MIAM! Animation Expands Into Gaming: A New Era for Transmedia Storytelling

As the French production powerhouse MIAM! marks a decade of independent animation, it is making a strategic pivot that reflects the broader evolution of the entertainment industry. The company recently announced the launch of MIAM! games, a dedicated division designed to translate its flagship intellectual properties (IPs) into premium, family-oriented video game experiences. This move marks a significant expansion for the studio, which has spent the last ten years refining its model of real-time 3D production and international distribution.

From Animation to Interactive Play

Founded in 2016 by CEO Hanna Mouchez, MIAM! has carved out a niche by leveraging real-time 3D software, specifically Unreal and Unity, to streamline its animation pipeline. By utilizing shared assets and a unified technological infrastructure, the studio has maintained an agile workflow that now serves as the foundation for its foray into gaming. According to the studio’s leadership, this transition is a natural progression of its transmedia strategy, aimed at extending the lifecycle of its existing brands while diversifying revenue streams.

The studio’s commitment to “cozy,” non-violent gaming experiences aligns with its established editorial values. By focusing on accessible gameplay, MIAM! aims to create a bridge between the screen and the controller, ensuring that its digital offerings remain as trustworthy for parents as they are engaging for children.

Upcoming Titles and Future Roadmap

MIAM! games is currently deep in development on two primary titles, both rooted in the company’s most successful animated franchises. These projects represent the studio’s ambition to create immersive, narrative-driven experiences:

• The Tinies: Craft Family: Based on the 3D preschool series The Tinies, this title aims to bring the show’s signature comedy and world-building into an interactive format.
• Edmond and Lucy: Thing’s Journey: Adapted from the internationally acclaimed series Edmond and Lucy, this project is designed to capture the nature-focused, adventurous spirit of the original animation.

Both titles are currently slated for release between 2027, and 2028. Ahead of these major launches, the studio has already begun testing the waters with smaller interactive experiences, including WebGL games that introduce audiences to the mechanics and aesthetics of their digital universes.

Why This Matters for the Industry

The rise of MIAM! games is a microcosm of a larger trend in the entertainment sector: the “gamification” of animated IP. As streaming services and traditional broadcasters look for ways to deepen audience engagement, studios are increasingly moving away from passive viewing models toward integrated, multi-platform ecosystems. By controlling the entire production process—from the initial animation to the final game code—MIAM! is positioning itself to capitalize on the growing intersection of gaming and family entertainment habits.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Diversification: MIAM! is evolving from a pure-play animation studio into a transmedia entertainment group.
• Technological Synergy: The use of real-time 3D engines like Unreal and Unity allows for the seamless reuse of assets across both animation and gaming.
• Values-Driven Gaming: The new division prioritizes non-competitive, “cozy” gameplay, targeting a family-friendly demographic.
• Long-term Vision: The studio is planning a cohesive release schedule between 2026 and 2028, syncing game launches with new seasons of its animated series and potential theatrical projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of MIAM! games?

The division focuses on developing premium, non-violent, and non-competitive video games for children and families based on the studio’s existing animated IPs.

When can we expect the first major releases?

The two flagship titles, The Tinies: Craft Family and Edmond and Lucy: Thing’s Journey, are currently scheduled for release between 2027 and 2028.

How does real-time technology benefit the studio?

By using real-time 3D software, the studio creates more efficient workflows, reduces production costs, and allows for the uncomplicated porting of assets between animated series and interactive games.

As the studio prepares to showcase its progress at major industry events like Annecy’s MIFA and Gamescom, the industry will be watching closely. MIAM! is betting that its sustainable, regenerative approach to production will provide the stability needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.