In a surprise move, Fortnite creator Epic Games has announced that it is acquiring Mediatonic, the video game studio responsible for smash-hit Fall Guys. Both companies released statements confirming the deal earlier today, which has been concluded for an undisclosed sum. It will see Epic Games take control of Tonic Games Group – the parent company to the aforementioned Mediatonic – as well as publishing label The Irregular Corporation and start-up studio Fortitude Games.
“It’s no secret that Epic is invested in building the metaverse and Tonic Games shares this goal. As Epic works to build this virtual future, we need great creative talent who know how to build powerful games, content and experiences.”
Epic Games founder and CEO Tim Sweeney.
In their statement, Epic has been quick to point out that gameplay for Fall Guys won’t change under the new ownership. Instead, the company is focused on bringing cross-platform play to the title, which can currently be found on PlayStation and PC and will be launching on Xbox and Nintendo Switch later this year.
The deal marks one of Epic’s more notable purchases in recent memory, following the 2019 acquisitions of Rocket League developer Psyonix and lockdown-friendly social app Houseparty. Other titles developed under the Tonic Games Group umbrella include Murder By Numbers, PC Building Simulator and Gears Pop.