# Plaion > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Plaion > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Plaion.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plaion > Source revision: 1353374546 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|Austrian media company}} {{Redirect|Ravenscourt|the ward|Ravenscourt (ward)|the park|Ravenscourt Park}} {{Redirect|Koch Media|the American defunct entertainment company|Koch Entertainment}} {{Use British English|date=February 2019}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}} {{Infobox company | name = Plaion GmbH | logo = Plaion Logo.svg | former_name = Koch Media (1994–2022) | type = [Subsidiary](/source/Subsidiary) | industry = [Mass media](/source/Mass_media) | founded = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1994}} | founders = {{Plainlist| * Franz Koch * Klemens Kundratitz }} | hq_location_city = [Höfen](/source/H%C3%B6fen%2C_Tyrol) | hq_location_country = Austria | key_people = {{Plainlist| * Phil Rogers ([CEO](/source/Chief_executive_officer)){{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/plaion-ceo-steps-down-31-years-after-co-founding-koch-media |title=Plaion CEO steps down 31 years after co-founding Koch Media |date=8 January 2025 |website=[Gamesindustry.biz](/source/Gamer_Network) |access-date =20 January 2025}} * Reinhard Gratl ([CFO](/source/Chief_financial_officer)){{cite web |url=https://embracer.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Investor-presentation-THQ-Nordic-AB-acquires-Koch-Media-GmbH-b.pdf |title=THQ Nordic AB (publ) acquires Koch Media |date=14 February 2018 |website=[Embracer Group](/source/Embracer_Group) |access-date=17 September 2019 |archive-date=26 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326072720/https://embracer.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Investor-presentation-THQ-Nordic-AB-acquires-Koch-Media-GmbH-b.pdf |url-status=live }} * Stefan Kapelari ([COO](/source/Chief_operating_officer)) }} | num_employees = 1,976{{cite web |url=https://embracer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Embracer-Annual-Report-and-Sustainability-Report-2021.pdf |title=Embracer Group Annual Report & Sustainability Report 2020 / 2021 |date=25 August 2021 |publisher=[Embracer Group](/source/Embracer_Group) |access-date=12 September 2021 |archive-date=25 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825223946/https://embracer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Embracer-Annual-Report-and-Sustainability-Report-2021.pdf |url-status=live}} | num_employees_year = 2021 | divisions = {{Unbulleted list|[Deep Silver](/source/Deep_Silver)|Prime Matter|Ravenscourt}} | subsid = {{Unbulleted list|18point2|[Anime Limited](/source/Anime_Limited)|[DigixArt](/source/DigixArt)|Development Plus|[Flying Wild Hog](/source/Flying_Wild_Hog)|Gaya Entertainment|[Milestone](/source/Milestone_(Italian_company))|Plaion Pictures|Splatter Connect|[Warhorse Studios](/source/Warhorse_Studios)|Vertigo Games|Voxler}} | parent = [Embracer Group](/source/Embracer_Group) (2018–present) | website = {{URL|https://www.plaion.com/|plaion.com}} }} '''Plaion GmbH''' (formerly '''Koch Media''') is an Austrian media company headquartered in [Höfen, Tyrol](/source/H%C3%B6fen%2C_Tyrol), with an additional office in [Planegg](/source/Planegg), Germany. It was founded in 1994 by Franz Koch and Klemens Kundratitz. The company operates video game publishing labels [Deep Silver](/source/Deep_Silver), Prime Matter and Ravenscourt, the video game developers [Warhorse Studios](/source/Warhorse_Studios) and [Milestone](/source/Milestone_srl), as well as a film distribution arm, Plaion Pictures. Koch Media's parent company, Koch Media Holding, was acquired by Swedish holding company [Embracer Group](/source/Embracer_Group) (then known as THQ Nordic AB) in February 2018. == History == === Early history (1994–2015) === {{Primary sources section|date=February 2019}} thumb|left|Former Koch Media logo Koch Media was founded in 1994 by Franz Koch (founder of [Koch International](/source/Koch_International)) and his business partner, Klemens Kundratitz to market and distribute software.{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/8/8/5984229/meet-the-strategic-mind-behind-publisher-deep-silver-homefronts-new |title=Meet the strategic mind behind publisher Deep Silver, Homefront's new owner |first=Charlie |last=Hall |date=8 August 2014 |website=[Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website)) |access-date=2 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202212345/https://www.polygon.com/2014/8/8/5984229/meet-the-strategic-mind-behind-publisher-deep-silver-homefronts-new |archive-date=2 February 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/7/7/5877043/deep-silver-koch-media-not-for-sale |title=Deep Silver parent company Koch Media: 'We are not for sale' |first=Samit |last=Sarkar |date=7 July 2014 |website=[Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website)) |access-date=2 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203030501/https://www.polygon.com/2014/7/7/5877043/deep-silver-koch-media-not-for-sale |archive-date=3 February 2019 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.kochmedia.com/de/company/|title=Koch Media {{!}} Unternehmen|language=de-DE|access-date=2019-12-27|archive-date=17 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917111124/https://www.kochmedia.com/de/company/|url-status=dead}} Koch Media operated out of offices in Germany and Austria, while a regional subsidiary, Koch Media Ltd., was opened in England.