|OT| Embracer Group's (ex-THQ Nordic AB) acquistion spree | Koch Media renamed to Plaion, Asmodee to Twin Sails

[prudis]

Deep Silver bought some VR Studio

Embracer Group, the parent company of THQ Nordic, has acquired The Netherlands-based Vertigo Games for €50 million through wholly-owned subsidiary Koch Media, the company announced.

Vertigo Games develops, publishes, and distributes games exclusively for virtual reality platforms, including the currently available zombie first-person shooter Arizona Sunshine and the upcoming action first-person shooter After the Fall.

“Since we decided to focus exclusively on virtual reality gaming in 2013, we have experienced rapid growth with the release of global hit Arizona Sunshine, and we have our most ambitious project to date, After the Fall,” said Vertigo Games CEO Richard Stitselaar in a press release. “The virtual reality gaming market seems to be on the edge of really taking off with the coming together of better, more accessible hardware and more and more high-quality content being released and announced. We believe that now is the time to accelerate and in Koch Media and Embracer we have found the perfect partner to do so together with.”

Koch Media CEO Dr. Klemens Kundratitz added, “We have been monitoring the virtual reality market over the past years very closely. We feel that now is the right time to extend our groups activities into this fast-growing market. I am sure that we are only at the beginning of the technological development of virtual reality and what it offers players around the globe. We are delighted that with the acquisition of Vertigo Games, leading virtual reality experts are joining our group. Together, we will push the boundaries of virtual reality gaming even further, combining our strong global development and publishing network with their specialized virtual reality games expertise.”

Vertigo Games will continue to operate independently under the Deep Silver umbrella, as well as work across the overall Embracer Group to find wider collaboration within virtual reality. The senior management team is committed to stay on for the long-term.

Embracer Group acquires Vertigo Games - Embracer

embracer.com

 

[Ge0force]

Not Deep Silver

 

[prudis]

 

[Ge0force]

This is not good. I repeat: not good.

 

[Deku]

Where do they get the money from? Tencent?

 

[prudis]

Where do they get the money from? Tencent?

iirc the owner is real estate magnate ... .. + you know hundreds of legacy IPs still can generate quite the money in this volume

 

[Deku]

iirc the owner is real estate magnate ... .. + you know hundreds of legacy IPs still can generate quite the money in this volume

Still, I cant imagine where the money is coming from

 

[Mivey]

I still believe this is just a giant pyramid scheme. There's money in gaming, but growing so fast, and with so many devs under your belt can't be a smart idea.

 

[Paul]

Lars Wingefors obviously wants to become one of the largest publishers in the world, take on EAs and Actards of the world. All power to him, I like Embracer much more than those, at least for now. He lets the studios he acquires operate without creative interference.

 

[Pommes]

Embracer Group acquires A Thinking Ape Entertainment - Embracer

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Embracer Group acquires Zen Studios - Embracer

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Embracer Group acquires Snapshot Games - Embracer

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Embracer Group acquires Nimble Giant Entertainment - Embracer

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Embracer Group acquires 34BigThings - Embracer

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Embracer Group acquires Mad Head Games - Embracer

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Embracer Group acquires Sandbox Strategies LLC - Embracer

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Embracer Group acquires Purple Lamp Studios - Embracer

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Embracer Group acquires IUGO Mobile Entertainment - Embracer

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Embracer Group acquires Quantic Lab SRL - Embracer

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Embracer Group acquires Coffee Stain North - Embracer

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Embracer Group acquires Silent Games - Embracer

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Embracer Group acquires Flying Wild Hog - Embracer

embracer.com

 

[prudis]

dayum .... seems like Hogs go under Koch Media (Shadow Warrior devs) and rest of the known ones (pheonix point devs, Pinball/Operancia devs and redout devs) w under Saber Interactive

RHQ Nordic parent Embracer Group has acquired 13 new companies, including 11 game studios. The full list includes: 34BigThings, A Thinking Ape Entertainment, Coffee Stain North, Flying Wild Hog, IUGO Mobile Entertainment, Mad Head Games, Nimble Giant Entertainment, Purple Lamp Studios, Quantic Lab, Silent Games, Snapshot Games, Sandbox Strategies, and Zen Studios.

