Zapopan, Jalisco; February 9, 2026.—The Universidad PanamericanaGuadalajara campus is strengthening its ties with the creative industry through a strategic partnership with Halberd Studios, a Mexican video game development and animation studio founded by UP alumni.
This partnership promotes joint projects that bring together interdisciplinary talent and build a bridge between the classroom and the digital entertainment industry.
From the UP to the Video Game Industry in Mexico
Halberd Studios was founded as part of the Visual Effects program at the Universidad Panamericana, an initiative that sparked the interest of Miguel Hasson, the studio’s founder and alumnus of the Bachelor’s program in Communication.
Later, Dr. Jesús Gómez-Romero joined the team, and with institutional support from the National Institute of Technology and Higher Education ( Universidad Panamericana), a project was established that is now a leader in Mexico’s video game industry.
“This project began with a passion to ensure that Mexican video games get the recognition they deserve,”said Dr. Jafet Rodriguez, dean of the School of Engineering and Architecture.
Projects That Showcase Mexican Talent
Halberd Studios' first major project was the video game *Nine Years of Shadows*, a title that combined high-quality music with pixel art, resulting in an innovative game that made a big splash upon its release in Latin America, as it pushed the boundaries of what was known at the time.
Halberd Studios is currently working on *Mariachi Legends*, a project in development that aims to establish itself as a benchmark for quality in the Mexican gaming industry by blending cultural identity with international production standards.
In addition to its own projects, Halberd Studios contributed to the short film *El Lazo de Petra*, released in 2025 as part of Apple’s global “Shot on iPhone” campaign. The project featured pixel art sequences developed by the studio in collaboration with talent from the Universidad Panamericana, and has amassed more than 87 million views on YouTube.
The studio is promoting strategic initiatives such as the creation of a gaming lab and the expansion of partnerships with major brands, thereby strengthening its position in the video game and digital animation industry.
Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Work as the Key
One of the cornerstones of Halberd Studios' success is its interdisciplinary approach. Its team brings together professionals from the fields of communications, engineering, animation, digital art, and programming, creating synergies that enhance the quality of every project.
This connection is strengthened by the participation of Raúl Bonillas, Esq., a partner at the firm and professor in the School of Engineering and Architecture and the School of Communication, who helps solidify the link between students’ academic training and their professional development.
Under this collaborative model, the School of Communication and Design ( Universidad Panamericana ) and Halberd Studios develop joint initiatives in which students contribute their talents in animation and digital production to institutional projects. For the students, this experience represents an opportunity for professional training in real-world settings; for the studio, it means having access to talent that aligns with the institution’s vision and values.
Students interested in collaborating on the study are given clear guidance: to maintain strong and consistent academic performance. Faculty members involved in the study identify outstanding students and encourage their participation in professional projects.
Alumni Pride and Showcasing Mexican Talent
Halberd Studios is a success story in entrepreneurship alumni from the Guadalajara campus of the Universidad Panamericana , showcasing Mexican talent in the global video game and animation industry.
Through partnerships like this one, the institution reaffirms its commitment to well-rounded education, technological innovation, and fostering young talent in strategic sectors such as video game development and digital animation in Mexico.
