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Curve Games
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Curve Games Limited (formerly Curve Digital Limited and Curve Studios Limited) is a British video game publisher and former video game developer based in London, founded in 2005 by Jason Perkins. It focuses on the publishing of indie games.[1]
Key Information
History
[edit]Curve Studios was the successor to Blue52, who released the games Stolen and Peter Pan: The Legend of Never Land before shutting down, with the core team migrating to what would become Curve Studios after the development of the former.[2] They would then form close relationships with Sony Computer Entertainment and Nintendo in their early years, developing instalments in the Buzz! series for the former and creating Fluidity for the latter.
In 2013, Curve Studios announced that they would begin publishing games, marking their transition to a video game publisher of indie games.[3]
In January 2016, Curve Digital was acquired by Catalis Group.[4] Catalis was then sold to NorthEdge Capital in October 2019.[5] In March 2019, Curve Digital purchased Brighton-based Runner Duck, who had previously developed Space Crew for Curve Digital.[6] In November 2020, Curve Digital acquired Vancouver-based IronOak Games, who had previously developed For the King with Curve Digital.[7]
The company rebranded itself to Curve Games in October 2021 as part of their commitment to better support developers.[8]
In May 2025, Curve Games and its studios were acquired by Indian company Nazara Technologies from Catalis Group.[9]
Games developed
[edit]| Year | Title | Platform(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Buzz!: Master Quiz | PlayStation Portable |
| Buzz!: Brain Bender | ||
| 2009 | Buzz!: Brain of the World | |
| Buzz!: Quiz World | ||
| 2010 | Fluidity[10] | Wii |
| 2011 | Explodemon[11] | PlayStation 3, Windows |
| Stealth Bastard[12][13] | Windows, OS X, Linux, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Android, iOS | |
| 2012 | Fluidity: Spin Cycle[14] | Nintendo 3DS |
| 2014 | Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones[15] | Wii U, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Windows, Xbox One |
Games published
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Schilling, Chris (18 December 2018). "Studio Profile: Curve". Edge.
- ^ Surette, Tim (21 March 2005). "Blue 52 shuts down". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 20 April 2025. Retrieved 20 April 2025.
- ^ Rose, Mike (7 March 2013). "UK indie Curve Studios moves into publishing". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on 25 April 2019. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
- ^ Handrahan, Matthew (7 January 2016). "The Catalis Group buys Curve Digital". GamesIndustry.biz. Archived from the original on 19 June 2019. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
- ^ Batchelor, James (14 October 2019). "NorthEdge Capital acquires Curve Digital parent Catalis". GamesIndustry.biz. Archived from the original on 14 October 2019. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
- ^ Batchelor, James (14 March 2019). "Curve Digital parent Catalis acquires Bomber Crew developer". GamesIndustry.biz. Archived from the original on 20 May 2025. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
- ^ Handrahan, Matthew (2 November 2020). "Curve Digital acquires IronOak Games". GamesIndustry.biz. Archived from the original on 20 May 2025. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
- ^ Romano, Sal (19 October 2021). "Curve Digital rebrands as Curve Games". Gematsu. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
- ^ Scullion, Chris (20 May 2025). "Human Fall Flat publisher Curve Games has been acquired by Nazara Technologies for £21.6m". VGC. Archived from the original on 20 May 2025. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
- ^ Hatfield, Daemon (9 December 2010). "Fluidity Review". IGN. Archived from the original on 2 April 2018. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
- ^ Meer, Alec (15 July 2011). "Explodemon! Sees The Light". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Archived from the original on 19 July 2019. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
- ^ Yin-Poole, Wesley (25 April 2013). "Stealth Bastard coming to PS3 and Vita this summer". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
- ^ Polson, John (4 November 2011). "Freeware Game Pick: Stealth Bastard (Curve Studios)". Indie Games Plus. Archived from the original on 26 September 2019. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
- ^ Thomas, Lucas M. (31 January 2013). "Fluidity: Spin Cycle Review". IGN. Archived from the original on 31 January 2019. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
- ^ Robinson, Martin (1 May 2014). "There's a new Wii U exclusive coming this year". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on 30 October 2018. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
- ^ Matulef, Jeffrey (13 November 2012). "Lone Survivor is coming to PS3 and Vita". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
- ^ Long, Neil (1 July 2013). "Curve Studios is bringing Proteus to PS3 and Vita". Edge. Archived from the original on 9 November 2013. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
- ^ Long, Neil (27 February 2013). "Thomas Was Alone coming to PS3 and Vita". Edge. Archived from the original on 14 May 2014. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
- ^ Pereira, Chris (26 February 2014). "The Swapper announced for PS3, PS4, and Vita". IGN. Archived from the original on 17 February 2019. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
- ^ Crossley, Rob (3 December 2014). "OlliOlli Coming to Xbox One, Wii U, and 3DS". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 9 April 2016. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
- ^ Matulef, Jeffery (5 June 2015). "Speedrunning platformer Action Henk butt-slides to multiple consoles this summer". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on 30 June 2016. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Batchelor, James (25 July 2019). "There is no typical Curve game". GamesIndustry.biz. Retrieved 16 September 2025.
