Maximum Entertainment announced this week that it was divesting some of its assets from its subsidiary, Merge games. Specifically, it would divest intellectual property rights to certain games and retail product inventory to Silver Lining Interactive, a U.K.-based publisher owned by Merge’s founders. This divestment is expected to take place as Merge Games is in the process of merging with Maximum.
Under the terms of the agreement made public by Maximum, this company will retain all rights to Smalland: Survive the Wilds, Bramble: The Mountain King, Pixelshire, Morbid: The Lords of Ire and Sunnyside. The divested assets include 90 titles from Merge Games, including Spirit of the North (a sequel was reportedly in development at one point). Maximum receives a consideration of €1,000,000 payable on completion, which took place on Monday.
Philippe Cohen, CEO of Maximum Entertainment, said in a statement: “This agreement represents an important step in balancing Maximum Entertainment’s financial position and clearing our debts. Recently created by the founders of Merge, Silver Lining Interactive is the ideal partner for this sale. The agreement puts these divested licenses in safe hands and prepares them for success, while allowing Maximum Entertainment to focus its resources on flagship titles that we are confident will drive value through 2025 and beyond .
Merge Games was one of several studios to be laid off in 2024 and announced its integration into Maximum after the closure of its Chelford office (a former community manager said that during this process, Merge laid off all but two of its employees).