34BigThings
34BigThings is the developer behind the Redout franchise. The developer and its team of 28 staff based in Turin, Italy join Embracer Group through its Saber Interactive label.
34BigThings will be supported in developing and launching original games on more platforms as a component of Saber Interactive’s comprehensive strategy.
A Thinking Ape Entertainment
A Thinking Ape Entertainment is the developer behind mobile games such as Kingdoms at War and Casino X. The Vancouver, Canada-based studio joins Embracer Group through its DECA Games label.
Coffee Stain North
Coffee Stain North is a game development studio funded in 2013 that has collaborated with Coffee Stain Studios since 2017 on Goat Simulator and developed the original title A Story About My Uncle. Although a partly owned subsidiary since 2018, the developer and its team of 22 staff in Stockholm, Sweden-based join Embracer Group as a wholly owned subsidiary under the Coffee Stain Studios label.
Coffee Stain North currently has a title in production with expected release during 2021.
Flying Wild Hog
Flying Wild Hog is the developer behind the Shadow Warrior series. The developer and its team of 260-plus sta across three studios in Poland join Embracer Group under its Koch Media Group label.
Flying Wild Hog is currently working on four projects together with well reputable external publishers, and will continue to operate as an independent studio in the Koch Media Group.
IUGO Mobile Entertainment
IUGO Mobile Entertainment is the developer behind mobile games such as PvPets: Tank Battle Royale and The Walking Dead: Road to Survival. The developer and its team of 86 staff based in Vancouver, Canada join Embracer Group through its DECA Games label.
Mad Head Games
Mad Head Games is the developer behind the Mystery Case Files and Dark Parables series. The developer and its team of 130 staff across four offices in Belgrade and Novi Sad join Embracer Group through its Saber Interactive label.
Mad Head Games will continue to operate as an independent game developer under Saber Interactive, with continued leadership by its three founders.
Nimble Giant Entertainment
Nimble Giant Entertainment is the developer behind the upcoming Quantum League. The developer and its team of 75 staff join Embracer Group through its Saber Interactive label.
Nimble Giant Entertainment will continue to operate as an independent studio under Saber Interactive, as well as collaborate in their continued focus on developing strong PC and console games.
Purple Lamp Studios
Purple Lamp Studios is the developer behind SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated. The developer and its team of 38 staff join Embracer Group through its THQ Nordic label.
Purple Lamp Studios will work exclusively on titles on THQ Nordic’s behalf, where the two companies are jointly working on two upcoming titles currently in development. Purple Lamp Studios’ focus after the acquisition will primarily be centered around developing games based on licensed intellectual properties.
Quantic Lab
Quantic Lab is a Cluj-Napoca, Romania-based software outsourcing company specialized in quality assurance. It will continue to operate as an independent gaming quality assurance and software outsourcing company directly under Embracer Group.
Silent Games
Silent Games is the developer behind an upcoming series of games in an original universe, with the first game planned for release in 2023. The developer and its team of 30 staff in Tyne, England joins Embracer Group through its Amplifier Game Invest label.
Snapshot Games
Snapshot Games is the developer behind Phoenix Point. The developer and its team of 65 staff based in the United States and Bulgaria join Embracer Group through its Saber Interactive label.
Snapshot Games will operate as an independent studio under Saber, with continued focus on developing premium games.
Sandbox Strategies
Sandbox Strategies is a public relations and influencer relations agency specialized in content creation for gaming and entertainment. Through the acquisition, Embracer onboards an “earned media” group to collaborate on future innovative gaming content creation across the organization.
Zen Studios
Zen Studios is the developer behind Operencia: The Stolen Sun and the Pinball FX series (among other pinball games). The Budapest, Hungary-based developer joins Embracer Group through its Saber Interactive label.
Zen Studios will operate as an independent studio under Saber Interactive, with continued focus on developing premium games.

 

[Ge0force]

Zen Studios

 

[crimsonheadGCN]

Embracer Group secures a new credit facility for M&A of SEK 3,0 billion - Embracer

embracer.com

The new credit facility, together with the potential issuance of up to approximately 39 million B shares under the exisiting authorization granted by the extra general meeting held on 16th November 2020, will enable Embracer to intensify the acquisitive part of Embracer’s growth strategy.

Embracer is possibly coming to get your faves.

 

[prudis]

EMBRACER GROUP TO MERGE WITH EASYBRAIN FORMING EIGHTH OPERATING GROUP

Embracer Group AB ("Embracer")[1], has today entered into an agreement to merge with Cyprus-based Easybrain Limited ("Easybrain") in an all equity transaction for a day one purchase price amounting to USD 640 million on a cash and debt free basis plus a maximum of USD 125 million in additional consideration. The sellers, Easybrain’s senior management, Peter Skoromnyi, Matvey Timoshenko and Oleg Grushevich, will post-closing, jointly become the third largest shareholder in Embracer. Easybrain will become Embracer’s eighth operative group as a wholly owned subsidiary and continue to be led by its existing management. Under IFRS based accounting principles, Easybrain estimates calendar year 2020 revenues of USD 210 million (2019: USD 111 million) and an EBIT of approximately USD 70 million (2019: USD 18 million).

Easybrain is a leading mobile game developer with a core focus on advertising-based puzzle and logic games. Easybrain’s titles have more than 750 million installs to date and 12 million daily active users across 15 live games.

