Derby games developer bought by multinational

A Derby-based developer of mobile games has been bought by Miniclip, a multinational rival.

Founded in 2012 by ex-Eurocom Directors Hugh Binns and Tim Rogers, Eight Pixels Square is famous in the mobile shooter genre, most notably with its 2017 hit Sniper Strike: Special Ops, a title still enjoying nearly 35 million global downloads.

The 50-person strong Eight Pixel Square has also worked across a broad range of genres with titles such as Retro Soccer, Raid HQ, and Cartel Kings.

Studio director, Hugh Binns, said: “Our work with Outplay has given Eight Pixels Square a fantastic platform for future growth. To now join the Miniclip family is a thrilling step forward for the evolution of Eight Pixels Studios, and allows us to tap in to untold resources & opportunities under Miniclip’s guidance.”

Doug Hare, CEO & founder of Outplay, said: “We’ve had a very successful and enjoyable relationship with Hugh and Tim and the rest of the Eight Pixels Square team over the last three years but are delighted for them becoming part of the Miniclip family, as we focus on growing our casual audience with the launch of three new games in 2020.”

“Eight Pixels Square are a hugely experienced development team, with over 30 years of development experience, and it is this depth of knowledge that will complement the Miniclip family so well”, said Jurgen Post, chief executive of Miniclip.

He added: “With Eight Pixels Square as part of Miniclip, we now have an incredibly experienced resource base that can expand our offering into the mobile shooter genre, and we’re thrilled to see what the team delivers next.”

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