Nantworks invests in Daybreak Game Company, creates new joint publishing division
NantG Mobile to develop mobile versions of H1Z1 and Everquest, setting sights on esports future
Nantworks, a Culver City-based company run by LA Times-owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, has announced it has made a strategic investment in H1Z1 creator Daybreak Game Company. With the company's investment, Nantworks and Daybreak will create a new joint development and publishing venture called NantG Mobile.
NantG Mobile will begin by developing and publishing mobile versions of both H1Z1 and Everquest, and will also work on new titles. In addition, it will take control of H1Z1's battle royale mode on PC - its original early access multiplayer survival mode, titled Just Survive, was revealed to be shutting down last week.
Also as a part of Nantworks' investment and control, Dr. Soon-Shiong will join the board of directors for Daybreak.
Nantworks is currently in the planning stages of a new LA Times Center space, which will aim to serve as a venue for eventual esports events headed up by NantG, beginning with H1Z1: Battle Royale.
"I am delighted that our software capabilities at NantWorks, together with the creative expertise and infrastructure at NantStudio - which includes our low latency fiber network, will help accelerate the development of the platform at Daybreak, a company with history dating back to its origins as Sony Online Entertainment," said Soon-Shiong. "Their achievements in the development of gaming technology have contributed greatly to this emerging field of virtual sports and we view this medium as an important media engagement engine."