French gaming giant Ubisoft has acquired 75 percent of Berlin-based Kolibri Games, a top developer of mobile free-to-play games and one of the leaders of the “idle” games genre.
Jean-Michel Detoc, Executive Director of Ubisoft Mobile, explained: “We are strengthening our ‘idle’ games portfolio with the acquisition of Kolibri Games, one of the leaders in the segment, whose flagship game Idle Miner Tycoon has grown steadily since 2016. We are delighted that this great talented team, recognized for the longevity of their flagship title, is joining Ubisoft.”
Since its release, Idle Miner Tycoon has been downloaded by more than 104 million players worldwide. The Berlin-based studio has grown the game with over 160 content updates, and such mobile game development is exactly what the 100 person team will bring to the French company.
As for Kolibri, the acquisition is an honor and an opportunity. Co-CEO and co-founder Faniel Stammler said, “Ubisoft is a creative powerhouse and one of the strongest brands in the games industry – we are humbled to be invited to join this great family. This marks a high point in the history of our young company and will enable us to expand our development.”
Last summer, Ubisoft bought 75 percent of another idle gaming startup, Green Panda Games.
The acquisition of Kolibri was completed on January 31 and is expected to be accretive to the French company’s earnings. The agreement gives Ubisoft the option of gradually raising its stake in Kolibri Games to 100 percent over the next four years.
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