Tencent is investing an undisclosed amount in Berlin-based studio Yager Development.
It’s likely, though, that the conglomerate is only acquiring a a minor stake in the company. The investment will help the developer continue work on its PvP shooter The Cycle and self-publish in the future. In addition to financial resources, Tencent will lend its expertise in the free-to-play business model.
Spec Ops: The Line, 2012
“Tencent is not only the world’s leading games company but also a prolific investor with a stellar track record. We’re humbled to join the lineup of Tencent partners, which reads like a games industry Who’s Who. We’re confident that this will greatly enhance the scope of our business, not just by getting access to Tencent’s network and resources, but by tapping the vast industry know-how Tencent possesses.”
Timo Ullmann, Yager CEO
Yager is perhaps best known for its 2012 shooter Spec Ops: The Line set in Dubai consumed by sand.
Other projects include 2017 flight-combat sim Dreadnought launched for PlayStation 4 and, most recently, The Cycle that the studio rolled out on PC as an Epic Games Store exclusive in 2019.
Yager is the latest addition to the family of studios, partially or wholly owned by Tencent. Back in early January, the Chinse giant invested in the Bayonetta developer PlatinumGames.
With all of its purchases, now totalling at 13, Tencent has left the creative management in the hands of the original teams.