Difference between revisions of "Plaion"

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{{CompanyBob
 
{{CompanyBob
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| name = Koch Media GmbH
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| logo=Plaion logo.svg
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| logo = Koch Media Logo.svg
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| founded=1994
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| type = [[Subsidiary]]
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| defunct=
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| industry = [[Mass media]]
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| mergedinto=THQ Nordic AB (2018)
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| founded = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1994}}
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| headquarters=Austria
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| founders = {{Plainlist|
 
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* Franz Koch
 
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* Klemens Kundratitz
 
 
}}
 
}}
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| hq_location_city = [[Höfen, Tyrol|Höfen]]
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{{sub-stub}}'''Plaion''' (known as '''Koch Media''' until August 2022) is the official distributor of [[Sega]] products in Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.{{ref|https://archive.ph/rJiD2|https://www.polygon.com/gaming/2012/6/28/3123317/sega-shutting-down-offices-throughout-europe}}{{ref|https://archive.ph/F1PJo|https://n4g.com/news/1709457/koch-media-will-publish-all-sega-games-in-italy}}.
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| hq_location_country = Austria
 
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| key_people = {{Plainlist|
 
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* Klemens Kundratitz ([[Chief executive officer|CEO]])<ref name="THQN">{{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]]}}</ref>
 
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* Reinhard Gratl ([[Chief financial officer|CFO]])<ref name="THQN" />
 
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* Stefan Kapelari ([[Chief operating officer|COO]])<ref name="THQN" />
 
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* Erik Stenberg<ref name="TT">{{cite web |url=https://www.tt.com/wirtschaft/unternehmen/14013862/david-kauft-goliath-koch-media-geht-an-schweden |title=David kauft Goliath: Koch Media geht an Schweden |first=Helmut |last=Mittermayr |date=15 February 2018 |website=[[Tiroler Tageszeitung]] |access-date=2 February 2019 |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 |url-status=live}}</ref>
 
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}}
 
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| num_employees = 800
 
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| num_employees_year = 2018
 
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| divisions = {{Plainlist|
 
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* [[Deep Silver]]
 
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* [[#Ravenscourt|Ravenscourt]]
 
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}}
 
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| subsid = {{Plainlist|
 
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* 18point2 Pty Ltd
 
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* [[Dambuster Studios]]
 
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* [[Flying Wild Hog]]
 
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* [[Fishlabs]]
 
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* Gaya Entertainment
 
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* KSM
 
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* Koch Films GmbH
 
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* Koch Media AG
 
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* Koch Media Ltd.
 
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* Koch Media S.L.U.
 
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* Koch Media SAS
 
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* Koch Media srl
 
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* [[Milestone srl|Milestone]]
 
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* [[Warhorse Studios]]
 
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* [[Volition (company)|Volition]]
 
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* Vertigo Games
 
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* Voxler
 
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}}
 
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| parent = Koch Media Holding GmbH (2000–present)
 
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| website = {{URL|https://www.kochmedia.com/en/|kochmedia.com}}
 
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}}{{CompanyBob
 
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| name = Koch Media GmbH
 
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| logo = Koch Media Logo.svg
 
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| type = [[Subsidiary]]
 
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| industry = [[Mass media]]
 
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| founded = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1994}}
 
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| founders = {{Plainlist|
 
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* Franz Koch
 
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* Klemens Kundratitz
 
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}}
 
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| hq_location_city = [[Höfen, Tyrol|Höfen]]
 
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| hq_location_country = Austria
 
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| key_people = {{Plainlist|
 
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* Klemens Kundratitz ([[Chief executive officer|CEO]])<ref name="THQN">{{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]]}}</ref>
 
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* Reinhard Gratl ([[Chief financial officer|CFO]])<ref name="THQN" />
 
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* Stefan Kapelari ([[Chief operating officer|COO]])<ref name="THQN" />
 
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* Erik Stenberg<ref name="TT">{{cite web |url=https://www.tt.com/wirtschaft/unternehmen/14013862/david-kauft-goliath-koch-media-geht-an-schweden |title=David kauft Goliath: Koch Media geht an Schweden |first=Helmut |last=Mittermayr |date=15 February 2018 |website=[[Tiroler Tageszeitung]] |access-date=2 February 2019 |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 |url-status=live}}</ref>
 
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}}
 
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| num_employees = 800
 
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| num_employees_year = 2018
 
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| divisions = {{Plainlist|
 
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* [[Deep Silver]]
 
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* [[#Ravenscourt|Ravenscourt]]
 
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}}
 
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| subsid = {{Plainlist|
 
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* 18point2 Pty Ltd
 
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* [[Dambuster Studios]]
 
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* [[Flying Wild Hog]]
 
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* [[Fishlabs]]
 
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* Gaya Entertainment
 
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* KSM
 
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* Koch Films GmbH
 
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* Koch Media AG
 
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* Koch Media Ltd.
 
