Cinematics, an Oregon City-based studio specializing in art and animation for video games has announced its strategic partnership with Issaquah game developer The Amazing Society to help develop their much anticipated Marvel Super Hero Squad Massive Multiplayer Online Game.

The game, which recently debuted at the annual E3 Expo in Los Angeles, is based on the Super Hero Squad franchise that has spawned a wildly popular action figure line and smash hit animated series. The game draws upon the 5,000+ iconic heroes and villains in the Marvel Universe and offers players the chance to team-up with friends as they engage in exhilarating combat, show off their decked-out squad in the game’s social spaces, collect thousands of items, and explore interactive environments based on classic and new Marvel worlds.

The Oregon City studio is developing illustrations, concepts and environment art for the family-friendly massive multiplayer online game.

“We see the fine artists at Cinematics as our extended team, not just a vendor. They have shown unflagging and nearly maniacal commitment to quality.” Says Jay Minn, Director of Games for The Amazing Society. “As our project load grows here at The Amazing Society, we look forward to expanding our relationship in the years to come.”

“Cinematics is a superb team, and it’s a pleasure to be working with them.” Says Amazing Society Producer, Ellen Beeman. “Their great talent and enthusiasm make them a wonderful partner for us as we’re creating Super Hero Squad Online.”

Cinematics made local news for their involvement in A Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian for Eugene game developer Pipeworks less than two years ago.  Since then they have grown into a 20 plus person studio with a wide array of disciplines to complement their original core team of animators. The team has also earned praise for their work on the hit episodic series, Tales of Monkey Island and Sam and Max with Bay Area game company, Telltale Games. The recent growth has prompted Cinematics to relocate to a larger office space where they can accommodate the team size needed for projects such as Marvel Super Hero Squad Online.

“It’s continuing partnerships with companies like The Amazing Society that allows us to grow with stability and create local jobs in one of the worst recessions in history.” Says Paul Culp, Studio Director for Cinematics. “These long term relationships have been and continue to be the foundation of our studio.”

Although video game focused, Cinematics is the latest addition to a growing hub of animation companies such as Bent Image Labs and Laika, to call the Portland-area their home.

Cinematics is a subsidiary of funnelbox inc. a film and multimedia production studio located in downtown Oregon City. funnelbox was recently awarded the 8^th fastest growing companies in Oregon, by the Portland Business Journal.