Long-term support for one of the leading, independent, global multimedia businesses with strong track record of developing and publishing content for >30 years.

The Client: Rebellion

Rebellion is one of Europe’s leading independent video game developers & publishers, with a strong track record of developing and publishing award-winning games built on a reputation of quality and innovation. This has led to over 40 #1 global hits, with 100+ games released across more than 250 countries.

They have multi-award-winning franchises with AAA Blockbuster Games with an almost cult-like community following: Sniper Elite (50 million players), Zombie Army (20 million players), Evil Genius (8 million players), Strange Brigade (3 million players).

In addition, their multi-media portfolio of premium, iconic, fully owned intellectual property (IP) includes 2000AD featuring Judge Dredd and Rogue Trooper, Roy of the Rovers, Treasury of British Comics, IPC Comics, Abaddon & Solaris books.

Rebellion has long been involved in the cutting edge of film and television production, particularly the intersection between audiovisual production technology and video game technology. At Rebellion Film Studios it has operated a motion capture studio (AudioMotion Studios) for many years, servicing both video games clients and clients from film and television. Recently, Rebellion has also pioneered Virtual Production technologies, creating new methods for high end audiovisual production.

The company's CEO, Jason Kingsley (OBE) and CTO Chris Kingsley (OBE) founded the business 30 years ago which is now based in Oxford, with game studios in Warwick, Liverpool & Wakefield, along with film & television studios in Didcot, Oxfordshire with 500 employees & over 500+ freelancers and outsourcers. Jason Kingsley is also Chair of TIGA Trade Association, representing the UK’s Games Industry.

How we’ve helped:

Our work with Rebellion illustrates how we like to collaborate with others to ensure our clients get rounded advice. 

Since 2005 we have been the primary legal advisors to the Group working with Rebellion’s in house counsel providing extensive support as the business has grown, diversified, and acquired IP, content and businesses over the last 25 years.

We have also supported Rebellion in completing a number of business acquisitions and investments, including:

• The purchases of two games developers (Core Design and Strangelite), transactions which made Rebellion the largest independent European development studio
• Acquiring the Solaris book publishing imprint from Games Workshop
• The acquisition of Radiant Worlds, a transaction which saw Rebellion grow to over 300 employees
• The acquisition of various comic titles from TI Media making Rebellion the owner of the biggest catalogue of English language comic book properties in the world
• Multiple investments in game development and related businesses in the US and EMEA
• The acquisition of US headquartered Blackshore Inc, a leading global network, talent management and marketing agency.