Improbable, a renowned metaverse technology company, has made an unprecedented move by selling its gaming division, The Multiplayer Group (MPG), to Keywords Studios for an impressive £76.5 million ($97.1 million). This strategic decision by Improbable aims to propel Keywords Studios’ Create division, as it incorporates MPG’s vast expertise in multiplayer game development. MPG has forged collaborations with prestigious gaming studios and publishers such as Activision Blizzard, Bethesda, Epic, and 2K. With its inception in 2018, MPG has experienced remarkable growth, now boasting a global workforce of over 360 employees. Even after the acquisition, the existing leadership team comprised of Andy Norman, Rocco Loscalzo, Vaughan O’Brien, and Roger Cheung will continue to guide MPG towards achieving its growth objectives with the aid of a management incentive plan.
Bertrand Bodson, the CEO of Keywords Studios, expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating that they are thrilled to welcome the MPG team to Keywords. He applauds MPG for their exceptional work quality, their impressive client base, and their extensive experience in developing AAA multiplayer games. Furthermore, Bodson highlights MPG’s utilization of technology and data analytics as a significant asset. This acquisition marks a momentous milestone in Keywords Studios’ strategy to enhance its platform and expand its services in the specialized multiplayer game development sector, which is currently witnessing growing demand in the realm of live services.
As Keywords Studios broadens its scope, Improbable has strategically shifted its focus towards the flourishing realm of metaverse development. Improbable aims to scale its experimental metaverse events and expand its current capacity. In their recent annual report, Improbable emphasizes the metaverse’s current relevance and the importance of Web3 technologies. The company envisions a future where the boundaries between physical and digital realities are blurred, leading to a transformative shift in the gaming industry. Herman Narula, Improbable’s co-founder and CEO, predicts significant growth in the metaverse by 2024 due to the convergence of gaming, VR/XR, and web3 technologies. Furthermore, Narula believes that the success of innovative headsets like Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3 will significantly fuel the demand for immersive metaverse experiences. Gaming companies are expected to incorporate metaversal elements into their offerings, creating new opportunities for brand activation. The consolidation in the gaming and web3 sectors will lead to a stronger and more innovative startup ecosystem, with companies pooling their resources and expertise to develop groundbreaking metaverse applications.
The horizon holds immense promise for the development of the Web3 ecosystem, bringing with it a level of maturity and stability unseen in earlier phases. The Asia region is predicted to emerge as a significant participant, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of this digital frontier. It is anticipated that Asia will become the hub for online communities, digital asset economies, and digital events, showcasing the vital nature of the rapidly evolving technology landscape.
Improbable’s decision to sell its gaming division to Keywords Studios marks a significant turning point for both companies. Keywords Studios will greatly benefit from MPG’s expertise in multiplayer game development, expanding its services and consolidating its position as a leader in the gaming industry. Meanwhile, Improbable’s strategic shift towards metaverse development positions them at the forefront of an industry poised for tremendous growth in the coming years. With the metaverse becoming increasingly intertwined with gaming, VR/XR, and web3 technologies, the future holds great promise for immersive and transformative experiences.
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