Reforged Studios has announced the acquisition of Headup Games, a well-known publisher of titles such as Super Meat Boy 3D, Industria, and Crowns and Pawns: Kingdom of Deceit. While the financial details of the deal were not disclosed, it has been confirmed that there will be no layoffs, and the Headup team will remain unchanged.
Details of the Agreement
Reforged described this acquisition as a “significant strategic step” towards developing its own publishing platform and strengthening support for independent studios. By integrating into the Reforged group, Headup will gain a broader network for both development and distribution.
Organizationally, Headup founder Dieter Schoeller will continue to lead his company’s operations and will also assume the role of Chief Publishing Officer at Reforged, reporting directly to Reforged’s founders.
Peter van der Watt, CEO of Reforged, praised Headup for building “one of the most respected and curated catalogs in independent publishing.” He highlighted their reputation for consistent developer support and a clear editorial vision. Van der Watt added that integrating Headup “concretely strengthens our platform and accelerates our long-term growth strategy,” clarifying that the acquisition aims to “build a solid home for ambitious independent creators,” rather than being merely a consolidation move.
Dieter Schoeller echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the qualitative importance of the agreement: “We weren’t looking for growth at all costs, but for the right partners. Reforged is made up of people who truly understand video games, and this synergy will allow us to grow while preserving what makes Headup special.”