Leading international game developer and publisher Jagex has now announced that it has acquired the Eugene, Oregon-based Pipeworks Studios (“Pipeworks”), a well-known and creative development firm with 200 employees. This move, which represents Jagex’s first-ever acquisition of an outside studio, shows how committed the company is to growing both its presence in North America and its roster of top talent. There was no disclosure of the transaction’s terms. Sumo Group’s only financial and legal advisers were Aream & Co., Allen & Overy, and Jagex’s counsel was provided by Linklaters.
The acquisition follows a strong period of growth for Jagex
The acquisition comes after a successful phase of expansion for Jagex in the gaming industry. With five years of record-breaking games-as-a-service revenues, a string of third-party publishing agreements, and its biggest RuneScape franchise membership ever, Jagex has established itself as a pioneer in community-driven games. To support Jagex’s expansion strategy, which includes M&A, global investment firm Carlyle bought the company in 2021.
“We are delighted to welcome Pipeworks into the Jagex Family,” said Phil Mansell, CEO of Jagex. “Pipeworks presents an incredible opportunity to bring onboard world-class game development talent. The studio brings elite-level game development expertise, specifically in AAA games-as-a-service, with an exemplary track record of collaborations with the world’s best game creators. Lindsay (CEO of Pipeworks) and his team have been running a successful and profitable group for many years, and we look forward to working together to publish Pipeworks’ developed IP and accelerate its growth.” he added.
This is an opportunity for us to level up once again because we each bring our own distinct experiences to the partnership,” said Lindsay Gupton, CEO of Pipeworks Studios. Jagex’s approach of providing a leading platform for developers to create lasting and content-rich community-driven games fully aligns with Pipeworks’ work-for-hire model and focus on building innovative games and technology.
Lindsay Gupton, CEO of Pipeworks Studios
Michael Wand, Managing Director and Co-Head of the Carlyle Europe Technology Partners advisory team, said: “In January 2021, Carlyle acquired Jagex to support the next phase of the company’s growth, including maintaining a focus on its core RuneScape franchise while further diversifying the business and its portfolio. The acquisition of Pipeworks is in line with this strategy, and we are delighted to support Jagex with this transaction.”
Founded in 1999, Pipeworks has built a reputation as a global force in gaming and advanced technology solutions for both established and emerging IPs. Pipeworks’ team of more than 200 employees have shipped more than 125 games and become deeply embedded in key franchises for partners including EA Sports, Wizards of the Coast, Activision, Genvid, MetaTeq, and more.
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