Reforged Studios, a prominent name in the gaming industry, has expanded its global reach with the acquisition of South African game developer Yellow Lab games.While the financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, the announcement confirms that Yellow Lab will retain its independence, continuing to develop its own intellectual property while also contributing to Reforged Studios’ projects.
Yellow Lab Games is currently hard at work on “Metavoidal,” a highly anticipated heavy metal-inspired roguelite RPG. The game, which has already launched in alpha on Itch.io, is slated for a full release on Steam in the first quarter of 2025.
This acquisition marks Reforged Studios’ third major move this year, following the purchase of Ground Shatter adn Extra Mile Studios in August.
“Growing up in South Africa,I have always been aware of the amazing game development talent the country hosts,” said Peter Van Der Watt,CEO and founder of Reforged Studios. “Yellow Lab Games have been on my radar for some time, especially since seeing the positive reaction to Metavoidal, their first foray into PC and console gaming.”
“I have championed South African game development around the world since moving to Scotland to found my first game studio back in 2011, and today the whole of Reforged’s board shares my enthusiasm for the region’s potential. So when the chance arose to have [Yellow Lab head of studios] david Hecker and his team join our group, we did not hesitate. We are all really excited to add South Africa’s top games talent to the Reforged team and fully expect this to be the beginning of a broader investment in africa’s burgeoning gaming scene.”
For those interested in learning more about the vibrant South African games industry, GamesIndustry.biz published a complete editorial series earlier this year exploring its growth and potential.
Reforged Studios Expands Global Reach with Acquisition of South African Developer Yellow Lab Games
Table of Contents
- Reforged Studios Expands Global Reach with Acquisition of South African Developer Yellow Lab Games
- A Strategic Partnership: Bridging Continents
- Unlocking African Potential: A Fertile Ground for Gaming
- Looking Ahead: A Future of Collaboration **World Today News:** What are your predictions for the future of this partnership and the south African gaming industry? Peter Van Der Watt: “We see this as the beginning of a much broader investment in Africa’s burgeoning gaming scene. We are excited to collaborate with Yellow Lab Games and explore other opportunities to support and promote South African developers. We believe that the region has the potential to become a major player in the global gaming landscape.” **World Today News: **David, any closing thoughts for aspiring game developers in South Africa? **David Hecker**: “Don’t be afraid to dream big. Embrace your unique identity and let your passion shine through. the world is hungry for fresh voices and innovative ideas. With dedication and hard work, anything is absolutely possible.” Stay Engaged
Reforged Studios, a prominent name in the gaming industry, has announced the acquisition of South African game developer Yellow Lab Games. While the financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, Yellow Lab will retain its independence, continuing to develop its own intellectual property while also contributing to Reforged Studios’ projects. This strategic move marks Reforged Studios’ third major acquisition this year, underscoring its commitment to global expansion.
To delve deeper into the implications of this acquisition and the broader South African gaming landscape, we spoke with Peter Van Der Watt, CEO and founder of reforged Studios, and David Hecker, Head of Studio at yellow Lab Games.
A Strategic Partnership: Bridging Continents
World Today News: Peter, what factors led Reforged Studios to acquire yellow Lab Games, and what are your strategic goals for this partnership?
“Growing up in South Africa, I’ve always been aware of the unbelievable game development talent the country possesses. Yellow Lab Games has been on my radar for some time, especially after seeing the positive response to their upcoming game, *Metavoidal*. This acquisition is not only about expanding our global reach but also about investing in and supporting a promising region like South Africa.”
– Peter Van Der Watt, CEO and Founder, Reforged Studios.
World Today News: David, how does this partnership with Reforged Studios benefit Yellow Lab Games and your ambitions for *Metavoidal*?
David Hecker: “Joining forces with Reforged Studios provides us with invaluable resources and expertise. Their support allows us to focus on developing *Metavoidal* to its full potential while benefiting from their established network and industry knowledge.We’re thrilled to collaborate with such a passionate and forward-thinking team.”
Unlocking African Potential: A Fertile Ground for Gaming
**World Today News:** Peter, you’ve been a vocal advocate for South African game development. Can you elaborate on the country’s potential within the global gaming market?
“South Africa boasts a vibrant and talented pool of game developers. But access to resources and international exposure can be challenging. This acquisition demonstrates Reforged Studio’s commitment to nurturing this talent and helping South African studios reach a wider audience.”
– Peter Van Der Watt,CEO and Founder,Reforged Studios.
**World Today News:** What are some of the specific challenges and opportunities you see for the South African gaming industry?
**David Hecker:** “One of the biggest challenges is building a lasting infrastructure and fostering strong connections with international markets. However, the passion, creativity, and unique perspectives within the South African gaming community are truly remarkable. We have incredible stories to tell, and with the right support, we can make a significant impact on the global stage.”