{{cite web |url=http://www.kochmedia.com/company/history.html |title=History – Company |website=Koch Media |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314161414/http://www.kochmedia.com/company/history.html |archive-date=14 March 2016 |url-status=dead}} In 1995, Koch Media sold more than 250,000 software licenses, and in 1996, the company began distributing video games. Another regional subsidiary, Koch Media AG, was formed in Switzerland in 1998. A [holding company](/source/holding_company), Koch Media Holding, was established in 2000 to unite Koch Media's business areas. The same year, Koch Media srl was formed as a regional subsidiary for Italy. In 2002, Koch Media established [Deep Silver](/source/Deep_Silver) as a video game publishing division to "complement games that [Koch Media] was distributing".{{cite web |last=Steininger |first=Stefan |date=12 November 2002 |title=Koch Media etabliert neues Label für Games |url=http://beta.gamesmarkt.de/details/124095 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190516192142/http://beta.gamesmarkt.de/details/124095 |archive-date=16 May 2019 |access-date=16 May 2019 |website=beta.gamesmarkt.de |language=German}}{{Cite news |last=McNicol |first=Craig |date=2014-08-05 |title=Twenty years of Koch Media |language=en |work=MCV |url=https://www.mcvuk.com/business-news/twenty-years-of-koch-media/ |access-date=2022-08-07 |issn=1469-4832 |archive-date=7 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807222110/https://www.mcvuk.com/business-news/twenty-years-of-koch-media/ |url-status=live }} A film division, Koch Home Entertainment, was announced in June 2003 and formally formed in early October.{{Cite web |title=Koch Media steigt ins DVD-Geschäft ein |url=http://beta.blickpunktfilm.de/details/135224 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215050325/http://beta.blickpunktfilm.de/details/135224 |archive-date=15 February 2019 |access-date=14 February 2019 |website=beta.blickpunktfilm.de |language=German}}{{Cite web |title=Koch Films feiert 15-jähriges Jubiläum |url=http://beta.blickpunktfilm.de/details/433898 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214233431/http://beta.blickpunktfilm.de/details/433898 |archive-date=14 February 2019 |access-date=14 February 2019 |website=beta.blickpunktfilm.de |language=German}} A game label for mass-market games, Fantastic.tv, was announced in November 2003.{{Cite web |title=Koch startet neues Games-Label |url=http://beta.gamesmarkt.de/details/144783 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215052001/http://beta.gamesmarkt.de/details/144783 |archive-date=15 February 2019 |access-date=14 February 2019 |website=beta.blickpunktfilm.de |language=German}} In October 2005, Koch Media acquired French distributor SG Diffusion, which had recently signed with [NCsoft](/source/NCsoft) to distribute their game ''[Guild Wars](/source/Guild_Wars)''.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/koch-media-acquires-french-distributor-sg-diffusion |title=Koch Media acquires French distributor SG Diffusion |website=GamesIndustry.biz |date=13 October 2005 |access-date=14 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214233419/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/koch-media-acquires-french-distributor-sg-diffusion |archive-date=14 February 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/koch-media-expands-in-europe |title=Gamasutra - The Art & Business of Making Games |first=David |last=Jenkins |website=www.gamasutra.com |access-date=14 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214233347/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/97782/Koch_Media_Expands_In_Europe.php |archive-date=14 February 2019 |url-status=live }} SG Diffusion was renamed Koch Media SAS in January 2006.{{cite web |title=Koch Media kauft franzöischen Spiele-Distributor |url=https://www.channelpartner.de/a/koch-media-kauft-franzoeischen-spiele-distributor,200577 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215050602/https://www.channelpartner.de/a/koch-media-kauft-franzoeischen-spiele-distributor,200577 |archive-date=15 February 2019 |access-date=14 February 2019 |website=channelpartner.de |language=German}} In February 2006, they established Koch Media Licensing GmbH as their license holding subsidiary.{{cite web |title=Koch Media erweitert Entertainmentbusiness |url=http://beta.gamesmarkt.de/details/200780 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215055048/http://beta.gamesmarkt.de/details/200780 |archive-date=15 February 2019 |access-date=14 February 2019 |website=beta.gamesmarkt.de |language=German}} Another game label, named Spielen wir ({{literally}} "Let's Play"), was created in July 2008 to publish [casual game](/source/casual_game)s under.{{cite web |title="Spielen wir": Koch Media mit neuem Casual-Label |url=http://beta.gamesmarkt.de/details/257156 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215052039/http://beta.gamesmarkt.de/details/257156 |archive-date=15 February 2019 |access-date=14 February 2019 |website=beta.gamesmarkt.de |language=German}} The same month, Koch Media acquired Proein, the Spanish distribution arm of [SCi Entertainment](/source/SCi_Entertainment), to undisclosed terms.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/sci-sells-spanish-distribution-business-to-koch |title=SCi sells Spanish distribution business to Koch |website=GamesIndustry.biz |date=23 July 2008 |access-date=14 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215050324/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/sci-sells-spanish-distribution-business-to-koch |archive-date=15 February 2019 |url-status=live }} Proein was renamed Koch Media S.L.U. in January 2009.