Electronic Arts, Illumination Entertainment and Universal Partnerships & Licensing have joined forces to bring the Minions and other characters from upcoming Illumination films to life in a series of mobile games.

“Illumination Entertainment creates entertaining and unexpected characters in its blockbuster films, such as the Minions, who are a global phenomenon," says Frank Gibeau, executive vice president, EA Mobile. "EA is excited to partner with Illumination and Universal Partnerships & Licensing to bring these delightful characters to life for millions of fans on mobile devices. This incredible partnership will help us bring players an unforgettable way to build the ultimate playground for their Minions, with an engaging story and deep and varied gameplay.”

"Minions Paradise," the first game that will come from the collaboration, will launch worldwide this summer. In the free game, players will create their own tropical Minion utopia and take control of a new Minion named Phil.

“We, and our world-class filmmaking partners at Illumination, are thrilled to team with EA, a clear industry leader in digital and mobile entertainment,” says Vince Klaseus, president, brand development, NBCUniversal. “The Minions have entertained audiences across the globe since they were first introduced in 2010’s Despicable Me, and this new mobile gaming content will engage players by allowing them to build their own paradise alongside the Minions on the world’s most ubiquitous and accessible devices.”