Foundation 9 Entertainment: Difference between revisions

Foundation 9 Entertainment, Inc.
Company type	Private
Industry	Video games
Founded	March 29, 2005; 19 years ago in Los Angeles, US
Founders	Jon Goldman; Andrew Ayre; Douglas Hare; Gary Priest; Mark Loughridge; Richard Hare; Jeff Vavasour; Steven Sardegna; Larry Kelly;
Defunct	2015
Fate	Dissolved
Headquarters	Irvine, California, US
Key people	Jon Goldman (CEO; 2005–2008); James North-Hearn (CEO; 2008–2015);
Number of employees	750+ (2007)
Website	F9E.com (archived version)

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Foundation 9 Entertainment, Inc. was an American video game company based in Irvine, California. The company was formed in March 2005 through the merger of video game developers Backbone Entertainment and The Collective.

History

Foundation 9 Entertainment was founded on March 29, 2005, in Los Angeles, through the merger of video game developer Backbone Entertainment and The Collective.^[2] The company's initial management board consisted of Jon Goldman (chief executive officer), Andrew Ayre and Douglas Hare (co-presidents), Gary Priest and Mark Loughridge (co-chairmen), Richard Hare (chief creative officer), Jeff Vavasour (vice-president of Canadian operations), Steven Sardegna (chief financial officer), and Larry Kelly (chief operating officer).^[3] Shortly after the merger, on April 12, Foundation 9 acquired and integrated Pipeworks Software.^[4] Subsequently, Dan Duncalf, the company's president and co-founder, joined Foundation 9's board of directors.^[5] In May, Foundation 9 acquired an equity stake in Circle of Confusion, a Hollywood management company, to establish a strategic partnership.^[6]

On June 1, 2006, investment firm Francisco Partners (as advised by UBS Securities) agreed to provide US$150 million in funding to Foundation 9 over a time frame of several years, with additional funding to be provided when needed.^[7] The investment was followed by the acquisitions of Shiny Entertainment from Atari in October 2006,^[8] Amaze Entertainment and related studios in November 2006,^[9] and Sumo Digital and its Indian sub-studio in August 2007.^[10] Under the terms of Shiny's acquisition, the studio would co-locate and merge with The Collective.^[8] The merger was formally announced in October 2007, at which point both studios had moved to new 60,000-square-foot (5,600 m²) offices in Irvine, California.^[11] The amalgam was named Double Helix Games in March 2008.^[12] In January 2008, Foundation 9 promoted David Mann (previously chief operating officer), Chris Charla and Jack Brummet to president, vice-president of business development, and vice-president of quality assurance, respectively,^[13] followed by James North-Hearn, one of Sumo Digital's founders, becoming the chief executive officer of the company in March.^[14]

In July 2008, Foundation 9 reinstated Griptonite Games and Fizz Factor, two studios absorbed into Amaze in 2005, under their original brandings.^[15] However, in July 2009, Fizz Factor was closed down entirely, while Amaze was merged into Griptonite and Double Helix suffered staff cuts.^[16] FXLabs, based in Hyderabad, India, was acquired by Foundation 9 in October 2010 and became part of Griptonite under the name Griptonite India.^[17] Griptonite was sold to Glu Mobile in August 2011 in exchange for 6 million shares of Glu's common stock.^[18] Backbone's location in Vancouver had been closed in May 2009, and in October 2012, its ImaginEngine studio was closed as well, while its primary location in Emeryville, California, laid off the majority of its staff.^[19]^[20]^[21] In February 2014, Double Helix was sold to Amazon.^[22] Later that year, under advisory from GP Bullhound, Foundation 9 sold Pipeworks to Italian publisher Digital Bros, and Sumo Digital to its own management, the latter of which was backed by NorthEdge Capital.^[23]^[24]^[25] In 2015, Foundation 9's board of directors elected to dissolve the company.^{[citation needed]}

