Devolver Announces Plan To Become A Private Company Again

August 7, 2026 - 02:06

The company behind cult-favorite titles like Skate Story and the long-running Serious Sam series has announced its intention to go private once again. Devolver Digital, which went public on the London Stock Exchange in 2021, says the current state of the gaming industry is simply too unpredictable for a publicly traded model.

In a statement, the publisher pointed to a volatile market that has made it difficult to plan long-term projects without constant pressure from shareholders. The move is not entirely surprising, as the company's stock has struggled since its initial public offering, and the broader gaming sector has seen widespread layoffs and studio closures over the past two years.

Devolver is known for its quirky, irreverent marketing and a catalog that spans indie darlings like Hotline Miami and Enter the Gungeon. The company says going private will allow it to focus on creative risks without the quarterly scrutiny that comes with public ownership. The transition is expected to be completed in the coming months, pending regulatory approval.

For fans, the change likely means little in terms of the games themselves. Devolver has a packed slate ahead, including the long-awaited Skate Story and a new entry in the Serious Sam franchise. But for the industry at large, the move signals a growing trend: even successful mid-sized publishers are finding the public market to be more of a burden than a benefit. As the sector continues to correct after a pandemic-era boom, more companies may follow suit.