Kuju sells mobile publishing arm

News

Stuart O'Brien Dec 5 2005, 12:00pm

UK game developer Kuju has sold its mobile publishing operation to the Finesse Publishing Group in order to focus solely on mobile development.

Though terms of the deal were not disclosed, Kuju will retain its internal mobile game development group, which operates as one of Kuju Entertainment’s autonomous studios.

Kevin Holloway, previously managing director of Kuju Wireless Publishing, joins Finesse as its new CEO.

Kuju Wireless Publishing was originally set up by Kuju to differentiate its mobile game publishing activities from its development group, which is best known for its console and PC work.

KWP has brought several high profile IPs to the mobile gaming market, including Sensible Soccer, Cannon Fodder, Lotus Challenge Slot Cars, Lotus Challenge City Racing, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure & Judge Dredd.

Holloway said: “Finesse is delighted to build upon the strong foundations laid by Kuju Wireless Publishing and looks forward to growing the company in the rapidly evolving mobile content industry.

As a first step in its integration into the group, Kuju Wireless will be re-branded as Finesse Mobile.”

Kuju managing director Jonathan Newth stressed that the company remained committed to mobile development following the disposal:

“With over 60 games developed on a range of technologies, including 2D & 3D J2ME, Symbian, SMS and interactive TV, we have one of the strongest independent mobile development studios in the UK. As mobile platforms continue to grow in complexity and capability, our ability to leverage the technical knowledge of our sister PC and console divisions will be a key competitive advantage.”