Swedish gaming company invests in Brighton studio Delinquent

MAG Interactive, a prominent Swedish puzzle-game maker, has announced a strategic investment in Delinquent, a new Brighton-based studio

The move follows the success of MAG Interactive's Ruzzle franchise and is aimed at expanding the Stockholm-based company's strategic reach and competitive advantage.

Ruzzle, which launched in March 2012, quickly became the fastest-growing word game in the history of Apple's app store. The app has exceeded 50 million downloads; more than 20 billion rounds of Ruzzle have been played across the world.

Delinquent, founded last year and based in Upper Gardner Street, is home to a 12-person team. whose leaders come from companies such as PopCap, EA, Mind Candy, Relentless, and Activision. Senior team-members have worked on games titles such as Peggle, Bejeweled and Plants vs Zombies.

David Bishop, Delinquent's co-founder and chief commercial officer, said: "I've been fortunate to be making games for over 30 years. Every so often you find yourself part of a team that can make magic happen.

"We had that experience at PopCap and I wanted to re-create that feeling within Delinquent. We've been incredibly focused on securing and gelling the worlds best talent and have assembled a team that are now ready to cause some serious trouble. MAG Interactive felt like the final missing-link. A studio who have 'been-there, done-that and have the t-shirt'."

Daniel Hasselberg, co-founder and chief executive of of MAG Interactive, said: "There's a strong fit between the culture of our studios. Our plan is to individually and collectively disrupt some of the established genres in casual free-to-play. Delinquent pitched us on their ambition to add genuine innovation into game genres we know and love. After spending time with the team and playing early builds of what they're producing, we believe they can truly do that."

Mr Hasselberg will join the board of Delinquent, which is due to release its first title shortly.

For more information about Delinquent, visit: www.wearedelinquent.com