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/koch-media-spain-proein-s-l--gets-new-monicker |title=Koch Media Spain |website=GamesIndustry.biz |date=14 January 2009 |access-date=14 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215050331/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/koch-media-spain-proein-s-l--gets-new-monicker |archive-date=15 February 2019 |url-status=live }} Regional offices for [Scandinavia](/source/Scandinavia)n and [Benelux](/source/Benelux) countries, operated by the England subsidiary, were opened in February and July that year, respectively.{{Cite web |title=Koch Media expandiert nach Skandinavien |url=http://beta.gamesmarkt.de/details/269932 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215050441/http://beta.gamesmarkt.de/details/269932 |archive-date=15 February 2019 |access-date=14 February 2019 |website=beta.blickpunktfilm.de |language=German}}{{cite web |last=Parfitt |first=Ben |date=13 July 2009 |title=Koch Media expands East |url=https://www.mcvuk.com/business/koch-media-expands-east |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230806101738/https://mcvuk.com/business-news/media-pr/koch-media-expands-east/ |archive-date=6 August 2023 |access-date=14 February 2019 |website=mcvuk.com}} In March 2012, Koch Media had 250 employees.{{cite web |last=Sacco |first=Dominic |date=8 March 2012 |title=Games distributor profiles |url=https://www.mcvuk.com/business/games-distributor-profiles |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230806101738/https://mcvuk.com/business-news/games-distributor-profiles/ |archive-date=6 August 2023 |access-date=14 February 2019 |website=mcvuk.com}} The creation of another game publishing label named Ravenscourt, focusing on [simulation game](/source/simulation_game)s, was announced in March 2015.{{cite web|title=Koch Media hit by simulation fever!|url=https://www.gamereactor.eu/news/302204/Koch+Media+hit+by+simulation+fever/|last=Bækkelund|first=Morten|date=25 March 2015|website=[Gamereactor](/source/Gamereactor)|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202212454/https://www.gamereactor.eu/news/302204/Koch+Media+hit+by+simulation+fever/|archive-date=2 February 2019|access-date=2 February 2019}} In August 2015, Koch Media Licensing GmbH was renamed Koch Films GmbH and absorbed the operations of the former Koch Home Entertainment division.{{Cite web |title=Stefan Kapelari, Koch Media: "Man muss bereit sein, sich neu zu erfinden" |url=http://beta.blickpunktfilm.de/details/398037 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214233421/http://beta.blickpunktfilm.de/details/398037 |archive-date=14 February 2019 |access-date=14 February 2019 |website=beta.blickpunktfilm.de |language=German}} === Under Embracer Group (2018–present) === On 14 February 2018, Koch Media Holding was acquired by [THQ Nordic AB](/source/THQ_Nordic_AB) (later known as Embracer Group), a Swedish video game holding company.{{cite web |last=Mittermayr |first=Helmut |date=15 February 2018 |title=David kauft Goliath: Koch Media geht an Schweden |url=https://www.tt.com/wirtschaft/unternehmen/14013862/david-kauft-goliath-koch-media-geht-an-schweden |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202223537/https://www.tt.com/wirtschaft/unternehmen/14013862/david-kauft-goliath-koch-media-geht-an-schweden |archive-date=2 February 2019 |access-date=2 February 2019 |website=[Tiroler Tageszeitung](/source/Tiroler_Tageszeitung) |language=German}} The purchase agreement was signed at 8:00 AM, and the deal was announced that same day.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/02/14/thq-nordic-buys-saints-row-metro-dead-island-owner-koch-media |title=THQ Nordic Buys Saints Row, Metro, Dead Island Owner, Koch Media |first=Shabana |last=Arif |date=14 February 2018 |website=[IGN](/source/IGN) |access-date=2 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710000732/http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/02/14/thq-nordic-buys-saints-row-metro-dead-island-owner-koch-media |archive-date=10 July 2018 |url-status=live}} The deal comprised a purchase price of {{€|91.5 million|link=yes}}, split into {{€|66 million|link=yes}} in cash paid at closure of the deal (which was expected to occur later on the same day), {{€|9.5 million}} in stock to be paid by 15 June 2018, and another {{€|16 million}} in cash to be paid by 14 August 2018. The total consideration for Koch Media's share capital amounted to {{€|121 million}} on a cash and debt-free basis. Koch and Kundratitz had owned 90% and 10% in the company, respectively, and both of them sold their shares, and THQ Nordic AB became the sole owner of the company. According to manager Reinhard Gratl, the sale primarily came about because Koch wanted to retire, and no one in his family was interested in taking over the business. He asked for all money to be paid to Koch Media instead of him, so the company could profit from the deal. Koch resigned from Koch Media on the same day. Koch Media's management, consisting of [chief executive officer](/source/chief_executive_officer) Kundratitz, [chief financial officer](/source/chief_financial_officer) Gratl and [chief operating officer](/source/chief_operating_officer) Stefan Kapelari, was subsequently joined by THQ Nordic AB's Erik Stenberg. On 13 February 2019, Koch Media entered into an agreement to acquire Czech developer [Warhorse Studios](/source/Warhorse_Studios). Warhorse's game ''[Kingdom Come: Deliverance](/source/Kingdom_Come%3A_Deliverance)'' had been co-published by Deep Silver exactly one year prior, and Koch Media paid {{€|42.8 million}}, equal to Warhorse's 2018 earnings, to seize ownership over the studio and its [intellectual property](/source/intellectual_property).