Ascaron - Insolvency Update

Gorath

Gorath

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Sacred 2 developer / co-publisher Ascaron will be split into separate business units.
Kalypso Media confirms acquistion of Ascaron assets and the foundation of a new development studio!

E3- Los Angeles, June 3rd 2009

Kalypso Media can today confirm that an agreement for the acquisition of most brands, intangible assets and exploitation rights of insolvent Ascaron Entertainment GmbH- has been signed with the German administrators, Pielemeyer & Welsch.

Kalypso will take over the full rights of the famous Ascaron brands, such as “DarkStar One”, “Patrician” or “Port Royale”, though a few existing license agreements held by Ascaron UK will stay with the Ascaron until expiration.

Moreover, the German publisher will hold a majority of share of a new studio which will be established mutually with former Ascaron lead designers Kay Struve and Daniel Dumont. The 12 ex-employees of Ascaron will be employed at the new studio to continue the high-quality development of console and PC products.

Simon Hellwig, Managing Director of Kalypso explains: “We are very proud of this deal, which allows us to continue the development of well-known brands, to create a high potential of further growth and to secure some of the teams jobs as well.”

More details and information about the new studio and the products to be developed will be announced soon.
Click to expand...
This PR can be found everywhere, for example on GameBanshee. According to local daily newspaper Neue Westfälische, refering to Ascaron managing director Heiko tom Felde, Kalypso (Tropico 3) agreed to invest a 7-digit sum into the new studio in Gütersloh.
A solution for Studio 2 (Sacred) is being worked on. (same source)
The Ascaron Entertainment GmbH will become a company without employees. It will collect the revenues for the games Ascaron developed. The money will be used to pay debt. (same source)
Due to Sacred 2's so far excellent sales on consoles Mr tom Felde expects the company will be able to pay all creditors in full. (same source)

A few question remain. It seems the new studio will secure ca. 15 jobs and the upcoming Studio 2 deal ca. 30 jobs. Ascaron's own homepage talks about 90 employees though. What about the other half of the workforce? And what about Ascaron's QA branch?
More information.
 
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