Following the merger of Vicarious Visions with Blizzard, Chinese video game giant Tencent, known by titles such as League of Legends i Clash of clans – will acquire a “majority stake” in Klei Entertainment.
If you’re not familiar with this Canadian developer, it’s the studio behind games like this Don’t starve i Ninja brand. Klei Entertainment founder Jaime ‘Bigfoot’ Cheng says Klei will maintain “full creative and operational autonomy in all aspects of the studio, including projects, talent and more”.
In a FAQ on Klei’s website, Cheng explained that there would be no immediate changes in the future about “personnel, projects or other operations.” As for the reason for this decision, it will allow the studio to “not have to worry about finances,” do its “best creative work,” and navigate a changing industry.
“There are some boring accounting changes that we will have to adjust to. Other than that, I will continue to run the studio as before, with no changes in staffing, projects or other operations.”
“Klei has been around for 15 years and over the years we have made many changes to respond to a changing world. Consequently, my desire has been to allow people to do the best creative work, learn and grow, they don’t have to worry. – for finances and to be able to enjoy his life outside the studio. That hasn’t changed. “
“This partnership helps us navigate a changing industry and helps us focus on what we do best: making unique experiences that no one else can do.”
According to a report by Niko Partners via GamesIndustry.biz, Tencent invested in 31 deals related to the gaming industry last year, a new record for the company. It was a “mix of acquisitions, mergers, minor and major holdings and rounds of funding.”
Some of these offerings include a smaller stake in PlatinumGames and a stake in Japanese publisher Marvelous. With 2021 starting, who knows what else Tencent could acquire in the coming months.