Lille, France – The French animation studio Ankama is celebrating 25 years of creating digital worlds and immersive storytelling with a special showcase at Séries Mania, the international festival dedicated to television series, running from March 20th to 27th, 2026. The festival will feature exclusive previews of upcoming projects, including a first look at the final season of the beloved animated series Wakfu and offer fans a chance to connect with the creators behind the studio’s enduring franchises.
Founded in Roubaix, in northern France, Ankama first gained prominence with the massively multiplayer online role-playing game Dofus in 2004. The studio subsequently expanded into animation with Wakfu, which quickly became a cornerstone of a generation’s entertainment. Today, Ankama employs approximately 350 people and continues to diversify its offerings, balancing mature themes with its signature humor, according to Pauline Plaisant, the group’s strategy director.
“25 years feels both long and short,” Plaisant said in an interview with ICI 12/13 on March 19th. “We have a remarkably strong regional connection. We initially focused on video games and diversified over the years. We’ve grown and developed a universe with many stories. Since what we love is telling stories, and that’s what we’ll continue to do for the next 25 years.”
A Milestone Season for Wakfu and New Horizons for Ankama
Séries Mania marks a significant moment for Ankama, as it’s the first time the festival has included animation in its programming. Attendees will be treated to the first 10 minutes of the first episode of Wakfu’s fifth and final season. The studio will likewise present a first look at an entirely new project, an episode of Welsh & Shedar, a Franco-Japanese co-production that blends adventure with gastronomy. A new episode of the YouTube series Morshiken will also be screened.
The studio’s presence at Séries Mania extends beyond screenings. Cynthia Leman, the illustrator behind the Wakfu manga, will be holding a signing session on Friday, March 20th, starting at 4:45 PM, coinciding with the launch of the third volume, La Grande Vague. More details about the signing can be found on the Séries Mania website.
Rooted in the Region, Reaching a Global Audience
Ankama’s commitment to its roots in the Hauts-de-France region remains strong. Plaisant emphasized the studio’s dedication to the area, recalling partnerships with local businesses during the production of the 2016 film Dofus. “We are very, very attached to our regional roots,” she stated. “We are really proud to be from the Hauts-de-France region, to be in the city of Roubaix. It was a real desire on the part of the founders to stay and support this connection.”
The studio’s success is evident in the continued popularity of its flagship titles. Dofus, launched in 2004, continues to receive regular updates and maintain a dedicated player base. Wakfu, Plaisant noted, has been a “huge success.”
What to Expect at Séries Mania
Ankama’s participation in Séries Mania isn’t just about showcasing existing properties; it’s about forging new connections and expanding its reach. The studio is leveraging the festival as a platform to unveil exclusive content and engage directly with fans. Details about Ankama’s full schedule at Séries Mania are available on the festival’s website.
As Ankama looks ahead to its next 25 years, the studio remains focused on its core mission: telling compelling stories across a variety of platforms. The studio’s presence at Séries Mania, with the premiere of Wakfu’s final season and the introduction of new projects, signals a continued commitment to innovation and creative exploration.
Fans can expect further updates on Ankama’s projects and future plans following the conclusion of Séries Mania on March 27th. The studio’s website and social media channels will be the primary sources for official announcements.
What are your thoughts on Ankama’s 25th anniversary and the future of Wakfu? Share your comments below.
