Keywords Studios, a leading provider of technical services to the global video game industry, has recently acquired The Multiplayer Group (MPG), the gaming division of Improbable, in a deal worth £76.5 million ($97.1 million). This strategic move allows Keywords Studios to enhance its ‘Create’ division by incorporating MPG’s extensive expertise in multiplayer game development. With collaborations with renowned gaming studios and publishers, including Activision Blizzard, Bethesda, Epic, and 2K, MPG has established itself as a prominent player in the industry.
Even after the acquisition, the leadership team at MPG, consisting of Andy Norman, Rocco Loscalzo, Vaughan O’Brien, and Roger Cheung, will continue to steer the division. Their extensive experience and knowledge in multiplayer game development will prove invaluable in achieving the growth objectives set for the next two years. To further incentivize and motivate the management team, a management incentive plan will guide their efforts.
Bertrand Bodson, CEO of Keywords Studios, expressed his excitement about the acquisition, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome the MPG team to Keywords. MPG is a business that we have long admired for its high-quality work, blue-chip client base, deep experience in developing AAA multiplayer games, and its use of technology and data analytics.” He also emphasized the significance of this acquisition in broadening their platform and expanding their services, particularly in the specialized multiplayer game development sector, which is witnessing growing demand due to the rise of live services.
As Keywords Studios strengthens its position in the gaming industry, Improbable is redirecting its focus towards the flourishing realm of metaverse development. The company aims to scale its experimental metaverse events and expand its present capacity. In their recent annual report, Improbable highlights the current relevance of the metaverse and Web3 technologies, emphasizing a shift in gaming that will blur the boundaries between physical and digital realities.
Herman Narula, Co-founder and CEO of Improbable, predicts significant growth in the metaverse sector by 2024. He believes that the convergence of gaming, VR/XR, and Web3 technologies, along with the introduction of advanced headsets like Apple’s Vision Pro and the success of Meta Quest 3, will drive demand for immersive metaverse experiences. Gaming companies are expected to integrate metaversal elements into their offerings, presenting new opportunities for brand activation. Furthermore, the consolidation of the gaming and Web3 sectors would strengthen the startup ecosystem, fostering innovation and the development of groundbreaking metaverse applications.
The development of the Web3 ecosystem is on the horizon, bringing unprecedented levels of maturity and stability. Asia is anticipated to play a significant role in shaping the future of this digital frontier, acting as a hub for online communities, digital asset economies, and digital events. The rapidly evolving technology landscape underscores the importance of embracing these advancements and leveraging their potential for growth and innovation.
Keywords Studios’ acquisition of Improbable’s gaming division marks a significant milestone in the video game industry. The incorporation of MPG’s multiplayer game development expertise strengthens Keywords Studios’ ‘Create’ division and positions the company for further growth. Simultaneously, Improbable’s strategic shift towards metaverse development demonstrates their forward-thinking approach and commitment to exploring the future of gaming and digital experiences. As the Web3 ecosystem matures, the gaming industry and its players must adapt to the evolving landscape to stay at the forefront of innovation.