Krafton's New $96 Million Acquisition

Krafton has completed the acquisition of Eleventh Hour Games, the developer behind the action role-playing game Last Epoch, for a total of $96 million. The deal, which includes 100 percent of the studio’s shares, represents Krafton’s effort to expand its presence in the global action RPG (ARPG) market and diversify its gaming portfolio.

Krafton's New $96 Million Acquisition

From Community Project to Global ARPG

Eleventh Hour Games was founded in 2018 by a group of ARPG enthusiasts who first connected through Reddit. Initially formed around a shared interest in the genre, the team began developing Last Epoch as a side project. Following a successful Kickstarter campaign and a period of Early Access development, the studio officially released the game in early 2024. Since its launch, Last Epoch has sold more than three million copies worldwide and developed a growing and active player base. The game has been recognized for its refined gameplay systems, commitment to genre fundamentals, and responsive development approach.

Krafton's New $96 Million Acquisition

Krafton’s Strategic Move into the ARPG Genre

With the acquisition of Eleventh Hour Games, Krafton aims to secure a long-term franchise within the ARPG space. Known for publishing titles such as PUBG, Krafton has signaled interest in expanding into new genres and supporting independent studios with established titles. The acquisition comes as Krafton continues to navigate a dispute with the founders of Unknown Worlds, the team behind the Subnautica series. Despite ongoing challenges, Krafton has moved forward with new investments, including the Eleventh Hour Games deal.

According to an interview with GamesBeat and Maria Park, Head of Corporate Development at Krafton, the decision to acquire EHG was based on a shared alignment in values and a mutual focus on player-first development. Park noted that the partnership is expected to support Krafton’s efforts in diversifying its genre offerings and building sustainable intellectual property through established, community-driven games.

Krafton's New $96 Million Acquisition

Continued Autonomy and Development Plans

Under the terms of the agreement, Eleventh Hour Games will retain full creative autonomy and leadership. The acquisition will provide the studio with access to additional resources and infrastructure to scale its operations. This includes plans to expand development across console platforms, support the studio’s live service roadmap, and enhance seasonal content delivery.

In a statement, Judd Cobler, CEO and founder of Eleventh Hour Games, emphasized the benefits of the acquisition in supporting the studio’s long-term goals. He explained that after several years of steady growth, the partnership with Krafton will provide the tools needed to improve development capacity and meet the expectations of a growing player base. Cobler added that the studio will begin hiring for multiple new roles as it works to expand its team.

Krafton's New $96 Million Acquisition

Future of the Last Epoch Franchise

Following a recent update, Last Epoch has shown positive performance in key engagement metrics, including player activity and concurrency. With Krafton’s backing, the studio aims to continue evolving the game while maintaining its original development philosophy. The upcoming Season 3, titled Beneath Ancient Skies, is scheduled for release on August 21, 2025. Season 4 is expected to follow approximately four months later.

Cobler reassured the community that the studio remains committed to its founding principles, with plans to continue engaging directly with players. Eleventh Hour Games will use the partnership with Krafton to deliver updates and content that align with its original vision of building a strong and sustainable ARPG experience.

Krafton's New $96 Million Acquisition

Broader Implications for Krafton’s Portfolio

The acquisition of Eleventh Hour Games reflects Krafton’s broader strategy to grow its presence in key gaming genres. By supporting independent studios and providing infrastructure for global publishing, Krafton is positioning itself to develop lasting franchises outside of its traditional offerings. The inclusion of Last Epoch in its portfolio signals an increased focus on player-driven development and long-term content planning.

The move also underscores Krafton’s interest in partnering with studios that maintain close ties to their communities. As interest in the ARPG genre continues to grow, the company sees opportunities to support franchises that have demonstrated both commercial potential and long-term player engagement.

Eleventh Hour Games and Krafton have not yet announced further details about upcoming content beyond Season 4. However, both parties have confirmed that development will continue with a focus on expanding the game’s reach and supporting its existing audience.