Krafton Acquires Eleventh Hour Games for $96 Million to Expand ARPG Portfolio

In a significant move within the gaming industry, South Korean video game publisher Krafton has announced its acquisition of Eleventh Hour Games, a studio recognized for developing the popular action role-playing game (ARPG) "Last Epoch." The deal, valued at $96 million, was confirmed in a press release issued on July 25, 2025.

Founded in 2018, Eleventh Hour Games has made a mark in the gaming community with "Last Epoch," which has sold over three million copies globally since its launch. Krafton aims to leverage this acquisition to enhance its competitive edge within the ARPG genre and solidify its standing in the global market. "This acquisition is a strategic step towards diversifying Krafton's genre portfolio and expanding our portfolio of unique franchise intellectual properties (IP)," stated Maria Park, Krafton's head of corporate development.

The acquisition comes at a time when Krafton is navigating a legal dispute concerning its upcoming title "Subnautica 2." Despite this, the company remains committed to expanding its influence in the gaming sector. According to the press release, Eleventh Hour Games will retain its leadership and creative autonomy while benefiting from Krafton's support in areas such as team expansion and international publishing strategies.

Judd Cobler, the CEO of Eleventh Hour Games, expressed enthusiasm about the merger, stating, "Joining Krafton is a dream come true for Eleventh Hour Games. Their deep-rooted passion for ARPGs aligns perfectly with our mission. With Krafton's support, EHG is poised to elevate the Last Epoch franchise to even greater heights."

The partnership aims to enable Eleventh Hour Games to scale development for "Last Epoch" across console platforms and expand its seasonal content pipelines, paving the way for long-term franchise growth. "Krafton’s commitment to supporting developers who prioritize players aligns with our core values," Cobler added.

This acquisition underscores Krafton's strategic vision to enhance its portfolio amidst a rapidly evolving gaming landscape, where competition is intensifying among publishers for market share. As the gaming industry continues to grow, with revenue projected to reach over $200 billion by 2025 according to Newzoo's Global Games Market Report, such mergers and acquisitions are becoming increasingly common.

In conclusion, the acquisition of Eleventh Hour Games not only reflects Krafton's ambition to broaden its gaming portfolio but also signals a growing trend in the industry where established publishers seek to bolster their positions through strategic partnerships. The implications of this deal will unfold as both companies work together to maximize the potential of the Last Epoch franchise, potentially reshaping the dynamics of the ARPG genre in the years to come.