Playstack acquires Magic Fuel Games

London-based video games publisher Playstack announced that it has acquired San Francisco-based mobile game developer Magic Fuel Games. 

Co-founded in 2015 by ex-EA developers Kevin Shrapnell, Rajan Tande, Kip Katsarelis and Chi Chan, Magic Fuel specializes in mobile simulation and city building games. Currently working on Cityscape: Rebuild, Magic Fuel has previously released games such as World War Bots, Fort Stars and Love Cooking.

Playstack says the acquisition reunites former EA talent after 10 years apart, with Kevin Shrapnell, co-founder and CEO of Magic Fuel Games, becoming Chief Operating Officer at Playstack.

“We have long admired the way in which Playstack approaches game publishing, and are thrilled to become part of this exciting organisation. Magic Fuel and Playstack have a shared belief in the untapped potential that simulation-based games present, and we are delighted to be able to add our passion and expertise for this genre to that of the Playstack team,” Shrapnell said. 

Playstack, a video games publisher that has partnered with external and internal studios, says Magic Fuel will introduce new games in 2023 and beyond alongside existing Playstack successes Mortal Shell, Survival City and Sniper vs. Thieves. 

“I have a great deal of respect for the leadership team of Magic Fuel Games having worked with them at EA, and I am delighted to be working alongside them again through this acquisition. The addition of Magic Fuel brings further IP to the Playstack portfolio, adds revenue to 2022 and 2023 operations, and allows us to accelerate our strategic ambitions,” said Harvey Elliott, Chief Executive Officer at Playstack.