SEGA has been hoping to expand its influence in Western markets. In that vein, SEGA recently acquired development studio Demiurge and invested in both Space Ape Games and Ignite Artists.
SEGA’s investments in Space Ape Games (UK-based) haven’t been detailed extensively, but they do outright own Demiurge (Massachusetts-based) and have a majority stake in Ignite Artists (San Francisco-based). According to SEGA CEO Haruki Satomi, “Demiurge underscores our commitment to investing in the West and complements our current roster of US and European mobile studios, including Three Rings and Hardlight. In addition, our strategic investments in Ignited Artists and Space Ape Games solidifies our commitment to publishing quality games across the globe.”
The news might be somewhat surprising considering SEGA’s recently announced plans to downsize. The company is moving its headquarters from San Francisco to Southern California and will be offering voluntary retirement to the personnel in several departments. SEGA is hoping to focus on the digital and mobile markets.
For more on SEGA’s acquisition and investments, you can check out the official press release.