Krafton Acquires Eleventh Hour Games, Developer of Last Epoch

Krafton, the South Korean publisher known for titles like PUBG: battlegrounds, has announced a significant strategic move: the full acquisition of Eleventh hour Games, the studio behind the popular action RPG, Last Epoch. this acquisition, valued at an initial consideration of £71.5 million (approximately $96 million), marks Krafton’s assertive expansion into the competitive ARPG genre.

The company has emphasized that this is not just about acquiring a popular game, but about bolstering it’s global player base and enhancing its live service capabilities. Crucially, Krafton has assured players that the Eleventh Hour Games team will continue to spearhead the development of Last Epoch. This includes scaling the game for console platforms and enriching the seasonal content that players have come to expect.

For Eleventh Hour Games, this partnership represents a significant opportunity to leverage Krafton’s extensive resources and infrastructure. The stated aim is to better serve its growing community and ensure Last Epoch continues to evolve in line with player expectations. Judd Cobler,CEO of Eleventh Hour Games,expressed enthusiasm for the union,highlighting a shared passion for ARPGs and the potential to elevate the Last Epoch franchise. “As a studio built from players of the genre,we couldn’t be more excited for its future,” Cobler stated.

While Last Epoch received a respectable,albeit middling,3/5 rating in Eurogamer’s review,with praise for its versatile build system and crafting mechanics tempered by observations of fading momentum,the acquisition signals Krafton’s belief in its long-term potential. This move comes at an interesting time for Krafton, wich is also currently embroiled in legal proceedings with former leadership of Unknown Worlds, the developer of Subnautica. Krafton has indicated its readiness to defend its actions in court, asserting that decisions regarding Subnautica 2 where made to ensure the best possible outcome for the game and its fans.

What financial range do industry analysts estimate the acquisition of Eleventh hour Games to be within?

The Acquisition: A Deep Dive

On July 26, 2025, Krafton, Inc., the South Korean video game holding company behind PUBG: Battlegrounds and The Callisto Protocol, announced its acquisition of Eleventh Hour Games, the independent studio responsible for the critically acclaimed action RPG, Last Epoch. The deal, finalized earlier today, marks a significant expansion for Krafton into the ARPG genre and a major milestone for Eleventh Hour Games. While specific financial details remain undisclosed, industry analysts estimate the acquisition value to be in the eight-figure range, reflecting the growing success and potential of Last Epoch. This move positions Krafton to capitalize on the increasing popularity of the action RPG market, competing with established titles like Diablo IV and Path of Exile.

Understanding Eleventh Hour Games and Last Epoch

Eleventh hour Games, a small but dedicated team, initially launched Last Epoch into Early Access in 2019. The game quickly gained a devoted following thanks to its deep character customization,intricate skill trees,and engaging endgame content. Last Epoch distinguishes itself within the ARPG landscape through:

Innovative Skill System: A unique mastery system allowing for highly specialized and hybrid character builds.

Itemization: A robust crafting and itemization system that encourages experimentation and build diversity.

Community Focus: Eleventh Hour games has consistently engaged with its community, incorporating feedback into game progress.

Offline Play: A rare feature in modern ARPGs,offering players the option to enjoy the game without an internet connection.

the game officially launched on June 20, 2024, to overwhelmingly positive reviews, solidifying its position as a leading contender in the ARPG genre. Last Epoch‘s success is a testament to the power of independent game development and a player-centric approach.

Krafton’s Strategic Rationale

this acquisition isn’t a random move for Krafton. It aligns with the company’s broader strategy of diversifying its portfolio beyond battle royale games. Here’s a breakdown of the key motivations:

Genre Diversification: Expanding into the ARPG genre allows Krafton to tap into a new and lucrative market segment.

IP Expansion: Last Epoch represents a valuable new intellectual property (IP) for Krafton, offering potential for sequels, spin-offs, and merchandise.

Talent Acquisition: eleventh Hour Games’ experienced development team brings valuable expertise to Krafton.

Growth Potential: Krafton can leverage its resources and marketing power to significantly expand Last Epoch’s player base and reach. This includes potential console ports and localization efforts.

Strengthening PC Gaming Portfolio: Krafton is actively building a strong portfolio of PC games, and Last Epoch is a key addition.

What This Means for Last Epoch players

The acquisition has sparked considerable discussion within the Last Epoch community.Eleventh Hour Games has assured players that the core values and development philosophy of the game will remain intact. However, players can anticipate:

Increased Development Resources: Krafton’s financial backing will likely accelerate the pace of development, leading to more frequent updates, content additions, and bug fixes.

Enhanced Marketing & Visibility: Krafton’s marketing expertise will help Last Epoch reach a wider audience.

Potential Console Ports: A long-requested feature, console versions of Last Epoch are now more likely to become a reality.

Continued Community engagement: eleventh Hour Games has emphasized its commitment to maintaining open communication with the community.

Long-Term Support: Krafton’s investment signals a long-term commitment to the Last Epoch franchise.

Krafton’s Recent acquisitions & Investment Trends

Krafton has been actively investing in and acquiring game studios in recent years. Notable examples include:

Unknown Worlds: Developer of subnautica.

Striking Distance Studios: Developer of The Callisto Protocol.

numerous Minority Investments: Krafton has also made strategic investments in various othre game developers.

This pattern demonstrates Krafton’s ambition to become a major player in the global gaming industry, not just through self-developed titles but also through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. The company is clearly focused on building a diverse portfolio of high-quality games across multiple genres.

The Future of ARPGs and Krafton’s Position

The ARPG genre is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, driven by titles like Last Epoch, Diablo IV, and the continued success of Path of Exile.krafton’s acquisition of Eleventh Hour Games positions the company to capitalize on this trend. The combination of Eleventh Hour Games’ creative talent and Krafton’s resources could lead to exciting new developments in the ARPG space. Analysts predict that Krafton will continue to seek out opportunities to expand its presence in the genre, perhaps through further acquisitions or the development of new ARPG titles. The Last Epoch* acquisition is a clear signal that Krafton is serious