Endless' series, is making waves in the industry after securing its independence from Sega in 2024. The studio, founded by former Ubisoft workers, has recently announced an early-access version of 'Endless Legend 2' for PC, as well as a new animated series set in the 'Endless' universe, in collaboration with British production company Passion Pictures.
In May 2024, Amplitude secured a 12 million-euro capital raise, including from French public investment bank Bpifrance and American specialist investment fund Griffin Gaming Partners. This funding will help the studio achieve independent success, as it aims to diversify its projects beyond its successful 'Endless' series.
Jean-Max Moris, the creative director at Amplitude, believes that the studio's community-based development sets it apart from other studios. This approach, known as 'Games2Gether,' has more than two million users and allows the community to contribute to the development process of Amplitude's games.
Amplitude made a name for itself with games bearing the 'Endless' label, including 'Endless Space' in 2012 and 'Endless Legend' in 2014. Each game developed by the studio costs between 10 and 25 million euros to create, and Amplitude has sold 12 million copies of its six games collectively.
Romain de Waubert de Genlis, the head of Amplitude, is days away from releasing an early-access version of 'Endless Legend 2.' Over 300,000 gamers have added 'Endless Legend 2' to their wishlist on Steam, indicating a strong interest in the game.
Going independent has created a sense of 'standing over the abyss' for Amplitude, as there is no longer a safety net if a game fails. However, the studio is optimistic about its future, having approximately one year of runway to achieve independent cruising speed, according to de Waubert de Genlis.
In addition to 'Endless Legend 2,' Amplitude is currently working on an as-yet-unannounced title. The studio is also collaborating with Passion Pictures on an animated series set in the 'Endless' universe.
Sega bought up Amplitude in 2016 with the aim of competing with the 'Civilization' series. However, the industry-wide slowdown after the pandemic lockdowns pushed Sega into trimming its workforce, slashing hundreds of jobs in Europe and selling off Canadian studio Relic Entertainment. Amplitude managed to negotiate its own separation from Sega in 2024, securing the rights to its intellectual property and keeping around 170 staff.
Amplitude's team consists of approximately 50 developers. The studio's 2021 effort 'Humankind' was generally well received, and the team is eager to continue creating engaging and innovative games for its dedicated community.
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