Tencent splashes $142.2m on Chinese developer Seasun
Internet giant acquires 9.9% stake in PC and mobile studio
Seasun is the latest firm to be targeted by growing games empire Tencent.
The China-based developer was at the centre of a number of acquistions, which resulted in Tencent taking a 9.9% stake in the studio. The acquisition was actually orchestrated in two parts by the firm's subsidiary Image Frame Investment, Pocket Gamer reports.
$62.2m was spent acquiring 4.3% of Seasun parent Kingsoft, while $80m was spread across WestGame Holdings, United Websoft and Xiomi Venutures to secure the remaining 5.6%, spending a total of $142.2m.
Seasun is a PC and mobile developer, best known collectible hero title GO Titans and side-scrolling action RPG Brave Cross. Tencent previously worked with the studio on the launch of Chinese RPG JX Online.
According to a filing from Kingsoft on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the acqusition will "strengthen the business co-operation in the game area between Seasun Group and Tencent Group in the future".
Tencent is already well established in the East and has recently been working with Western developers and publishers to bring their properties to China, including a free-to-play Rocket League and a new mobile version of Ubisoft's Might & Magic.