There have been all sorts of acquisitions in the video game industry recently and today it is Nintendo’s turn.
The Japanese company has “entered into an agreement with Embracer Group” to acquire the Miami, Florida-based team Shiver Entertainment. Shiver has previously worked under Embracer porting and developing games like Mortal Kombat 1 and Hogwarts Legacy for the Nintendo Switch.
In a statement, Nintendo makes it clear it will acquire “100% of outstanding shares of Shiver and make it a wholly owned subsidiary” with the aim being to “secure high-level resources for porting and developing”. Shiver’s focus will “remain the same” post-acquisition – porting and developing software for “multiple platforms” including Switch.
“By welcoming Shiver’s experienced and accomplished development team, Nintendo aims to secure high-level resources for porting and developing software titles. Going forward, even after it becomes a part of the Nintendo group, Shiver’s focuswill remain the same, continuing commissions that port and develop software for multiple platforms including Nintendo Switch. The Acquisition will be completed pending satisfaction of all relevant customary closing conditions.”
According to a footnote, this acquisition will only have a “minor effect” on Nintendo’s results for the current fiscal year.
Shiver Entertainment, Inc. was founded on 11th December 2012 by industry veterans John Schappert (the former Electronic Arts COO) and Jason Andersen. The pair previously co-founded Tiburon Entertainment, which went on to become EA Orlando.
The studio is skilled in both “porting and development of video game software” and has previously worked with a range of publishers on series such as Scribblenauts, Need for Speed, Guitar Hero, FIFA, and Madden NFL. It was originally acquired by Embracer Group in December 2021.
This latest industry acquisition follows Embracer downsizing and laying off multiple teams to streamline its operations.