{{cite web |url=https://www.gameswirtschaft.de/wirtschaft/koch-media-kauft-warhorse-studios/ |title=Koch Media kauft "Kingdom Come"-Studio Warhorse Studios |date=13 February 2019 |website=GamesWirtschaft |access-date=14 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213184045/https://www.gameswirtschaft.de/wirtschaft/koch-media-kauft-warhorse-studios/ |archive-date=13 February 2019 |url-status=live }} The acquisition closed later that day.{{cite web |url=https://news.cision.com/thq-nordic-ab/r/thq-nordic-completes-the-acquisition-warhorse-studios,c2740294 |title=THQ Nordic completes the acquisition Warhorse Studios |first=Lars |last=Wingefors |date=13 February 2019 |website=[Cision](/source/Cision) |access-date=14 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814205640/https://news.cision.com/thq-nordic-ab/r/thq-nordic-completes-the-acquisition-warhorse-studios,c2740294 |archive-date=14 August 2019 |url-status=live }} Also on the same day, it was announced that Koch Media had also acquired 18point2, an Australian publishing partner, for {{€|1.9 million}}, aiming at establishing a stronger presence in the Australian market for Koch Media.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/australian-publishing-partner-18point2-acquired-by-thq-nordic |title=Australian publishing partner 18Point2 acquired by THQ Nordic |first=Chris |last=Kerr |date=13 February 2019 |website=[Gamasutra](/source/Gamasutra) |access-date=14 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214233350/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/336567/Australian_publishing_partner_18Point2_acquired_by_THQ_Nordic.php |archive-date=14 February 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-02-13-thq-nordic-buys-australian-publisher-18point2 |title=THQ Nordic buys Australian publisher 18Point2 |first=Matthew |last=Handrahan |date=13 February 2019 |website=[GamesIndustry.biz](/source/GamesIndustry.biz) |access-date=14 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215050420/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-02-13-thq-nordic-buys-australian-publisher-18point2 |archive-date=15 February 2019 |url-status=live }} The two acquisitions added 120 and 8 employees, respectively, to Koch Media's staff.{{cite web |url=https://embracer.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Investor-presentation-THQ-Nordic-AB-acquires-Warhorse-Studios-FINAL-1.pdf |title=THQ Nordic AB (publ) acquires Warhorse Studios |date=13 February 2019 |website=[Embracer Group](/source/Embracer_Group) |access-date=17 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190928190018/https://embracer.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Investor-presentation-THQ-Nordic-AB-acquires-Warhorse-Studios-FINAL-1.pdf |archive-date=28 September 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://embracer.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Investor-presentation-THQ-Nordic-AB-acquires-18POINT2-1.pdff |title=THQ Nordic AB (publ) acquires 18POINT2 |date=13 February 2019 |website=[Embracer Group](/source/Embracer_Group) |access-date=17 September 2019 |archive-date=26 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326072606/https://embracer.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Investor-presentation-THQ-Nordic-AB-acquires-18POINT2-1.pdff |url-status=dead }} In June 2019, THQ Nordic AB acquired KSM GmbH, a German distributor of [anime film](/source/anime_film)s, from its founder and [chief executive officer](/source/chief_executive_officer) (CEO), Benjamin Krause.{{cite web |url=https://mb.cision.com/Main/15049/2880582/1089677.pdf |title=THQ NORDIC AB (PUBL) REG NO.: 556582-6558 INTERIM REPORT 1 • 1 APRIL – 30 JUNE 2019 |date=14 August 2019 |website=[Cision](/source/Cision) |access-date=14 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814205637/https://mb.cision.com/Main/15049/2880582/1089677.pdf |archive-date=14 August 2019 |url-status=live }} KSM is to be merged into Koch Films. Also acquired was Gaya Entertainment, a [merchandise](/source/merchandise) production company; Nordic Games Group, a holding company controlled by THQ Nordic AB CEO Lars Wingefors, sold the subsidiary to THQ Nordic AB for {{€|1}} at the end of the latter's first [fiscal quarter](/source/fiscal_quarter) of 2019. Gaya Entertainment is to be consolidated with Koch Media's operations. On 14 August 2019, Koch Media agreed to fully acquire [racing game](/source/Racing_video_game) developer [Milestone srl](/source/Milestone_srl) and all of its intellectual property for {{€|44.9 million}} paid in cash.{{cite web |url=https://www.mcvuk.com/koch-media-to-acquire-milan-studio-milestone-and-all-ips-including-motogp-and-supercross/ |title=Koch Media to acquire Milestone and all IPs, including MotoGP and Supercross |first=Vikki |last=Blake |date=14 August 2019 |website=[MCV](/source/MCV_(magazine)) |access-date=14 August 2019 |archive-date=5 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210905101749/https://www.mcvuk.com/business-news/koch-media-to-acquire-milan-studio-milestone-and-all-ips-including-motogp-and-supercross/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://gematsu.com/2019/08/thq-nordic-acquires-milestone-srl |title=THQ Nordic acquires Milestone S.r.l |first=Sal |last=Romano |date=14 August 2019 |website=Gematsu |access-date=14 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814054523/https://gematsu.com/2019/08/thq-nordic-acquires-milestone-srl |archive-date=14 August 2019 |url-status=live }} The acquisition was completed later that day.