Jagex acquires US-based game developer Pipeworks Studios

British game developer & publisher Jagex has announced that it acquired US-based video game developer Pipeworks Studios for an undisclosed sum. The deal marks Jagex’s first ever acquisition of an external game studio as the company aims to grow its team and expand its offerings in North America. 

Acquired by American private equity firm Caryle in 2021, Jagex says it has seen a record growth in the last five years, thanks to its new publishing deals and popular title RuneScape which has reached the highest number of users since first its launch in 2001.

”We are delighted to welcome Pipeworks into the Jagex Family,” said Jagex CEO Phil. ”Pipeworks presents an incredible opportunity to bring onboard world-class game development talent. The studio brings elite-level game development expertise, specifically in AAA games-as-a-service, with an exemplary track record of collaborations with the world’s best game creators.”

Founded in 1999 by Dan White, Oregon-based Pipeworks Studios was later acquired by Sumo Group for $100 million in 2020. The company, which currently has a team of over 200 employees, offers full–development and co-development services to game publishers. Since its foundation, it has worked with many well-known names including EA Sports, Genvid and Activision Blizzard, which Microsoft agreed to acquire for $68.7 billion. 

“This is an opportunity for us to level up once again because we each bring our own distinct experiences to the partnership,” said Pipeworks CEO Lindsay Gupton. ‘’Jagex’s approach of providing a leading platform for developers to create lasting and content-rich community-driven games fully aligns with Pipeworks’ work-for-hire model and focus on building innovative games and technology.”