Build a Rocket Boy, the game company founded by Leslie Benzies, announced today that it has acquired UK-based developer PlayFusion for an undisclosed sum. The studio will help Build a Rocket Boy build its collection of in-development titles, according to the latter, by accelerating the studio’s growth. Build a Rocket Boy is currently working on its action game, MindsEye, as well as gaming platform Everywhere and a collection of UGC tools called Arcadia.
Mark Gerhard, CEO of PlayFusion, said of the acquisition, “This next chapter of our combined studios will deliver on that promise as well as disrupt the industry by democratising premium game development. The core team at PlayFusion has been working together for nearly two decades and we are excited to be at the forefront of ushering in a new era of gaming.” The studio is currently developing its squad-based tactical shooter Ascendant, which recently held its open beta.
Benzies said in a statement, “We’ve always admired PlayFusion’s creativity and innovative approach to transmedia entertainment, and joining forces with them will ascend Build A Rocket Boy to our next level of excellence. Our vision has always been to put creativity into the hands of the players and PlayFusion’s shared passion for gaming will help us create a robust offering for our community to seamlessly build their own AAA quality games and create compelling original online experiences soon.”
Build a Rocket Boy raised $110 million in January as part of its Series D funding rounds, with RedBird Capital Partners. This funding went towards building Everywhere as well as launching the studio’s Arcadia tools. Shortly after raising this capital, Build a Rocket Boy laid off an undisclosed number of staff.