Keywords Studios, a huge company from Dublin, has bought Certain Affinity, the game developer known for working on big games like Halo and Call of Duty.
Though we don’t know the exact amount Keywords paid, the deal keeps Max Hoberman and Paul Sams in their top roles at Certain Affinity. Keywords is pumped about what’s ahead for Certain Affinity, hinting at exciting projects like the game Exodus, which stars Matthew McConaughey. For Exodus, Certain Affinity teams up with Archetype Entertainment, part of Wizards of the Coast.
Keywords’ boss Bertrand Bodson expressed great admiration for Certain Affinity, while Hoberman felt really happy about the sale, especially during these tough market times. He believes this move gives the team of 180+ a stable and supportive environment.
The gaming world has been rough lately with lots of job cuts. Shawn Layden, who used to lead PlayStation, recently spoke about how the industry might need a big change, suggesting that not changing could be really bad for business. Fans sometimes wonder why these things happen when games are so popular.
Earlier in 2024, Keywords also purchased Wushu Studios, marking their second big buy this year.
This company also owns studios like Heavy Iron Studios, D3T, and Tantalus Media, and even has agencies like Fortyseven Communications and Big Farmer under its umbrella. According to IGN, between 2016 and 2023, Keywords acquired over four companies each year and had more than 13,000 employees by the end of 2023.
Certain Affinity started back in 2006 by Hoberman and some ex-Bungie folks. They helped out with other games and made their own, like Age of Booty in 2008. Not too long ago, they were in the news for working on a battle royale mode for Halo Infinite, but it got canceled.
In March 2024, Certain Affinity had to let go of about 25 employees, marking their first big layoffs in nearly 20 years.
