Fusebox Games has announced the opening of its new LA studio, led by seasoned writer and producer Michael J. Cinquemani as chief content officer.
Cinquemani will lead on the development of the new studio, including targeting and working with top entertainment companies to create dynamic interactive-fiction content based on studio IP, as well as new, original stories for Fusebox Games. He will also build out the US team, attracting the best talent in the field as part of Fusebox Games’ plans and commitment to becoming an established mobile games studio in Los Angeles.
A veteran of TV writing rooms in various genres with leading networks and studios, Michael has written and produced on shows including Brothers & Sisters, The Vampire Diaries, Jane the Virgin, Awkward and the long-running US soap General Hospital.
With his serialised storytelling experience making him an asset in the growing area of interactive fiction, Michael spent the last six years developing and crafting interactive story-driven content and consulting for multiple mobile games studios. This includes Pocket Gems’ Episode app, and as head-writer on the award-winning story from Jam City, Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, alongside running the game’s narrative team as lead narrative designer.
Working closely with studio founder Wil Stephens, Michael will expand on the current success of Fusebox Games, with mobile series Love Island The Game already being enjoyed by 25 million players globally.
Fusebox Games CEO Wil Stephens, “Michael’s appointment is a core part of our commitment to our players to bring them even more exciting and engaging narrative-based games on mobile. With Michael’s support, we can build on and expand our relationships with TV studios in the UK and US to make this a reality. With his breadth of experience running writing rooms, and mentoring writers and narrative designers, he will bring a fresh creative voice and passion for telling compelling stories to our future titles.”
On joining Fusebox Games as chief content officer, Cinquemani said, “I’m thrilled to join Fusebox Games to expand on their existing expertise in the development of narrative-driven, mobile games, with great brands like Love Island, as well as actively seeking out new IPs and creating original Fusebox Games titles. The creation of the Los Angeles studio is our next key step to becoming a leading developer of interactive fiction across the US and UK. Our core goal at Fusebox Games is to entertain, so I’ll be looking for the best storytellers to grow both the narrative team in London and build the new team in LA from the vast talent pool available there. Together we’ll create aspirational stories that give people an outlet to live, love, risk and dream big.”