Tencent has announced that it has acquired a minority stake in Yooka-Laylee developer, Playtonic Games. The UK-based studio will retain control of its IP, and with Tencent’s assistance, it’ll be able to speed up development of multiple undisclosed projects.
Established in 2014, Playtonic comprises of former Rare developers. Danny Spiteri, former Raw Fury and Team17 executive, has joined the studio as Head of Publishing.
A statement from Playtonic founder Gavin Price reads:
Six years ago we built a cool, exciting rocket ship, set a course we think is right and exciting. We are thrilled that Tencent agrees with that course and has provided some rocket fuel to further the reach of our mission! The countdown to today has included (deep inhale)… our record breaking Kickstarter for Yooka-Laylee, growing the buddy-duo’s reach with the acclaimed Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair, establishing Playtonic Friends and the successful launch of its first three titles—BPM: Bullets Per Minute, A Little Golf Journey, and Demon Turf, signing three further incredible beauties in L’il gator Game, Victory Heat Rally, and Blossom Tales 2: The Minotaur Prince, and all the while still being cool (ask our parents)! BUT with Tencent’s help we can scale up and fast-track the super-exciting, super-secret projects we’ve been keeping close to our treasure chests too… things are going to get Bat Ship Crazy over the next few years! Please imagine a wink emoji right now.
Price and executive producer Andy Wilson will now focus on development as Spiteri oversees publishing.