Subsidiaries

Amaze Entertainment (2004–2009)^[26] – Merged into Griptonite Games
- Adrenium
- Griptonite Games
- KnowWonder (1996-2004)^[27] - PC game studio
- Fizz Factor - Handheld game studio
- Black Ship Games
Backbone Entertainment (2005–2015) – Closed
- Backbone Charlottetown (2006–2007) – Closed
- Backbone Emeryville (2005–2015) – Closed
- Backbone Vancouver (2005–2009) – Closed
- Games2Learn – Closed
- ImaginEngine (2005–2012) – Closed
The Collective (2005–2007) – Merged into Double Helix Games
Double Helix Games (2007–2014) – Sold to Amazon Game Studios
Fizz Factor (2008–2009) – Closed
Griptonite Games (2008–2011) – Sold to Glu Mobile
- Griptonite India (2010–2011) – Sold to Glu Mobile
Pipeworks Software (2005–2014) – Sold to Digital Bros
Shiny Entertainment (2006–2007) – Merged into Double Helix Games
Sumo Digital (2007–2014) – Sold back to founders in a management buyout
- Sumo India (2007–2014) – Sold back to founders in a management buyout

References

^ Martin, Matt (April 12, 2007). "Solid Foundations". GamesIndustry.biz. Archived from the original on April 14, 2019. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
^ Feldman, Curt (March 29, 2005). "The Collective, Backbone laying Foundation 9". GameSpot. Archived from the original on April 17, 2014. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
^ Jenkins, David (March 29, 2005). "Backbone Entertainment, The Collective To Merge". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on April 14, 2019. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
^ Maragos, Nich (April 12, 2005). "Foundation 9 Acquires Pipeworks Software". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on June 21, 2020. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
^ Gamespot Staff (April 12, 2005). "Pipeworks laid into Foundation 9". GameSpot.
^ Gibson, Ellie (May 27, 2005). "Foundation 9 teams up with Hollywood management specialists". GamesIndustry.biz. Archived from the original on December 1, 2018. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
^ Carless, Simon (June 1, 2006). "Foundation 9 Gets 'Significant' Funding Investment". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on February 3, 2019. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
^ ^a ^b Dobson, Jason (October 2, 2006). "Foundation 9 Acquires Shiny From Atari". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on January 31, 2018. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
^ Gamespot Staff (November 14, 2006). "Foundation 9 Amazed". GameSpot. Archived from the original on November 28, 2018. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
^ Elliott, Phil (August 17, 2007). "Foundation 9 buys Sumo". GamesIndustry.biz. Archived from the original on April 7, 2015. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
^ Hatfield, Daemon (October 9, 2007). "Shiny, Collective Merged into Mega Studio". IGN. Archived from the original on April 28, 2019. Retrieved April 28, 2019.
^ Androvich, Mark (March 27, 2008). "Double Helix is new Foundation 9 studio". GamesIndustry.biz. Archived from the original on June 25, 2018. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
^ Martin, Matt (January 16, 2008). "Foundation 9 promotes three execs". GamesIndustry.biz. Archived from the original on October 9, 2017. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
^ Androvich, Mark (March 17, 2008). "North-Hearn named Foundation 9 CEO". GamesIndustry.biz. Archived from the original on October 9, 2017. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
^ Caoili, Eric (July 21, 2008). "F9E Reinstates Griptonite, Fizz Factor Brands". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on January 24, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
^ Graft, Kris (July 29, 2009). "Foundation 9 Confirms Staff Cuts, Merges Studios". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on November 13, 2013. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
^ Spencer, Tiffany (March 21, 2011). "Griptonite India (Formerly FXLabs) Announces Expansion Plans in Hyderabad". Press Trust of India. Archived from the original on October 11, 2015. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
^ Cifaldi, Frank (August 2, 2011). "Glu Mobile Picks Up Griptonite, Blammo After Narrowing Losses". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on November 1, 2017. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
^ Lavender, Terry (November 18, 2009). "Is it Game Over for Vancouver's Video Game Industry? Not quite yet". Vancouver Observer. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved April 9, 2019.
^ Takahashi, Dean (October 12, 2012). "ImaginEngine game studio shuts down (exclusive)". VentureBeat. Archived from the original on December 1, 2018. Retrieved April 9, 2019.
^ Rose, Mike (October 9, 2012). "Layoffs at digital game studio Backbone Entertainment". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on December 1, 2018. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
^ Farokhmanesh, Megan (February 5, 2014). "Double Helix Games acquired by Amazon (update)". Polygon. Archived from the original on April 8, 2019. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
^ Buri McDonald, Sherri (February 21, 2016). "Pipeworks progress". The Register-Guard. Archived from the original on April 15, 2019. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
^ Rose, Mike (November 11, 2014). "Sumo Digital has separated from its parent company". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on February 14, 2017. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
^ "GP Bullhound advises Foundation 9 Entertainment on the sale of Sumo Digital and Pipeworks". GP Bullhound. November 18, 2014. Archived from the original on August 7, 2016. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
^ . February 6, 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040206203019/http://www.amazeentertainment.com/index.asp?p=home. Archived from the original on February 6, 2004. Retrieved February 28, 2024. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
^ . February 14, 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040214155902/http://www.knowwonder.com/Whoweare.html. Archived from the original on February 14, 2004. Retrieved February 28, 2024. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)

[1] Martin, Matt (April 12, 2007). "Solid Foundations". GamesIndustry.biz. Archived from the original on April 14, 2019. Retrieved April 15, 2019.

