Wargaming splashes $20m on console developer

Wargaming has acquired US console developer Day 1 Studios for $20 million.

The new team will now work exclusively on the development of an unannounced console title, making it Wargaming’s first foray into the space.

Chicago-based Day 1 Studios was founded in 2001, and has developed a number of titles such as F.E.A.R, Fracture and Mech Assault.

Wargaming has traditionally developed PC titles, such as its flagship free-to-play MMO World of Tanks and the upcoming World of Warships and World of Warplanes.

In a statement, the company said the acquisition is part of its plan to step into multi-platform game development.

“The move into console game development is a huge step for Wargaming, as we begin to expand our presence into new platforms,” said Wargaming CEO Victor Kislyi.

“We are looking forward to sharing the fruits of our labor soon.”

“Wargaming is a clear leader in the free-to-play space and helps set the standard on which all other games in the genre strive for,” said the head of Wargaming’s new US studio David Thorley.

“Our team is extremely excited to start the first console project for Wargaming."

Wargaming has opened a plethora of offices around the world in the last year, and in August also acquired engine firm BigWorld for $45 million.

The middleware had already been used to power its free-to-play MMOs, and the developer said it planned to continue licensing the engine to external studios despite the buyout.