Embracer Group to merge with Easybrain forming eighth operating group - Embracer

embracer.com

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EMBRACER GROUP ACQUIRES ASPYR MEDIA

Embracer Group AB ("Embracer") through its wholly owned subsidiary Saber Interactive ("Saber"), has today entered into an agreement to acquire US-based Aspyr Media Inc ("Aspyr") by merger from the founders Michael Rogers and Ted Staloch. The day one purchase price amounts to USD 100 million on a cash and debt free basis, where USD 60 million is paid in cash and USD 40 million is paid in newly issued Embracer B shares. An additional consideration of a maximum of USD 350 million may be paid under the agreement subject to certain conditions. Aspyr will be a stand-alone entity under Saber Interactive. Aspyr is an independent developer and publisher with more than 24 years’ experience in finding beloved IPs and connecting them with new audiences on all platforms. Through the acquisition, Embracer Group onboards a team of 140 seasoned developers lead by the founders. During the period January – December 2020, Aspyr generated approximately USD 40.6 million of revenues and USD 11.4 million of Operational EBIT[1].

“I have been a fan of Aspyr for longer than I have been in the industry. Michael and Ted are true entrepreneurs that have built a business by identifying and exploiting opportunity where no one else saw it. They are a perfect fit for Embracer and I am proud to now call them partners. Together we will be able to greatly expand our development and publishing activities here in the US. Stay tuned for details on some of the amazing games we have under joint development. Today is a truly amazing day for Saber and the entire Group” says Matthew Karch, CEO Saber Interactive and Director of the Embracer Board.

Background and rationale

Aspyr is an independent developer and publisher founded in Austin, Texas, in 1996 by Michael Rogers and Ted Staloch, who still manage the company. Aspyr got their start by specializing in porting and publishing games on MacOS, working on popular franchises such as Borderlands and Star Wars. Aspyr has a long track-record of consistent, profitable growth and has evolved into a world-class developer and publisher having expanded its’ porting, production and publishing capabilities to include products on Windows PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, and mobile devices.

Aspyr maintains strong and long-standing partnerships with many leading game publishers and IP owners Aspyr has worked with 2K Games since 2006 when the company ported 2K Games’s “Sid Meier’s Civilization IV” from PC to MacOS. Since then, Aspyr has ported over 20 2K games and expansion packs to various devices and consoles. Under a typical porting and distribution agreement, Aspyr incurs the development costs to convert the game and then works with the publisher and distribution partners to successfully bring the game to market.

Aspyr has proven capabilities in all aspects of the game development and publishing lifecycle and has a history of successfully bringing games to new platforms. Through the acquisition, Embracer’s position within asset care is strengthened and builds on Saber’s portfolio of development projects based on licensed external IPs. Additionally, Embracer sees ample room to accelerate Aspyr’s growth by acquiring more licenses, leveraging Saber’s development capabilities while cooperating with other companies within the wider Embracer Group. Aspyr will remain independent under Saber Interactive, with the founders Michael Rogers and Ted Staloch continuing to manage day-to-day operations.

“We are thrilled to join forces with Saber and to become part of the entire Embracer family. We are confident that Embracer is the ideal partner for us as we look to accelerate growth and execute on our exciting pipeline. We have been in the games industry for two and a half decades, but it feels like we are just getting started. We look forward to exploring opportunities to collaborate with other entrepreneurs within the wider Embracer Group to bring celebrated games to our fellow gamers around the world” says Michael Rogers, Co-founder and CEO Aspyr.

Organic Growth Agenda
Aspyr has an exciting pipeline and is looking to build on its’ vast catalogue during the next few years as well as to bring out new content based on multiple licensed IP’s. Aspyr currently has several games under development including one major ongoing game development project with a approximately budget of USD 70 million. that is expected to become an important for the entire group. These development projects will engage more than 200 internal and external developers with the core team in Austin, Texas, and will contribute to Embracer’s release slate in the coming years.

Embracer Group acquires Aspyr Media - Embracer

embracer.com

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EMBRACER GROUP MERGES WITH THE GEARBOX ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY AND FORM A SEVENTH OPERATING GROUP

Embracer Group AB ("Embracer"), has today entered into a merger agreement with US based The Gearbox Entertainment Company ("Gearbox"). Gearbox, based in Frisco, TX and founded in 1999, has been self-funded by the employees from inception. Post-closing, Gearbox will become a seventh operating group as a wholly own subsidiary of Embracer. Gearbox Founder and CEO Randy Pitchford will continue to lead Gearbox, and Randy Pitchford and the employees of Gearbox will jointly become a significant shareholder in Embracer. Gearbox brings highly creative AAA development studios, North American publishing capabilities and a robust IP portfolio, including critically acclaimed and iconic franchises like Borderlands, Brothers in Arms and Homeworld. On a preliminary basis, based on Embracer’s accounting principles, Gearbox generated net sales of SEK 1,037 million and Adjusted Operational EBIT[1] of SEK 417 million during the nine month period from January 1 until September 30, 2020. In calendar year 2019, Gearbox generated net sales of SEK 1,052 million and Adjusted Operational EBIT of SEK 317 million.

