The reveal of Aniimo has already sparked massive buzz online, with its unique fusion mechanics and vibrant open world catching the attention of fans around the globe. But behind this exciting new title is a brand-new studio ready to make its mark: Pawprint Studio.
A New Studio With Big Dreams
Pawprint Studio is based in Hangzhou, China, and is a fresh face in the gaming industry. Unlike many developers with a long list of titles, this team is starting with a bang—Aniimo is their first public project. Rather than playing it safe, they’re diving headfirst into one of the most competitive genres out there: open-world creature-collecting RPGs.
From the very beginning, Pawprint Studio made it clear they weren’t just trying to mimic what already exists. Their approach to gameplay—especially the “Twining” system, where players fuse with their creatures to unlock new combat and traversal abilities—aims to set them apart from the usual formula.
The Voice Behind the Vision: Jovi Zhang
Leading the charge is Executive Producer Jovi Zhang, a driving force behind the studio’s vision. According to him, the team didn’t want to wait for someone else to build the perfect creature-collecting game—they decided to make it themselves. That passion is clearly reflected in every detail of Aniimo’s design, from its vibrant world to its combat systems.
Zhang and the team are focused not just on flashy visuals or trends—they want to build a world players will care about. Every creature, environment, and system is being designed with long-term engagement in mind.
Powered by Kingsglory and FunPlus
Pawprint Studio operates under the newly formed publishing label Kingsglory, which itself is backed by the global gaming company FunPlus. While Kingsglory is a newcomer to the publishing world, it was founded with the specific goal of supporting original, cross-platform IPs that can compete on a global scale.
FunPlus, a veteran in mobile gaming, brings experience, infrastructure, and financial power to the table. With successful titles already under its belt, the company is now expanding into high-end, cross-platform games, and Aniimo is their flagship project under this new vision.
A Clear Message: No Legacy, No Limits
One of the most exciting aspects of Pawprint Studio is the lack of baggage. With no prior titles defining them, they’re free to shape Aniimo exactly how they want. This means more creative freedom, faster innovation, and a chance to surprise players rather than follow expectations.
Aniimo’s development signals a broader shift in the industry—where new studios, supported by experienced publishers, can take risks and break into genres typically dominated by long-standing franchises.
Looking Ahead
With Aniimo targeting a 2026 release and closed beta signups already in motion, the future looks bright for Pawprint Studio. This isn’t just a game reveal—it’s the birth of a potential new powerhouse in creature-based action RPGs.
And if this debut is any indication, they’re not just here to play—they’re here to lead.
