Former lead developer on Valve’s Steam marketplace Rick Ellis has opened a new studio called Sharkbite Games.

As reported by Geekwire, the developer has raised $1.25 million from SWAN Venture Fund, Alliance of Angels, Puget Sound Venture Club and angel investors.

Previously the studio had been funded by Ellis himself, as well as friends and family.

Sharkbite currently employs eight staff with experience at studios like King, Innospark and Valkyrie Entertainment.

Going mobile

The studio’s debut title will be a casual mobile game slated for release this year.

It’s also working on another multiplayer-focused game targeting midcore users in both the PC and mobile spaces, due for a 2019 launch.

As well as working at Valve, Ellis has worked at companies such as Monolith Productions, Warner Bros., ArenaNet, Motiga and King.