The day one purchase price amounts to USD 363 million in total, on a cash and debt free basis, of which USD 175 million is paid in newly issued Embracer B shares (the “Closing Consideration Shares”) and the residual in cash. Subject to fulfilment of agreed financial and operational targets in the next six years, an additional consideration of maximum USD 1,015 million may be paid, of which a maximum of USD 360 million in issued Embracer B shares (the “Additional Consideration Shares”) and the residual in cash. To earn the maximum consideration, USD 1,378 million the accumulated Adjusted EBITDA, including expensed development costs, must exceed USD 1,300 million over six years.

“Gearbox is arguably one of the most creative and valuable independent developers in the world. We believe that the resources offered by Embracer will position Gearbox for continued significant growth in the years to come” says Lars Wingefors, Founder and Group CEO of Embracer Group
“Lars’s vision of Embracer as an allied partner group committed to fueling and accelerating the ambitions of a series of decentralized, successful entrepreneurial member companies while magnifying the collective value and advantages of diversification across the entire group is the most brilliant strategy and design for short, medium, and long-term success in this industry that I have worked in during 30 years. The feeling at Gearbox is that we are just getting started and this transaction is not merely a stimulant for the talent of our employee-owned company, but a propellent for the exciting future we have planned.” said Randy Pitchford, founder of The Gearbox Entertainment Company.

Background and strategic rationale
Gearbox was founded in 1999 and is to date fully owned by Randy Pitchford and Gearbox’s employees. Gearbox operates across two development studios located in Texas, USA and Quebec City, Canada, with a team of more than 550 talents with diversified backgrounds, skills and expertise.
Gearbox Software is a creative developer of multiple original AAA game titles and franchises. The IP portfolio includes, among others, the well-renowned and critically acclaimed games Borderlands, Brothers in Arms, Homeworld and Duke Nukem. The Borderlands franchise currently has three blockbuster installments and the franchise has sold more than 60 million copies to date. Borderlands 3 was one of the top 10 most popular premium games on PC and console in 2019[2]. Gearbox’s first original IP Brothers in Arms was released in 2005 and has since grown into 3 franchise titles and 11 spin-offs. The Brother in Arms series has sold more than 10 million copies to date. Gearbox Software, the game development unit, has developed more than 20 game titles over almost two decades with hundreds of millions units sold combined.
Gearbox Publishing, the publishing unit, has over the past few years established itself on the North American scene, focused on bringing titles from top independent developers to market with recent game titles including Hello Neighbor (2017), We Happy Few (2018), Risk of Rain 2 (2019) and Godfall (2020). In 2019, Gearbox created and launched an industry-leading multi-platform currency cards that can be used for in-game purchases. The currency cards are currently available in USA and Canada, with plans for a broader international expansion. Gearbox has recently also expanded their operations into film and television with three projects under current development; a TV series based on the Brothers in Arms franchise, a feature film based on the Duke Nukem property, and a Borderlands movie in collaboration with Lionsgate.
Through the merger, Embracer onboards one of the leading independent companies within the games industry, with proven experience of creating long-lasting franchises and delivering strong original content. The merger will enable collaboration within Embracer in terms of development, publishing, technology, IPs as well as a platform for further M&A in North America. Gearbox will become the seventh operating group and continue to operate as an independent studio focusing on premium interactive gaming experiences.

Embracer Group merges with The Gearbox Entertainment Company and form a seventh operating group - Embracer

embracer.com

 

[LEANIJA]

Its getting beyond ridiculous at this point

 

[Deku]

Its getting beyond ridiculous at this point

More ridiculous than Tencent acquiring smaller studios, or that Microsoft acquired Zenimark?

 

[Mor]

Embracer is embracing too much

 

[prudis]

i would say the failure of Godfall was perfect timing for someone to get Randy

 

[LEANIJA]

More ridiculous than Tencent acquiring smaller studios, or that Microsoft acquired Zenimax?

dunno, same I guess?

 

[gabbo]

i would say the failure of Godfall was perfect timing for someone to get Randy

Aside from Borderlands (and some smaller IP they could work on reviving - Homeworld, Duke, etc) it's never a good time to get Randy. At least now he has to answer to someone, even if he just got rich and could usb porn drive his way out and still be fine.

More ridiculous than Tencent acquiring smaller studios, or that Microsoft acquired Zenimark?

They're equally ridiculous in different ways

 

[Phoenix RISING]

Aside from Borderlands (and some smaller IP they could work on reviving - Homeworld, Duke, etc) it's never a good time to get Randy. At least now he has to answer to someone, even if he just got rich and could usb porn drive his way out and still be fine.


They're equally ridiculous in different ways

But is Homeworld saved from Tim Sweeney is my question.

 

[unknownhero]

next few years are gonna get crazier with this stuff.

 

[prudis]

In a statement sent to IGN, a 2K spokesperson said: "As the proud publisher of the Borderlands franchise, we are happy for our partners at Gearbox and this exciting new chapter for their organization. The merger does not change 2K’s relationship with Gearbox nor our role as the publisher for the Borderlands IP or any other projects we are currently working on with the studio. We look forward to continuing our long-term partnership with this incredibly talented team and delivering many more exciting entertainment experiences to gaming fans around the world.”

