Codemasters Acquires Slightly Mad Studios

Codemasters, the award winning British video game developer and publisher, has agreed to acquire Slightly Mad Studios (SMS), makers of Project Cars (above) and Need for Speed.

Codemasters today announced it has agreed to acquire racing simulation specialists, Slightly Mad Studios. The acquisition will cement Codemasters' position as a world-leading games developer and publisher of racing videogames and expands its portfolio to include the award-winning Project CARS, together with an unannounced Hollywood blockbuster title. Frank Sagnier will remain CEO of Codemasters Group plc which now includes Slightly Mad Studios and Ian Bell will retain his position of Founder and CEO of Slightly Mad Studios. Codemasters now employs c.700 people globally with offices including London, Birmingham, Southam and Runcorn.

Both companies share a rich history of creating AAA racing games. Codemasters has been a UK leader for over 30 years and is the creator of the critically acclaimed intellectual properties including DiRT, GRID and the BAFTA-winning official FORMULA 1 Series. Slightly Mad Studios has been established for 10 years and is the proud developer and owner of the Project CARS franchise which has generated both critical and commercial success. Slightly Mad Studios has also delivered high-quality racing simulations alongside its own IP including two Need for Speed titles on behalf of Electronic Arts.

"We are delighted to bring such an incredible racing game developer to the Codemasters family, and this unequivocally establishes us as a global powerhouse in the development of racing titles," said Frank Sagnier, Chief Executive Officer at Codemasters. "We share the same passion and vision and our new partnership will accelerate our growth. With more streaming services coming to market and the next generation of games consoles due in 2020, this is the perfect time for Codemasters to take its next step."

"Our combined racing games portfolio is the envy of the industry and this new partnership will enable us to learn from each other, share resources and take advantage of emerging platforms and technology," said Ian Bell, Founder and Chief Executive at Slightly Mad Studios. "My team is excited to be joining Codemasters and we can't wait to forge a relationship based on creativity, passion and the desire to create new racing experiences that excite and delight our communities."

About Codemasters:

Codemasters (AIM: CDM) is an award winning British video game developer and publisher with over 30 years of heritage. The company specialises in high quality racing games including DiRT, GRID and the BAFTA award-winning official F1 series of videogames.

• For more information on Codemasters' product portfolio, please visit codemasters.com. 

About Slightly Mad Studios:

Slightly Mad Studios is the team behind the critically acclaimed GTR series, Need For Speed Shift & Shift 2 Unleashed. It has over 10 years of pedigree in racing games, and Project CARS represents the culmination of all that experience and heritage.

• Keep up to date with Slightly Mad Studios by visiting their website: slightlymadstudios.com

SOURCE: Codemasters