A new gaming studio headed by BAFTA-nominated actor/producer Abubakar Salim has signed a dream deal with sector giant Electronic Arts Inc.
Silver Rain Games is a new gaming company with no titles published to date, but Salim has signed a major deal with a division of EA dedicated to supporting indy studios, called EA Originals Label. Under the agreement, EA Originals will provide funding for the up-and-coming studio’s unannounced IP, as well as guidance and support in the team’s journey to bring a fresh perspective to games and to the industry.
“They are a bold new independent studio who will create distinct, innovative new experiences. We look forward to supporting them on this epic adventure they are on and when the time is right, connecting them with a global audience of players.”
The UK-based Silver Rain was co-founded in December 2019 by Salim, best known for his role on HBO’s hit show Raised by Wolves, and Melissa Phillips, who will lead as Head of Studio. Phillips previously worked as the BAFTA Games Program manager on BAFTA Games programs and events.
Salim says the company was launched with the intent to generate thought-provoking and innovative games and content across different mediums of entertainment. Since its inception late last year, the studio has grown to approximately 20 staff members, who all currently work remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In what has been a challenging year, we have assembled an extraordinarily creative and worldly team who are eager to work on projects that bring their global perspectives to life,” said Salim. “Together we will construct an exciting universe that unlocks the power of storytelling and the brilliance that brings.”
The company has not formally announced any game projects publicly, but Salim says getting a deal with EA Originals was key to commercializing the firm’s concepts.
“We couldn’t be happier to work with the EA Originals team, who are phenomenal partners for us as we begin this journey,” Salim said. “Not only does each of them understand our vision to inspire and entertain, but they also welcome this exciting new age of game development.”
His partner Phillips says the first full year of development was spent putting together the team needed to create high-quality games. “We have spent the last year really growing our team and have some exceptionally talented people supporting us on putting this game together,” said Phillips. “I am so excited to see the team grow again and really have the opportunity to showcase the quality of the work they are creating.”
EA isn’t releasing any detail about what the joint partnership is working on, but does say they have high expectations from Silver Rain. “We feel incredibly fortunate to be working with Abu, Mel and the entire team at Silver Rain,” said Matt Bilbey, EVP of Strategic Growth. “They are a bold new independent studio who will create distinct, innovative new experiences. We look forward to supporting them on this epic adventure they are on and when the time is right, connecting them with a global audience of players.”