Build A Rocket Boy acquires UK developer PlayFusion

Global games developer and publisher Build A Rocket Boy has acquired UK-based game developer and publisher PlayFusion. 

The acquisition will see PlayFusion's CEO and CTO Mark Gerhard join Build A Rocket Boy as co-CEO alongside Leslie Benzies, who founded the company in 2016.

Gerhard will focus on driving the growth of Build A Rocket Boy's triple-A games, UGC tools, and broader business ambitions, aiming to expand the platform into various entertainment spaces.

Build A Rocket Boy will continue developing three major projects: MindsEye, a triple-A narrative-driven action thriller; Everywhere, an immersive open-world platform; and Arcadia, a suite of user-generated content design and publishing tools.

The value of the deal was not disclosed.

A shared passion

“We’ve always admired PlayFusion’s creativity and innovative approach to transmedia entertainment, and joining forces with them will ascend Build A Rocket Boy to our next level of excellence," said Build A Rocket Boy co-CEO and founder Leslie Benzies. 

“Our vision has always been to put creativity into the hands of the players and PlayFusion’s shared passion for gaming will help us create a robust offering for our community to seamlessly build their own triple-A quality games and create compelling original online experiences soon." 

Gerhard added: “It’s truly an honour and a privilege to join forces with Leslie and the legendary team at Build A Rocket Boy at such a formative time for the video games industry.

“We have immense drive for delighting our players and we share an exciting vision for the future. This next chapter of our combined studios will deliver on that promise as well as disrupt the industry by democratising premium game development." 

In January 2024, Build A Rocket Boy closed a Series D funding round after raising over $110 million. The round was led by RedBird Capital Partners and supported by both new and existing investors. 

Prior to its purchase, PlayFusion had previously worked on titles such as toys-to-life game Lightseekers and squad-based tactical FPS Ascendant Infinity.