Krafton Acquires Eleventh Hour Games, Creators of Last Epoch
Krafton, the South Korean publisher known for titles like PUBG: Battlegrounds, has announced the acquisition of Eleventh Hour Games, the independent studio behind the highly successful action RPG, Last Epoch. This move further expands Krafton's diverse portfolio of game development studios.
Eleventh Hour Games was founded in 2017 by a small group of passionate enthusiasts with a shared vision: to create the ultimate ARPG. Their dedication paid off, culminating in Last Epoch, which has garnered significant praise and sold over 3 million copies since its full release in February 2024.
According to Judd Cobler, CEO and Game Director of Eleventh Hour Games, the studio has signed an agreement for Krafton to acquire 100% of its shares. The deal is valued at 132.4 billion Korean won, approximately $95.8 million USD. Cobler explained that while Eleventh Hour Games met with numerous potential partners, Krafton stood out for their commitment to the studio's goals.
“Krafton clearly demonstrated that their goals align with ours: they are ready not only to support but also to guide us in solving key issues that our studio will face in the future. This cooperation will allow us to realize what we could only dream of before, and I look forward to revealing the details.”
– Judd Cobler, CEO of Eleventh Hour Games
This partnership promises Eleventh Hour Games access to the resources and opportunities needed to continue developing what they aim to be “the best ARPG in the genre.” Krafton's existing network includes notable studios like PUBG Studios, Striking Distance Studios (The Callisto Protocol), Tango Gameworks (Hi-Fi Rush), and Unknown Worlds Entertainment (Subnautica).
With Krafton's backing, Eleventh Hour Games plans to significantly expand its team. New job openings are expected to be posted in the coming weeks and months as the studio scales up its operations.
The immediate impact of this acquisition on Last Epoch remains somewhat unclear, but the development team reassured players that content plans are still on track. Last Epoch's third season is set to launch on August 21st, with the fourth season expected approximately four months later. Players can likely anticipate a more robust future for the game as the studio gains access to Krafton's extensive support and resources.
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