Published , by Charles Singletary Jr
Published , by Charles Singletary Jr
One of the longest running massively-multiplayer online games is now under the umbrella of the company behind a growing force in the same genre. Black Desert Online developer Pearl Abyss announced today that it is acquiring CCP Games, the team behind EVE Online. With this deal, CCP will continue to operate independently as a developer in its three studios while also integrating its expertise and pedigree into Pearl Abyss' current and future projects.
“I have been seriously impressed with what Pearl Abyss has achieved ever since I first visited their website for Black Desert Online and subsequently became an avid player of the game,” said CCP Games CEO Hilmar Veigar Pétursson in the press release for the announcement. “Pearl Abyss is a fast-growing company with lots to offer in terms of technology, capability and vision. I believe our two companies have a lot to learn from each other. We are very excited to join forces with them and achieve great new heights for our companies, our games and – above all – our players.
“As lead investor in CCP for over 13 years alongside General Catalyst and NEA, we’ve seen CCP go from being a few dozen people strong to employing hundreds all over the world, with an ever-increasing customer base and multiple titles," CCP Chairman Birgir Mar Ragnarsson added. "CEO Hilmar V. Pétursson and his dedicated team have built a company that Novator and its partners are proud to hand over to Pearl Abyss and we wish them the best of luck in their future ventures.”
Black Desert Online has been growing its playerbase since the 2014 launch of the MMORPG and should benefit greatly by having the minds behind EVE Online, one of the longest running online experiences, on staff. Pearl Abyss is also gearing up for the global launch of Black Desert Mobile, so stay tuned to Shacknews for additional updates.