Build A Rocket Boy Acquires PlayFusion to Forge a New Era in Immersive Gaming
Deal News | Dec 16, 2024 | Raptor Capital Management LP
Build A Rocket Boy, an international game developer and publisher led by Leslie Benzies, has acquired UK game developer PlayFusion in a strategic move to enhance its portfolio. This acquisition will facilitate the development of three core projects: the AAA action thriller MindsEye, the open-world platform EVERYWHERE, and the ARCADIA tool for easy creation and publishing of AAA games. Following the acquisition, PlayFusion's CEO and CTO, Mark Gerhard, will join Build A Rocket Boy as Co-CEO, alongside Benzies to spearhead new gaming narratives, user-generated content tools, and expansion into the broader entertainment space. Gerhard, with extensive experience in the gaming industry as a former CEO & CTO of Jagex, brings a wealth of knowledge in massively multiplayer online gaming. The combined creative forces are expected to democratize premium game development and invigorate gaming innovation. This merger follows Build A Rocket Boy's successful Series D fundraising of over $110 million, led by RedBird Capital Partners among other investors.
Sectors
- Gaming and Entertainment
- Venture Capital
Geography
- United Kingdom – The UK is significant as the location of PlayFusion, the game developer acquired by Build A Rocket Boy, and a central hub for innovative gaming development.
- International – Build A Rocket Boy is positioned as an international developer and publisher, indicating its broad market reach and influence in the global gaming industry.
Industry
- Gaming and Entertainment – The gaming and entertainment industry encompasses companies involved in the design, development, marketing, and sale of video games and interactive digital experiences. The acquisition highlights the convergence of talent and technology to deliver groundbreaking gaming experiences.
- Venture Capital – This sector involves investment firms that provide funding to startups and early-stage companies with high growth potential, as demonstrated by Build A Rocket Boy's successful Series D fundraising.
Financials
- Over $110 million – Series D fundraising round secured by Build A Rocket Boy to drive the acquisition and future projects.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Build A Rocket Boy | Acquirer | Company | An international game developer and publisher led by Leslie Benzies, focused on creating immersive gaming experiences. |
| PlayFusion | Target Company | Company | A UK-based game developer and publisher known for innovative transmedia entertainment. |
| Leslie Benzies | CEO and Founder | Person | Founder of Build A Rocket Boy, renowned for contributions to video game development. |
| Mark Gerhard | Co-CEO (Post-Acquisition) | Person | Former CEO & CTO of PlayFusion, now Co-CEO of Build A Rocket Boy with a rich background in the gaming industry. |
| Raptor Capital Management LP | Private Equity Firm | Company | A private equity firm involved in the financial backing of Build A Rocket Boy. |
| RedBird Capital Partners | Investor | Company | Led the $110 million Series D fundraising round for Build A Rocket Boy. |