Headup Joins Reforged Studios as Indie Publisher Expansion Continues

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Reforged Studios has announced the acquisition of German indie publisher Headup, marking another significant step in the Malta-based company’s rapid expansion strategy. The deal brings one of Europe’s well-established independent publishers into Reforged’s growing portfolio, further strengthening its position in the global indie games market.

Founded in 2022 by a group of Scottish video game veterans, including BAFTA-winning entrepreneur Peter van der Watt, Reforged Studios has quickly established itself as an ambitious player in the industry. The acquisition of Headup represents its fourth studio purchase to date, following three similar moves in 2024. While financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed, the addition of Headup significantly enhances Reforged’s publishing capabilities and catalog.

Headup, which was founded in 2009 by Dieter Schoeller, is widely recognized for its work on creative, player-focused titles, including the successful Bridge Constructor series, as well as Pumpkin Jack and Hell Pie. It has also collaborated with Team Meat on Super Meat Boy 3D. Over the years, Headup has built a diverse catalog of around 80 games and continues to maintain an active pipeline, with recent releases such as Royal Revolt Survivors.

The company’s history includes several ownership changes in recent years. Headup was acquired by Sweden’s Thunderful Group in 2021 for a deal worth up to €11 million, before being sold back to Schoeller’s Microcuts Holding in 2024, allowing it to operate independently once again. Its integration into Reforged now signals a new phase, one that aims to combine stability with long-term growth.

A key aspect of the acquisition is the retention of Headup’s entire team of approximately 15 employees, with no layoffs planned. The addition of Headup also complements Reforged’s existing portfolio, which includes studios such as Ground Shatter, known for Fights in Tight Spaces, and Extra Mile Studios.