Vivendi Universal Acquires High Moon Studios

Vivendi Universal, the publisher of World of Warcraft and the Crash Bandicoot series, has acquired High Moon Studios, developers of 2005's old west vampire FPS game Darkwatch. The terms of the deal include Vivendi absorbing all of High Moon's staff of over 100 employees, and gaining control over the studio's intellectual properties. High Moon CEO John Rowe will continue to manage the studio at its Carlsbad, CA offices. Vivendi did not disclose the financial terms of the acquisition. "High Moon has assembled an experienced team of development professionals who are passionate about creating compelling interactive entertainment for audiences around the world," said High Moon CEO John Rowe. "We are happy to be a part of Vivendi Universal Games, and we believe that the acquisition is a very positive step for the growth of our studio." Formerly known as Sammy Studios, before striking out on its own in 2005 following a management buyout in the midst of Sammy's merger with Sega, High Moon has earned awards for its working environment. IT Week Magazine named the studio one of its Top 50 Technology Innovators of 2005, and the San Diego Society for Human Resource Management gave the studio a Crystal Award for "Employer of Choice." "VU Games and High Moon are already collaborating on a soon-to-be-announced project based on a major entertainment license," said Vivendi Universal Games CEO Bruce Hack. "Our acquisition of the studio is another major step forward in building the company's position as a leader in next generation console games."