AGBO, the artist-led unbiased studio began by the Russo brothers of Avengers fame, has appointed sport veteran Pete Wanat as president of interactive know-how.
Los Angeles-based AGBO is the manufacturing studio established by the Anthony and Joe Russo and their producing companion Mike Larocca in 2017 to innovate and advance the following technology of storytelling. The agency has drawn a whole lot of consideration and traders, with Nexon investing $400 million within the agency in 2022.
“AGBO is on the forefront of empowering artists to innovate by incorporating their authentic IP into new types of interactive leisure,” mentioned Wanat, in a press release. “I stay up for leveraging my deep ardour and expertise in gaming to help the in-house groups, broaden the studio’s capabilities, and construct upon AGBO’s tradition of innovation and collaboration.”
Wanat is a dynamic sport manufacturing government with over 25 years of expertise within the online game trade. Identified for his potential to develop critically acclaimed video games, he has labored with among the world’s most iconic mental properties throughout movie, tv, and sports activities. His portfolio consists of main franchises corresponding to Jurassic World, Quick & Livid, Aliens, LEGO, South Park, and Despicable Me, together with quite a few video games with the NFL, NBA, and MLB.
Earlier than becoming a member of AGBO, Wanat served as chief inventive officer at Nifty Video games and beforehand held the position of vp of video games for Common Footage Digital Platforms Group. His profession has been outlined by
shut inventive partnerships with main filmmakers together with Chris Meledandri, Gore Verbinski, and
Christopher Nolan to convey beloved cinematic worlds to life by means of interactive leisure.
Moreover the Russo brothers, different outstanding leaders at AGBO embody Donald Mustard, former Epic Video games government and a pacesetter on Fortnite, and Chris Brearton, former head of MGM Studios.
“AGBO’s masterful method to storytelling and dedication to wealthy world-building uniquely positions us to create revolutionary new interactive leisure,” mentioned Mustard in a press release. “Pete’s unparalleled experience and deep understanding of sport improvement and interactive platforms will permit us to seamlessly combine our characters and tales into new, unforgettable tasks. Together with his management, we are able to create expansive universes that stretch throughout movie, tv, and gaming—providing audiences deeper methods to interact with our tales.”
As head of interactive know-how, Wanat will spearhead the studio’s gaming technique and propel its dedication to immersive digital experiences to new heights. He’ll report back to AGBO’s chief inventive officer, Angela Russo-Otstot.
“Right this moment’s announcement displays AGBO’s dedication to pioneering the way forward for storytelling,” mentioned
Russo-Otstot at AGBO, in a press release. “Pete is a visionary within the gaming trade, and we’re thrilled to welcome him as a key member of our crew. His experience will improve our potential to leverage AGBO’s unified asset pipeline, empowering us to create seamless narratives and experiences that bridge each linear and interactive mediums.”
AGBO additionally not too long ago added Dominic Hughes as its chief scientific officer. Hughes is a visiting scholar in
the Logic Group on the College of California-Berkeley and most not too long ago spearheaded quite a few AI
initiatives at Apple.
Amongst Wanat’s tasks are Scarface: The World is Yours, Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay, Ghostbusters: The Video Recreation, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Jurassic Park, The Factor, and NBA Jam.
Amid the continued evolution and progress of the digital world, the enlargement of AGBO’s in-house interactive crew additional positions the studio for fulfillment because the premier vacation spot for artist-led international storytelling throughout numerous codecs.
AGBO’s founders have delivered 14 international No. 1 openings and over $7 billion in field workplace, together with Avengers: Endgame, Marvel’s highest-grossing movie. All the things In all places All at As soon as received seven Academy Awards, together with Greatest Image, whereas The Grey Man and Extraction rank amongst Netflix’s largest hits. AGBO’s Citadel universe has expanded globally, with Citadel: Diana and Citadel: Honey Bunny turning into prime Prime Video originals.
AGBO not too long ago wrapped The Bluff for Amazon MGM, and Citadel Season 2 is at the moment in post-production. AGBO can be producing Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027) with Marvel, with the Russo Brothers set to direct.
