Keywords Studios has acquired US-based AAA game development studio, Certain Affinity, for an undisclosed amount, expanding its create division.

Certain Affinity, founded in 2006, employs over 180 people in the US and Canada, and has worked with a range of announced and unannounced projects, including the Halo and Call of Duty franchises.

As part of the deal, the firm’s founder and chief executive officer, Max Hoberman, and his management team, including president and chief operating officer, Paul Sams, will continue to lead the business following the acquisition.

Under the terms of the acquisition, the cash consideration will comprise an upfront and earn-out component and is expected to fall within the group’s targeted valuation range.

The upfront considerations will be paid in cash and will be funded the Keyword’s existing revolving credit facility.

CEO at Keywords, Bertrand Bodson, said: "We have enormous respect for their business and reputation. They bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and expertise to our create division, complementing our existing skills and expanding our presence notably in the US and Canada. We look forward to partnering with Hoberman, Sams and their team over the coming years to continue to drive growth in our create division and overall business."

Hoberman added: "At this most difficult time in the market, we're thrilled to be able to provide stability and a supportive home for our team. The respect for our talent and culture that Keywords has shown, along with a willingness to invest in our growth, is unparalleled. Sams and I look forward to partnering with them to chart a course for careful expansion of our core co-development activities, refinement of our lead development capabilities, as well as championing the growth of the create division."

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