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* Koch Media S.L.U.
 
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* Koch Media SAS
 
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* Koch Media srl
 
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* [[Milestone srl|Milestone]]
 
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* [[Warhorse Studios]]
 
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* [[Volition (company)|Volition]]
 
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* Vertigo Games
 
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* Voxler
 
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}}
 
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| parent = Koch Media Holding GmbH (2000–present)
 
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| website = {{URL|https://www.kochmedia.com/en/|kochmedia.com}}
 
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}}
 
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{{Cleanup}}'''Koch Media''' is the official distributor of [[Sega]] products in Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.<ref> https://www.mcvuk.com/business/koch-media-will-distribute-sega-games-in-nordic</ref><ref> https://www.polygon.com/gaming/2012/6/28/3123317/sega-shutting-down-offices-throughout-europe</ref><ref>http://n4g.com/news/1709457/koch-media-will-publish-all-sega-games-in-italy</ref>
 
  
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'''Koch Media GmbH''' is a German-Austrian media company headquartered in [[Höfen, Tyrol]], Austria, with an operating subsidiary based in [[Planegg]], Germany. The company was founded in 1994 by Franz Koch and Klemens Kundratitz. The company operates video game publishing labels Deep Silver and Ravenscourt, the video game developers [[Warhorse Studios]] and [[Milestone srl|Milestone]], as well as a film distribution arm, Koch Films. Koch Media's parent company, Koch Media Holding, was acquired by Swedish holding company [[Embracer Group]] (then known as THQ Nordic AB) in February 2018.
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In 2002, the company started publishing video games as [[Deep Silver]].
  
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== History ==
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The company first took on Sega distribution roles on 1st July 2012{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20120806204413/http://www.kochmedia.com/press/news/news-details/sega-reviews-their-european-structure.html}} after [[Sega Europe]] closed its regional offices; [[Sega France]], [[Sega Germany]], [[Sega Spain]] and [[Sega Benelux]]. Nordic countries Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden were added in 2014{{ref|https://archive.is/hBpBs|https://www.mcvuk.com/business-news/koch-media-will-distribute-sega-games-in-nordic/}}, and the Benelux countries (and Italy) in 2015. In 2024, Plaion's parent company Embracer Group announced that it would split into three companies. As a result, Plaion would be retained by Embracer Group which would be renamed to a company tentatively known as "Middle-earth Enterprises & Friends".{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20240422193835/https://variety.com/2024/film/global/lord-of-the-rings-embracer-three-company-separation-1235977775/}}
  
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=== Early history (1994–2015) ===
 
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{{Primary sources section|date=February 2019}}
 
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Koch Media was founded in 1994 by Franz Koch and his business partner, Klemens Kundratitz to market and distribute software.<ref>{{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 (website)|Polygon]] |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}}</ref><ref>{{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 (website)|Polygon]] |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}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kochmedia.com/de/company/|title=Koch Media {{!}} Unternehmen|language=de-DE|access-date=2019-12-27}}</ref> Koch Media operated out of offices in Germany and Austria, while a regional subsidiary, Koch Media Ltd., was opened in England.<ref name="KM history">{{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}}</ref> In 1995, Koch Media sold more than 250,000 software licenses, and in 1996, the company began distributing video games.<ref name="KM history" /> Another regional subsidiary, Koch Media AG, was formed in Switzerland in 1998.<ref name="KM history" /> A [[holding company]], Koch Media Holding, was established in 2000 to unite Koch Media's business areas.<ref name="KM history" /> The same year, Koch Media srl was formed as a regional subsidiary for Italy.<ref name="KM history" />
 
