By Mark McSherry

Wakefield-based Team17 Group, the developer of video games and educational entertainment apps, said its subsidiary Astragon Entertainment GmbH has completed the acquisition of the German development studio Independent Arts Software GmbH.

“Independent Arts has been a trusted third-party development partner of Astragon for a number of years and has a strong existing relationship with the business,” said Team17.

“The acquisition brings a team of experienced ‘working simulation’ developers in-house to support current owned IP development and accelerate new IP that will launch in future years.

“Supported by the wider studio knowledge within Team17, this is the first 100% owned studio acquisition by Astragon.

“The consideration for the acquisition will be funded from existing cash reserves and is a strategic investment in development capability and therefore is not expected to have any impact on either revenue or adjusted EBITDA in the current financial year.”

Team17 CEO Debbie Bestwick said: “This adds further conviction to our belief in Astragon, showing they were a key part of our group’s performance in the first year within Team17 following its acquisition in 2022 and will prove to be an equally important part of our growth journey over the coming years.

“Led by Julia and Tim, they are an exceptional team and one of the world’s best when it comes to producing original, highly creative IP in the hobbyist ‘working simulations’ sector of the games market, as evidenced by their successful Fire, Police, Bus and Construction simulation titles.

“This is an important opportunity for the astragon team to accelerate its pipeline of new IP and add experienced, fully owned development capability to its operational footprint.”