Thunderful Group Sells Headup Publisher for Fraction of Acquisition Cost

Thunderful Group, a prominent player in the gaming industry, has made headlines once again with the news of its decision to sell Pumpkin Jack publisher Headup at a significantly reduced price. According to reports from Gamesindustry.biz, Thunderful has offloaded the publisher for a mere €500,000, marking a substantial drop from the hefty €11 million it originally paid to acquire the company just three years ago.

The sale of Headup has seen the studio return to the hands of its founder and CEO, Dieter Schoeller, through his company Microcuts Holding. Interestingly, Schoeller also holds the position of vice president of production at Thunderful, underscoring the close ties between the two entities. The completion of the deal between Headup and Thunderful is contingent upon the transfer of Studio Fizbin to Thunderful (which was acquired via Headup last year), the renegotiation of three IP-related contracts, and shareholder approval.

While Headup will regain control of its back catalogue of games and projects currently in development, the sale agreement stipulates that Thunderful stands to receive a share of up to €300,000 from an undisclosed title in the studios’ pipeline. This strategic move is part of Thunderful’s larger restructuring program, announced earlier this year, which is expected to impact 20% of its workforce.

The gaming community has been abuzz with reactions to Thunderful’s latest move, with many speculating on the implications for both companies involved. Thunderful’s decision to sell Headup at a fraction of its acquisition cost raises questions about the studio’s long-term strategy and financial health. As the industry continues to evolve and consolidate, it remains to be seen how this development will shape the future landscape of gaming.

In conclusion, Thunderful’s sale of Headup for a fraction of its original purchase price has sent shockwaves through the gaming world, prompting discussions about the motivations behind the deal and its potential impact on the industry as a whole. With the completion of the sale pending final approvals, all eyes are on how this move will play out in the coming months.