  
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In 2002, Koch Media established [[Deep Silver]] as a video game publishing division.<ref name="GM Deep Silver">{{cite web|title=Koch Media etabliert neues Label für Games|url=http://beta.gamesmarkt.de/details/124095|last=Steininger|first=Stefan|date=12 November 2002|website=beta.gamesmarkt.de|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}}</ref> A film division, Koch Home Entertainment, was announced in June 2003 and formally formed in early October.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://beta.blickpunktfilm.de/details/135224 |title=Archived copy |access-date=14 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215050325/http://beta.blickpunktfilm.de/details/135224 |archive-date=15 February 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://beta.blickpunktfilm.de/details/433898 |title=Archived copy |access-date=14 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214233431/http://beta.blickpunktfilm.de/details/433898 |archive-date=14 February 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> A game label for mass-market games, Fantastic.tv, was announced in November 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://beta.gamesmarkt.de/details/144783 |title=Archived copy |access-date=14 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215052001/http://beta.gamesmarkt.de/details/144783 |archive-date=15 February 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> In October 2005, Koch Media acquired French distributor SG Diffusion, which had recently signed with [[NCsoft]] to distribute their game ''[[Guild Wars]]''.<ref>{{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 |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 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/97782/Koch_Media_Expands_In_Europe.php |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 }}</ref> SG Diffusion was renamed Koch Media SAS in January 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.channelpartner.de/a/koch-media-kauft-franzoeischen-spiele-distributor,200577 |title=Koch Media kauft franzöischen Spiele-Distributor |website=www.channelpartner.de |access-date=14 February 2019 |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 |url-status=live }}</ref> In February 2006, they established Koch Media Licensing GmbH as their license holding subsidiary.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://beta.gamesmarkt.de/details/200780 |title=Koch Media erweitert Entertainmentbusiness |website=beta.gamesmarkt.de |access-date=14 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215055048/http://beta.gamesmarkt.de/details/200780 |archive-date=15 February 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Another game label, named Spielen wir ({{literally}} "Let's Play"), was created in July 2008 to publish [[casual game]]s under.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://beta.gamesmarkt.de/details/257156 |title="Spielen wir": Koch Media mit neuem Casual-Label |website=beta.gamesmarkt.de |access-date=14 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215052039/http://beta.gamesmarkt.de/details/257156 |archive-date=15 February 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> The same month, Koch Media acquired Proein, the Spanish distribution arm of [[SCi Entertainment]], to undisclosed terms.<ref>{{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 |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 }}</ref> Proein was renamed Koch Media S.L.U. in January 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/koch-media-spain-proein-s-l--gets-new-monicker |title=Koch Media Spain |website=GamesIndustry.biz |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 }}</ref> Regional offices for [[Scandinavia]]n and [[Benelux]] countries, operated by the England subsidiary, were opened in February and July that year, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://beta.gamesmarkt.de/details/269932 |title=Archived copy |access-date=14 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215050441/http://beta.gamesmarkt.de/details/269932 |archive-date=15 February 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mcvuk.com/business/koch-media-expands-east |title=Koch Media expands East |first=Ben |last=Parfitt |date=13 July 2009 |via=www.mcvuk.com}}</ref> In March 2012, Koch Media had 250 employees.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mcvuk.com/business/games-distributor-profiles |title=Games distributor profiles |first=Dominic |last=Sacco |date=8 March 2012 |via=www.mcvuk.com}}</ref> Another game publishing label, focusing on [[simulation game]]s, was announced in March 2015.<ref name="Gr Ravenscourt">{{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]]|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}}</ref> In August 2015, Koch Media Licensing GmbH was renamed Koch Films GmbH and absorbed the operations of the former Koch Home Entertainment division.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://beta.blickpunktfilm.de/details/398037 |title=Archived copy |access-date=14 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214233421/http://beta.blickpunktfilm.de/details/398037 |archive-date=14 February 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
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==Softography==
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{{CompanyHistoryAll|Plaion|Koch Media}}
  
