Splash Damage Acquires Gamepires

Splash Damage has purchased Scum developer Gamepires from Jagex, marking a significant shift in both studios’ strategic direction.
The combined company will focus on expanding multiplayer and survival‑focused development while scaling the Scum franchise.
Leadership changes and new financial backing suggest a broader restructuring effort within Splash Damage.

A Strategic Move Backed by New Investment

Splash Damage has acquired Gamepires in a deal supported by Emona Capital, which recently emerged as the studio’s primary financial backer. The company described the acquisition as part of a refreshed strategy that merges its long‑standing multiplayer and shooter expertise with Gamepires’ experience in open‑world survival and live‑service development. The combined group plans to expand its premium development partnerships while continuing to grow the Scum franchise and invest in new intellectual property. Jagex originally purchased Gamepires in 2022 while Scum was still in Early Access, following its initial publication by Devolver Digital.

Ben Hopkinson, previously chief financial officer at Splash Damage, will step into the role of CEO for the newly merged entity. He characterized the acquisition as a defining moment for the Bromley‑based studio. The move comes only three months after Splash Damage entered a consultation period ahead of planned redundancies. The studio separated from Tencent in September after being acquired by private equity investors, now confirmed to be Emona Capital.

Restructuring Amid Industry‑Wide Portfolio Shifts

Emona Capital’s involvement reflects a broader trend of investment firms acquiring studios as publishers streamline their portfolios. The firm has recently supported several buyouts, including the 2025 acquisition of Secret Mode for an undisclosed amount. Its portfolio also includes Amber Studio, Blackbird Interactive and Relic Entertainment, indicating a growing presence in the game development sector. Splash Damage says Emona’s backing will help accelerate growth and reinforce its position as an independent developer.

Hopkinson stated that the combination of independence, experience and the addition of Gamepires strengthens the company’s ability to scale live‑service projects and build new multiplayer experiences. He added that Emona’s strategic support and industry network provide a stable foundation for the studio’s future. The acquisition suggests a renewed focus on long‑term development pipelines rather than short‑term restructuring. It also signals a shift toward more diversified project management across multiple genres and service models.

Scum’s Growth and Jagex’s Refocused Strategy

Scum launched in 2018 and quickly became Devolver Digital’s fastest‑selling release, reaching one million sales in its first month. The game exited Early Access in June 2025 and has since approached nearly six million total units sold, according to GameDiscoverCo data. Its continued growth makes it a valuable asset for Splash Damage as the studio expands its live‑service capabilities. Gamepires’ integration is expected to support further development of the franchise.

Meanwhile, Jagex has shifted its attention back to its core RuneScape brand. The company rebranded earlier this year as Jagex: The RuneScape Company, emphasizing its commitment to the long‑running MMO and its new survival‑focused spin‑off, RuneScape: Dragonwilds. CEO Jon Bellamy told GamesIndustry.biz that the studio is investing tens of millions of dollars into strengthening the RuneScape identity. This renewed focus suggests that divesting Gamepires aligns with Jagex’s long‑term priorities.