Nintendo’s Surprising Acquisition: Mortal Kombat 1 Developer Shiver Entertainment
In a shocking move, Nintendo has made an unexpected purchase by acquiring external studio Shiver Entertainment. While other video game publishers have been splurging on acquisitions, such as Microsoft’s jaw-dropping $75.4 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard and Sony’s $3.6 billion deal with Bungie, Nintendo has been known for its cautious spending.
Nintendo’s war chest, built up to protect against hostile takeovers, is rarely tapped into for developer acquisitions. However, they have made a few exceptions in the past, including Retro Studios, Monolith Soft, and Next Level Games. Shiver Entertainment, the developer behind the Switch ports of Mortal Kombat 1 and Hogwarts Legacy, is the latest addition to Nintendo’s roster.
While the exact cost of the acquisition remains undisclosed, it is unlikely to have put a significant dent in Nintendo’s finances. Shiver Entertainment, founded in 2012, may not be a household name, but they have worked on notable titles such as Mortal Kombat 11 and the Lucius horror series.
The Switch version of Mortal Kombat 1 received criticism for its poor quality. However, the blame can be attributed to budget limitations and the technical challenges of bringing the game to the Switch. It was a risky endeavor from the start.
Hogwarts Legacy, another game handled by Shiver Entertainment, also faced challenges. The open-world elements were largely removed, leading to mixed reviews. Despite these setbacks, Shiver Entertainment seems to have caught Nintendo’s attention with their current project, which remains shrouded in mystery.
Nintendo’s decision to acquire Shiver Entertainment raises many questions. In their brief announcement, Nintendo mentioned that Shiver will continue to develop software for multiple platforms, including the Nintendo Switch. This decision seems puzzling, considering they are now a fully owned subsidiary of Nintendo. It is unclear whether this means they will complete their ongoing projects or if it hints at the rumored Switch 2.
Regardless, it is evident that Nintendo acquired Shiver Entertainment at a bargain price. The beleaguered Embracer Group, which sold off many of its acquisitions recently, was the previous owner. Nintendo expects the acquisition to have only a minor impact on their financial results for the current fiscal year.
In conclusion, Nintendo’s acquisition of Shiver Entertainment is a surprising move that has left many scratching their heads. Only time will tell how this partnership will unfold and what new projects Shiver Entertainment will bring to the gaming world.
