Supercell hires Niantic veteran to lead AI laboratory

The Supercell announced that former Niantic product manager, Jessica Jung, will be responsible for leading the company's first AI Innovation Lab, located in San Francisco. The news marks a significant step for Supercell in exploring new categories of entertainment and utilizing artificial intelligence.

After leaving Niantic in March, where she led the XR/AI Peridot experience, Jung dedicated herself to co-founding her own AI company with Will Jackson, focused on new interaction models and cognitive well-being. During this time, Jung's team attracted interest from heavyweight investors such as a16z, Y Combinator, and Founders, Inc.

The decision for Jung to take on the role at Supercell was made after discussions with the company's leadership, including Ilkka Paananen and Otto Söderlund. In a post on LinkedIn, Jung explained that Supercell is looking to "push the boundaries of what is possible with AI and build entirely new entertainment categories." She expressed the vision that the company, which revolutionized the gaming ecosystem over a decade ago with innovation in mobile devices, is ready to innovate again with AI.

The AI lab will be built from scratch, with the goal of "empowering developers to unleash their creativity and create new interaction cycles we have never seen before." Jung's extensive experience, including producing TopSpin 2K25 at 2K Games and years as an AI researcher, makes her an ideal candidate for the venture.

Supercell's bet on AI to create "new entertainment categories" is a bold move. How do you think AI can influence the future of game development?