Activision grabs Gray Matter

Activision has announced that it has acquired Gray Matter Interactive Studios, the Los Angeles-based game developer that created the popular first-person shooter Return to Castle Wolfenstein in conjunction with id Software and Nerve Software. Under the agreement, Gray Matter will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision. Activision acquired Raven Software, developer of the popular first-person shooter Soldier of Fortune, in 1997.

"Gray Matter's proven track record in creating some of the most memorable PC action games is aligned with Activision's strategy to acquire companies with a history of creating high-quality products that over time can enhance the company's financial operating model," said Ron Doornink, president and COO of Activision. "Gray Matter has a very talented team of programmers, designers, and artists and we are confident that the studio's development strengths will further establish Activision as a leader in the PC action genre."

Gray Matter Interactive Studios was founded by designers from Xatrix Entertainment, the studio that created Gray Matter company zone.