US and Canada studios merge into free-to-play firm

Two North American development studios have merged “to better focus” on building free-to-play mobile games.

Denver based Riptide has announced it is merging with Canadian outfit Projkt Nine, in a deal hoped to be finalized in a matter of weeks.

Projkt Nine will lose its name and operate under the Riptide Games label, and both offices will focus on building ‘freemium’ mobile games.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

The two studios have collaborated on various projects for the past year, including the successful iLookApps series which is said to have 2 million downloads under its belt.

Projkt Nine founder Mike Montgomery will be appointed chief creative officer of Riptide.

"I am very excited about this merger," he said.

"With the success of the titles already released, and the current titles in the works, we have a very big year ahead of us."

Riptide Games president Brian Robbins (pictured) said both studios “are very complementary to each other".

"Our combined forces bring together extremely talented programmers with amazing graphic and game designers, so we’re perfectly positioned to create the best of tomorrow’s mobile experiences," he said.