Splash Damage has acquired Gamepires, the developer behind the game Scum, from Jagex

Splash Damage, with backing from Emona Capital, has taken over Gamepires, known for developing Scum, from Jagex, the creators of Runescape.

This acquisition aligns with a "renewed strategic direction" that will leverage "Splash Damage's long-standing expertise in multiplayer and FPS games along with Gamepires' focus on open-world survival and live services," as detailed in a press announcement.

The merger aims to enhance premium development along with co-development partnerships, while also scaling the Scum franchise and investing in new intellectual properties.

Jagex initially acquired Gamepires in 2022 during the early access phase of Scum, which was originally launched by Devolver Digital.

Following the merger, Ben Hopkinson of Splash Damage will step in as CEO of the newly unified entity. He termed the acquisition a significant milestone for the Bromley-based company.

This development follows only three months after Splash Damage put its workforce under consultation regarding future layoffs. The company separated from Tencent in September when it was purchased by Emona Capital.

The investment from Emona will help Splash Damage boost its growth and solidify its position as a prominent independent game developer, according to the company.

Emona has been active in various acquisitions as publishers streamline their studio assets. Notably, in March 2025, they supported the buyout of Secret Mode. Their investment portfolio also includes Amber Studio, Blackbird Interactive, and Relic Entertainment.

Hopkinson noted that the partnership enhances their capability to grow live-service games and create new high-quality multiplayer experiences.

Along with Emona Capital's expertise and industry relationships, the new setup promises a robust and promising future for Splash Damage.

Scum, released in 2018, rapidly became a best-seller for Devolver, achieving a million sales within its first month. The game moved out of Early Access in June 2025 and has reached almost six million in total sales, according to GameDiscoverCo.

Jagex, meanwhile, has focused back on its flagship IP Runescape, rebranding itself as Jagex: The RuneScape Company earlier this year. CEO Jon Bellamy discussed substantial investments in enhancing the brand, emphasizing its original browser game and the new survival game, Runescape: Dragonwilds.