Angry Birds dev Rovio acquires Futuremark Games Studio

Futuremark has sold its Futuremark Game Studios Arm to Rovio, the developer of Angry Birds. Futuremark's keeping the Shattered Horizon, Hungribles and Unstoppable Gorg properties, though.

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In 2008, 3DMark maker Futuremark launched Futuremark Games Studio, a new wing focused on making games rather than benchmarks, which went on to release space FPS Shattered Horizon, mobile puzzler Hungribles, and tower defense Unstoppable Gorg. Now, it's lopped that wing off and sold it to fellow Finnish company Rovio, the creator of Angry Birds.

The acquisition will see Futuremark Games Studio join Rovio, but Shattered Horizon, Gorg, and Hungribles will remain the property of the main Futuremark body. It could still make sequels to these, then, if it wants to and can find a third-party developer.

Rovio describes the acquisition as part of "its rapid expansion in entertainment, publishing, animation, and retail." It's keeping quiet on how much, or what, it paid for FGS, though.

"I would like to thank everyone who played one of our games and those of you in the press who helped bring our games to a wider audience," Futuremark CEO Jukka Mäkinen said in a press release. "I am proud of the games we released and delighted that the potential of our talented games team has been recognised by our friends at Rovio. I am sure they will go on to make great games together."

Mäkinen explained that Futuremark "will renew our focus on creating great benchmarks." This year will bring a new 3DMark, offering cross-platform ratings, and a new version of PCMark.

From The Chatty
  • reply
    March 27, 2012 5:30 AM

    Alice O'Connor posted a new article, Angry Birds dev Rovio acquires Futuremark Games Studio.

    Futuremark has sold its Futuremark Game Studios Arm to Rovio, the developer of Angry Birds. Futuremark's keeping the Shattered Horizon, Hungribles and Unstoppable Gorg properties, though.

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      March 27, 2012 5:56 AM

      rofl what? angry benchmarks?

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      March 27, 2012 5:57 AM

      Sh is an awesome game.

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      March 27, 2012 6:51 AM

      Smells like using their loot to branch out to consoles maybe?

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        March 27, 2012 6:54 AM

        That seems like a logical extension.

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        March 27, 2012 9:56 AM

        There's no mention if they get a license to use the engine too or not.

        Curious though about the "rapid expansion in entertainment, publishing, animation, and retail" bit. Entertainment - more games? more platforms?
        Publishing - I can see that since they've made contact globally
        Animation - Angry Birds: The Animated Series? <groan>
        Retail - <in Yogurt's voice from Spaceballs> "Merchandising, merchandising, where the real money from the movie is made."

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      March 27, 2012 7:14 AM

      Thank god they kept Shattered Horizon, that game has zeitgeist

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      March 27, 2012 10:19 AM

      It's funny how I said Angry Birds Space could have been higher than 99 cents. Found out level 3 requires 99 cents more.

      If you ask me I would have rather paid a flat fee of $2-3 with free updates than 99 cents per 30 level world. Especially considering how quickly I finished it.

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      March 28, 2012 8:00 AM

      I wish SH got more love.

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        March 28, 2012 8:00 AM

        also angry birds space :s

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        March 28, 2012 8:01 AM

        also angry birds space :s

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