- ^ "Space Crew launches October 15". Gematsu. 29 August 2020. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
- ^ Bradshaw, Kyle (21 May 2020). "Embr, Stadia's first Early access game, arrives on May 21". 9to5Google.
- ^ Gurwin, Gabe (28 October 2020). "The Ascent Delayed To 2021, Will Launch On Xbox Game Pass". GameSpot. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
- ^ a b "Curve joins forces with 4J - Skye Tales & Manic Mechanics". Curve Games. Retrieved 20 April 2025.
- ^ Partis, Danielle (25 October 2022). "4J Studios announces move into publishing". GamesIndustry.biz. Archived from the original on 20 April 2025. Retrieved 20 April 2025.
Further reading
[edit]- "Building a British Ubisoft – CEO Dominic Wheatley on the Catalis Group's ambitious plans for growth". MCV. 9 December 2020. ISSN 1469-4832. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
External links
[edit]Curve Games
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Curve Games is a British independent video game publisher specializing in indie titles, founded in 2005 as Curve Studios by Jason Perkins and headquartered in London, England.[1][2] Originally operating as both a developer and publisher, the company shifted focus to publishing under the name Curve Digital before rebranding to Curve Games in October 2021 to emphasize developer support and innovative "Triple I" (independent, innovative, inspiring) games.[3][4] In May 2025, Curve Games was acquired by Indian gaming conglomerate Nazara Technologies for £21.7 million, expanding its global reach while maintaining its commitment to curating high-quality indie experiences.[1]
The publisher has built a reputation for amplifying creative talent worldwide, with a portfolio featuring critically acclaimed and commercially successful titles such as Human: Fall Flat (over 55 million copies sold as of January 2025)[5], The Ascent, For The King, and Dungeons of Hinterberg.[6][7] Early efforts included developing stealth-action games like Stealth Inc., while later publications encompassed diverse genres from co-op RPGs to cyberpunk shooters and survival adventures.[4] Recognized as an award-winning entity, Curve Games earned the Publishing Star award at the 2022 Develop:Star Awards for its contributions to the indie sector.[8] As of 2025, the company continues to seek partnerships with developers, fostering a pipeline of innovative projects amid the evolving indie gaming landscape.[9]
Curve Games' development efforts highlighted a specialization in puzzle and platform genres, with many projects serving as licensed extensions for Sony's Buzz! IP or original concepts optimized for Nintendo hardware, such as motion controls in Fluidity titles. This phase of internal development largely concluded around 2013 as the company shifted toward publishing third-party indie games.[66][12]
By 2025, the portfolio has achieved cumulative downloads exceeding 100 million units, driven primarily by digital platforms like Steam and console stores.[75][76]
History
Founding and early years (2005–2012)
Curve Studios was founded in 2005 by Jason Perkins in London, United Kingdom, succeeding the prior venture, Blue52 Games Limited, established in 1997.[10][11] The studio emerged during a challenging period for the UK game development industry, marked by economic pressures and a contracting market for independent creators.[12] From its inception, Curve Studios concentrated on third-party contract work, delivering games for platforms such as the PlayStation Portable (PSP) and Wii rather than pursuing original intellectual property publishing. Key early projects included contributions to Sony's Buzz! series, notably Buzz!: Master Quiz (2008, PSP), Buzz!: Brain Bender (2008, PSP), Buzz!: Brain of the World (2009, PSP), and Buzz!: Quiz World (2009, PSP).[13][14][15] These quiz and puzzle titles leveraged the studio's expertise in portable gaming, providing stable revenue through established partnerships. The business model emphasized reliable contract development to build technical proficiency and sustain operations amid the indie sector's volatility.[12] As the studio matured, it ventured into more ambitious original projects while continuing contract obligations. Notable releases included Fluidity (2010, Wii), a innovative physics-puzzle game published by Nintendo that highlighted water-manipulation mechanics, and Explodemon (2011, PS3, Windows), a fast-paced platformer drawing from 16-bit classics with explosive combat elements.[16][17][18] In 2011, Stealth Bastard launched across multiple platforms, including Windows, OS X, Linux, PS3, and PS Vita, introducing tense stealth-platforming with deadly environmental hazards.