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=== Under Embracer Group (2018–present) ===
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==Logos==
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On 14 February 2018, Koch Media Holding was acquired by [[THQ Nordic AB]] (later known as Embracer Group), a Swedish video game holding company.<ref name="TT" /> The purchase agreement was signed at 8:00 AM, and the deal was announced that same day.<ref name="TT" /><ref>{{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]] |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}}</ref> The deal comprised a purchase price of {{€|91.5&nbsp;million|link=yes}}, split into {{€|66&nbsp;million|link=yes}} in cash paid at closure of the deal (which was expected to occur later on the same day), {{€|9.5&nbsp;million}} in stock to be paid by 15 June 2018, and another {{€|16&nbsp;million}} in cash to be paid by 14 August 2018.<ref name="THQN" /> The total consideration for Koch Media's share capital amounted to {{€|121&nbsp;million}} on a cash and debt-free basis.<ref name="THQN" />
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<gallery>
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KochMedia logo.svg|Koch Media
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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.<ref name="TT" /> 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.<ref name="TT" /> He asked for all money to be paid to Koch Media instead of him, so the company could profit from the deal.<ref name="TT" /> Koch resigned from Koch Media on the same day.<ref name="TT" /> Koch Media's management, consisting of [[chief executive officer]] Kundratitz, [[chief financial officer]] Gratl and [[chief operating officer]] Stefan Kapelari, was subsequently joined by THQ Nordic AB's Erik Stenberg.<ref name="TT" />
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Plaion logo.svg|Plaion
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</gallery>
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On 13 February 2019, Koch Media entered into an agreement to acquire Czech developer [[Warhorse Studios]]. Warhorse's game ''[[Kingdom Come: Deliverance]]'' had been co-published by Deep Silver exactly one year prior, and Koch Media paid {{€|42.8&nbsp;million}}, equal to Warhorse's 2018 earnings, to seize ownership over the studio and its [[intellectual property]].<ref>{{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 }}</ref> The acquisition closed later that day.<ref>{{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]] |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 }}</ref> Also on the same day, it was announced that Koch Media had also acquired 18point2, an Australian publishing partner, for {{€|1.9&nbsp;million}}, aiming at establishing a stronger presence in the Australian market for Koch Media.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/336567/Australian_publishing_partner_18Point2_acquired_by_THQ_Nordic.php |title=Australian publishing partner 18Point2 acquired by THQ Nordic |first=Chris |last=Kerr |date=13 February 2019 |website=[[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 }}</ref><ref>{{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]] |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 }}</ref> The two acquisitions added 120 and 8 employees, respectively, to Koch Media's staff.<ref>{{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]] |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 }}</ref><ref>{{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]]}}</ref>
 
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In June 2019, THQ Nordic AB acquired KSM GmbH, a German distributor of [[anime film]]s, from its founder and [[chief executive officer]] (CEO), Benjamin Krause.<ref name="THQN Q1 2019">{{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]] |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 }}</ref> KSM is to be merged into Koch Films.<ref name="THQN Q1 2019" /> Also acquired was Gaya Entertainment, a [[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]] of 2019.<ref name="THQN Q1 2019" /> Gaya Entertainment is to be consolidated with Koch Media's operations.<ref name="THQN Q1 2019" /> On 14 August 2019, Koch Media agreed to fully acquire [[racing game]] developer [[Milestone srl]] and all of its intellectual property for {{€|44.9&nbsp;million}} paid in cash.<ref>{{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 (magazine)|MCV]]}}</ref><ref>{{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 }}</ref> The acquisition was completed later that day.<ref>{{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]]}}</ref>
 
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Koch Films acquired Sola Media, a Stuttgart, Germany-based television-and-film licenser for children and family properties, in August 2020.<ref name="gamasutra aug2020">{{cite web | url = https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/368163/THQ_parent_company_Embracer_has_purchased_Metro_dev_4A_Games_and_others.php | 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 | work = [[Gamasutra]] }}</ref><ref name="sola press">{{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]] }}</ref> Later that month, Koch Media opened offices in [[Hong Kong]] and [[Tokyo]], both headed by Kundratitz, to expand publishing operations in [[Southeast Asia]].<ref>{{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]]}}</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
In September 2020, Koch Media acquired Vertigo Games, who develops, publishes, and distributes games exclusively for virtual reality platforms, including the currently available zombie survival first-person shooter ''[[Arizona Sunshine]]'' and the upcoming action first-person shooter ''After the Fall''.<ref name="vertigo acquired">{{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}}</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
In November 2020, Koch Media acquired [[Flying Wild Hog]].<ref>{{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}}</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
In March 2021, Koch Media signed a €50 million co-publishing deal with [[Starbreeze Studios]] to finance the production, release, and post-launch support of co-op shooter ''Payday 3'', with Starbreeze Studios retaining ownership of the IP.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
== Offices ==
 
