Tencent, a prominent Chinese technology company, has reportedly secured a majority stake in Kuro Games, the acclaimed developer behind the popular titles Wuthering Waves and Punishing: Gray Raven. This acquisition significantly alters the landscape for both companies.
Tencent's Majority Shareholding
Tencent's acquisition encompasses roughly 37% of Kuro Games' shares, boosting its overall ownership to 51.4%. This move follows the withdrawal of other shareholders, solidifying Tencent's position as the sole external stakeholder and granting them controlling interest. This expansion builds upon Tencent's initial investment in Kuro Games in 2023.
Maintaining Independence
Despite Tencent's majority stake, Kuro Games assures continued operational independence. This mirrors Tencent's approach with other successful game studios such as Riot Games (League of Legends, Valorant) and Supercell (Clash of Clans, Brawl Stars). Kuro Games' official statement highlights that this acquisition fosters a "more stable external environment" and supports its long-term independence strategy. Tencent has yet to publicly acknowledge the acquisition.
Kuro Games' Success
Kuro Games, a leading Chinese game developer, has achieved notable success with both Punishing: Gray Raven and Wuthering Waves. Each title has generated over $120 million USD in revenue and continues to receive regular updates. The recent nomination of Wuthering Waves for a Players' Voice award at The Game Awards underscores the studio's achievements.
