Ubisoft acquires F2P studio Owlient

Speaking to MCV earlier today, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot has that his company has made its fourth casual gaming acquisition in two and a half years.

The publisher has acquired Paris-based studio Owlient, developer of a number of free-to-play titles, owner of the Howrse IP and home of some 2m monthly users.

We are thrilled to welcome the talented team at Owlient to Ubisoft,” Guillemot stated in the official release.

Over the last five years they have developed an architecture dedicated to delivering and monetizing games as a service, as well as the skills of attracting and retaining online communities.

This acquisition is the next step in the acceleration of Ubisoft’s free-to-play strategy following last year’s launch of Settlers Online, CSI Crime City and Heroes Kingdoms, as well as the recent beta launch of our ambitious title Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Online.”

The purchase follows the 2008 swoop for multiplayer specialist Massive Entertainment, the 2009 acquisition of Trackmania studio Nadeo and last year’s move for tech firm Quazal.