[19][20] This was followed by Fluidity: Spin Cycle (2012, Nintendo 3DS), which expanded the series by incorporating 360-degree device rotation for enhanced puzzle-solving.[21] The mid-2000s indie landscape posed substantial hurdles for Curve Studios, including publisher rejections for pitches perceived as overly niche or "too Japanese"—such as early Explodemon concepts—and the loss of funding partners amid post-2008 financial instability.[12] These setbacks, coupled with the broader contraction in UK development opportunities, underscored the limitations of pure contract reliance and spurred a strategic reevaluation. By late 2012, the studio began transitioning toward self-funding original titles and exploring publishing, setting the stage for its formal pivot in 2013.[12][10]Shift to publishing and growth (2013–2020)
In 2013, Curve Studios announced its expansion into game publishing, establishing the Curve Digital label to focus on indie titles and porting services for consoles like PlayStation 3 and Vita.[22] This strategic shift allowed the company to partner with independent developers, beginning with the release of Lone Survivor: The Director's Cut on PS3 and PS Vita in September 2013, a psychological horror title originally developed by Superflat Games.[23] Through these partnerships, Curve Digital grew its portfolio, supporting over 30 titles by 2020, including ports and new releases across PC, consoles, and later mobile platforms.[24] Key successes during this period included Human: Fall Flat, a physics-based puzzle-platformer developed by No Brakes Games and published by Curve Digital in July 2016 for Windows, macOS, and Linux, with subsequent ports to consoles.[25] The game achieved rapid commercial success, driven by its multiplayer appeal and expansions. Another milestone was For The King, a turn-based roguelike RPG developed by IronOak Games and released by Curve Digital in April 2018 for PC, blending tabletop elements with procedural adventures and supporting solo or co-op play across multiple platforms.[26] In January 2016, Catalis Group acquired Curve Digital, integrating it with Kuju Entertainment (for development and porting) and Testronic (for QA and localization services), which funded broader international reach and enhanced support for third-party indies.[27] This bolstered operational capabilities, including dedicated teams for marketing, multi-platform porting, and global distribution, enabling Curve Digital to handle increased volume without relying solely on internal development.[28] The acquisition facilitated expansion into new markets, such as console ports for Asian and European audiences, and solidified Curve Digital's role as a key indie publisher by the end of the decade.[29]Rebranding and recent developments (2021–present)
In October 2021, Curve Digital rebranded to Curve Games to emphasize its evolving role in the indie gaming sector, adopting a new visual identity and brand strategy centered on "Triple I" games—independent, innovative, and impactful titles that prioritize developer support and global player engagement.[3][30] This shift reflected the company's growth and commitment to fostering creative partnerships in a competitive market, building on its established portfolio of successful indie releases.[31] The rebranding coincided with key releases that underscored Curve Games' focus on high-profile indie projects, including the launch of The Ascent on July 29, 2021, for Windows and Xbox Series X/S, with a PlayStation 5 port following in March 2022.[32][33] This cyberpunk action-RPG, developed by Neon Giant, marked a commercial milestone and highlighted the publisher's ability to deliver ambitious titles. Additionally, ongoing franchises like Human: Fall Flat saw sustained success through expansions, such as the free "Museum" update in April 2025, and the "Candyland" and "Hike" levels released for consoles in July 2025, maintaining player interest with fresh content updates. In January 2025, Human: Fall Flat reached a milestone of over 55 million copies sold worldwide.[34][35][36] These developments occurred amid the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted operations in 2020–2021 by necessitating remote work adaptations; however, Curve Digital demonstrated resilience, continuing acquisitions and growth initiatives despite the challenges.[37] A pivotal event came on May 20, 2025, when Nazara Technologies, an Indian gaming and esports conglomerate, announced the acquisition of Curve Games for £21.7 million (approximately ₹247 crore), integrating the UK-based publisher into its portfolio to expand beyond mobile gaming into the $100 billion PC and console market.