Chinese media conglomerate Tencent has acquired Hong Kong-based video game holding company Leyou, the parent of Warframe developer Digital Extremes and Gears Tactics maker Splash Damage. These two studios will now operate under Tencent’s already impressive gaming division, which comprises other notable outfits such as Riot Games (League of Legends), Funcom (Conan Exiles), and Sharkmob (Vampire: The Masquerade – Battle Royale).
Warframe developer Digital Extremes has acknowledged the acquisition, noting that the studio will continue to operate independently and update its games appropriately based on user feedback. Digital Extremes is also convinced that Tencent will respect its integrity and creative decisions.
“Warframe’s direction will remain in the hands of its development team, which is 100% dedicated to its community,” the developer wrote. “We got here because of you! Our creative goals remain steadfastly focused on expanding on next-generation consoles (Xbox Series X/S), innovating with The New War, forging ahead with intense space battles (Corpus Railjack), and more surprises in 2021.”
Gear Tactics developer Splash Damage has echoed Digital Extremes by claiming that it’ll also continue to operate independently in light of Tencent’s acquisition. Splash Damage Co-Founder and CEO Richard Jolly has shared his excitement, suggesting that the deal will actually empower the studio.
“We’ve always been dedicated to creating team-based games that spark friendships and build passionate communities, and we strive to work with partners who believe in that mission,” Jolly said.
“In our many discussions with Tencent, it became clear that they not only believe in that mission but will do everything they can to enable and empower us to realise it.”
“This is going to be a bold new phase for our studio, with an amazing line-up of ambitious games that deliver on what Splash Damage is all about. We couldn’t be more excited.”