Paris-based game studio Opus Major has raised $10 million in Seed funding to develop a new multiplayer game centered on music. The company, founded in 2023 by Jean-Nicolas Vernin and Pierre-Armand Nicq, aims to integrate music into gameplay, creating a unique interactive experience. The investment round was led by Griffin Gaming Partners, with additional participation from Alven. The studio is currently expanding its team, seeking developers and designers to support its first project, which is expected to offer a preview in 2025.
Opus Major’s approach to integrating music into gaming distinguishes it from other studios that have explored similar themes in the past. Titles such as Guitar Hero and Rock Band previously focused on rhythm-based mechanics, whereas Opus Major aims to create a more immersive multiplayer environment where music plays a fundamental role in gameplay. This concept builds on past industry attempts while seeking to introduce new cooperative and creative elements.
What is Opus Major working on?
The studio is developing a multiplayer game where players collaborate through music to progress in the game. Unlike traditional rhythm games, the project involves forming teams and using music as a core component of the gameplay mechanics. Opus Major’s goal is to establish a universe where music acts as both a storytelling and interactive tool.
The founders expressed their vision for the game, emphasizing their goal of merging music and gaming into a unified experience.
“Our mission at Opus Major is to make the world jam together. We have experienced countless joyful memories while playing music and video games with friends,”
they stated. They also highlighted their commitment to offering a preview of the game in 2025.
Who are the founders of Opus Major?
Jean-Nicolas Vernin and Pierre-Armand Nicq bring extensive industry experience to the company. Vernin, who serves as the CEO, previously co-founded Madbox, a mobile gaming studio known for its wide-reaching success. His earlier career included a role at Gameloft and an involvement in a family business turnaround.
Nicq, the CCO, worked at Ubisoft’s Strategic R&D divisions, where he focused on emerging technologies and gameplay innovations. His experience led him to Madbox, where his concept for a cross-platform game laid the foundation for Opus Major’s creation. Their combined expertise positions them to execute their vision of merging music and gameplay in an innovative way.
Griffin Gaming Partners expressed confidence in the Opus Major team, acknowledging its potential in blending music and gaming.
“Music and gaming are both powerful ways to connect with people, and Jean-Nicolas and Pierre-Armand are combining them in ways that feel familiar yet unique,”
said Pierre Planche, Partner at Griffin.
The studio is actively hiring developers, designers, and creatives to support its first project. As Opus Major expands, it is looking for talent to help refine and develop its game concept, ensuring the project reaches its ambitious goals.
With Opus Major entering the multiplayer gaming space, its approach will be tested against established franchises and past attempts at music-integrated gaming. While previous titles primarily focused on rhythm-based mechanics, Opus Major’s project seeks to create a broader experience where music influences game progression and player interaction. Whether this approach resonates with players will be determined by the game’s reception once it becomes available.
