Technology

Shocking Move! Behaviour Interactive Welcomes Darkest Dungeon Creators Red Hook Studios into the Fold

2024-09-24

Behaviour Interactive Acquires Red Hook Studios

In a bold strategic maneuver, Behaviour Interactive, the powerhouse behind the hit game Dead by Daylight, has officially acquired Red Hook Studios, the acclaimed team known for their critically acclaimed Darkest Dungeon series. While the financial details remain under wraps, this acquisition marks a significant step in Behaviour's commitment to expanding its horror game portfolio.

Red Hook Studios' Legacy

Red Hook Studios, based in Vancouver, has captured the hearts of gamers worldwide with their unique take on the dark fantasy genre, boasting nearly seven million copies of Darkest Dungeon sold to date. Following the acquisition, all 29 team members will retain their positions, ensuring that the studio continues its operations as an independent entity within the Behaviour umbrella.

Statements from Leadership

In a statement celebrating this union, Behaviour Interactive’s CEO and co-founder Rémi Racine expressed his enthusiasm: "It's a privilege to welcome a developer of Red Hook’s calibre. Earlier this year, we established an ambitious goal for our future as a publisher – to make Behaviour synonymous with horror and surround Dead by Daylight with a library of similarly exceptional horror games. Our acquisition of Red Hook is another emphatic step toward this objective, with more to come."

Red Hook co-founder Chris Bourassa echoed this sentiment, stating, "We've found kindred spirits in the Behaviour team. Both studios share a Canadian heritage, a passion for independent game development, and a dedication to creating fantastic horror games. Behaviour’s support will allow us to explore new possibilities and help us elevate Darkest Dungeon into an even greater juggernaut of the dark fantasy genre."

Behaviour's Expansion Strategy

This acquisition marks Behaviour Interactive's fourth in just two years, following the strategic purchases of SockMonkey Studios, Codeglue, and Fly Studio. The company is not slowing down; last year, they also established a new studio in the UK with talent from former AntiMatter Games, showcasing their aggressive expansion strategy.

The Future Ahead

However, the journey hasn't been without its bumps. Just last week, Behaviour announced the cancellation of Project T, a highly anticipated spin-off of Dead by Daylight, sparking speculation about shifting priorities amid this latest acquisition. Fans are eager to see what this means for the future of both franchises as they merge expertise and resources.

Conclusion