The move coincides with the launch of Skydance Interactive, an entity dedicated to original video games and virtual reality experiences.

Skydance, the company behind event-level entertainment for global audiences, has acquired game developer, The Workshop Entertainment. The move coincides with the launch of Skydance Interactive (SI), a subsidiary dedicated to original video games and virtual reality experiences.

The takeover provides the capability to vertically integrate the brand’s intellectual property across the feature film, television, and interactive platforms. The group will self-publish and digitally distribute SI titles for leading VR hardware, including Oculus, HTC Vive, and PlayStation VR.

While The Workshop continues offering robust console game services, the above transaction allows the business to evolve into a leading-edge virtual reality developer under the new entity. Launched in 2008 by original Treyarch members, the brand was sold to Activision in 2001 and now leads the Call of Duty franchise.

Peter Akemann co-founded Treyarch in 1995, and oversaw development of the company’s cross-platform graphics engine. General Manager, Chris Busse, helped lead the expansion of the group from 3 to more than 200 employees. Their combined experience spans games such as The Evil WithinFree Realms, Spiderman, and more.

“We are making a significant investment in virtual reality with the launch of Skydance Interactive, allowing us develop and publish original games and also extend the reach of our existing franchises. I am proud that we have found our ideal partners in The Workshop,” said David Ellison, Chief Executive Officer of Skydance Media (SM).

Photo caption (L-R) : Chris Busse (General Manager, SI), Peter Akemann (CEO, SI), David Ellison (CEO, SM), and Jesse Sisgold (COO, SM).

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