Reforged Studios has officially announced the acquisition of Headup Games, a respected independent publisher known for a diverse catalog including titles such as Super Meat Boy 3D, Industria, and Crowns and Pawns: Kingdom of Deceit. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it has been confirmed that there will be no job losses, and Headup’s current team will remain unchanged.
Details of the Acquisition
According to Reforged, this acquisition marks a “significant strategic milestone” in its ambition to establish its own comprehensive publishing platform. The primary objective is to enhance support for independent game development studios. By joining the Reforged group, Headup will benefit from an expanded network in both development and distribution.
From an organizational perspective, Dieter Schoeller, the founder of Headup, will continue to oversee Headup’s operations. Furthermore, he will take on the role of Chief Publishing Officer at Reforged, reporting directly to the company’s founders.
“Headup has built one of the most respected and carefully curated catalogs in independent publishing,” stated Peter van der Watt, CEO of Reforged. “Their reputation is founded on consistent support for developers and a clear editorial vision. Integrating these capabilities into Reforged tangibly strengthens our platform and accelerates our long-term growth strategy.” Van der Watt also emphasized that this acquisition is not merely about consolidation but about “building a solid home for ambitious independent creators.”
Dieter Schoeller echoed this sentiment, underscoring the qualitative nature of the agreement: “It wasn’t about growth at all costs, but about finding the right people. Reforged is comprised of individuals who genuinely understand video games, and this synergy allows us to grow without losing what makes Headup special.”

