Acclaimed Indie Game "Brothers" Sold For $500,000

Swedish publisher Starbreeze on Friday announced the sale of its acclaimed 2013 downloadable game Brothers: A tale of Two Sons to 505 Games in a cash deal worth $500,000.

As part of the deal, 505 Games--which published the original game--has acquired the "full entitlement to the game," as well as trademarks and domain names related to the series.

Starbreeze CEO Bo Andersson Klint said the sale of Brothers to 505 Games represents the company's "final transition to the digital strategy."

"With Brothers, we've created a strong and critically acclaimed IP, which we now feel can be best nurtured under a new owner," he said, pointing out that the game has sold more than 800,000 copies worldwide to date.

For its part, Klint said Starbreeze will focus on building out its franchises, such as the heist-themed shooter series Payday, which has been a major financial boon for the company.

Brothers was created by Swedish filmmaker Josef Fares and developed internally by Starbreeze. Klint said he sees a bright future for the series, explaining that he thinks it will "continue to generate awe and admiration" in the days ahead under the new ownership of 505 Games.

Ian Howe, president of 505 Games, added: "Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is a remarkable game, one of the most affecting games of the last generation and one of which 505 Games has been very proud to be associated. This acquisition reflects 505 Games' stated strategy of owning and controlling its own IP, and, moreover, IP that can contribute something meaningful to the world of interactive entertainment."

505 Games did not confirm any future plans for the Brothers series, such as a sequel or spinoff.

Fares has since started his own game development company, Hazelight, which announced its first project, a mysterious Unreal Engine 4-powered title, during The Game Awards in December.