Borderlands developer Gearbox Software is now part of the Embracer Group, the parent company that includes publishing and development studios THQ Nordic, Saber Interactive, Koch Media, Deep Silver and Coffee Stain Studios. Embracer’s acquisition of Gearbox, the Gearbox Entertainment Company, which includes Gearbox Software and Gearbox Publishing, is worth $ 1.378 billion, according to a news release.
Gearbox founder and CEO Randy Pitchford calls the deal not just a stimulant for our company’s talent, but a driving force for the exciting future we have in mind. ‘According to a news release, the deal enables the expansion of talent at Gearbox studios, the creation of new Gearbox studios and expanded partnerships.
During a Q&A session hosted by Embracer Group, Pitchford indicated that the agreement would not affect the development of future and existing games in the popular Borderlands franchise.
“We love our relationship with Take-Two and the 2K Games label, and we are committed to working together through all the well-known and planned Borderlands work we have going on,” Pitchford said. “I expect that we will continue and create new opportunities.”
Pitchford later explained that Gearbox has a relationship with Take-Two where we agreed on certain rights for the exploitation of the IP – the IP is an IP gearbox.
“As the proud publisher of the Borderlands franchise, we are delighted for our partners at Gearbox and this exciting new chapter for their organization,” publisher 2K Games said in a separate statement. “The merger does not change the relationship of 2K with Gearbox nor does our role as 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 game fans around the world. ”
Gearbox was founded in 1999. The property includes Brothers in Arms, Borderlands, Duke Nukem and Homeworld – the latter of which was acquired from 3D Realms and THQ respectively. In addition to three main Borderlands games and a handful of franchise spins, Gearbox is developing a live-action movie based on its loot-shooter series. Eli Roth directs the film, starring Cate Blanchett and Kevin Hart, for Lionsgate.
Gearbox’s publication section has been released Hello Buurman, We are fortunately few, Risk of rain 2, en Godfall.
Embracer Group, based in Karlstad, Sweden, was previously known as THQ Nordic AB. The parent company boasts 57 in-house game development studios and more than 200 franchises, including Saints Row, Goat Simulator, Dead Island, Darksiders, Metro, MX vs. ATV, Kingdoms of Amalur, TimeSplitters, Satisfactory and Wreckfest.
Embracer announced two additional acquisitions on Wednesday: Aspyr Media, acquired by Saber Interactive, and Easybrain, a mobile game developer specializing in puzzle and logic games.