2K Will Still Publish Borderlands Despite Gearbox Takeover - IGN

2K has made clear that it will still publish the Borderlands franchise, despite Gearbox's recent acquisition by Embracer.

www.ign.com

 

[gabbo]

But is Homeworld saved from Tim Sweeney is my question.

I mean, no franchise is safe from him, but it's not like HW3 isn't coming out everywhere eventually, and Shipbreakers is currently kinda HW-y and safe, is it not?

 

[Jav]

But is Homeworld saved from Tim Sweeney is my question.

Embracer gives its divisions almost total independence so it's still up to Randy.

Same happened earlier, THQ Nordic division said no exclusives and releases all multiplatform but Deep Silver and Koch Media are big on exclusives. The higher ups said that exclusives are up to each division.

 

[Phoenix RISING]

I mean, no franchise is safe from him, but it's not like HW3 isn't coming out everywhere eventually, and Shipbreakers is currently kinda HW-y and safe, is it not?

I just underwent a wave of emotions. Elation. Confusion. Anger.

HOW DID I NOT KNOW THIS GAME WAS OUT (in Early Access)?!?!?!?!?!?

Yes, of course because Homeworld is niche in the first place, and then they dropped "Homeworld: Shipbreakers," so, even someone like me who is trying their best to keep track of these things would have missed it.

But thanks for the reminder!!! I'll have to rectify this soon.

Homeworld devs finally making that Shipbreakers game they've always wanted to make - Gaming Nexus

Go to GamingNexus.com for news and reviews on video games, consoles, and PCs.

www.gamingnexus.com

Embracer gives its divisions almost total independence so it's still up to Randy.

Same happened earlier, THQ Nordic division said no exclusives and releases all multiplatform but Deep Silver and Koch Media are big on exclusives. The higher ups said that exclusives are up to each division.

SoThere'sStillAChance.gif

 

[prudis]

 

[prudis]

Embracer Group publishes Interim Report Q3, October-December 2020: OPERATIONAL EBIT INCREASED 100% TO SEK 603 MILLION - Embracer

embracer.com

some snipppets
THIRD QUARTER, OCTOBER–DECEMBER 2020 (COMPARED TO OCTOBER–DECEMBER 2019)

Net sales increased by 44% to SEK 2,168.1 million (1,508.5). Net sales of the Games business area increased by 62% to SEK 1,355.6 million (835.7). THQ Nordic SEK 379.8 million (333.0), Deep Silver SEK 496.9 million (466.6), Coffee Stain SEK 99.2 million (36.1), Saber Interactive SEK 307.0 million (-) and DECA Games SEK 72.7 million (-).

Organic growth in constant currency for the Games Business Area amounted to 21% in the quarter.
Total game development projects increased 56% to 150 (96). Total headcount increased 93% to 5,730 (2,970) where total game developers increased 92% to 4,325 (2,258).


Looking ahead, we now expect the next financial year ending March 2022 to become the strongest in our history driven by numerous significant releases towards the second half of the year. In total, we expect to complete more than 70 premium game development projects with a total completion value in the range SEK 2,500-3,000 million, according to management estimates at the time of this report. This excludes any additions from the announced transactions on February 3 with Gearbox, Aspyr and EasyBrain. Consequently, we now expect Q4, the current quarter ending March, to have lower activity in terms of new releases

Retaining and attracting the best talents are our most important mission to grow our group in the future. We are actively recruiting across most of our studios and grew headcount organically by 20% in 2020. A couple of weeks ago, we announced three transformative transactions when welcoming The Gearbox Entertainment Company, Easybrain and Aspyr Media to the Embracer family. After the closing of the announced deals, Embracer Group will maintain a strong balance sheet with a financial net cash position and approximately SEK 10 billion in cash and available funds to support further M&A.

THQ Nordic had a stable quarter, mainly driven by the back catalogue and evergreen titles like Wreckfest, as well as more recent releases including Spongebob Squarepants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated and Destroy All Humans!. None of the new releases in the quarter had significant commercial impact.

Coffee Stain had another stable quarter, without any major releases or updates in the quarter. The back catalogue kept performing well with Satisfactory and Deep Rock Galactic as the major revenue drivers. Goat Simulator continued to contribute during the quarter.
During the current quarter, I am humbled to see the gamers’ reception of the Early Access release on Steam of Valheim. The game is inspired by Viking culture, developed by our external partner Iron Gate and published by Coffee Stain. At the publication of this report, the game has already sold close to 3 million copies. The commercial impact follows Coffee Stain’s typical partnership with external developers, including a minority ownership in the studio. . The game has greatly exceeded managements expectation and has sold close to 3 million copies.

