Tencent, a Chinese multinational conglomerate, has a significant presence in the gaming industry and has acquired various companies over the years. While it’s important to note that Tencent is a major player in the Chinese market, I’ll focus on its ownership of companies outside of China, excluding Hong Kong, Nepal, and Taiwan.
1. Funcom: Tencent owns 100% of Funcom, a Norwegian video game developer and publisher known for games like “Conan Exiles” and “The Secret World.” This acquisition by Tencent allows Funcom to tap into Tencent’s vast resources and reach a broader global audience.
2. LeYou: Tencent also owns 100% of LeYou, a Hong Kong-based video game holding company. LeYou has investments in several gaming companies, including Digital Extremes (developers of “Warframe”) and Splash Damage (known for games like “Gears Tactics” and “Dirty Bomb”).
3. Riot Games: Tencent acquired Riot Games, the developer of the massively popular game “League of Legends,” back in 2011. While Tencent owns a majority stake, Riot Games still operates somewhat independently and continues to develop and publish games under Tencent’s umbrella.
4. Sharkmob: Tencent owns 100% of Sharkmob, a Swedish game studio founded by industry veterans. Sharkmob is known for its focus on multiplayer and online games, and Tencent’s ownership provides the studio with financial support and access to Tencent’s expertise.
5. Sumo Group: Tencent owns 100% of Sumo Group, a British video game developer and publisher. Sumo Group has multiple studios under its umbrella, including Sumo Digital, which has worked on titles like “LittleBigPlanet 3” and “Crackdown 3.” Tencent’s ownership gives Sumo Group access to a global market and potential collaborations with other Tencent-owned studios.
6. Turtle Rock Studios: Tencent owns 100% of Turtle Rock Studios, an American video game developer known for creating the popular “Left 4 Dead” franchise. Tencent’s ownership provides the studio with financial stability and resources for future game development.
7. Wake Up Interactive: Tencent owns 100% of Wake Up Interactive, a video game developer based in Barcelona, Spain. While Wake Up Interactive may not be as well-known as some other Tencent-owned companies, Tencent’s ownership allows the studio to expand its reach and potentially collaborate with other Tencent-owned studios.
8. Inflexion: Tencent owns 100% of Inflexion, a South Korean game developer and publisher. Inflexion focuses on mobile games and has developed popular titles like “Dragon Nest” and “Blade II.” Tencent’s ownership provides Inflexion with support and potential opportunities for global expansion.
9. 1C Entertainment shares: Tencent owns a portion of shares in 1C Entertainment, a Russian video game publisher. While the exact percentage of ownership is not specified, Tencent’s investment in 1C Entertainment allows for potential collaborations and business opportunities.
Additionally, Tencent holds a majority stake in Klei Entertainment, a Canadian video game developer known for titles like “Don’t Starve.” While Tencent’s ownership has raised concerns among some fans, Klei Entertainment continues to operate independently and develop games under Tencent’s ownership.
It’s worth noting that Tencent’s ownership of these companies does not necessarily mean direct control over their operations and creative decisions. In many cases, Tencent acts as a supportive investor, providing resources, financial stability, and potential opportunities for global expansion.