Anthony and Joe Russo, the renowned directors behind some of Marvel’s most iconic films like Avengers: Endgame and Captain America: The Winter Soldier, have been steadily expanding their creative empire through their independent studio, AGBO. In a strategic move to strengthen their foothold in the gaming and interactive entertainment space, AGBO has announced the appointment of Pete Wanat as President of Interactive Technology. Wanat, a veteran of the gaming industry, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as the Chief Creative Officer at Nifty Games and the Vice President of Games for Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group. His expertise in developing immersive gaming experiences based on popular intellectual properties (IP) like Scarface, Ghostbusters, and Jurassic Park makes him a perfect fit for AGBO’s ambitious plans to bridge storytelling across film, television, and gaming.
In his new role, Wanat will oversee AGBO’s gaming strategy and the development of immersive digital experiences. He will report directly to AGBO’s Chief Creative Officer, Angela Russo-Otstot, who has been instrumental in shaping the studio’s creative vision. Wanat’s appointment is part of a broader effort by AGBO to pioneer the future of storytelling by leveraging its unified asset pipeline, which allows the studio to seamlessly integrate its characters and narratives across multiple platforms. This approach not only enhances the studio’s ability to create cohesive stories but also opens up new avenues for audience engagement. By bringing Wanat on board, AGBO is signaling its commitment to innovation and its desire to push the boundaries of what storytelling can achieve in the digital age.
Wanat’s background in the gaming industry is nothing short of impressive. During his tenure at Universal Pictures, he was instrumental in developing games based on some of the studio’s most iconic IPs, including Scarface: The World is Yours, Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay, and Jurassic Park. His work on Ghostbusters: The Video Game earned widespread critical acclaim, as did his contributions to Scott Pilgrim vs. The World and The Thing. Wanat’s ability to translate beloved franchises into engaging gaming experiences has made him a respected figure in the industry, and his appointment to AGBO’s leadership team is a significant coup for the studio. His deep understanding of game development and interactive platforms will be invaluable as AGBO looks to create new, unforgettable projects that extend its storytelling universe.
The announcement of Wanat’s appointment comes on the heels of other high-profile hires at AGBO, including Donald Mustard, the co-creator of Fortnite and former Chief Creative Officer at Epic Games, and Chris Brearton, the former head of MGM Studios who played a key role in the studio’s sale to Amazon. These hires underscore AGBO’s ambition to become a leader in the entertainment industry by embracing new technologies and fostering collaboration between artists and innovators. Mustard, who joined AGBO earlier this year, has already begun working on new projects that promise to revolutionize the way audiences interact with AGBO’s stories. With Wanat now on board, the studio is well-positioned to take its gaming efforts to the next level.
In a statement celebrating Wanat’s appointment, Donald Mustard praised AGBO’s unique approach to storytelling and its potential to create revolutionary interactive entertainment. “AGBO’s masterful approach to storytelling and commitment to rich world-building uniquely positions us to create revolutionary new interactive entertainment,” he said. “Pete’s unparalleled expertise and deep understanding of game development and interactive platforms will allow us to seamlessly integrate our characters and stories into new, unforgettable projects. With his leadership, we can create expansive universes that extend across film, television, and gaming—offering audiences deeper ways to engage with our stories.” Mustard’s words highlight the excitement within AGBO about the possibilities that Wanat’s appointment brings, as well as the studio’s broader vision for the future of entertainment.
Angela Russo-Otstot also expressed her enthusiasm for Wanat’s arrival, calling him a visionary in the gaming industry. “Today’s announcement reflects AGBO’s commitment to pioneering the future of storytelling,” she said. “Pete is a visionary in the gaming industry, and we are thrilled to welcome him as a key member of our team. His expertise will enhance our ability to leverage AGBO’s unified asset pipeline, empowering us to create seamless narratives and experiences that bridge both linear and interactive mediums.” Russo-Otstot’s comments emphasize AGBO’s belief in the power of storytelling to unite different forms of media, as well as its commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration within its ranks.
Wanat himself has expressed his excitement about joining AGBO and contributing to its mission. “AGBO is at the forefront of empowering artists to innovate by incorporating their original IP into new forms of interactive entertainment,” he said. “I look forward to leveraging my deep passion and experience in gaming to support the in-house teams, expand the studio’s capabilities, and build upon AGBO’s culture of innovation and collaboration.” Wanat’s words reflect his alignment with AGBO’s values and his eagerness to play a role in shaping the studio’s future. With his wealth of experience and passion for gaming, Wanat is poised to make a significant impact at AGBO, helping the studio to achieve its ambitious goals and push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of interactive entertainment.
In conclusion, Pete Wanat’s appointment as President of Interactive Technology at AGBO represents a major step forward in the studio’s efforts to establish itself as a leader in the entertainment industry. With Wanat’s expertise in game development and immersive digital experiences, AGBO is well-positioned to create innovative new projects that bring its stories to life in exciting and unprecedented ways. As the studio continues to expand its reach into gaming and interactive media, Wanat’s leadership will be instrumental in helping AGBO achieve its vision of creating expansive, interconnected universes that engage audiences across multiple platforms. The future of entertainment is increasingly interdisciplinary, and AGBO, with Wanat at the helm of its interactive efforts, is at the forefront of this revolution.
