Keywords Studios provides creative and technological solutions to the global video game and entertainment industries. Headquartered in Nottingham, UK, The Multiplayer Group Ltd (MPG) is a game development studio primarily focusing on creating AAA multiplayer games.
Keywords Studios has recently acquired The Multiplayer Group Ltd for £76.5 million (approximately $96.6 million). This move positions Keywords Studios to enhance its capabilities in the dynamic landscape of multiplayer game development. Keywords Studios has acquired the company from Improbable, the metaverse company that has owned MPG since 2019.
MPG has a reputation for providing services to renowned studios and publishers, including industry giants like Activision Blizzard, Bethesda, Zenimax, Epic, and 2K. Offering a range of services, from co-development to full game development, MPG has established itself as a critical player in the multiplayer game development sphere. Additionally, the studio has dedicated teams working on data science, new technology, and artificial intelligence (AI).
Since its inception in 2018, MPG has experienced significant growth, employing over 360 staff globally. The leadership team, consisting of Andy Norman, Rocco Loscalzo, Vaughan O’Brien, and Roger Cheung, will remain at the helm of the business post-acquisition. The leadership team will participate in a management incentive plan as part of the agreement, aligning with ambitious growth targets over the next two years.
Bertrand Bodson, CEO of Keywords Studios, stated:
“This is another important step in building out our platform and expanding our offering to encompass specialized multiplayer game development at scale, which is increasingly in demand for live services.”
MPG’s leadership, now under the umbrella of Keywords Studios, aims to capitalize on its success in the multiplayer space. Andy Norman, CEO of MPG, sees the collaboration with Keywords Studios as an opportunity to continue leading and growing multiplayer innovation. Norman emphasizes bringing the MPG ethos to a broader audience and expanding their impact on the game industry.
The acquisition aligns with Keywords Studios’ strategy to diversify its service offerings and meet the evolving needs of the gaming market. The company anticipates working closely with MPG to drive growth, leveraging the expertise of both teams to deliver high-quality multiplayer gaming experiences.
