Stadia ‘definitely looking into’ the possibility of more studio acquisitions

Stadia could follow up its recent purchase of Typhoon Studios with further acquisitions, according to first-party games boss Jade Raymond.

Google announced on Thursday that it’s purchasing the independent developer behind the upcoming Journey to the Savage Planet, which was co-founded by former Ubisoft and EA developers Reid Schneider and Alex Hutchinson.

“We definitely are looking into it,” Raymond told GamesIndustry.biz when asked about the possibility of future studio acquisitions.

“Right now, apart from this acquisition, we’re really focused on also building teams through organic growth.”

With Typhoon joining, Raymond said Google will “have two full teams up and running making games” in its first Stadia Games and Entertainment studio.

The Montreal-based studio is being led by director general Sébastien Puel, who recently joined the company from Ubisoft alongside a group of other former senior Assassin’s Creed developers.

“There are always pros and cons to acquisitions, and I think when you find the right culture and a really good fit like Typhoon is, it’s a no-brainer,” Raymond said. “But we take this very seriously. We want to build for the long-term. Our whole strategy is a long-term one to make the right decisions.”

Raymond has previously said the company will deliver some “exciting” exclusive content each year, but that it may take several years before a “big bet” from a first-party studio pays off.