[2] Feldman, Curt (March 29, 2005). "The Collective, Backbone laying Foundation 9". GameSpot. Archived from the original on April 17, 2014. Retrieved April 14, 2019.

[3] Jenkins, David (March 29, 2005). "Backbone Entertainment, The Collective To Merge". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on April 14, 2019. Retrieved April 14, 2019.

[4] Maragos, Nich (April 12, 2005). "Foundation 9 Acquires Pipeworks Software". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on June 21, 2020. Retrieved April 14, 2019.

[5] Gamespot Staff (April 12, 2005). "Pipeworks laid into Foundation 9". GameSpot.

[6] Gibson, Ellie (May 27, 2005). "Foundation 9 teams up with Hollywood management specialists". GamesIndustry.biz. Archived from the original on December 1, 2018. Retrieved April 14, 2019.

[7] Carless, Simon (June 1, 2006). "Foundation 9 Gets 'Significant' Funding Investment". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on February 3, 2019. Retrieved April 14, 2019.

[Gamasutra-8] Dobson, Jason (October 2, 2006). "Foundation 9 Acquires Shiny From Atari". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on January 31, 2018. Retrieved April 14, 2019.

[9] Gamespot Staff (November 14, 2006). "Foundation 9 Amazed". GameSpot. Archived from the original on November 28, 2018. Retrieved April 14, 2019.

[10] Elliott, Phil (August 17, 2007). "Foundation 9 buys Sumo". GamesIndustry.biz. Archived from the original on April 7, 2015. Retrieved April 14, 2019.

[11] Hatfield, Daemon (October 9, 2007). "Shiny, Collective Merged into Mega Studio". IGN. Archived from the original on April 28, 2019. Retrieved April 28, 2019.

[12] Androvich, Mark (March 27, 2008). "Double Helix is new Foundation 9 studio". GamesIndustry.biz. Archived from the original on June 25, 2018. Retrieved April 14, 2019.

[13] Martin, Matt (January 16, 2008). "Foundation 9 promotes three execs". GamesIndustry.biz. Archived from the original on October 9, 2017. Retrieved April 14, 2019.

[14] Androvich, Mark (March 17, 2008). "North-Hearn named Foundation 9 CEO". GamesIndustry.biz. Archived from the original on October 9, 2017. Retrieved April 14, 2019.

[15] Caoili, Eric (July 21, 2008). "F9E Reinstates Griptonite, Fizz Factor Brands". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on January 24, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2019.

[16] Graft, Kris (July 29, 2009). "Foundation 9 Confirms Staff Cuts, Merges Studios". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on November 13, 2013. Retrieved April 14, 2019.

[17] Spencer, Tiffany (March 21, 2011). "Griptonite India (Formerly FXLabs) Announces Expansion Plans in Hyderabad". Press Trust of India. Archived from the original on October 11, 2015. Retrieved April 14, 2019.

[18] Cifaldi, Frank (August 2, 2011). "Glu Mobile Picks Up Griptonite, Blammo After Narrowing Losses". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on November 1, 2017. Retrieved April 14, 2019.

[19] Lavender, Terry (November 18, 2009). "Is it Game Over for Vancouver's Video Game Industry? Not quite yet". Vancouver Observer. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved April 9, 2019.

[20] Takahashi, Dean (October 12, 2012). "ImaginEngine game studio shuts down (exclusive)". VentureBeat. Archived from the original on December 1, 2018. Retrieved April 9, 2019.

[21] Rose, Mike (October 9, 2012). "Layoffs at digital game studio Backbone Entertainment". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on December 1, 2018. Retrieved April 14, 2019.

[22] Farokhmanesh, Megan (February 5, 2014). "Double Helix Games acquired by Amazon (update)". Polygon. Archived from the original on April 8, 2019. Retrieved April 14, 2019.