{{cite web |url=https://news.cision.com/thq-nordic-ab/r/thq-nordic-completes-the-acquisition-of-milestone,c2880843 |title=THQ Nordic completes the acquisition of Milestone |first=Lars |last=Wingefors |date=14 August 2019 |website=[Cision](/source/Cision) |access-date=14 August 2019 |archive-date=14 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814202115/https://news.cision.com/thq-nordic-ab/r/thq-nordic-completes-the-acquisition-of-milestone,c2880843 |url-status=live }} Koch Films acquired Sola Media, a Stuttgart, Germany-based television-and-film licenser for children and family properties, in August 2020.{{cite web | url = https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/thq-parent-company-embracer-has-purchased-i-metro-i-dev-4a-games-and-others | title = THQ parent company Embracer has purchased Metro dev 4A Games and others | first = Chris | last = Kerr | date = 13 August 2020 | access-date = 13 August 2020 | website = [Gamasutra](/source/Gamasutra) | archive-date = 15 August 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200815085909/https://gamasutra.com/view/news/368163/THQ_parent_company_Embracer_has_purchased_Metro_dev_4A_Games_and_others.php | url-status = live }}{{cite press release | url = https://embracer.com/release/embracer-group-acquires-sola-media/ | title = Embracer Group Acquires Sola Media | date = 13 August 2020 | access-date = 13 August 2020 | publisher = [Embracer Group](/source/Embracer_Group) | archive-date = 8 September 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200908000606/https://embracer.com/release/embracer-group-acquires-sola-media/ | url-status = live }} Later that month, Koch Media opened offices in [Hong Kong](/source/Hong_Kong) and [Tokyo](/source/Tokyo), both headed by Kundratitz, to expand publishing operations in [Southeast Asia](/source/Southeast_Asia).{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-08-27-koch-media-opens-publishing-offices-in-tokyo-and-hong-kong |title=Koch Media opens publishing offices in Tokyo and Hong Kong |first=Matthew |last=Handrahan |date=27 August 2020 |website=[GamesIndustry.biz](/source/GamesIndustry.biz) |access-date=27 August 2020 |archive-date=27 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827200421/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-08-27-koch-media-opens-publishing-offices-in-tokyo-and-hong-kong |url-status=live }} In September 2020, Koch Media acquired Vertigo Games, who develops, publishes, and distributes games exclusively for virtual reality platforms, including ''[Arizona Sunshine](/source/Arizona_Sunshine)'' and ''After the Fall''.{{cite web |title=Embracer Group acquires Vertigo Games |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/09/embracer-group-acquires-vertigo-games |first=Sal |last=Romano |date=15 September 2020 |website=Gematsu |access-date=16 September 2020 |archive-date=16 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916094555/https://www.gematsu.com/2020/09/embracer-group-acquires-vertigo-games |url-status=live}}{{cite web | url=https://www.academia.edu/124463721 | title=Video game history of the Netherlands | date=October 6, 2024 }} In November 2020, Koch Media acquired [Flying Wild Hog](/source/Flying_Wild_Hog).{{Cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/11/embracer-group-acquires-34bigthings-flying-wild-hog-nimble-giant-entertainment-purple-lamp-studios-snapshot-games-zen-studios-more|title=Embracer Group acquires 34BigThings, Flying Wild Hog, Nimble Giant Entertainment, Purple Lamp Studios, Snapshot Games, Zen Studios, more|website=Gematsu|date=November 18, 2020|access-date=November 18, 2020|archive-date=18 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118065235/https://www.gematsu.com/2020/11/embracer-group-acquires-34bigthings-flying-wild-hog-nimble-giant-entertainment-purple-lamp-studios-snapshot-games-zen-studios-more|url-status=live}} In March 2021, Koch Media signed a €50 million co-publishing deal with [Starbreeze Studios](/source/Starbreeze_Studios) to finance the production, release, and post-launch support of ''[Payday 3](/source/Payday_3)'', with Starbreeze Studios retaining ownership of the IP.{{Cite web|last=Yin-Poole|first=Wesley|date=2021-03-19|title=Payday 3 now "fully financed" after Starbreeze signs €50m publishing deal|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-03-19-payday-3-now-fully-financed-after-starbreeze-signs-50m-publishing-deal|access-date=2021-03-21|website=Eurogamer|language=en|archive-date=21 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321064146/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-03-19-payday-3-now-fully-financed-after-starbreeze-signs-50m-publishing-deal|url-status=live}} Koch Media opened a new publishing division, Prime Matter, in June 2021, operating from its [Munich](/source/Munich) headquarters.{{cite web | url = https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/koch-media-has-announced-its-new-premium-label-prime-matter-plus-12-new-games/ | title = Koch Media has announced its new 'premium' label Prime Matter, plus 12 new games | first = Chris | last = Scullion | date = June 10, 2021 | accessdate = June 10, 2021 | website = [Video Games Chronicle](/source/Video_Games_Chronicle) | archive-date = 12 June 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210612050416/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/koch-media-has-announced-its-new-premium-label-prime-matter-plus-12-new-games/ | url-status = live }} Prime Matter was announced to include some previous publishing agreement and Warhorse's future games, which were previously of Deep Silver.