What Company Owns IO Interactive?
IO Interactive is a Danish video game development company that has been a part of several major gaming companies throughout its history. In this article, we will explore the company’s ownership structure and its journey from being an independent developer to being acquired by Square Enix.
IO Interactive’s Early Years
IO Interactive was founded in 1998 by four Danish developers, including Rasmus Højengaard, Jesper Kyd, and Jakob Lindquist. The company’s early years were marked by the development of several successful games, including the Hitman series and the Kane & Lynch series.
Acquisition by Eidos Interactive
In 2004, IO Interactive was acquired by Eidos Interactive, a British video game publisher, for £23 million. At the time, Eidos was one of the largest video game publishers in the world, and the acquisition of IO Interactive was seen as a strategic move to expand the company’s portfolio of games.
Acquisition by Square Enix
In 2009, Eidos Interactive was acquired by Square Enix, a Japanese video game publisher, for £84.3 million. Square Enix was formed in 2003 through the merger of Square and Enix, two of Japan’s largest video game developers. The acquisition of Eidos Interactive and IO Interactive was seen as a way for Square Enix to expand its presence in the Western gaming market.
IO Interactive’s Current Status
Today, IO Interactive is a subsidiary of Square Enix, and the company continues to develop games under its own brand. In 2017, IO Interactive announced that it had become an independent studio once again, and the company has since developed several successful games, including the Hitman series and the upcoming game, Project 007.
Key Points
- IO Interactive was founded in 1998 by four Danish developers.
- The company was acquired by Eidos Interactive in 2004 for £23 million.
- Eidos Interactive was acquired by Square Enix in 2009 for £84.3 million.
- IO Interactive is currently a subsidiary of Square Enix.
- The company has developed several successful games, including the Hitman series and the Kane & Lynch series.
- IO Interactive has become an independent studio once again, and is currently developing several new games.
Conclusion
IO Interactive has a rich history that spans over two decades. From its early days as an independent developer to its current status as a subsidiary of Square Enix, the company has developed several successful games and has become a major player in the gaming industry. Whether you’re a fan of the Hitman series or the Kane & Lynch series, IO Interactive is a company that is definitely worth keeping an eye on.