[23] Buri McDonald, Sherri (February 21, 2016). "Pipeworks progress". The Register-Guard. Archived from the original on April 15, 2019. Retrieved April 15, 2019.

[24] Rose, Mike (November 11, 2014). "Sumo Digital has separated from its parent company". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on February 14, 2017. Retrieved April 15, 2019.

[25] "GP Bullhound advises Foundation 9 Entertainment on the sale of Sumo Digital and Pipeworks". GP Bullhound. November 18, 2014. Archived from the original on August 7, 2016. Retrieved April 14, 2019.

[26] . February 6, 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040206203019/http://www.amazeentertainment.com/index.asp?p=home. Archived from the original on February 6, 2004. Retrieved February 28, 2024. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)

[27] . February 14, 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040214155902/http://www.knowwonder.com/Whoweare.html. Archived from the original on February 14, 2004. Retrieved February 28, 2024. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)

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@@ Line 16: / Line 16: @@
 | num_employees = 750+<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/solid-foundations |title=Solid Foundations |first=Matt |last=Martin |date=April 12, 2007 |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |access-date=April 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414182003/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/solid-foundations |archive-date=April 14, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>
 | num_employees_year = 2007
+| website = [https://web.archive.org/web/20110716113821/http://www.f9e.com/ F9E.com] (archived version)
 }}
@@ Line 21: / Line 22: @@
 == History ==
-Foundation 9 Entertainment was founded on March 29, 2005, in [[Los Angeles]], through the merger of video game developer [[Backbone Entertainment]] and [[The Collective (company)|The Collective]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-collective-backbone-laying-foundation-9/1100-6121251/ |title=The Collective, Backbone laying Foundation 9 |first=Curt |last=Feldman |date=March 29, 2005 |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417074801/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-collective-backbone-laying-foundation-9/1100-6121251/ |archive-date=April 17, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> The company's initial management board consisted of Jon Goldman ([[chief executive officer]]), Andrew Ayre and Douglas Hare (co-[[President (corporate title)|presidents]]), Gary Priest and Mark Loughridge (co-[[Chairman|chairmen]]), Richard Hare ([[chief creative officer]]), Jeff Vavasour ([[vice-president]] of Canadian operations), Steven Sardegna ([[chief financial officer]]), and Larry Kelly ([[chief operating officer]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/96165/Backbone_Entertainment_The_Collective_To_Merge.php |title=Backbone Entertainment, The Collective To Merge |first=David |last=Jenkins |date=March 29, 2005 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414143006/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/96165/Backbone_Entertainment_The_Collective_To_Merge.php |url-status=live }}</ref> Shortly after the merger, on April 12, Foundation 9 acquired and integrated [[Pipeworks Software]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gamasutra.com/view/news/96242/Foundation_9_Acquires_Pipeworks_Software.php |title=Foundation 9 Acquires Pipeworks Software |first=Nich |last=Maragos |date=April 12, 2005 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-date=June 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621094129/https://gamasutra.com/view/news/96242/Foundation_9_Acquires_Pipeworks_Software.php |url-status=live }}</ref> Subsequently, Dan Duncalf, the company's president and co-founder, joined Foundation 9's [[board of directors]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pipeworks-laid-into-foundation-9/1100-6122143/ |title=Pipeworks laid into Foundation 9 |author=Gamespot Staff |date=April 12, 2005 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> In May, Foundation 9 acquired an [[equity stake]] in [[Circle of Confusion]], a [[Hollywood]] management company, to establish a [[strategic partnership]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/foundation-9-teams-up-with-hollywood-management-specialists |title=Foundation 9 teams up with Hollywood management specialists |first=Ellie |last=Gibson |date=May 27, 2005 |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |access-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201051326/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/foundation-9-teams-up-with-hollywood-management-specialists |archive-date=December 1, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
+Foundation 9 Entertainment was founded on March 29, 2005, in [[Los Angeles]], through the merger of video game developer [[Backbone Entertainment]] and [[The Collective (company)|The Collective]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-collective-backbone-laying-foundation-9/1100-6121251/ |title=The Collective, Backbone laying Foundation 9 |first=Curt |last=Feldman |date=March 29, 2005 |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417074801/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-collective-backbone-laying-foundation-9/1100-6121251/ |archive-date=April 17, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> The company's initial management board consisted of Jon Goldman ([[chief executive officer]]), Andrew Ayre and Douglas Hare (co-[[President (corporate title)|presidents]]), Gary Priest and Mark Loughridge (co-[[Chairman|chairmen]]), Richard Hare ([[chief creative officer]]), Jeff Vavasour ([[vice-president]] of Canadian operations), Steven Sardegna ([[chief financial officer]]), and Larry Kelly ([[chief operating officer]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/96165/Backbone_Entertainment_The_Collective_To_Merge.php |title=Backbone Entertainment, The Collective