Behaviour Interactive Expands Across the Atlantic: What's Next?

Behaviour Interactive has recently acquired SockMonkey Studios, marking its first expansion outside of North America. The Canadian game developer and publisher, known for its survival horror game Dead By Daylight, has been in operation for over three decades. However, it wasn't until last year that the company expanded beyond its home market by acquiring Midwinter Entertainment, the developer of Scavengers, from Improbable. With its second acquisition, Behaviour Interactive has hinted at further expansion plans in Europe. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, the company's leaders discussed their ambitions and the role SockMonkey's acquisition plays in their growth strategy. According to Behaviour CEO Remi Racine, the company has decided to focus on Canada and Western Europe due to cultural similarities with Montreal, where the company is based. The acquisition of SockMonkey Studios brings additional expertise and knowledge to Behaviour Interactive, which will aid in the company's growth. SockMonkey Studios had been in operation for nearly a decade before being acquired and had previously declined offers from potential buyers. However, after discussing a potential work-for-hire project with Behaviour Interactive, the two companies realized they shared a similar vision and decided to join forces. Following the acquisition, SockMonkey Studios has been renamed Behaviour UK North, indicating its integration into the Behaviour Interactive family. The company aims to increase the headcount at Behaviour UK North to around 100 employees and then continue to grow. Behaviour Interactive's projects include a mix of co-development and work-for-hire, with the company working on franchises such as Fallout, Halo, and Assassin's Creed, as well as developing its own intellectual property. The UK studio will work on similar projects, potentially co-developing with the lead studio in Montreal. The success of Dead By Daylight has been a turning point for Behaviour Interactive, elevating the company to new levels of success and marking its debut as a publisher. However, the company does not plan to rely solely on self-publishing and will continue to explore opportunities with other publishers. Behaviour Interactive is using the knowledge gained from Dead By Daylight to position its new game, Meet Your Maker, for success. The company has a defined plan for post-launch support and in-game events, with a focus on attracting players. The acquisition of SockMonkey Studios is part of Behaviour Interactive's growth plan, which includes expansion in Montreal, Toronto, and Europe. The company is open to acquiring other studios in the region and is currently looking at potential opportunities.