[38][1] The deal, completed on June 13, 2025, included Curve's London headquarters, staff, and studios like Runner Duck and IronOak Games, enhancing Nazara's global reach in mobile and esports while leveraging Curve's indie publishing expertise.[39] Post-acquisition, Curve Games has operated autonomously under Nazara, with strategies emphasizing increased investment in PC and console indie titles, support for new IP development, and expansion into mobile adaptations of existing games.[38] Nazara allocated resources from a $100 million fund for gaming mergers and acquisitions to scale Curve's operations, including releases such as the Nintendo Switch port of Wobbly Life on May 29, 2025, and planned updates to Human: Fall Flat through 2026.[38][40][41] This integration positions Curve to amplify its "Triple I" focus on a larger scale, fostering innovative indie projects for international audiences.Corporate affairs
Leadership and ownership
Curve Games was founded in 2005 by Jason Perkins, who served as the company's CEO during its initial years focused on game development.[42][43] The company remained independent until January 2016, when it was acquired by the UK-based Catalis Group, a private equity-backed entity that integrated Curve into its portfolio of gaming studios and publishers.[27][29] In May 2025, Catalis sold full ownership of Curve Games to Nazara Technologies, an Indian publicly listed company specializing in gaming and esports, for £21.7 million, positioning Curve as a subsidiary to expand Nazara's presence in PC and console publishing.[38][1] As of 2025, Curve Games is led by CEO John Clark, who joined in 2020 with prior experience at Sega and Tencent, overseeing operations from the company's headquarters in London.[44][45] Stuart Dinsey serves as executive chairman, providing strategic guidance following the Nazara acquisition, with the existing leadership team retained to maintain operational independence.[45][46] The board structure post-acquisition incorporates oversight from Nazara executives to align with global market strategies, though specific details on integrations remain limited in public disclosures.[39] Curve Games employs approximately 50 to 100 staff members as of 2025, supporting its publishing activities from its London base.[47][48]Subsidiaries and acquisitions
Curve Games expanded its operations through strategic acquisitions and the formation of subsidiaries, primarily under the ownership of its parent company Catalis Group until 2025. In March 2019, Catalis acquired Brighton-based studio Runner Duck, known for developing strategy titles such as Bomber Crew, integrating it as a key development arm focused on innovative gameplay experiences across PC and console platforms.[49] This move strengthened Curve's in-house capabilities for co-developing and supporting its publishing pipeline. In November 2020, Curve Digital directly acquired Vancouver-based IronOak Games, a studio specializing in game development and console porting services, which had previously collaborated on titles like For the King.[50] IronOak's expertise in optimization and cross-platform adaptations contributed to enhancing the technical quality of Curve-published games, including support for console releases in the publisher's portfolio. Additionally, under Catalis ownership, Curve benefited from access to service-oriented studios like Testronic, which provided quality assurance (QA) and localization services to bolster global distribution efforts for Curve's titles.[51] In 2016, following the acquisition of Curve Digital by Catalis Group (which had acquired Kuju Entertainment in 2007), Curve gained access to Kuju Ltd.'s engineering and production support for multi-platform projects as a sister entity under the same parent.[52][28] These entities collectively enabled co-development on select initiatives, aligning with Curve's "Triple I" publishing model—emphasizing innovative, independent, and impactful games—by providing end-to-end support from concept to release.[53] In May 2025, Nazara Technologies acquired Curve Games, including its subsidiaries Runner Duck, IronOak Games, and Kuju Ltd., along with three other minor entities, for £21.7 million, marking a significant integration into Nazara's ecosystem.[1] This post-acquisition structure enhanced Curve's reach into the Indian market through Nazara's subsidiaries, such as NODWIN Gaming for esports and mobile-focused studios like Fusebox Games, while maintaining operational independence for its Triple I-focused publishing.[54] The integration, completed in June 2025, facilitated synergies in mobile and emerging platform development, leveraging Nazara's expertise in regional content and live services.[39]Games
