Virtuos has announced the acquisition of Third Kind Games, an independent game development studio based in the United Kingdom.

The independent game studio, Third Kind Games, based in the UK, has been purchased by Virtuos.

This strategic move aims to boost Virtuos' ability to work on top-tier game development projects and establish a presence in the UK market.

Despite the acquisition, Third Kind Games, which has a team of over 70 in Leamington Spa and has contributed to titles such as Fable, Forza Horizon 4, and Sea of Thieves, will still operate under its existing leadership. The studio's nine co-founders, all former Activision employees, will remain at the helm.

The studio is planning to expand, with a goal to increase its workforce by 100% over the next two years in response to rising client needs for adaptable game development approaches.

Rav Tharanee, the chief strategy officer, expressed enthusiasm about joining Virtuos, highlighting the opportunity for growth and involvement in larger AAA projects while maintaining their core creative vision.

He emphasized the significance of being Virtuos' initial UK-based operation and the potential to broaden their global reach. Tharanee looks forward to innovating within the gaming industry together with Virtuos.

In recent years, Virtuos has expanded its operations to several locations including Vietnam, Tokyo, Warsaw, Prague, and enhanced its capabilities by acquiring Beyond-FX in Los Angeles.

However, after a year of operation, their co-development studio Calypte was closed at the end of the previous year.