Guru game for new digital venture

Canadian producer Guru Studio has launched a new interactive division to develop original digital IP and brand extensions for existing TV series.

Guru Arcade’s initial focus is developing original games IP including 3D content for Dinopaws (52×11’), its preschool series recently launched on Treehouse in Canada and CBeebies in the UK.

The new arm is headed by design director Ben Stirling and producer Gareth Elliott. Stirling was previously a senior level game designer at Canadian toy manufacturer Ganz while Elliott brings experience from industry giants such as Ubisoft.

“Guru Arcade not only gives us the opportunity to apply that creative input to every cycle and stage of an IP’s development but also to access additional value-generating platforms, especially the crucial area of digital entertainment,” said Frank Falcone, president and creative director of Guru Studio.

Using funding from the Canadian Media Fund’s Experimental Stream, Guru Arcade is currently developing a prototype for its first original digital game for mobile and tablet platforms in 2015.

The Toronto-based venture is also teaming up with preschool broadcaster Treehouse to develop two exploration-based 3D games for Dinopaws.

Guru’s first foray into interactive projects was with Jig Jag Jog, an app containing three mini games based on its own Emmy-nominated preschool series, Justin Time.

To listen to a recent Talking Shop interview with Frank Falcone, click here.