everplay group, the Wakefield-based independent games developer, has acquired a 20% minority stake in Super Media Group (SMG) for £2m.
SMG comprises of Bulkhead – an independent Derby-based, first-person shooter (FPS) specialist game developer. The studio has been acquired from Tencent by a newly-formed consortium comprising SMG, everplay and HIRO Capital.
Founded in 2014, the indie FPS titles Bulkhead has developed includes Battalion 1944. The FPS genre is one of the biggest in the gaming sector and Bulkhead has invested in proprietary Unreal Engine tooling with its ‘War Tech Framework’, enabling faster FPS development cycles built around realistic FPS mechanics.
Alongside everplay’s equity investment, the group will partner with the studio on a new title – Wardogs, to be published by Team17. In addition, the group is exploring co-development opportunities for future titles within Team17’s Hell Let Loose franchise.
Frank Sagnier, interim executive chair of everplay, said: “This partnership reinforces everplay’s existing strong position within the FPS genre.
“Collaborating with the exceptional Bulkhead team secures incredible new game content, while our equity stake in SMG speaks to our commitment to a long term relationship with the studio, the FPS genre and the Hell Let Loose franchise.
“The transaction is fully aligned with our focus on growing first-party IP revenues and disciplined capital deployment, while providing a highly attractive return on investment.”
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