UK based publisher Curve Digital, has signed a deal with Gaumont, the oldest film company in the world and producer of Narcos, to produce a video game based on the Golden Globe and Emmy award-nominated television series.  

Narcos continues to grow in popularity around the world, with season 3 premiering as the most in-demand digital original in the U.S. and one of the top five worldwide according to Parrot Analytics. Available for viewing on the world’s most popular streaming service, Netflix, the show is currently available in over 130 countries.

Kuju has expanded its team with a trio of key appointments as it gears up for work on the Narcos game.

Si Donbavand is joining as Senior Producer to lead the project. Having worked in the games industry since 1996, Donbavand is a seasoned developer, having worked at some of the UK’s best-known studios, including stints at the BBC and as group development director at SCEE.

Prior to this he was heading up the production for Fabrik as well as working with FireSprite in Liverpool. Over the years he has worked on many well known games games such as the MotorStorm franchise, Battlefield: Modern Combat and Filthy Lucre, to name just a few.

Matt Startin comes on board as Art Director, boasting over 20 years’ experience making games for the likes of 343, Ubisoft, Disney, EA, Sega amongst others. As well as art direction, Startin specialises in UI and UX, having recently completed Halo Wars 2 for 343 as Lead UI at Creative Assembly.

Finally, Gav Skinner has joined to lead the project’s design. He boasts extensive experience earnt over two decades at some of the great UK studios, including CA, Rockstar, Sony and Lionhead. Skinner brings his creative and technical skills to the project, honed on AAA titles such as Halo Wars 2, VR Worlds, Red Dead Redemption 2 and the Fable franchise.

“It is great to have been able to attract such talented developers to Kuju at this time of growth for the studio,” said Kuju’s Head of Studios Brynley Gibson.
“Si, Matt and Gav bring new skills and boast a ridiculously high quality back catalogue of games. Developers like this joining our growing team will help us make a truly kick ass game with the Narcos IP.”

The agreement with Curve Digital was brokered by Evolution USA, Gaumont's global licensing agency, assisted by licensing agent Simon Kay at AT New Media.

The Narcos game is being developed by Curve Digital’s sister company, Kuju. and will be released on PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4 and Xbox One in Spring 2019.