−
As of February 2018, Koch Media is headquartered in [[Höfen, Tyrol|Höfen]], a municipality with a population of roughly 1,200 people that is located in Austria's [[Tyrol]] region and close to [[Bavaria]], Germany.<ref name="TT" /><ref name="GW THQN">{{cite web |url=https://www.gameswirtschaft.de/wirtschaft/thq-nordic-koch-media-analyse-februar-2018/ |title=Analyse: Was THQ Nordic mit Koch Media vor hat |date=15 February 2018 |website=GamesWirtschaft |access-date=2 February 2019 |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 |url-status=live}}</ref> In Höfen, Koch Media occupies an office complex in which the company employs 150 people in various departments.<ref name="TT" /><ref name="GW THQN" /> The property, as well as an adjacent {{convert|7000|m2}} plot, is owned by Embracer Group.<ref name="TT" /> In [[Planegg]], a municipality in Bavaria that is located close to [[Munich]], Koch Media operates a subsidiary branch also called Koch Media GmbH.<ref name="GW THQN" /> Worldwide, Koch Media employs 800 people.<ref name="TT" /><ref name="GW THQN" />
 
−
 
 
−
== Subsidiaries ==
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 
−
|-
 
−
!Division
 
−
!Studio
 
−
!Location
 
−
!Founded/Acquired
 
−
!Defunct
 
−
!Ref.
 
−
|-
 
−
| colspan="2" |18Point2
 
−
|[[Sydney]]
 
−
|February 2019
 
−
| rowspan="2" |
 
−
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Australian publishing partner 18Point2 acquired by THQ Nordic|url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/336567/Australian_publishing_partner_18Point2_acquired_by_THQ_Nordic.php|last=Kerr|first=Chris|website=www.gamasutra.com|language=en|access-date=2020-05-08}}</ref>
 
−
|-
 
−
| rowspan="5" |[[Deep Silver]]
 
−
|[[Dambuster Studios]]
 
−
|[[Nottingham]]
 
−
|July 2014
 
−
|<ref>{{Cite web|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|last=Futter|first=Mike|website=Game Informer|language=en|access-date=2020-05-08}}</ref>
 
−
|-
 
−
|Deep Silver Vienna
 
−
|[[Vienna]]
 
−
|August 2007
 
−
|February 2010
 
−
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Koch acquires Games That Matter|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/koch-acquires-games-that-matter|website=GamesIndustry.biz|language=en|access-date=2020-05-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Koch closes Deep Silver Vienna studio|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/koch-closes-deep-silver-vienna-studio|website=GamesIndustry.biz|language=en|access-date=2020-05-08}}</ref>
 
−
|-
 
−
|[[Fishlabs]]
 
−
|[[Hamburg]]
 
−
|December 2013
 
−
| rowspan="6" |
 
−
|<ref>{{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}}</ref>
 
−
|-
 
−
|[[Volition (company)|Volition]]
 
−
|[[Champaign, Illinois|Champaign]]
 
−
|January 2013
 
−
|<ref>{{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|website=Engadget|language=en|access-date=2020-05-08}}</ref>
 
−
|-
 
−
|[[Warhorse Studios]]
 
−
|[[Prague]]
 
−
|February 2019
 
−
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=THQ Nordic acquire Kingdom Come: Deliverance makers Warhorse Studios|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/thq-nordic-acquire-kingdom-come-deliverance-makers-warhorse-studios/|last=James|first=Sarah|date=2019-02-13|website=PC Gamer|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-08}}</ref>
 
−
|-
 
−
| rowspan="2" |[[Flying Wild Hog]]
 
−
|Flying Wild Hog Cracow
 
−
|[[Kraków|Cracow]]
 
−
| rowspan="2" |November 2020
 
−
| rowspan="2" |<ref>{{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}}</ref>
 
−
|-
 
−
|Flying Wild Hog Rzeszów
 
−
|[[Rzeszów]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| colspan="2" |Gaya Entertainment
 
−
|[[Langenfeld, Rhineland|Langenfeld]]
 
−
| rowspan="2" |August 2019
 
−
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Koch Media acquires Gaya Entertainment as it continues rapid expansion of both its reach and breadth of services|url=https://www.mcvuk.com/business-news/koch-media-acquires-gaya-entertainment-as-it-continues-rapid-expansion-of-both-its-reach-and-breadth-of-services/|date=2019-08-23|website=MCV/DEVELOP|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-05-08}}</ref>
 
−
|-
 
−
| rowspan="2" | Koch Films
 
−
|KSM
 
−
|[[Planegg]]
 