To Merge |first=David |last=Jenkins |date=March 29, 2005 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414143006/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/96165/Backbone_Entertainment_The_Collective_To_Merge.php |url-status=live }}</ref> Shortly after the merger, on April 12, Foundation 9 acquired and integrated [[Pipeworks Software]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gamasutra.com/view/news/96242/Foundation_9_Acquires_Pipeworks_Software.php |title=Foundation 9 Acquires Pipeworks Software |first=Nich |last=Maragos |date=April 12, 2005 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-date=June 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621094129/https://gamasutra.com/view/news/96242/Foundation_9_Acquires_Pipeworks_Software.php |url-status=live }}</ref> Subsequently, Dan Duncalf, the company's president and co-founder, joined Foundation 9's [[board of directors]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pipeworks-laid-into-foundation-9/1100-6122143/ |title=Pipeworks laid into Foundation 9 |author=Gamespot Staff |date=April 12, 2005 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> In May, Foundation 9 acquired an [[equity stake]] in Circle of Confusion, a [[Hollywood, Los Angeles|Hollywood]] management company, to establish a [[strategic partnership]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/foundation-9-teams-up-with-hollywood-management-specialists |title=Foundation 9 teams up with Hollywood management specialists |first=Ellie |last=Gibson |date=May 27, 2005 |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |access-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201051326/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/foundation-9-teams-up-with-hollywood-management-specialists |archive-date=December 1, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
-On June 1, 2006, investment firm [[Francisco Partners]] (as advised by [[UBS Securities]]) agreed to provide {{US$|150&nbsp;million|link=yes}} in funding to Foundation 9 over a time frame of several years, with additional funding to be provided when needed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/100505/Foundation_9_Gets_Significant_Funding_Investment.php |title=Foundation 9 Gets 'Significant' Funding Investment |first=Simon |last=Carless |date=June 1, 2006 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203201726/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/100505/Foundation_9_Gets_Significant_Funding_Investment.php |archive-date=February 3, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> The investment was followed by the acquisitions of [[Shiny Entertainment]] from [[Atari, Inc. (Atari, SA subsidiary)|Atari]] in October 2006,<ref name="Gamasutra">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/102045/Foundation_9_Acquires_Shiny_From_Atari.php |title=Foundation 9 Acquires Shiny From Atari |first=Jason |last=Dobson |date=October 2, 2006 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131024303/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/102045/Foundation_9_Acquires_Shiny_From_Atari.php |archive-date=January 31, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Amaze Entertainment]] and related studios in November 2006,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/foundation-9-amazed/1100-6161582/ |title=Foundation 9 Amazed |author=Gamespot Staff |date=November 14, 2006 |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128210650/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/foundation-9-amazed/1100-6161582/ |archive-date=November 28, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Sumo Digital]] and its Indian sub-studio in August 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/foundation-9-buys-sumo |title=Foundation 9 buys Sumo |first=Phil |last=Elliott |date=August 17, 2007 |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |access-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407084041/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/foundation-9-buys-sumo |archive-date=April 7, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> Under the terms of Shiny's acquisition, the studio would co-locate and merge with The Collective.<ref name="Gamasutra" /> The merger was formally announced in October 2007, at which point both studios had moved to new {{convert|60000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} offices in [[Irvine, California]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/10/09/shiny-collective-merged-into-mega-studio |title=Shiny, Collective Merged into Mega Studio |first=Daemon |last=Hatfield |date=October 9, 2007 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=April 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428194013/https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/10/09/shiny-collective-merged-into-mega-studio |archive-date=April 28, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> The amalgam was named [[Double Helix Games]] in March 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/double-helix-is-new-foundation-9-studio |title=Double Helix is new Foundation 9 studio |first=Mark |last=Androvich |date=March 27, 2008 |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |access-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625103920/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/double-helix-is-new-foundation-9-studio |archive-date=June 25, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2008, Foundation 9 promoted David Mann (previously [[chief operating officer]]), Chris Charla and Jack Brummet to president, vice-president of [[business development]], and vice-president of [[quality assurance]], respectively,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/foundation-9-promotes-three-execs |title=Foundation 9 promotes three execs |first=Matt |last=Martin |date=January 16, 2008 |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |access-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009042302/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/foundation-9-promotes-three-execs |archive-date=October 9, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> followed by James North-Hearn, one of Sumo Digital's founders, becoming the chief executive officer of the company in March.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/north-hearn-named-foundation-9-ceo |title=North-Hearn named Foundation 9 CEO |first=Mark |last=Androvich |date=March 17, 2008 |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |access-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009042304/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/north-hearn-named-foundation-9-ceo |archive-date=October 9, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