Developed games
Curve Games, originally known as Curve Studios, developed a series of games primarily during its early years as a developer, focusing on contract work for major platforms like PlayStation Portable and Nintendo systems. These titles emphasized puzzle-solving, platforming, and quiz-based gameplay, often under license from publishers such as Sony Computer Entertainment and Nintendo. The company's development output included approximately 10 titles between 2008 and 2014, many of which were portable or digital releases tailored for specific hardware features.| Title | Release Year | Platforms | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buzz!: Master Quiz | 2008 | PSP | A portable quiz game in the Buzz! series, featuring general trivia questions and multiplayer competition using the PSP's ad-hoc wireless connectivity.[55][15] |
| Buzz!: Brain Bender | 2008 | PSP | A puzzle-oriented quiz title in the Buzz! franchise, incorporating mini-games focused on analysis, observation, memory, and calculation challenges across 16 varied activities.[56][57] |
| Buzz!: Brain of the UK | 2009 | PSP | A region-specific quiz game centered on United Kingdom trivia, part of the Buzz! series, designed for single-player or multiplayer sessions with buzzer-style input.[58] |
| Buzz!: Quiz World | 2009 | PSP | A multiplayer-focused quiz game in the Buzz! lineup, allowing players to create custom quizzes and compete in real-time, leveraging the PSP's portable format for on-the-go play.[59][60] |
| Fluidity | 2010 | Wii | A physics-based adventure puzzle game where players control a blob of water navigating a 2D world, manipulating form and environment through Wii Remote tilting mechanics.[61] |
| Explodemon | 2011 | PS3, Windows | A 2.5D platformer featuring a shape-shifting alien hero who switches between solid, liquid, and gas forms to battle enemies and solve environmental puzzles in a run-and-gun style.[17] |
| Stealth Bastard | 2011 | Windows, macOS, Linux, PS3, PS4 | A 2D stealth puzzle-platformer emphasizing light-based mechanics, enemy avoidance, and trap navigation, later re-released as Stealth Inc: A Double Agent's Adventure with expanded content.[19][62] |
| Fluidity: Spin Cycle | 2012 | Nintendo 3DS | A sequel to Fluidity, this physics puzzle adventure introduces 3D environments and gyroscope controls via the 3DS, where players guide water through spin-based challenges and levels.[21][63] |
| Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones | 2014 | Wii U, PS3, PS4, PS Vita, Windows, Xbox One | The follow-up to Stealth Bastard, this stealth-platformer expands on clone mechanics for co-op play, featuring over 60 levels with puzzle-solving, enemy evasion, and an overworld hub.[64][65] |
Published games
Curve Games has published 56 indie titles since entering the publishing space in 2013, with a focus on PC, console, and multi-platform releases across genres such as RPGs, action, and simulation.[24][67] The portfolio emphasizes innovative, high-quality independent games, often involving partnerships with emerging studios to bring unique experiences to global audiences.[9] The company's publishing model centers on curating "Triple I" (innovative indie) titles, where Curve provides funding, marketing support, porting services through its subsidiaries, and worldwide distribution.[9] This approach allows developers to concentrate on creative aspects while Curve handles technical adaptations for platforms like Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.[68] Notable published titles include:| Title | Year | Platforms | Developer | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lone Survivor | 2013 | PS3, PS Vita | Superflat Games | Psychological survival horror; Director's Cut edition.[69][70] |
| Human: Fall Flat | 2016 | Multi-platform | No Brakes Games | Physics-based co-op platformer; over 55 million units sold as of 2025.[36] |
| For The King | 2018 | Multi-platform | IronOak Games | Turn-based roguelike RPG blending tabletop elements.[71][26] |
| The Ascent | 2021 | Windows, Xbox, PS5 | Neon Giant | Cyberpunk action-shooter RPG with co-op support.[72][32] |
| Dungeons of Hinterberg | 2024 | Multi-platform | Microbird Games | Action-adventure RPG combining dungeon crawling and social simulation.[73][74] |
References
- https://handwiki.org/wiki/Company:Curve_Digital