Dundee-based mobile games developer Outplay Entertainment has acquired Derby-based Eight Pixels Square, adding a team of more than 40 industry veterans to increase its headcount to 190 in the UK.

The acquisition follows a successful year for Outplay Entertainment which has seen revenue and headcount growth as it exceeded 55 million downloads across its portfolio of games.

Outplay Entertainment recently became the largest independent mobile games developer in the UK by surpassing 150 staff.

It has developed games which include Alien Creeps TD, Mystery Match, Crafty Candy and Bubble Genius.

Eight Pixels Square is best known for a catalogue of titles including All Guns Blazing, Cartel Kings and most recently RAID HQ.

Outplay Entertainment CEO Douglas Hare said: “The acquisition of Eight Pixels Square is another exciting step forward for the business …

“Their exceptional talent, expertise and obsessive focus on quality is a fantastic addition to the team and we believe that this move will make us stronger than ever.”

Eight Pixels Square co-founder Hugh Binns said: “Mat Sneap, Tim Rogers, myself and the wider team are thrilled to be joining the Outplay Entertainment group.

“Their ambition and strategy for success is compelling and something we’re excited to be able to contribute towards.

“Outplay is an obvious fit for our team, both culturally and technically, our catalogue of IP, and our know-how within mid-core and VR.

“We’re already hard at work on a 2017 title that we all believe has great potential to disrupt and further enhance Outplay’s position as one of the most successful European studios, if not beyond.”

Richard Hare, president of Outplay Entertainment, said: “We’ve known the team behind Eight Pixels Square for more than 25 years and are delighted to bring them into the Outplay Entertainment family.

“It’s great to finally work together, they are an incredibly talented and experienced team.

“The addition of their capabilities and technical expertise will further enhance Outplay’s capacity to innovate and raise the bar of what’s possible on mobile.”