? Merger
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Texas-based indie game publisher Devolver Digital has announced the acquisition of Croatia-based PC and console game developer Croteam for an undisclosed sum
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Croteam will keep its creative freedom as a Devolver Digital subsidiary, while the acquisition will solidify the long-term relationship between two partners
? Strategic Rationale
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The deal is a logical step in the companies long history of working together. In 2009, Devolver Digital entered the video games industry, publishing its first game — Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter, a remake of the first game in Croteam’s legendary franchise
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Additionally, Croateam supports indie developers through its Croteam Incubator program. This can surely be of use for a publisher Devolver Digital known for its original indie titles. Some of the games released under the program include I Hate Running Backwards, Tormental, and Battle Bolts
? Products
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Croteam is best-known for their FPS classic franchise Serious Sam and philosophical first-person-puzzle game The Talos Principle
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In September 2020, the studio released Serious Sam 4 game, which is now available on PC and Stadia and is expected to be released on Playstation 4 and Xbox One in 2021
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Now the companies are working together on new games in Serious Sam franchise, The Talos Principle 2, and some other original IPs by Croteam and Indie developers from Croteam Incubator program
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The studio has developed its own game engine Serious Engine, which is specifically designed to handle large groups of enemies. The engine has been used in all of the company’s major releases since the original Serious Sam in 2001
SOURCES: DEVOLVERDIGITAL, CROTEAM, GAMASUTRA
