Observed Signal · Nov 10, 2026 · M&A - Completed · Source: PocketGamer.biz · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Lego Digital Play acquires ForthStar studio
Lego Digital Play, a subsidiary of the LEGO Group, has acquired Manchester-based mobile game studio ForthStar Games for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 2024 by Paul Gouge and Alex Rigby, who previously co-founded Playdemic (sold to EA for $1.4 billion in 2021), ForthStar has 30 employees and raised $10 million from Griffin Game Partners. The team will remain in Manchester, with Gouge becoming head of games at Lego Digital Play and Rigby continuing to lead ForthStar. This marks Lego Digital Play's second studio acquisition in two months, following Offroad Games, underscoring Lego's commitment to mobile gaming. President Aaron Loeb refutes claims that 'mobile is dead' and sees the platform as key to reaching global audiences.
Acquisition in the mobile gaming space, relevant to digital play and advertising, but limited direct impact on core AdTech.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Lego Digital Play acquires ForthStar Games, a Manchester-based mobile game studio founded in 2024 by Paul Gouge and Alex Rigby.
- The acquisition adds ~30 employees to Lego Digital Play's staff of over 100; financial terms were not disclosed.
- Paul Gouge becomes head of games at Lego Digital Play; Alex Rigby continues to lead ForthStar.
- Former founders previously co-founded Playdemic, which was sold to Electronic Arts for $1.4 billion in 2021; ForthStar secured $10 million from Griffin Game Partners.
- This is Lego Digital Play's second studio acquisition in two months, after Offroad Games, highlighting its mobile gaming strategy.
Connected Companies & Entities
“Lego Digital Play was established as a separate company from the Lego Group in early 2025.”
“Warner Bros. acquired Playdemic in 2017 before selling it to Electronic Arts in 2021 for $1.4bn.”
“EA acquired Playdemic and Golf Clash for $1.4bn in 2021.”
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Lego Digital Play acquires Offroad Games, maker of Chrome Valley Customs
Lego's mobile-focused studio, Lego Digital Play, has acquired Offroad Games, a UK-based developer founded 19 months ago by former Space Ape Games employees. The deal marks the first major public move for Lego Digital Play since its formation in early 2025. Financial terms were not disclosed. Offroad Games staff have joined Lego Digital Play, and Chrome Valley Customs will continue under the Offroad Games label for now. The studio focuses on car-themed mobile games, including Chrome Valley Customs. The acquisition underscores Lego's commitment to expanding its presence in the mobile gaming sector. Lego Digital Play is led by Aaron Loeb, a veteran games executive with prior roles at Scopely, FoxNext, and EA.
Mattel launches Mattel Game Studios for digital games
Mattel has launched Mattel Game Studios, a global digital games organisation within Mattel Digital Studios that centralises game development, publishing, live-ops, marketing and brand capabilities. The studio consolidates roughly 300 artists, designers, engineers, producers and live-ops specialists across Los Angeles and Hangzhou and will build mobile and platform experiences for Roblox, Fortnite and other channels. The formation follows Mattel’s full acquisition and integration of Mattel163; that studio’s mobile portfolio has delivered over 550 million downloads, reaches about 20 million monthly active players and contributed nearly $49 million in Q2. Mattel Game Studios recently self-published a Masters of the Universe mobile game, has UNO Wild in soft launch with plans for full global distribution in early 2027, and is developing a new Hot Wheels title.
Fingersoft Ends Lego Hill Climb Adventures Development
Finnish game studio Fingersoft has announced the end of development for its Lego-licensed racing game, Lego Hill Climb Adventures. The decision, shared via a LinkedIn post, cites the game's underperformance and inability to sustain long-term support. Despite the closure, no employees will be laid off; the team will transition to Fingersoft's prototyping unit to work on future projects. The free-to-play version will be pulled from the App Store and Google Play on December 15, with in-app purchases removed by October 23. The IAP-free version on Apple Arcade will remain playable. According to AppMagic, the game generated approximately $475k in revenue and 3.6 million downloads since its 2024 launch. Fingersoft continues to focus on the global launch of Hill Climb Racing 3.
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