Deep Silver had a stable quarter, driven primarily by a strong back catalogue that exceeded management expectations with a solid performance of the evergreen franchises Metro and Saints Row-series as well as Maneater.
Milestone performed in line with management expectations, whereas the main revenue drivers in the quarter being newly released Ride 4 and MotoGP20 coupled with a stable back catalogue. Vertigo Games’

Saber Interactive had a solid quarter, mainly driven by back catalogues sales as the quarter did not include any major release. Both World War Z and Snowrunner continue to perform well. During the quarter Saber acquired five studios and one PR agency,.
Saber has a large number of games under development and new ones being added with the large number of acquisitions.

Amplifier Game Invest screens and invests in internationally talented companies in the games industry. The strategy is to give top talented game developers full creative integrity, while offering financial and commercial support. The deal-flow has been good during the quarter. As of today Amplifier upholds 10 internal studios with an ambitious pipeline of game development projects. Amplifier Game Invest’s majority owned studio Misc Games released their Fishing North Atlantic. The launch underperformed compared to management expectations. After the quarter Tarsier studios game Little Nightmares 2 was published external publisher and was well received by its audience. Tarsier studios will, from now on, focus on creating new IPs.
Amplifier Game Invest has continued to strengthen the company’s capacity through additional recruitments during and after the quarter .

 

[Paul]

Yeah that is fascinating. Particularly

Embracer just got started, and will over the coming decades continue the same strategy we started years ago.

Makes me think Wingefors is in this longterm and will not want to sell to any larger corporation.

Embracer Group will maintain a strong balance sheet with a financial net cash position and approximately SEK 10 billion in cash and available funds to support further M&A.

10 billion SEK is 994 million euros. That is a lot of cash.

 

[Wok]

Yes, that is the smile of someone who has earned a lot of money through smart investments:

Dude prefers Apple Watches to Rolex though. I am disappointed.

 

[Pommes]

A podcast episode with some commentary about the acquisitions of the Embracer group:

Grabbing Gearbox and stifling Stadia | Podcast

On our latest podcast, Matt, Brendan and James discuss two of the biggest games industry stories of the past two weeks.…

www.gamesindustry.biz

They are critical of acquisition spree (e.g. they think that it is debt driven).

 

[prudis]

debt driven?
Doesnt the actual report says the opposite? Like i dont really get the stonks part of it ....
but looking at this part few years Embracer goes pretty much the opposite ways of AAA pubs ... aka develop tons of games with massive backlog also selling vs 1 or 2 superbig games that sells gangbusters .

 

[prudis]

smaller one this time

Embracer Group AB (“Embracer”) through its subsidiaries THQ Nordic GmbH and Amplifier Game Invest AB have entered into four acquisition agreements to acquire 100% each of Appeal Studios S.A., KAIKO GmbH, Massive Miniteam GmbH and FRAME BREAK AB. In addition, THQ Nordic is today also announcing that it has founded Gate 21 in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The aggregated day one purchase price for all four acquisitions amounts to approximately SEK 71 million on a cash and debt free basis.

THQ Nordic has made the following acquisitions:

Appeal Studios SA: THQ Nordic GmbH has acquired Belgium-based- Appeal Studios S.A.– the original creators behind Outcast (1999). Appeals Studios was founded in 2018 and is currently engaging 55 employees. The team is currently developing an innovative Open-world sci-fi action adventure that has not been officially announced. See Appeal Studios’ website for further information, Appeal Studios.

KAIKO GmbH: THQ Nordic GmbH has acquired the Frankfurt-based KAIKO – the developer behind numerous technically challenging ports such as in Red Faction Guerrilla Re-Mars-tered, Legend of Kay Anniversary, Darksiders: Warmastered, Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition and most recently Kingdoms of Amalur Re-Reckoning and its upcoming expansion Fatesworn. The studio was founded 2014 and currently engages 10 employees. See KAIKO’s website for further information, http://www.KAIKOgames.com/.

Massive Miniteam GmbH: THQ Nordic GmbH’s studio and publisher, HandyGames has acquired the German-based studio Massive Miniteam. The acquisition is the first one done by HandyGames. Massive Miniteam was founded 2018. The studio is located Pulheim, near Cologne, and employs 20 team members. Massive Miniteam is a motivated and highly creative development team working with HandyGames on several titles. Massive Miniteam will be fully integrated within the HandyGames organization, under the operative group THQ Nordic. See Massive Miniteam’s website for further information, Massive Miniteam | Home.

In addition, THQ Nordic GmbH has founded and incorporated Gate21 d.o.o in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The team will enable THQ Nordic GmbH to have world-class 3D characters using the most advanced character and facial rigs in development projects.

Amplifier Game Invest AB has made the following acquisition:

FRAME BREAK AB: Amplifier Game Invest AB has acquired the Swedish-based studio FRAME BREAK AB. The studio was founded in 2020 and today has a team size of 5 persons. FRAME BREAK will be developing games based on their own IP, focusing on highly replayable co-op experiences on platforms like PC and Consoles. FRAME BREAK, based in Skövde, becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of Amplifier Game Invest AB, joining the ranks of 13 other game development companies already part of the Amplifier family.



