In a significant move within the gaming industry, Take-Two Interactive (NASDAQ: TTWO) has officially announced its acquisition of Gearbox Software, the renowned developer behind popular franchises such as Borderlands, among others. The acquisition, valued at $460 million, encompasses Gearbox’s diverse portfolio of intellectual properties, including Borderlands, Homeworld, Risk of Rain, and more.
This strategic acquisition comes amidst Gearbox’s active development pipeline, which includes six upcoming titles, five of which are sequels, including the highly anticipated Borderlands 4. The seamless integration of Gearbox into the Take-Two family underscores the longstanding collaborative relationship between the two entities, further solidifying Take-Two’s commitment to fostering innovation and creativity within the gaming landscape.
“Our acquisition of Gearbox is an exciting moment for Take-Two and will strengthen our industry-leading creative talent and portfolio of owned intellectual property, including the iconic Borderlands franchise. This combination enhances the financial profile of our existing projects with Gearbox and unlocks the opportunity for us to drive increased long-term growth by leveraging the full resources of Take-Two across all of Gearbox’s exciting initiatives.”
-Strauss Zelnick, Chairman and CEO of Take-Two
The acquisition marks a significant shift for Gearbox, which was previously under the ownership of Embracer Group (NASDAQ: EMGR). The move raises questions about Embracer’s strategic direction in the gaming market, especially in light of recent studio closures and layoffs. With Gearbox now under the Take-Two umbrella, fans can expect enhanced stability and support for future projects within the Borderlands franchise and beyond.
For gamers worldwide, this acquisition signals a promising outlook for beloved franchises like Borderlands, offering assurance that future titles are on more stable footing. Amidst industry uncertainties, Take-Two’s acquisition of Gearbox reaffirms its dedication to delivering top-tier gaming experiences and further solidifies its position as a leader in the interactive entertainment sector.
