Virtuos, a prominent video game development company, has recently made a significant move by acquiring Third Kind Games, a leading independent game developer based in the UK. This acquisition marks Virtuos‘ entry into the UK gaming market, a region known for its rich gaming culture and history. With Third Kind Games located in Leamington Spa, Virtuos strategically positions itself at the center of the UK games industry, surrounded by renowned titles such as Fable, Far Cry 5, Formula 1, and Forza Horizon.
Third Kind Games was established in 2016 by a team of nine former Activision veterans, each bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. The co-founders, including Darren Bowen, Graham Watson, Rav Tharanee, Tim Dunn, Dan Hughes, John Roxburgh, Mike Nimmo, Nathan Coppard, and Sylwester Zaluga, have collectively contributed to AAA co-development projects such as Fable, Forza Horizon 4, Hearthstone, Predecessor, and Sea of Thieves. With a team of over 70 talented individuals, Third Kind Games aims to double its headcount in response to the increasing demand for flexible game development models.
Rav Tharanee, Chief Strategy Officer of Third Kind Games, expressed excitement about the partnership with Virtuos, highlighting the opportunity to work on new and innovative AAA projects while maintaining the studio’s creative vision. Christophe Gandon, Managing Director of Western Region at Virtuos, commended the co-founders of Third Kind Games for their shared vision and successful track record in the competitive game development industry. The acquisition of Third Kind Games aligns with Virtuos‘ goal of expanding its global footprint and enhancing its co-development capabilities to meet the evolving needs of gamers worldwide.
In addition to the acquisition of Third Kind Games, Virtuos has been actively growing its presence in key markets around the world. With offices in Asia, Europe, and North America, Virtuos has established itself as one of the largest independent game development companies, serving top gaming companies globally. The company’s expansion into new territories, such as Dalat, Tokyo, Warsaw, Prague, and Los Angeles, demonstrates its commitment to offering a wide range of services and staying at the forefront of the gaming industry.
The acquisition of Third Kind Games by Virtuos was facilitated by Aream & Co. as the exclusive buy-side financial advisor. Third Kind Games received advisory support from Level Up, Hansel Henson, and Burgess Hodgson. As Virtuos continues to strengthen its position as a top external game developer worldwide, the collaboration with Third Kind Games is expected to bring new opportunities for growth and innovation in the gaming industry.
Overall, the acquisition of Third Kind Games by Virtuos represents a significant milestone in the gaming industry, showcasing the importance of collaboration, innovation, and strategic expansion. With a shared commitment to excellence and creativity, Virtuos and Third Kind Games are poised to make a lasting impact on the world of video game development.