Mobius is Spellbound by new acquisition

Leeds-based handheld games developer Mobius Entertainment has acquired fellow Yorkshire based handheld specialist Spellbound, in a move which the studio hopes will help it to gear up for development on Sony's PSP.

Both companies are members of the recently founded Game Republic group of developers, based in the North of England, and this is the first time that studios from the group have consolidated their efforts in this way.

Mobius was founded in late 1997 and has established a solid reputation in the handheld space, with recent GBA titles such as Drome Racer, Bionicle, Pop Idol and Barbie Horse Adventures under its belt. The acquisition of Spellbound, which was founded in 1999 and includes GBA versions Colin McRae Rally 2.0, TOCA World Touring Cars and Starsky & Hutch in its portfolio, will expand the studio to over 30 staff.

"Spellbound has some really clever engineers and artists and we are delighted they are joining our team at such an exciting time," commented Mobius managing director Gordon Hall. "As we gear up for development on Sonyâs new PSP format, these guys will prove invaluable in further pushing the high standards we set ourselves for handheld gaming."