−
|December 2019
 
−
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Koch Films acquires German indie distributor KSM|url=https://www.screendaily.com/news/koch-films-acquires-german-indie-distributor-ksm/5141982.article|last=Blaney2019-08-16T11:06:00+01:00|first=Martin|website=Screen|language=en|access-date=2020-05-08}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>
 
−
|-
 
−
| Sola Media
 
−
| [[Stuttgart]]
 
−
| August 2020
 
−
| rowspan="6" |
 
−
| <ref name="gamasutra aug2020"/>
 
−
|-
 
−
| colspan="2" |[[Milestone (Italian company)|Milestone]]
 
−
|[[Milan]]
 
−
| August 2019
 
−
|<ref>{{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|website=News Powered by Cision|language=en|access-date=2020-05-08}}</ref>
 
−
|-
 
−
|Ravenscourt
 
−
|Voxler
 
−
|[[Paris]] / [[Marseille]]
 
−
|February 2020
 
−
|<ref>{{Cite web|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/|date=2020-02-19|website=MCV/DEVELOP|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-05-08}}</ref>
 
−
|-
 
−
| rowspan="3" |Vertigo Games
 
−
|Vertigo Arcade
 
−
| rowspan="3" |[[Rotterdam]] / [[Los Angeles]]
 
−
| rowspan="3" |September 2020
 
−
|<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|author=Reuters Staff|date=2020-09-16|title=Gaming group Embracer expands in VR with Vertigo Games acquisition|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-embracer-m-a-vertigo-idUKKBN2670V8|access-date=2020-09-16}}</ref>
 
−
|-
 
−
|Vertigo Publishing
 
−
|<ref name=":0" />
 
−
|-
 
−
|Vertigo Studios
 
−
|<ref name=":0" />
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
==See also==
 
−
 
 
−
* [[List of Deep Silver games]]
 
−
* [[List of Ravenscourt games]]
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<references />
 
<references />
  
−
==External links==
+
{{DistributorsEuropeWest}}
−
* {{Official website|https://www.kochmedia.com/en/}}
 
−
 
 
−
{{Embracer Group}}
 
−
{{Deep Silver}}
 
−
 
 
−
[[Category:Koch Media| ]]
 
−
[[Category:Austrian companies established in 1994]]
 
−
[[Category:Mass media companies of Austria]]
 
−
[[Category:Mass media companies established in 1994]]
 
−
[[Category:2018 mergers and acquisitions]]
 
−
[[Category:Economy of Tyrol (state)]]
 
 
[[Category:Third-party distributors]]
 
[[Category:Third-party distributors]]

Latest revision as of 02:22, 23 April 2024

https://segaretro.org/images/7/74/Plaion_logo.svg

Plaion logo.svg
Plaion
Founded: 1994
Merged into: THQ Nordic AB (2018)
Headquarters:
Austria

This teeny-tiny article needs some work. You can help us by expanding it.

Plaion (known as Koch Media until August 2022) is the official distributor of Sega products in Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.[1][2].

In 2002, the company started publishing video games as Deep Silver.

The company first took on Sega distribution roles on 1st July 2012[3] after Sega Europe closed its regional offices; Sega France, Sega Germany, Sega Spain and Sega Benelux. Nordic countries Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden were added in 2014[4], and the Benelux countries (and Italy) in 2015. In 2024, Plaion's parent company Embracer Group announced that it would split into three companies. As a result, Plaion would be retained by Embracer Group which would be renamed to a company tentatively known as "Middle-earth Enterprises & Friends".[5]


Softography

Logos

  • Koch Media

  • Plaion

References

  1. ↑ https://www.polygon.com/gaming/2012/6/28/3123317/sega-shutting-down-offices-throughout-europe (archive.today)
  2. ↑ https://n4g.com/news/1709457/koch-media-will-publish-all-sega-games-in-italy (archive.today)
  3. ↑ http://www.kochmedia.com/press/news/news-details/sega-reviews-their-european-structure.html (Wayback Machine: 2012-08-06 20:44)
  4. ↑ https://www.mcvuk.com/business-news/koch-media-will-distribute-sega-games-in-nordic/ (archive.today)
  5. ↑ https://variety.com/2024/film/global/lord-of-the-rings-embracer-three-company-separation-1235977775/ (Wayback Machine: 2024-04-22 19:38)


Timeline of Sega distributors in Western Europe








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