Through the Acquisitions, Embracer Group grows to 68 internal studios and more than 7,100 employees and contracted employees in more than 40 countries.

The combined acquisitions will not have any material financial impact on the FY21/22 but Embracer is confident the acquisitions will bring notable value in the long-term.

More details and info will be revealed during Embracer´s earnings call on May 20, 2021.

Embracer Group acquires Appeal Studios, KAIKO, Massive Miniteam and FRAME BREAK - Embracer

embracer.com

 

[prudis]

 

[prudis]

Koch making things more confusing

New publisher label under Koch Media


Koch Media, a subsidiary of Embracer Group, has announced the launch of Prime Matter, a new premium gaming label “dedicated to delivering a range of immersive and diverse games from amazing game development talent all around the globe.”

The name “Prime Matter” stems from the definition of matter with no substantial or pre-defined form of its own, allowing it to morph into various substances without remaining any kind of substance indefinitely. Through “versatility, flexibility, and adaptability,” the label can reform itself to help its partners achieve their potential with their games.

Alongside the launch of the label, Koch Media announced the following 12 titles to be published by Prime Matter:

• PAYDAY 3 by Starbreeze (PC, Console) – 2023
• Crossfire: Legion by Blackbird Interactive / Smilegate Entertainment (PC) – 2022
• King’s Bounty II by 1C Entertainment (PC, Consoles including Switch and Gen 9) – August 24
• The Last Oricru by Gold Knights (PC, Consoles) – 2022
• Encased by Dark Crystal Games (PC) – September 2021
• Gungrave G.O.R.E. by Studio Iggymob (PC, Console) – 2022
• The Chant by Brass Token (PC, Console) – Q2 2022
• Final Form by Reikon Games (PC, Consoles) – TBC
• Dolmen by Massive Work Studio (PC, Consoles) – 2022
• Echoes of the End by Myrkur Games (PC, Gen 9) – TBC
• Scars Above by Mad Head Studio (PC, Console) – 2022
• Painkiller by Saber Interactive – TBC

Additionally, Prime Matter will handle publishing for the following Koch Media legacy titles coming to new platforms:

• Phoenix Point (Console)
• Wasteland 3 downloadable content
• Iron Harvest (Gen 9)
• Outward Definitive Edition (Gen 9)
• Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord (Console, PC)
• Kingdom Come: Deliverance (Switch)

(i guess they will keep Deep Silver name for their first partes and Prime Matter for 3rd parties and legacyports)

 

[Paul]

(i guess they will keep Deep Silver name for their first partes and Prime Matter for 3rd parties and legacyports)

This whole thing is kinda weird. It would not surprise me if they just retired Deep Silver brand and replaced it with Prime Matter altogether.

 

[Mivey]

Makes sense, doubt many non-German speakers could correctly pronounce the word "Koch" anyway.

 

[lashman]

doubt many non-German speakers could correctly pronounce the word "Koch" anyway.

 

[Prodigy]

Is anyone watching this Koch presentation, absolutely crap. It's like no one knows what gamers are wanting from a presentation. I would zoom them for free to help them in the future, because I don't understand how they are doing this shit.

 

[Valdien]

Glad I'm not watching it since I have no interest in them.

 

[d00d3n]

Is anyone watching this Koch presentation, absolutely crap. It's like no one knows what gamers are wanting from a presentation. I would zoom them for free to help them in the future, because I don't understand how they are doing this shit.

The first couple of minutes were so bad that I stopped watching. The host was awful and the production quality was abysmal.

 

[Paul]

Yeah I saw Opal and lasted about a minute before turning it off. Absolute cringe.

Embracer (not just Koch) should do a show for all their subsidiaries, just showing what they can show, and in a completely different - noncringe - way.

 

[prudis]

Embracer (not just Koch) should do a show for all their subsidiaries, just showing what they can show, and in a completely different - noncringe - way.

well gearbox is doing their own today :-D and thats historically always super cringy

 

[Cacher]

Honestly, Nintendo has been doing direct for years and perfected the formula. Other companies' marketing team can just copy their format and no one will be bored to tears.

 

[prudis]

EIGHT ANNOUNCED ACQUISITIONS CONTRIBUTE AN ESTIMATED SEK 2,000-3,000 MILLION IN NET SALES AND SEK 350-550 MILLION IN OPERATIONAL EBIT DURING FY2022/23 - Embracer

embracer.com

• 3D Realms (Duke Nukem, going to Saber)
• Slipgate Ironworks (Graven, going to Saber)
• Digixart (11-11 Memories Retold , going to Koch)
• Force Field (VR games, going to Koch's VR subsidiary)
• Easy Trigger (Huntdown, going to Coffee Stain)
• Ghost Ship Games (Deep Rock Galactic, going to Coffee Stain)
• Crazy Labs (Israeli casual mobile studio/publisher, going under DECA Games)
• Grimfrost (e-commerce and Viking merch)

Embracer Group acquires 3D Realms
Embracer Group AB ("Embracer"), through its wholly owned subsidiary Saber Interactive[1] ("Saber"), has today entered into an agreement to acquire 100 percent of the shares in 3D Realms Entertainment ApS ("3D Realms"). 3D Realms, based in Aalborg, Denmark, is a game publisher with 30+ years of heritage in the industry and the creators of cult game series Duke Nukem. Through the acquisition, Saber onboards an experienced Danish publisher with an owner-led management team that will work closely with the Saber team going forward.


