FoxNext Acquires Aftershock: The Final Chapter of Kabam’s Strategic Breakup
Hollywood Meets Mobile Gaming in Major Acquisition
FoxNext, the gaming division of 21st Century Fox, has made a strategic move into mobile gaming by acquiring Aftershock - the remaining assets of mobile game publisher Kabam that weren’t sold to Netmarble. This acquisition marks the culmination of Kabam’s innovative approach to selling its business in separate pieces while highlighting Hollywood’s growing interest in gaming as traditional media growth slows.
The Deal Breakdown
- Aftershock’s Assets: Includes a Los Angeles studio and San Francisco development team
- Flagship Project: Currently developing a game based on James Cameron’s Avatar franchise under license from 20th Century Fox
- Previous Transactions: Netmarble acquired Kabam’s Vancouver studio (creators of Marvel Contest of Champions) for approximately $800 million
- Estimated Value: While undisclosed, the Aftershock deal is believed to be around $100 million based on previous transactions
The Evolution of Kabam
Kabam’s journey reflects the changing landscape of mobile gaming:
- Early Success: Began with hit Facebook games like Dragons of Atlantis ($100M+ revenue)
- Strategic Pivot: Transitioned to mobile with titles like Kingdoms of Camelot and licensed games (Fast & Furious, The Hobbit)
- Big Bets Strategy: Focused on AAA mobile titles including Marvel Contest of Champions and Avatar
- Innovative Exit: Chose to maximize shareholder value by selling the company in parts
Leadership and Transition
- FoxNext Leadership: Salil Mehta will oversee the new interactive storytelling division
- Studio Management: Aaron Loeb (former Kabam executive) joins as President of FoxNext Games
- Notable Departures: Mike Verdu (Aftershock founder) returns to EA’s mobile division
Why FoxNext Makes Strategic Sense
Kent Wakeford, Aftershock’s COO, highlighted key advantages:
- Marketing Power: Access to Fox’s extensive media channels for game promotion
- Discovery Advantage: Critical in today’s crowded mobile gaming market
- IP Synergy: Ability to leverage Fox’s extensive entertainment properties
FoxNext’s Growing Gaming Ecosystem
The acquisition strengthens FoxNext’s position across multiple gaming verticals:
| Division | Focus Area | Notable Projects |
|---|---|---|
| FoxNext Games | Mobile/PC/Console | Avatar game, existing licensed titles |
| FoxNext VR Studio | Virtual Reality | Alien and Planet of the Apes VR experiences |
| FoxNext Destinations | Location-based Entertainment | 20th Century Fox World theme park (Malaysia) |
The Future of the Avatar Game
While James Cameron continues work on new Avatar films, FoxNext has not announced a timetable for the mobile game adaptation. However, Mehta expressed strong enthusiasm:
“Avatar is another reason we are so excited for this transaction. They are running full speed ahead, and fans of Avatar will be impressed.”
This acquisition represents a significant milestone in the convergence of Hollywood and gaming, with FoxNext positioned to leverage its entertainment IP across multiple interactive platforms.
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