Tencent Acquires 51% of Kuro Games and Becomes Its Majority Shareholder
Gaming giant Tencent has acquired a 51.4% majority stake in Kuro Games, the developer of the popular title Wuthering Waves. This transaction officially makes Kuro Games a Tencent subsidiary, further solidifying its position within the Chinese conglomerate’s ecosystem. The information was confirmed in an internal memo, where Kuro Games stated that despite the change in ownership, it will maintain its strategy of independent operations.
Changes to the Board of Directors
This strategic move also brought significant changes to Kuro Games’ board of directors. Tencent supervisors have replaced previous members from another investment firm, according to industry reports. This restructuring highlights Tencent’s control over the company’s strategic decisions.
A New Era Under Tencent
The shift in Kuro Games’ ownership structure stems from Tencent’s purchase of an additional 37% stake previously owned by Hero Entertainment. With this transaction, Tencent not only becomes the majority shareholder but also the sole external investor. However, as with other subsidiaries such as Riot Games and Supercell, Tencent has committed to ensuring that Kuro Games retains its operational independence.
In its statement, Kuro Games emphasized that this partnership would enhance the company’s external stability and enable a more focused long-term strategy.
What Does This Mean for Players?
This acquisition could result in greater resources for future projects, benefiting both current and upcoming titles like Wuthering Waves. However, only time will tell whether this promise of independence translates into products that retain Kuro Games’ unique identity or if there will be changes in its business model and creative direction.
A Strategic Move by Tencent
This deal highlights Tencent’s continued efforts to expand its portfolio of talented developers. In recent years, Tencent has made similar moves with prominent studios, successfully balancing financial control with creative autonomy in its subsidiaries.
You can learn more about this news as well as see the internal letter from Kuro Games at the followinglink.
What do you think about this move by Tencent? Do you think Kuro Games’ autonomy will really hold up under Tencent’s leadership? Leave us your comments!
