Wow, according to Polygon, CCP Games just got bought out by Pearl Abyss, the developers of “Black Desert Online.” CCP Games, made famous by their smash hit “Eve Online,” has been in the biz for more than 15 years. With this acquisition, things probably won’t be the same for players of both of these titles. This is definitely some massive news for the industry!
In an official press release by Pearl Abyss, CCP Games is said to be retaining their ability to “operate independently as a developer, with studios in Reykjavik, London and Shanghai, while integrating the company’s extensive development and publishing expertise into Pearl Abyss’ operations for all current and future projects.”
Pearl Abyss CEO, Robin Jung has expressed that he feels there is a lot to learn from CCP Games’ experience in the game industry. Speaking of CCP Games, here’s what he had to say:
“They have done an incredible job of engaging and maintaining their playerbase, which we aim to learn from and hope to integrate natively into Pearl Abyss’ general practices across all our games. I am confident CCP’s reputable IP and expertise in global publishing will help reaffirm our company’s dedication to developing and servicing the world’s best MMORPGs.”
Apparently the respect is mutual, as the CEO of CCP Games, Hilmar Veigar Pétursson, is an avid player of Black Desert Online.
“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. 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.”
If the partnership is as described in the press release, it’s hard to say what kind of an impact this acquisition will have on existing Eve Online and Black Desert Online players. European and Asian companies differ heavily in terms of corporate culture and even values. These differences will surely trickle down into how they treat their customers. Hopefully, this merger will mean a better experience for players of both games.
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