Improbable is known for the technology SpatialOS, which aims to enable huge persistent worlds even in indie games. The company has now announced that it has acquired the developers of the online shooter Scavengers.
Which studio did Improbable acquire? It is Midwinter, whose team is currently working on the online shooter Scavengers.
What is Scavengers? The online shooter mixes cooperative, PvP, and survival elements.
You must search for resources as mercenaries on the frozen earth and bring them to a space station. However, other players are trying to do the same. Therefore, a PvP battle can constantly erupt in the areas.
You also face wild beasts, which makes it necessary to form temporary teams. However, you should trust no teammate.
In the end, you receive rewards based on how many resources you managed to bring to the space station.
An important purchase
Why does Improbable buy Midwinter? Herman Narula, CEO of Improbable, explains that both companies have been closely collaborating for a long time. Scavengers uses Improbable’s SpatialOS technology to create and manage the worlds.
Improbable was very enthusiastic about the online shooter early on and therefore invested several million dollars in the studio last year. Now they want to deepen this partnership, as they believe in the game and its success. Improbable acquired Midwinter for an undisclosed price.
What is behind it? There is a lot of talk about the SpatialOS technology. It is considered a “wonder technology” that allows even small development studios to create vast online worlds and manage them with little effort.
However, a few SpatialOS titles have already failed. Among them the MMORPG Worlds Adrift and the battle royale shooter Mavericks. This naturally raises questions about the technology.
By acquiring a development studio that is working on a SpatialOS game, a much closer partnership is formed. Improbable can work on the game and help the team use SpatialOS more effectively.
Moreover, Improbable ensures that Midwinter does not overextend itself and that another SpatialOS game does not have to be shut down, which would reflect poorly on the technology. With Improbable’s financial resources, it is more likely that Scavengers will actually be released and marketed accordingly.
Improbable needs a representative and successful online game to demonstrate what SpatialOS can do.
What are other advantages? Improbable also benefits from Midwinter’s experience in online game development. For example, tools are to be developed together that will make using SpatialOS even easier. These tools will then be made available to other developers.