{{Cite news |last=Wallace |first=Chris |date=2021-06-15 |title=Koch Media unveils its new gaming label, Prime Matter |url=https://mcvuk.com/business-news/koch-media-unveils-its-new-gaming-label-prime-matter/ |access-date=2026-05-09 |work=MCV |language=en |issn=1469-4832}} === Rebranding as Plaion === On 4 August 2022, Koch Media rebranded themselves as Plaion.{{Cite web |date=2022-08-04 |title=Koch Media rebrands as Plaion to "acknowledge who we truly are" |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/koch-media-rebrands-as-plaion-to-acknowledge-who-we-truly-are |access-date=2022-08-04 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en |archive-date=4 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804140543/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/koch-media-rebrands-as-plaion-to-acknowledge-who-we-truly-are |url-status=live }} In October 2022, Plaion Pictures acquired British anime distribution company [Anime Limited](/source/Anime_Limited) for an undisclosed sum.{{cite web|title=German Film Magazine: PLAION Pictures Acquires UK's Anime Limited|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-10-18/german-film-magazine-plaion-pictures-acquires-uk-anime-limited/.190958|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|date=18 October 2022|publisher=[Anime News Network](/source/Anime_News_Network)|accessdate=18 October 2022|archive-date=18 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018102953/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-10-18/german-film-magazine-plaion-pictures-acquires-uk-anime-limited/.190958|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=BREAKING: Anime Limited Acquired by Plaion Pictures|url=https://animeuknews.net/2022/10/anime-limited-acquired-by-plaion-pictures/|date=18 October 2022|publisher=Anime UK News|accessdate=18 October 2022|archive-date=18 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018091303/https://animeuknews.net/2022/10/anime-limited-acquired-by-plaion-pictures/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Plaion Pictures übernimmt Anime Ltd.|url=https://beta.blickpunktfilm.de/details/476202|last=Rumbacher|first=Jörg|date=18 October 2022|publisher=Blickpunkt:Film|accessdate=18 October 2022|language=German|archive-date=18 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018093613/https://beta.blickpunktfilm.de/details/476202|url-status=live}} In May 2023, [Gamesindustry.biz](/source/GamesIndustry.biz) learned of plans to dissolve Deep Silver, Ravenscourt and Prime Matter, and consolidate the publishing business under the "Plaion" label.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/plaion-is-restructuring-layoffs-planned |title=Plaion is restructuring, layoffs planned |first=James |last=Batchelor |date=5 May 2023 |website=[GamesIndustry.biz](/source/GamesIndustry.biz) |access-date=5 May 2023 |archive-date=5 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505165258/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/plaion-is-restructuring-layoffs-planned |url-status=live }} In January 2025, Kundratitz announced he was stepping down as CEO, and would be transferring leadership to Phil Rogers in April.{{Cite web |title=Plaion CEO and co-founder Klemens Kundratitz to step down after 31 years |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/plaion-ceo-and-co-founder-klemens-kundratitz-to-step-down-after-31-years |access-date=2025-01-17 |website=www.gamedeveloper.com |language=en}} On 19 December 2025, Plaion Pictures had agreed to a deal for [Toho](/source/Toho) to sell a 100% equity share in Anime Limited for an undisclosed amount. Through the deal, Anime Limited will be a fully-owned subsidiary of the newly-formed Toho Global and will expand Toho's operations to Europe.{{cite web | title='Godzilla' Studio Toho Acquires U.K.'s Anime Limited, Forms European HQ in London | date=19 December 2025 | url=https://variety.com/2025/film/news/godzilla-studio-toho-anime-limited-1236612524/ }}{{Cite web |date=2025-12-19 |title=TOHO LAUNCHES EUROPEAN DISTRIBUTION THROUGH ACQUISITION OF ANIME LIMITED FROM PLAION PICTURES – All the Anime |url=https://blog.alltheanime.com/toho-anime-ltd/ |access-date=2025-12-19 |language=en-GB}} == Offices == As of February 2018, Plaion is headquartered in [Höfen](/source/H%C3%B6fen%2C_Tyrol), a municipality with a population of roughly 1,200 people that is located in Austria's [Tyrol](/source/Tyrol) region and close to [Bavaria](/source/Bavaria), Germany.{{cite web |date=15 February 2018 |title=Analyse: Was THQ Nordic mit Koch Media vor hat |url=https://www.gameswirtschaft.de/wirtschaft/thq-nordic-koch-media-analyse-februar-2018/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202212421/https://www.gameswirtschaft.de/wirtschaft/thq-nordic-koch-media-analyse-februar-2018/ |archive-date=2 February 2019 |access-date=2 February 2019 |website=gameswirtschaft.de |language=German}} In Höfen, Plaion occupies an office complex in which the company employs 150 people in various departments. The property, as well as an adjacent {{convert|7000|m2}} plot, is owned by Embracer Group. In [Planegg](/source/Planegg), a municipality in Bavaria that is located close to [Munich](/source/Munich), Plaion operates a subsidiary branch also called Plaion GmbH. == Subsidiaries == {| class="wikitable sortable" |- !Division !Subsidiary !Location !Founded/Acquired !