UTV takes stakes in Iginition and Indiagames

UTV Communication, which also has film and TV interests, has obtained the majority ownership of the two companies.

“The acquisition comes with UTV’s interest in expanding its operations in game development, publishing and distribution across mobile, online and console platforms world-wide and the capability to create IP’s in all forms of content, including live Action and animation,” UTV CEO Ronnie Screwvala told India’s Economic Times.

100-strong Ignition is currently at work on War Devil, a now PS3-exclusive game that is said to have a budget of around 10m euros.

Indiagames is India’s largest mobile games development company and has deals in place with the likes of Vodafone and Verizon. Founder Vishal Gondal will remain as head of the company as its activities are brought in sync with the wider media concerns of UTV – speculation in the Indian press says the company plans to launch its own service that will sell games direct to consumers.