Tencent Acquires Majority Stake in Kuro Games, Makers of Wuthering Waves

Chinese tech giant Tencent has recently solidified its influence in the gaming industry by acquiring a majority stake in Kuro Games, the studio behind popular titles Wuthering Waves and Punishing: Gray Raven. This move marks a significant development for both companies.

Tencent Takes 37% Stake In Kuro Games

Tencent has bolstered its investment in Kuro Games by purchasing an additional 37% of the studio's shares. This acquisition brings Tencent's total ownership to 51.4%, establishing it as the sole external shareholder of Kuro Games. This strategic move comes just a year after Tencent's initial investment in 2023, reflecting a rapid expansion of its influence over the company.

Despite this significant stake, a Kuro Games insider, as reported by Chinese news outlet Youxi Putao, assures that Kuro Games will maintain its independence. This model is akin to Tencent's arrangements with other studios like Riot Games, creators of League of Legends and Valorant, and Supercell, known for Clash of Clans and Brawl Stars. Kuro Games has stated that this partnership will foster a "more stable external environment" and bolster its long-term strategy for independence. Tencent has yet to provide an official statement regarding the acquisition.

Kuro Games, a prominent Chinese game developer, has made a name for itself with the action RPG Punishing: Gray Raven and the newly released open-world adventure RPG Wuthering Waves. Both titles have been commercially successful, each generating over $120 million USD in revenue. The games continue to receive regular updates, and Wuthering Waves has even been nominated for Players’ Voice at the upcoming The Game Awards.