H1Z1 Studio Daybreak Games Acquired For $300 Million

Daybreak Games--the developer of H1Z1, Planetside 2, and EverQuest--separated from parent company Sony a few years ago after having operated as Sony Online Entertainment. However, its days of independence were short-lived. The studio has now been acquired by Enad Global 7 for $300 million.

Announced by Enad Global 7 (EG7) on December 1, the deal sees the company acquiring 100% of Daybreak's shares.

"On behalf of the Daybreak team, we are elated to be joining the EG7 family," said Daybreak executive chairman Jason Epstein. "The combined companies are strategically positioned to expand Daybreak's unique and iconic portfolio of live games and will help amplify our passion for making great games for our communities."

Daybreak has struggled in recent years, undergoing numerous layoffs. H1Z1 has had difficulty competing with the likes of Fortnite and Apex Legends, and it went free-to-play a few years ago before eventually changing its name to Z1 Battle Royale.

Prior to the launch of H1Z1 and Planetside, Daybreak was best known for the EverQuest series. Despite eventually being eclipsed by more-popular MMO games such as World of Warcraft, it's still in active development. The latest expansion for EverQuest, Claws of Veeshan, is set to release in less than a week. EverQuest 2, meanwhile, gets its next expansion, Reign of Shadows, on December 15.

Of course, Daybreak's greatest claim to fame is being the former home of internet meme Brent Rambo. The thumbs-up-giving technology whiz recreated his signature gesture as an adult several years ago while working for the studio.