{{Refh}} |- | rowspan="2" |[Deep Silver](/source/Deep_Silver) |[Dambuster Studios](/source/Dambuster_Studios) |[Nottingham](/source/Nottingham) |July 2014 |{{cite magazine|title=[Update] Deep Silver Buys Homefront, UK Staff To Transfer To New Dambuster Studio, Crytek USA Scaled Back|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2014/07/30/deep-silver-now-owns-homefront-new-studio-handling-development.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140730173253/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2014/07/30/deep-silver-now-owns-homefront-new-studio-handling-development.aspx|url-status=live|archive-date=30 July 2014|last=Futter|first=Mike|magazine=Game Informer|language=en|access-date=2020-05-08}} |- |[Fishlabs](/source/Fishlabs) |[Hamburg](/source/Hamburg) |December 2013 |{{Cite web|title=Galaxy on Fire developer Fishlabs purchased by Koch Media|url=https://www.polygon.com/2013/12/2/5166254/report-fishlabs-purchased-by-koch-media|last=Corriea|first=Alexa Ray|date=2013-12-02|website=Polygon|language=en|access-date=2020-05-08|archive-date=3 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203084933/https://www.polygon.com/2013/12/2/5166254/report-fishlabs-purchased-by-koch-media|url-status=live}} |- | rowspan="2" | Plaion Pictures | Sola Media | [Stuttgart](/source/Stuttgart) | August 2020 | |- | Spotfilm Networx | [Berlin](/source/Berlin) | December 2021 |{{Cite web|title=Koch Films acquires Spotfilm Networx|url=https://www.spotfilm-networx.com/post/koch-films-acquires-spotfilm-networx|date=2021-12-21|language=en|access-date=2022-08-22|archive-date=22 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822152206/https://www.spotfilm-networx.com/post/koch-films-acquires-spotfilm-networx|url-status=live}} |- | rowspan="2" |Vertigo Games |Vertigo Arcade | rowspan="3" |[Rotterdam](/source/Rotterdam) / [Los Angeles](/source/Los_Angeles) / [Amsterdam](/source/Amsterdam) | rowspan="3" |September 2020 |{{cite web|author=((Reuters Staff))|date=2020-09-16|title=Gaming group Embracer expands in VR with Vertigo Games acquisition|language=en|website=Reuters|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-embracer-m-a-vertigo-idUKKBN2670V8|access-date=2020-09-16|archive-date=20 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920172716/https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-embracer-m-a-vertigo-idUKKBN2670V8|url-status=dead}} |- |Vertigo Publishing | |- |Vertigo Studios | |- | colspan="2" | DPI Merchandising | [California](/source/California) | March 2022 |{{cite web |url=https://www.gameswirtschaft.de/wirtschaft/koch-media-development-plus-dpi-merchandise/ |title=Development Plus: Koch Media kauft Games-Merchandise-Spezialist |language=de |trans-title=Development Plus: Koch Media buys games merchandise specialist |first=Petra |last=Fröhlich |date=14 March 2022 |website=GamesWirtschaft |access-date=1 May 2022 |archive-date=15 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220315150357/https://www.gameswirtschaft.de/wirtschaft/koch-media-development-plus-dpi-merchandise/ |url-status=live }} |- | colspan="2" |[DigixArt](/source/DigixArt) |[Montpellier](/source/Montpellier) |August 2021 |{{cite web |date=August 4, 2021 |title=Embracer Group acquires 3D Realms, CrazyLabs, Digixart, Easy Trigger, Force Field, Ghost Ship Games, Grimfrost, and Slipgate Ironworks |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2021/08/embracer-group-acquires-3d-realms-crazylabs-digixart-easy-trigger-force-field-ghost-ship-games-grimfrost-and-slipgate-ironworks |website=Gematsu |access-date=5 August 2021 |archive-date=5 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805074808/https://www.gematsu.com/2021/08/embracer-group-acquires-3d-realms-crazylabs-digixart-easy-trigger-force-field-ghost-ship-games-grimfrost-and-slipgate-ironworks |url-status=live }} |- | colspan="2" |[Flying Wild Hog](/source/Flying_Wild_Hog) |[Warsaw](/source/Warsaw) |November 2020 |{{Cite web|title=Embracer Group acquires Flying Wild Hog|url=https://embracer.com/release/embracer-group-acquires-flying-wild-hog/|access-date=2020-11-18|website=Embracer|archive-date=28 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128081849/https://embracer.com/release/embracer-group-acquires-flying-wild-hog/|url-status=live}} |- | colspan="2" |[Milestone](/source/Milestone_(Italian_company)) |[Milan](/source/Milan) |August 2019 |{{Cite web |title=THQ Nordic completes the acquisition of Milestone |url=https://news.cision.com/embracer-group-ab/r/thq-nordic-completes-the-acquisition-of-milestone,c2880843 |access-date=2020-05-08 |website=News Powered by Cision |date=14 August 2019 |language=en |archive-date=9 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109021837/https://news.cision.com/embracer-group-ab/r/thq-nordic-completes-the-acquisition-of-milestone,c2880843 |url-status=live }} |- | colspan="2" |Prime Matter |[Munich](/source/Munich) | June 2021 | |- | colspan="2" |Ravenscourt |[Munich](/source/Munich) |2014 | |- | colspan="2" |Splatter Connect |[Manchester](/source/Manchester) | October 2021 |{{cite web |title=Koch Media acquires Splatter Connect |date=20 October 2021 |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-10-20-koch-media-acquires-splatter-connect |access-date=2022-08-22 |language=en-US |archive-date=6 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706120508/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-10-20-koch-media-acquires-splatter-connect |url-status=live }} |- | colspan="2" |Voxler |[Paris](/source/Paris) / [Marseille](/source/Marseille) |February 2020 |{{Cite magazine |date=2020-02-19 |title=Koch Media acquires Let's Sing! developer, Voxler {{!