Recently launched UK studio receives “game-changing” investment from Tencent
Recently launched UK studio Lighthouse Games has received a “game-changing” investment from Chinese gaming giant Tencent. The new Leamington Spa-based studio aims to become one of the largest AAA game developers in the UK with the help of this investment.
Background
Lighthouse Games was officially unveiled in March and is led by Playground Games co-founder Gavin Raeburn. Raeburn, along with Trevor Williams and Ralph Fulton, co-founded Playground Games in 2010. The studio developed all five games in the Forza Horizon series, with Raeburn directing the first game.
Current Project
The team at Lighthouse Games is currently working on an undisclosed triple-A game that will feature a brand new intellectual property (IP).
Impact of Tencent’s Investment
Gavin Raeburn highlighted that Playground Games still has full control over its creative and publishing decisions. The investment from Tencent will primarily be used for recruitment purposes and to acquire new technology.
Raeburn stated, “The investment is financial, and we retain control over our game and destiny as a studio, though we are also looking forward to forging strong links with Tencent. Our goal is to be the best at everything we do, and Tencent’s investment along with their continued support will enable us to fulfill that ambition.”
He further expressed excitement stating, “An investment of this scale allows us to grow our team and prove the vision for our game and remain completely independent, whilst still leveraging the skills and experience of one of the world’s largest video game publishers. This new beginning also enables us to build our game from the ground up, with no legacy tech or architecture to work around. The shackles are off. It feels truly liberating.”
Expansion in the Industry
Lighthouse Games is the second triple-A studio formed by former Playground staff this year. In January, it was announced that key talent behind the Forza Horizon series had left Playground to start a new triple-A development studio called Maverick Games. Led by former Forza Horizon creative director Mike Brown, Maverick Games also operates in Leamington Spa.
