Virtuos has acquired UK independent game developer Third Kind Games.
Virtuos says the acquisition will enhance its “AAA co-development capabilities and establish a new foothold for Virtuos in the UK.”
The acquisition will not affect the management of the game, as Virtuos says Third Kind, which employs more than 70 people in Leamington Spa, UK, and has worked on games including Fable, Forza Horizon 4 and Sea of Thieves, will continue to be run by its nine co-founders, all of whom previously worked at Activision.
The team is said to be “aiming to double its headcount within two years” in response to “growing client demand for greater flexibility in game development models.”
“We are thrilled to join forces with Virtuos, one of the largest and most recognized video game co-development partners in the world,” said Chief Strategy Officer Rav Tharanee.
“This marks an exciting new chapter for Third Kind Games, which will allow us to continue our growth and take on exciting new AAA projects alongside Virtuos, while continuing to foster the innovative and creative vision that has always been at the core of our identity.
“As Virtuos’ first UK operation, we are proud to play a key role in expanding its global presence and look forward to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in gaming together.”
Previously, Virtuos expanded into Vietnam, Tokyo, Warsaw and Prague, and added real-time visual effects expertise to its roster by acquiring Beyond-FX in Los Angeles, California.
However, a year after launching the Calypte co-development studio, Virtuos shut it down late last year.