D3Publisher of America has announced that it has bought North Carolina-based Vicious Cycle Software (Dead Head Fred, Puzzle Quest PSP, Vicious Engine) as a wholly owned subsidiary, the first internal studio purchase by the D3's U.S. division.
Vicious Cycle Software was set up in 2000, following the closure of the Microprose offices in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and has previously created titles such as Robotech Invasion and Curious George.
The firm has then continued working more closely, though not exclusively, with D3 in recent months - working on Flushed Away, the forthcoming original-IP game Dead Head Fred, and the PSP version of the Infinite Interactive-devised Puzzle Quest.
In addition to its self-developed titles, Vicious Cycle has also created the Vicious Engine for licensing purposes, as used by both Collision Studios (300) and Totally Games (Alien Syndrome) for recent or in-development titles.
In the new ownership structure, Eric Peterson will remain president and Wayne Harvey will remain vice president of Vicious Cycle Software. The company’s 50-person development team will remain in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“Having worked with D3PA for the past few years, we know the company shares our passion for creative excellence and our commitment to quality,” said Eric Peterson, president, Vicious Cycle Software. “We’re thrilled to become a part of D3PA and we look forward to contributing our creative talents to D3PA’s portfolio of innovative games.”
