Keywords Studios plc (LON:KWS), the international provider of creative and technology-enabled solutions to the global video games and entertainment industries, has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Certain Affinity, Inc., a leading US-based game development studio.
Certain Affinity was founded in 2006, focused primarily on providing high-end co-development services on AAA multiplayer titles. It has established an excellent reputation and supports some of the best-known studios and publishers on their biggest franchises. Notable projects include nearly 20 engagements supporting the Halo and Call of Duty franchises, as well as Hogwarts Legacy, DOOM, and many more.
Certain Affinity employs over 180 people in the US and Canada, anchored out of their offices in Austin, Texas, and Toronto, Ontario. This encompasses multiple teams working closely with clients on a range of announced and unannounced projects, including the highly anticipated upcoming game EXODUS from Archetype Entertainment, a division of game developer and publisher Wizards of the Coast, a subsidiary of Hasbro.
Certain Affinity’s Founder and CEO Max Hoberman and his management team, including President & COO Paul Sams, will continue to lead the business post-acquisition, with expected growth underpinned by a strong pipeline of high-quality projects.
Under the terms of the acquisition, which is subject to certain closing conditions, consideration will comprise an upfront and earn-out component and is expected to fall within the Group’s targeted valuation range. The upfront consideration will be paid in cash and funded from Keywords Studios’ existing revolving credit facility.
“We are thrilled to welcome Certain Affinity to the Keywords Group,” said Keywords Studios CEO Bertrand Bodson. “We have enormous respect for their business and reputation. They bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and expertise to our Create division, complementing our existing skills and expanding our presence notably in the US and Canada. We look forward to partnering with Max, Paul, and their team over the coming years to continue to drive growth in our Create division and overall business.”
Max Hoberman, Founder of Certain Affinity, also commented: “At this most difficult time in the market, we’re thrilled to be able to provide stability and a supportive home for our team. The respect for our talent and culture that Keywords has shown, along with a willingness to invest in our growth, is unparalleled. Paul and I look forward to partnering with them to chart a course for careful expansion of our core co-development activities, refinement of our lead development capabilities, as well as championing the growth of the Create division.”
Certain Affinity was represented in the transaction by Juno Capital Partners.
