Andre Rebelo Aims to Make a Mark in the World of Gaming with JOGO
Andre Rebelo, known as Typical Gamer in the gaming community, is venturing into new territories with the launch of JOGO, a self-proclaimed “super studio.” With an investment of $2 million, JOGO aims to develop custom experiences within the popular game Fortnite.
Already a prominent figure in the gaming world, Rebelo has amassed a staggering 14.5 million subscribers on YouTube. His custom maps, or “islands,” within Fortnite have attracted an impressive 44 million unique players, with a collective total of 200 million plays. JOGO intends to take Rebelo’s Fortnite production to new heights, with plans to expand into original intellectual property.
In an exclusive interview with Variety, Rebelo disclosed that JOGO has been in stealth mode for around a year. The company currently employs over 20 individuals, with Rebelo himself serving as the CEO. Joining him are COO Chad Mustard and CTO Mark Price. The plan is to increase the JOGO workforce to around 35-40 people, with specialized divisions focusing on experimental Fortnite development and talent incubation.
Rebelo envisions JOGO going beyond creating engaging games solely within the Fortnite world. He aims to expand into other realms, such as movies, television shows, and other user-generated content platforms. At its core, JOGO is a gaming company with a primary goal of creating the best possible games.
JOGO has already made significant strides in the Fortnite creator economy. Epic Games recently revealed that it paid out $320 million to creators in 2023 through the Unreal Editor for Fortnite, and Rebelo was among the top earners. Ranking 15th on the list, he garnered over $3 million in total revenue.
While Fortnite holds immense popularity, it pales in comparison to Roblox, a similar game creation platform. In 2023, Roblox paid out a staggering $741 million to its creators. This boom in the gaming industry has sparked the emergence of creator-oriented studios. Pixel Playground, a venture launched by Karl Jacobs and KreekCraft in partnership with Misfits Gaming, and Moonlight Studios, a division of esports firm GameSquare, are just a few examples.
Although JOGO plans to explore games like Roblox and Grand Theft Auto as part of its expansion, Rebelo maintains a special connection with Fortnite. Prior to venturing into island development, Rebelo established his name as a high-stakes Fortnite player. With JOGO, he aims to showcase his business acumen alongside his gaming skills, carving a path for himself in the gaming industry.
Additional facts:
1. Andre Rebelo, or Typical Gamer, started his YouTube channel in 2008 and initially gained popularity by posting videos of his gaming experiences in various titles before focusing on Fortnite.
2. JOGO’s investment of $2 million showcases Rebelo’s commitment to building a successful gaming company that goes beyond just game development.
3. Rebelo’s custom maps within Fortnite have been praised for their creativity and innovation, often featuring unique challenges and gameplay mechanics that set them apart from the standard Fortnite experience.
4. The expansion into original intellectual property indicates JOGO’s ambition to create new and exciting gaming experiences that go beyond existing franchises.
Important questions and answers:
Q: What sets JOGO apart from other gaming studios?
A: JOGO’s connection to Andre Rebelo, a renowned figure in the gaming community, and his expertise in the Fortnite world give the studio a unique advantage. Additionally, JOGO’s focus on creating custom experiences within popular games showcases a commitment to providing players with innovative gameplay opportunities.
Q: How does JOGO plan to compete with established gaming studios?
A: While JOGO is relatively new, its strong focus on user-generated content and engagement sets it apart. By allowing players to create their own experiences within games like Fortnite, JOGO taps into the growing trend of player creativity and customization, which can attract a dedicated and passionate community.
Key challenges or controversies:
One potential challenge for JOGO is maintaining a consistent level of quality and innovation as they expand into other gaming realms, such as movies and television. Transitioning from game development to other forms of media can come with its own set of challenges, including different production requirements and audience expectations.
Advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages of JOGO include having a renowned figure like Andre Rebelo leading the company, which can attract attention and opportunities. Additionally, JOGO’s expertise in creating custom experiences within popular games can set it apart from other gaming studios and cater to a specific audience that values creativity and customization.
One disadvantage of JOGO could be its reliance on a single game, Fortnite, for its initial success. While Fortnite remains popular, the gaming industry is constantly evolving, and the studio will need to adapt and expand its offerings to remain relevant in the long term.
Suggested related link: YouTube gaming stars’ earnings in Roblox, Fortnite