Embracer Group acquires Slipgate Ironworks
Embracer Group AB ("Embracer"), through its wholly owned subsidiary Saber Interactive[1] ("Saber"), has today entered into an agreement to acquire 100 percent of the shares in Slipgate Ironworks ApS ("Slipgate") and 40 percent of the shares in 3D Realms Entertainment ApS. Slipgate, based in Aalborg, Denmark, is a game development studio with long experience in collaborating with leading publishers and IP-owners on a broad range of projects. Through the acquisition, Embracer onboards a strong team with proven expertise in development, co-development and porting.

Embracer Group acquires Digixart
Embracer Group AB (”Embracer”), through its wholly owned subsidiary Koch Media GmbH (”Koch Media”), has entered into an agreement to acquire 100 percent of the shares in the France-based DigixArt from its current owners. DigixArt is a development studio and the creator of “Lost in Harmony”, “11-11 Memories Retold” and upcoming title “Road 96”.


Embracer Group acquires Force Field
Embracer Group AB (“Embracer”) through its operative group Koch Media GmbH ("Koch Media") and wholly owned subsidiary Vertigo Games B.V. ("Vertigo Games"), has entered into an agreement to acquire 100 percent of the shares in Force Field B.V. ("Force Field"). Force Field is a leading VR development studio with a portfolio of multiple award-winning VR titles, including Oculus Studios’ titles “Landfall”, “Time Stall” and “Coaster Combat”.


Embracer Group acquires Easy Trigger
Embracer Group AB (“Embracer”) through its wholly owned subsidiary Coffee Stain Studios AB ("Coffee Stain"), have entered into an agreement to acquire 100 percent of the shares in Easy Trigger AB ("Easy Trigger"), the studio behind the critically acclaimed title Huntdown.


Embracer Group acquires Ghost Ship Games
Embracer Group AB (“Embracer”) through its wholly owned subsidiary Coffee Stain Holding AB ("Coffee Stain"), has entered into an agreement to acquire 100 percent of Ghost Ship Holding ApS and thereby acquires the remaining 70 percent of Ghost Ship Games ApS ("Ghost Ship Games"). Ghost Ship Games is an award-winning studio composed of industry veterans with an established relationship with Coffee Stain.

Embracer Group acquires Grimfrost
Embracer Group AB[1] (“Embracer”) has entered into an agreement with the owners of Varyag Group AB (doing business as Grimfrost) to acquire 70 percent of Varyag Group AB. Grimfrost is an e-commerce specialist and a leading player with a global brand within high-quality Viking merchandise.


Embracer enters into an agreement to acquire CrazyLabs
Embracer Group AB (”Embracer”)[1], has entered into an agreement to acquire 100 percent of the shares in CrazyLabs Ltd. (”CrazyLabs”) from the current owners. CrazyLabs is an Israel-based publisher and developer of hit mobile game Super Stylist and long-lasting casual and lifestyle role playing games. Additionally, CrazyLabs is one of the top hyper-casual publishers. CrazyLabs was the 3rd most downloaded publisher in all of mobile games in 2020 with over 4.5 billion downloads to date and over 110 million monthly active users. CrazyLabs will improve Embracer’s publishing capabilities within mobile, add scale and create additional M&A opportunities. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary conditions including merger control approval. Closing is expected to take place during the second quarter of Embracer's financial year.

 

[prudis]

also Amplifier bevomingh publisher

 

[Deku]

Another day, another acquisitions

Does Embracer own any Chinese studios? We have seen Tencent acquire or buy parts of western studios. But I don't think Embracer has acquired any Chinese studio. Maybe CCP is preventing this from happening...

 

[lashman]

Another day, another acquisitions

Does Embracer own any Chinese studios? We have seen Tencent acquire or buy parts of western studios. But I don't think Embracer has acquired any Chinese studio. Maybe CCP is preventing this from happening...

i don't think it's possible due to laws in China ... i might be wrong, though

you'd have to ask Chairmanchuck

 

[dude]

I work @ Crazy Labs, so I guess we got Embraced (that's a WoD reference for you cool kids)

Another day, another acquisitions

Does Embracer own any Chinese studios? We have seen Tencent acquire or buy parts of western studios. But I don't think Embracer has acquired any Chinese studio. Maybe CCP is preventing this from happening...

We own one studio in China, so they now have at least one.

 

[lashman]

I work @ Crazy Labs, so I guess we got Embraced (that's a WoD reference for you cool kids)

hope you at least get a good payout (or a pay rise) out of this!