Infogrames acquires Sheffield-based Actua outfit

The super publisher model takes another step closer to reality as French giants Infogrames acquire rival publishers Gremlin in a deal worth close to £23 million.

Gremlin, publishers of the popular and successful Actua range of sports games, among others, have long been rumoured to be open to take-over offers and Infogrames have beaten several other publishers to secure the deal. The take-over is reported to be friendly with disruption and job losses at Gremlin kept to a minimum.

Gremlin acquired high-profile developers DMA Design (Body Harvest, Wild Metal Country, GTA) a couple of years ago and their future now looks uncertain. Whether DMA wish to remain under the Infogrames umbrella or break clear is undecided though it would seem unlikely that Infogrames would want to let such a high profile and talented development house slip from their grasp. More news on DMA when we get it.

Meanwhile, for an insider's glimpse at what this take-over means to Gremlin staff check out this week's A Quick Word With featuring Martin Bramall.