RuneScape makers Jagex are being bought by the multibillion sports giant behind Six Nations and LaLiga

Jagex, the UK-based creators of the long-standing MMO RuneScape, have entered into a new chapter under the ownership of CVC Capital Partners. This private equity firm, renowned for holding stakes in major sports entities like Six Nations Rugby and the Spanish football league LaLiga, among others, finalized the acquisition for a sum close to a billion pounds.

The transition of ownership to CVC Capital Partners, a firm managing assets worth around €188 billion, along with the involvement of Haveli Investments - known for their stake in Behaviour Interactive, the developers behind Dead by Daylight - comes after speculation began last September. This speculation arose around the time it was rumored that The Carlyle Group, which had acquired Jagex in 2021, was looking to pass on the reins of the Cambridge-based studio. Jagex's history of ownership includes a brief period under the stewardship of US firm Macarthur Fortune Holding in 2020, following approximately eight years of fluctuating Chinese and American investments.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Jagex is most celebrated for RuneScape, which made its debut in 2001. This game has evolved through various versions, branching into both a modern rendition and a nod to nostalgia with Old School RuneScape, and even expanding into board games and tabletop RPGs.

Despite ventures into other game genres and formats — from a RuneScape card game to strategy and action titles — none have matched RuneScape in cultural impact or financial success. Jagex reports over $1.5 billion in earnings from RuneScape, noting a record-breaking subscriber base last year.

In recent moves, Jagex has broadened its portfolio by acquiring other gaming companies, including Pipeworks Studios and Gamepires, known for the multiplayer survival title Scum. The game, which has been in early access since 2018, is set for its full version release later this year after a previously announced 2021 launch date.

Details of the financial agreement between Jagex, CVC, and Haveli have not been made public, although reports from Sky News indicated a valuation of £900 million for the studio purchase.

Through these statements, Jagex expressed optimism about the acquisition. CEO Phil Mansell conveyed that this strategic partnership aims to expand on their collection of "forever games," enhancing their commitment to nurturing and growing their fan base. The collective objective is to deliver more beloved experiences, innovate in ways that empower players, and develop new enduring games that captivate audiences.

With 700 employees worldwide and an industry currently experiencing massive shifts due to major acquisitions, there's an air of cautious anticipation about the potential effects of this significant change in ownership for Jagex.