}} Business News |url=https://www.mcvuk.com/business-news/koch-media-acquires-lets-sing-developer-voxler/ |magazine=MCV/DEVELOP |language=en-GB |access-date=2020-05-08}} |- | colspan="2" |[Warhorse Studios](/source/Warhorse_Studios) |[Prague](/source/Prague) |February 2019 | |} === Divested subsidiaries === {| class="wikitable sortable" |- !Division !Subsidiary !Location !Founded/Acquired !Divested !{{Refh}} |- | rowspan="3" |[Deep Silver](/source/Deep_Silver) |Deep Silver Vienna |[Vienna](/source/Vienna) |August 2007 |February 2010 |{{Cite web |title=Koch acquires Games That Matter |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/koch-acquires-games-that-matter |access-date=2020-05-08 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |date=22 August 2007 |language=en |archive-date=14 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214002549/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/koch-acquires-games-that-matter |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Koch closes Deep Silver Vienna studio |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/koch-closes-deep-silver-vienna-studio |access-date=2020-05-08 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |date=February 2010 |language=en |archive-date=13 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213183743/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/koch-closes-deep-silver-vienna-studio |url-status=live }} |- |[Volition](/source/Volition_(company)) |[Champaign](/source/Champaign%2C_Illinois) |January 2013 |November 2022 |{{Cite web |title=Deep Silver confirms acquisition of Saints Row, Metro and Volition |url=https://www.engadget.com/2013-01-23-deep-silver-confirms-acquisition-of-saints-row-metro-and-voliti.html |access-date=2020-05-08 |website=Engadget |date=23 January 2013 |language=en |archive-date=16 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416154055/https://www.engadget.com/2013-01-23-deep-silver-confirms-acquisition-of-saints-row-metro-and-voliti.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Saints Row Dev Merging With Gearbox After New Game's Lukewarm Reviews |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/saints-row-dev-merging-with-gearbox-after-new-games-lukewarm-reviews/1100-6509233/ |access-date=2022-11-19 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=28 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328164240/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/saints-row-dev-merging-with-gearbox-after-new-games-lukewarm-reviews/1100-6509233/ |url-status=live }} |- |[Free Radical Design](/source/Free_Radical_Design) |[Nottingham](/source/Nottingham) |May 2021 |December 2023 |{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-timesplitters-game-coming-from-original-developers/1100-6491747/|title=New TimeSplitters Game Coming From Original Developers|last=Makuch|first=Eddie|website=[GameSpot](/source/GameSpot)|date=May 20, 2021|access-date=20 May 2021|archive-date=20 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520124832/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-timesplitters-game-coming-from-original-developers/1100-6491747/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Phillips |first1=Tom |title=TimeSplitters studio Free Radical Design closed today, staff say |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/timesplitters-studio-free-radical-design-closed-today-staff-say |website=Eurogamer |date=11 December 2023 |access-date=11 December 2023 |archive-date=11 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211210031/https://www.eurogamer.net/timesplitters-studio-free-radical-design-closed-today-staff-say |url-status=live }} |- | rowspan="2" |Plaion Pictures |[Anime Limited](/source/Anime_Limited) |[Glasgow](/source/Glasgow) / [Paris](/source/Paris) / [San Francisco](/source/San_Francisco) | October 2022 | December 2025 | |- |KSM |[Planegg](/source/Planegg) |August 2019 |December 2019 |{{Cite web |last=Blaney |date=2019-08-16 |first=Martin |title=Koch Films acquires German indie distributor KSM |url=https://www.screendaily.com/news/koch-films-acquires-german-indie-distributor-ksm/5141982.article |access-date=2020-05-08 |website=Screen |language=en |archive-date=15 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215230543/https://www.screendaily.com/news/koch-films-acquires-german-indie-distributor-ksm/5141982.article |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Über Koch Films - - Koch Media Film |url=https://www.kochmedia-film.de/weitere-info/unternehmen/ |access-date=2020-07-27 |website=www.kochmedia-film.de |archive-date=28 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728064330/https://www.kochmedia-film.de/weitere-info/unternehmen/ |url-status=live }} |} == See also == * [List of Deep Silver games](/source/List_of_Deep_Silver_games) * [List of Prime Matter games](/source/List_of_Prime_Matter_games) * [List of Ravenscourt games](/source/List_of_Ravenscourt_games) == References == {{Reflist}} == External links == * {{Official website|https://plaion.com/}} {{Embracer Group}} {{Deep Silver}} Category:Plaion Category:2018 mergers and acquisitions Category:Austrian companies established in 1994 Category:Mass media companies established in 1994 Category:Mass media companies of Austria --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Plaion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plaion) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plaion?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.