New independent studio Arena SNK launched this week with a large consortium of investors behind it. Erik Feig, formerly an executive of Lionsgate, serves at the studio’s CEO. As the studio’s name might suggest, one of the investors involved in the deal is Japanese video game company SNK and its parent company MiSK Group. MBC Group is another major investor in its network.
According to the studio’s press release, Arena SNK plans to become “a top producer for fans worldwide” thanks to its resources and access to popular IP. To do that, it will create franchises with roots in growing entertainment sectors, including gaming and anime.
Its vision include “blockbuster films and event series across live-action and animation” as well as experiential events globally. Arena SNK also stated it plans to partner with global studios and streaming sites to distribute its content.
MBC Group’s Majid Al-Ibrahim chairs Arena SNK’s board, which also includes Sean Bailey, formerly president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production; Andreessen Horowitz General Partner Andrew Chen; and Charlie Wen, currently CCO of Epic Games. MiSK Group, which acquired SNK in 2022, is a foundation led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia.