EMERYVILLE, Calif., Jan. 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Wargaming, the leading free-to-play massively multiplayer online (MMO) developer and publisher behind the award-winning World of Tanks, today announced its acquisition of Chicago-based Day 1 Studios for $20 million. Following the acquisition, the newly formed studio will focus exclusively on the development of an unannounced console title.

The acquisition is a key milestone for Wargaming’s strategy of expanding into compelling console-focused gaming experiences, and further reinforces the company’s goal of multiplatform game development. In 2012, Wargaming acquired Australia-based Big World Party Ltd., which provided the company with streamlined development and server middleware tools.

“The move into console game development is a huge step for Wargaming, as we begin to expand our presence into new platforms,” said Victor Kislyi, CEO of Wargaming. “We are looking forward to sharing the fruits of our labor soon.”

“Wargaming is a clear leader in the free-to-play space and helps set the standard on which all other games in the genre strive for,” said Denny Thorley, new Head of Wargaming’s Chicago-based studio. “Our team is extremely excited to start the first console project for Wargaming.”

In the wake of today’s announcement, the newly opened studio is welcoming skilled professionals from around the globe to join its development ranks.

About Day 1 Studios

Day 1 Studios is a leading independent developer dedicated to the craft of creating revolutionary, interactive entertainment.

The development team is a growing group of accomplished designers, artists and engineers who understand games from creating cutting edge content to developing the tech to support it. Led by accomplished professionals that excel in their fields, Day 1 Studios is armed with the necessary tools to excel. Extraordinary people attract extraordinary talent and foster an environment focused on successfully creating industry-leading entertainment.

About Wargaming

Wargaming is an award-winning online game developer and publisher and one of the leaders in the free-to-play MMO market. Founded as a privately held company in 1998, Wargaming has shipped more than 15 titles and employs over 1300 people across such key regions as North America, Europe, Russia, Asia, and Australia.

Currently, Wargaming is focused on its team-based MMO war series dedicated to mid-20^th century warfare that will include the company’s flagship armored MMO World of Tanks, launched in April 2011 and currently boasting 45 million players worldwide, the flight combat World of Warplanes, named one of the most anticipated MMOs, and the naval World of Warships, both scheduled for release in 2013.

In June 2012, Wargaming announced the Wargaming.net Service, the epicenter of the online battle gaming universe that will gather the series under a single portal — www.wargaming.net.

Official website:

• www.wargaming.com

SOURCE Wargaming