Jumpship

Jumpship is an independent video game development studio based in Guildford, England, focused on narrative-driven cinematic action-adventure games. Established in 2017 by animator and director Chris Olsen and former Playdead co-founder and CEO Dino Patti, the studio grew around Olsen’s original concept for Somerville. Its work combines atmospheric science-fiction settings, visual storytelling and character animation to convey intimate human experiences within larger events.

The studio’s debut, Somerville, follows a family caught in the aftermath of a catastrophic alien invasion. Developed over five years by a team of artists, animators and programmers, the game uses a wordless narrative and a handcrafted cinematic approach. It launched on PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S on 15 November 2022, including availability through Xbox Game Pass at release. PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 versions followed on 31 August 2023.

Jumpship’s development capabilities include narrative and world design, keyframe and cinematic 3D character animation, and multiplatform production using Unity. Its business centres on developing original intellectual property internally, with full-cycle game creation rather than external work-for-hire production. Its published work spans PC and console platforms, including distribution through Steam and the Epic Games Store.

Ownership and independent reboot

Thunderful Group acquired Jumpship in November 2022, coinciding with the release of Somerville. During that period, the studio operated within Thunderful’s internal development business. Thunderful’s subsequent restructuring led to the divestment of Jumpship in February 2025.

Dino Patti reacquired the company through Dino Patti Holding ApS, regaining control of the studio and its intellectual property. Following staff reductions during Thunderful’s withdrawal, Jumpship began an independent reboot with a smaller operating structure and selective hiring. The company remains active, with its development identity continuing to centre on original games and cinematic storytelling.