Foundation 9 continues to grow with Pipeworks acquisition

US developer Foundation 9 Entertainment has reached an agreement to acquire Oregon-based studio Pipeworks Software.

Foundation 9 was recently formed by a merger between The Collective and Backbone Entertainment, making it the largest independent developer in North America.

"We started growing our relationship with Pipeworks through joint business development and product development over the past few months," said Andrew Ayre, founding partner and co-president of Foundation 9.

"We expect their excellent technology and superb production processes to propagate across the company."

Pipeworks president Dan Duncalf, who will have a place on the board of Foundation 9, added: "Joining a larger company makes a lot of sense for us right now, as it allows us to focus on making great games and opens up a deluge of creative opportunities for all of our people.

"Foundation 9 has thrown out the welcome mat, which is a rare feeling in the games industry, and we look forward to playing on a larger stage, reaching a bigger audience, and helping build something truly exciting."

Pipeworks, which is best known for its Godzilla games, will develop for the PS2, PSP and next-generation Xbox. Current Foundation 9 projects include Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, Mark Ecko: Getting Up and Death, Jr.