Chinese publisher NetEase has purchased a minority stake in UK studio Jumpship.

The Guildford-based developer was set up by ex-Playdead CEO Dino Patti (pictured, main) and fellow co-founder Chris Olsen last year.

Jumpship is currently working on its debut title Somerville, though details on the game are currently thin on the ground.

With the funding the studio aims to double its team size over the next year. It currently employs six staff.

The terms of the NetEase deal were not disclosed.

"Perfect match"

"For me, NetEase seems like a perfect match,” said Patti.

“It's been natural for us to focus on Europe and North America, so we're excited to get a very strong partner in China. It goes without saying that we keep our full independence and that we are now looking for additional talent to join the team.”

Olsen added: "I've been delighted with the early, behind closed doors feedback and we're exploring the potential of that vision. It's crucial to me that we're creating something that helps expand the definition of games and draws people in from outside the medium.

"We're looking forward to collaborating with people who share these fundamental ambitions.”