The New Paramount Games: 'We Are Not Looking to Chase GTA'

Why It Matters

Paramount Games signals a strategic, sustainable entry into AAA gaming, leveraging beloved IP while avoiding the over‑expansion pitfalls that have derailed other media giants.

Key Takeaways

• Paramount Games launches as integrated publishing unit with internal studios.
• New titles include TMNT: The Last Ronin and Star Trek horror.
• Company adopts slow, disciplined hiring rather than rapid expansion.
• Focus on “by fans for fans” development philosophy.
• Aims for cost‑effective AAA, not chasing GTA‑scale budgets.

Summary

At Summer Game Fest, Paramount announced the formation of Paramount Games, a dedicated publishing division that consolidates its internal studios, licensing assets and new development partnerships. The launch is accompanied by two flagship projects – a reimagined Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin developed by Platinum Games, and a Star Trek horror title from the creators of Kronos and Silent Hill – alongside other IP‑driven games such as Avatar Legends and Marvel 1943.

The new unit merges the former Skyance internal studios with Paramount’s licensing portfolio, creating a single business umbrella that will both develop games in‑house and co‑publish with external partners. Executives emphasized a measured growth strategy, hiring incrementally and avoiding the temptation to scale to a thousand‑person studio overnight. Their mantra is to build “cost‑effective AAA” titles, steering clear of GTA‑scale budgets while maintaining high production values.

Sha KDson, SVP of Creative and Production, repeatedly stressed a “by fans for fans” ethos, rejecting the notion of being a soulless value extractor. He highlighted The Last Ronin as a showcase of the company’s pillars – passionate creators, right‑fit partners, and disciplined governance – and noted that Platinum Games was chosen for its track record and genuine love of the franchise.

If Paramount can sustain this disciplined, fan‑centric approach, it could become a serious long‑term player in the video‑game market, complementing its broader entertainment empire and potentially influencing the dynamics of upcoming Warner Bros. acquisition talks. Investors and industry observers will watch whether the measured strategy translates into profitable, high‑quality releases.

Original Description

Today, we speak to the all-new Paramount Game Studios and its creative lead Shawn Kittelsen. In this fun conversation, we chat about the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin game, its horror Star Trek adaptation Shadow Frontier, building original IP, AI scepticism, 'cost effective AAA', whether the impending Warner Bros deal will change things. Plus, we touch upon Avatar Legends and... Jackass.

00:00 Introduction

01:52 Paramount Games

03:37 Warner Bros

04:15 Staffing up

05:09 What's different this time?

07:06 Last Ronin

10:13 Paramount pillars

14:37 AI

19:11 Star Trek

24:29 Original IP

28:20 Avatar Legends

29:47 Live service?

32:45 How many games?

33:55 Cost-effective AAA

35:05 Jackass

36:04 Future

38:09 Speed Round