FromSoftware owner Kadokawa buys Octopath Traveler developer Acquire

Kadokawa Corporation, the parent company of Elden Ring developer FromSoftware, has purchased Octopath Traveler developer Acquire for an undisclosed fee.

As spotted by Gematsu, Kadokawa shared the news in its Q3 earnings report and said the acquisition will strengthen its ability to create new franchises.

“We have multiple game titles in the development pipeline, both for consoles and mobile platforms,” noted Kadokawa, before adding that it also intends to develop a “media mix” through its mobile game business to maximize the value of its popular IPs.

Acquire was formed in 1994 and has developed original titles like Octopath Traveler wile also plying its trade as a for-hire studio. Notably, it has previously worked with FromSoftware on Tenchu 4 and Kadokawa said the pair have established a “cooperative relationship.”

Kadokawa Group’s lineupThe new-look Kadokawa Group now consists of game studios including FromSoftware, Spike Chunsoft, and Acquire. Collaboration between those subsidiaries will be encouraged.

“To strengthen the ability to create IP in games as part of our game business strategy, we have made Acquire Corp. into a wholly owned subsidiary,” continues the earnings report. “By acquiring the company, which has produced million-seller hit titles, we expect to generate synergies with our existing game-related subsidiaries, strengthen our planning and development capabilities Groupwide, and enhance our lineup of console games.”

Elden Ring is one of Kadokawa’s newest franchises and was an undisputed hit. The title has sold over 20 million copies worldwide and released to huge critical fanfare. A mobile spin on the series was reportedly in the works at Tencent, but progress has apparently been slow.

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Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.