California-based publisher Nicalis has acquired development outfits SuperVillain Studios and Cowboy Color for an undisclosed sum to expand its operations.

SuperVillain is a multi-platform studio best known for its work with Activision on the Tony Hawk series. On mobile it has released titles such as Order Up!! To Go and Transworld Endless Skater.

Cowboy Color is a currently PC-only studio that develops retro-inspired titles. Its next game, Sgt. Saturn, will be the first to be released under the Nicalis name.

Super excited

"We're super-excited about these new additions to Nicalis," said Nicalis Executive Producer and CEO Victor Rodriguez.

"Their creativity and knowledge of the art form will help us to achieve more of our long-term goals."

SuperVillain's team has already been integrated into Nicalis' internal development team, where it is working on a new game. Cowboy Color appears to be continuing to operate under its own banner.