Behaviour Interactive, the Canadian studio behind the popular multiplayer horror game Dead by Daylight, has acquired The Fun Pimps Entertainment. The Texas-based developer is the creator of the long-running open-world survival game 7 Days to Die. The acquisition was announced this week, marking a significant consolidation within the independent horror game development sector.
The move is positioned by Behaviour as a strategic step to build what it describes as “a portfolio of horror IP.” Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Both studios will continue to operate their existing games and support their respective player communities.
Strategic Expansion for Behaviour
Behaviour Interactive has grown substantially on the success of Dead by Daylight, a multiplayer game where one player takes the role of a killer and four others attempt to escape. The title has become a major platform in the horror genre, frequently collaborating with iconic film and game franchises. The acquisition of The Fun Pimps represents Behaviour’s first major purchase of another game development studio.
For The Fun Pimps, the partnership provides access to greater resources. 7 Days to Die, first released in alpha in 2013, is a survival horror game set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. The game combines first-person shooter, survival, and tower defense elements and has maintained a dedicated player base through years of ongoing development.
Implications for Game Development
Industry analysts note that the acquisition follows a trend of successful live-service game developers expanding their holdings. Behaviour’s expertise in managing a long-term live game and its established publishing network could potentially accelerate development and expand the reach of The Fun Pimps’ projects.
Officials from both companies emphasized that the current development roadmaps for Dead by Daylight and 7 Days to Die will remain unchanged. The teams will operate independently but will collaborate on shared technology and best practices. No layoffs or studio relocations are planned as a result of the transaction.
The deal highlights the ongoing value of established intellectual property in the video game market, particularly within niche genres like survival horror. Ownership of proven franchises provides studios with a stable foundation for future growth and cross-promotional opportunities.
Looking Ahead
In the immediate future, players of both Dead by Daylight and 7 Days to Die should not expect direct changes to game content or operations. The long-term strategy involves exploring how the combined expertise of the two studios can foster new horror-themed projects. Behaviour has indicated that further acquisitions may be considered as part of its strategy to solidify its position as a leading publisher and developer in the horror genre. The next official updates are expected to come through each game’s standard development blogs and community channels.
Source: GamesIndustry.biz
