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. The team began developing Last Epoch as a side project, driven by a shared passion for the genre. After a successful Kickstarter campaign and an extended Early Access period, the studio released the full game in early 2024. Last Epoch has since sold more than three million copies worldwide and built a dedicated, active player base. The game stands out for its polished gameplay systems, respect for genre fundamentals, and responsive development approach.
Krafton's New $96 Million Acquisition
Krafton's Strategic Move into the ARPG Genre
The acquisition gives Krafton a foothold in the ARPG space, a genre the publisher has not previously explored in depth. Known for PUBG and other multiplayer titles, Krafton has been actively seeking opportunities to expand into new genres and support independent studios with proven track records. The move comes during a period of broader investment activity for the company, which has faced challenges in other areas, including an ongoing dispute with the founders of Unknown Worlds, the studio behind the Subnautica series.
Maria Park, Head of Corporate Development at Krafton, has stated that the decision to acquire Eleventh Hour Games was driven by shared values and a mutual commitment to player-first development. The partnership is expected to help Krafton diversify its genre offerings and build sustainable intellectual property through established, community-driven games.
Krafton's New $96 Million Acquisition
Continued Autonomy and Development Plans
Eleventh Hour Games will retain full creative autonomy and leadership under the terms of the agreement. The acquisition provides the studio with access to additional resources and infrastructure to scale its operations. Plans include expanding development across console platforms, supporting the studio's live service roadmap, and enhancing seasonal content delivery.
Judd Cobler, CEO and founder of Eleventh Hour Games, has emphasized the benefits of the acquisition in supporting the studio's long-term goals. 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. 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
Last Epoch has shown positive performance in key engagement metrics following a recent update, including player activity and concurrency. With Krafton's backing, the studio aims to continue evolving the game while maintaining its original development philosophy. 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 has 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. Both parties have confirmed that development will continue with a focus on expanding the game's reach and supporting its existing audience.
