Krafton Acquires Eleventh Hour Games, Expanding ARPG Ambitions

Krafton, the South Korean publisher known for titles such as Subnautica 2 and PUBG, has officially acquired Eleventh Hour Games, the indie studio behind the action role-playing game (ARPG) Last Epoch. The announcement was made on July 25, 2025, marking a significant move for both companies in the evolving gaming landscape.

Founded in 2017, Eleventh Hour Games has dedicated itself to developing Last Epoch, which has garnered a substantial player base and critical acclaim. Judd Cobler, the founder of Eleventh Hour Games, expressed optimism about the acquisition, stating, "Krafton shares our passion for the action ARPG genre and is ready to help fuel our efforts in raising Last Epoch to new heights." With Krafton's resources, Cobler believes that the studio can achieve its ambitious vision for the game, which he claims is enjoyed by millions.

This acquisition follows Eleventh Hour's previous partnership with Tencent Games, which provided a low-equity investment in 2022. As Eleventh Hour joins Krafton's roster of studios, it aims to bolster its development team and secure the future of the Last Epoch franchise. Cobler mentioned that the studio had been vetting potential partners over the past year and chose Krafton for its alignment with their goals and capabilities to navigate upcoming challenges.

Krafton's acquisition strategy has been notable in recent years, as the company has made various investments to expand its portfolio. In its fiscal report for the year ending December 2024, Krafton outlined plans to discover and secure a "big franchise IP" and emphasized its commitment to making aggressive investments in production capabilities. The company has also faced challenges, including a legal battle with former leadership at Unknown Worlds, the developer of Subnautica, over allegations relating to a $250 million bonus tied to the game's successful launch.

Despite these challenges, Krafton has continued to position itself as a powerhouse in the gaming industry, having previously acquired Tango Gameworks and the Hi-Fi Rush franchise from Microsoft in 2024. The company’s strategy appears to be focused on securing a diverse range of game titles and genres, reflecting a broader trend in the gaming industry where consolidation among developers and publishers is becoming increasingly common.

As Eleventh Hour Games integrates into Krafton, it remains to be seen how this partnership will influence the future of Last Epoch and the broader ARPG genre. The gaming community is keen to see how Krafton's resources will enhance the game's development and what new features may be on the horizon.

In conclusion, the acquisition of Eleventh Hour Games by Krafton represents a significant milestone in the gaming industry, highlighting the ongoing trend of consolidation and the importance of strategic partnerships in navigating a competitive market. As both companies move forward, the implications of this acquisition will likely resonate throughout the gaming landscape, potentially shaping the future of ARPGs and the studio's development trajectory.