Embracer Group continues to expand its reach in mobile and game development by acquiring three smaller companies.
Embracer announced that it acquired Demiurge Studios, SmartPhone Labs, and Fractured Byte. Saber Interactive, the subsidiary of the Swedish company, is responsible for all three acquisitions.
The undisclosed cost of these acquisitions involves an upfront payment and additional payments based on the performance over the next one to six years. According to the deals, the acquired studios will retain their current leadership.
Demiurge Studios rose to prominence for its mobile titles such as Crazy Taxi Gazillionaire, and Marvel Puzzle Quest. Kurt Reiner, Demiurge Studios CEO, will continue leading the 68-member team, and the studio is expected to generate around $15 million.
“Our search for a partner that would give us the freedom and trust to grow our business has led us to this day. Demiurge fits perfectly into the Saber/Embracer ecosystem, and we have plans for immediate and rapid growth as part of the company”, commented Reiner.
“We are thrilled that SPL is joining forces with the world-class team at Saber. Saber has been our partner for a long time, and we really share their values. I look forward to continue working with the team at Saber on new exciting projects in the future”, said Kharitonov.
SmartPhone Labs is a Russia-based software testing and games development studio that develops games across mobile, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, PC, and VR. The company worked together with Saber on titles such as World War Z for The Switch, and Mudrunner for mobile. SmartPhone Labs was founded in 2002 by CEO and co-founder Artem Kharitonov. The studio host over 100 employees.
“Fractured Byte is an impressive studio that has done fantastic work on world-class IPs in its relative short history. We’re excited to bring them into the fold to collaborate closely together moving forward,” said Andrey Iones, COO and co-founder of Saber Interactive.
Finally, Tallinn, Estonia-based Fractured Byte worked in the development of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 and Borderlands: The Legendary Collection. The studio employs around 50 people, and the deal is expected to be completed by September.
Interestingly, Demiurge Studios and Fractured Byte have also worked with the Borderlands developer Gearbox Entertainment, which was bought by Embracer for $1.3 billion earlier this year.
These acquisitions are coming right after the Embracer Group bought eight new companies last week, including CrazyLabs, Ghost Ship, and Digixart.
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