Nintendo Acquires Mortal Kombat 1 Port Studio Shiver Entertainment

Japanese multinational video game company, Nintendo, has announced its acquisition of Shiver Entertainment—a popular video game studio, previously owned by Embracer Group, that’s known for porting games to different platforms.

This news comes after Nintendo publically announced the acquisition via an official press release on May 21, 2024, stating that it had acquired Shiver Entertainment from Embracer Group on an undisclosed purchase amount. Embracer Group owns Gearbox Entertainment, THQ Nordic, and many more video game development studios. Nintendo revealed that it will “acquire 100% of the outstanding shares of Shiver and make it a wholly owned subsidiary.”

Shiver has previously worked with Nintendo before and “partnered with publishers and developers through commissions for large-scale title developments.” The studio’s latest endeavor was Hogwarts Legacy and Mortal Kombat 1, which Shiver ported to the Nintendo Switch. Nintendo’s acquisition of Shiver only cements its success for future video game developments.

Nintendo “aims to secure high-level resources for porting and developing software titles.” With Nintendo’s upcoming console, the Nintendo Switch 2, reportedly arriving next year, the company seems to be planning a future where more games can be played on its platform. However, Nintendo has stated that nothing will change going forward. “Even after [Shiver] becomes a part of the Nintendo group, the studio’s focus will remain the same, continuing commissions that port and develop software for multiple platforms, including Nintendo Switch.”

Despite such a significant acquisition, Nintendo states that its financial results for this fiscal year will only be minorly affected. In addition, “the acquisition will be completed pending satisfaction of all relevant customary closing conditions.” It seems Nintendo has a lot planned for the next few years and gamers should be pretty excited about it.