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Sega Buys Shoot Many Robots, Marvel Puzzle Quest Dev Demiurge
Sega recently announced a re-alignment of its priorities, putting more focus on mobile and PC gaming. The company, which recently announced major layoffs and a move from its long-time western headquarters in San Francisco, has just acquired a new studio.
The company announced today it has purchased Demiurge, the Boston-based developer behind Shoot Many Robots and Marvel Puzzle Quest. Sega has also announced moves with two other studios that serve its new priorities.
The publisher has purchased a majority share of Ignited Artists, a San Francisco-based start-up working on its first game. The company has also made investments with Space Ape Games, which specializes in mobile and tablet titles.
Demiurge CEO Albert Reed will be staying on, but in a new role. Sega has tapped him to serve as its vice president of product management, while also helming his studio.
[Source: Sega]
Our Take
Demiurge is an underrated studio doing great work. Shoot Many Robots (published by Ubisoft) is extremely enjoyable. It also worked in some in-app transactions in an unobtrusive way, which is no doubt appealing to large publishers.
The company also took the Puzzle Quest formula and adapted it well to the Marvel universe. It’s free-to-play, and has a number of microtransaction hooks, but manages to do so without feeling slimy. Hopefully, the studio will be able to continue doing good work under new ownership.
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