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Sega buys Demiurge Studios and invests in Space Ape and Ignited Artists

Big push into mobile

Date Type Companies involved Size
February 19th, 2015 investment Demiurge Studios
Ignited Artists
Sega Networks
Space Ape Games
Not disclosed
Sega buys Demiurge Studios and invests in Space Ape and Ignited Artists

Sega’s mobile division has carved another three footholds in the western market by making a trio of strategic investments.

The first is the acquisition of independent game maker Demiurge Studios.

Having found app store chart success already with Marvel Puzzle Quest, the Boston-based studio will still continue to make games under its own name, but CEO Albert Reed will now join Sega Networks as VP of Product Management. He will still also retain his title of studio head.

Light it up

The second investment has gone to Ignited Artists, an independent mobile gaming studio based in San Francisco.

Led by three gaming veterans - Danielle Deibler, Alessandro Tento and Scott Foe – with over four decades combined experience in the industry, Ignited Arts has said it will now benefit from the global reach of Sega’s publishing arm.

The final part of the investment hat trick is a minority stake in Space Ape Games. Sega will now work with the UK-based studio to bring their titles to the Japanese market, attempting to match the company’s previous successes with Samurai Siege.

“We’re constantly evaluating the independent mobile game space for studios that fit our vision of fun, high-quality gameplay experiences,” said Haruki Satomi, CEO of Sega Networks in a statement.

“Demiurge underscores our commitment to investing in the West and complements our current roster of US and European mobile studios, including Three Rings and Hardlight.

"In addition, our strategic investments in Ignited Artists and Space Ape Games solidifies our commitment to publishing quality games across the globe.”


News Editor