Keywords Studios, the AIM-listed provider of technical services to the global video games industry, has acquired Fire Without Smoke in a deal worth up to £5.2m.
Headquartered in London and with a studio in Montreal, Fire Without Smoke provides creative and marketing services to game publishers and developers.
The firm specialises in creating game trailers, marketing art and materials for esports events, and providing marketing consultancy and general design services to the video game industry.
Founded in 2013 and now with employees staff between London and Montréal, Fire Without Smoke works with major game publishers such as Sony, Square Enix, Riot Games, Deep Silver, Sega, Capcom and Ubisoft.
The firm has been sold by founders Will O’Connor, Michael David Thomson and others. O’Connor will continue as managing director and the other founders, together with the rest of the talented team, will also remain with the business.
“Fire Without Smoke’s specialised offering represents an excellent addition to the group’s existing capabilities and adds some exciting new services to our global service platform,” said Keywords Studios chief executive Andrew Day.
“Their high end video game trailers expertise will be of great interest to Keywords’ large client base, as will their broad suite of creative services, which range from marketing strategy to providing marketing content for events including esports tournaments, which can play a significant role in influencing the success of event and game launches.
“We are delighted to welcome the talented and passionate teams of Fire Without Smoke to the Keywords family as we continue to build the business in London, in Montreal and in other Keywords locations around the world.”