Backed for the Future
Tencent has announced today that it will acquire the, formerly independent, studio behind Left 4 Dead and Back 4 Blood: Turtle Rock Studios. A press release, from today, includes more details relating to the acquisition.
Tencent makes one thing clear from the start. That this acquisition removes none of Turtle Rock Studio’s independent operations. The release explains that the existing team will continue to run Turtle Rock. In addition the Turtle Rock Studio’s team will continue to function under the leadership of, Turtle Rock, co-founders: Phil Robb and Chris Ashton.
“We are all looking forward to joining the Tencent family of studios,” said Steve Goldstein, president and general manager of Turtle Rock.
The press release detailed some of the benefits of the acquisition. Goldstein referred to several factors, including partners and global reach, as benefits. He also mentions keeping Turtle Rock’s independent spirit as a major plus.
Tencent’s acquisition of Turtle Rock is the latest in a string of acquisitions from the tech company. Earlier this year in July, Tencent acquired Sumo Group, the company behind Sackboy: A Big Adventure. In November Tencent went forward in acquiring Wake Up Interactive.
“We are huge fans of Turtle Rock’s games,” said Eddie Chan, chief strategy officer of Tencent Games Global.
At any rate, Turtle Rock studios will still retain control of their creativity. With Back 4 Blood still moving forward with updates it seems Turtle Rock has no interest in slowing. As stated in the press release, the acquisition will have no effect on Back 4 Blood going forward.
Goldstein is confident that the acquisition will only further allow Turtle Rock to thrive. He says, in the release, that the acquisition by Tencent will help them achieve even more ambitous games.