MobilityWare acquires mobile game developer Critical Hit Software

Casual game publisher MobilityWare has acquired mobile game publisher Critical Hit Software, including the rights to its popular Jigsaw Puzzle and ColorArt titles.

It’s another sign of consolidation in the $36 billion mobile game business. Irvine, Calif.-based MobilityWare is acquiring the four-person company, which has had more than 20 million downloads for its Jigsaw and ColorArt games.

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“Acquisitions are core to our long-term growth plan. Given the nature and audience of their games, Critical Hit Software was an ideal fit,” said Jeff Erle, CEO of MobilityWare, in a statement. “There is significant audience cross-over between all of our games, which we believe will yield significant benefits in terms of marketing and cross-promotion.”

Offering over 10,000 high-definition puzzles, Jigsaw Puzzle is currently the most searched app for jigsaw puzzles on the Apple App Store, and is also available on Android devices through Google Play as well as the Amazon’s Kindle Fire, where it is particularly popular.

“Having conceived of, developed and nurtured Jigsaw Puzzle from the beginning, it is like our child,” said Brian Farwell, co-founder of Critical Hit Software, in a statement. “We were only willing to sell to a company that shared our passion for the game and had the resources to make Jigsaw Puzzle even more successful than we could. We feel comfortable knowing that our loyal players are in good hands.”

Jigsaw Puzzle lets players choose to have up to 400 pieces, work on multiple puzzles at once, and make puzzles from personal photos. No two puzzles are the same, and there are over 40 distinct achievements that players can earn in the game. ColorArt for iOS is the coloring book for adults and offers a perfect way to be creative in a stress-free environment. Players can choose among numerous collections such as Florals and Animals, and they can even share their artistic creations with friends on social media.

“Once we came to an agreement in principle, MobilityWare agreed to terms we wanted that were not originally specified but adhered to that overarching principle,” said Farwell. “MobilityWare was fair with their negotiations and genuine with their intent. They didn’t try to surprise us in the formal agreement; they called us if they discovered something that had not been discussed previously.”