+On June 1, 2006, investment firm [[Francisco Partners]] (as advised by [[UBS Securities]]) agreed to provide {{US$|150&nbsp;million|link=yes}} in funding to Foundation 9 over a time frame of several years, with additional funding to be provided when needed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/100505/Foundation_9_Gets_Significant_Funding_Investment.php |title=Foundation 9 Gets 'Significant' Funding Investment |first=Simon |last=Carless |date=June 1, 2006 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203201726/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/100505/Foundation_9_Gets_Significant_Funding_Investment.php |archive-date=February 3, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> The investment was followed by the acquisitions of [[Shiny Entertainment]] from [[Atari, Inc. (1993–present)|Atari]] in October 2006,<ref name="Gamasutra">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/102045/Foundation_9_Acquires_Shiny_From_Atari.php |title=Foundation 9 Acquires Shiny From Atari |first=Jason |last=Dobson |date=October 2, 2006 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131024303/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/102045/Foundation_9_Acquires_Shiny_From_Atari.php |archive-date=January 31, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Amaze Entertainment]] and related studios in November 2006,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/foundation-9-amazed/1100-6161582/ |title=Foundation 9 Amazed |author=Gamespot Staff |date=November 14, 2006 |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128210650/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/foundation-9-amazed/1100-6161582/ |archive-date=November 28, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Sumo Digital]] and its Indian sub-studio in August 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/foundation-9-buys-sumo |title=Foundation 9 buys Sumo |first=Phil |last=Elliott |date=August 17, 2007 |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |access-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407084041/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/foundation-9-buys-sumo |archive-date=April 7, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> Under the terms of Shiny's acquisition, the studio would co-locate and merge with The Collective.<ref name="Gamasutra" /> The merger was formally announced in October 2007, at which point both studios had moved to new {{convert|60000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} offices in [[Irvine, California]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/10/09/shiny-collective-merged-into-mega-studio |title=Shiny, Collective Merged into Mega Studio |first=Daemon |last=Hatfield |date=October 9, 2007 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=April 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428194013/https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/10/09/shiny-collective-merged-into-mega-studio |archive-date=April 28, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> The amalgam was named [[Double Helix Games]] in March 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/double-helix-is-new-foundation-9-studio |title=Double Helix is new Foundation 9 studio |first=Mark |last=Androvich |date=March 27, 2008 |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |access-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625103920/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/double-helix-is-new-foundation-9-studio |archive-date=June 25, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2008, Foundation 9 promoted David Mann (previously [[chief operating officer]]), Chris Charla and Jack Brummet to president, vice-president of [[business development]], and vice-president of [[quality assurance]], respectively,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/foundation-9-promotes-three-execs |title=Foundation 9 promotes three execs |first=Matt |last=Martin |date=January 16, 2008 |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |access-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009042302/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/foundation-9-promotes-three-execs |archive-date=October 9, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> followed by James North-Hearn, one of Sumo Digital's founders, becoming the chief executive officer of the company in March.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/north-hearn-named-foundation-9-ceo |title=North-Hearn named Foundation 9 CEO |first=Mark |last=Androvich |date=March 17, 2008 |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |access-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009042304/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/north-hearn-named-foundation-9-ceo |archive-date=October 9, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
 In July 2008, Foundation 9 reinstated [[Griptonite Games]] and [[Fizz Factor]], two studios absorbed into Amaze in 2005, under their original brandings.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/110451/F9E_Reinstates_Griptonite_Fizz_Factor_Brands.php |title=F9E Reinstates Griptonite, Fizz Factor Brands |first=Eric |last=Caoili |date=July 21, 2008 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124153446/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/110451/F9E_Reinstates_Griptonite_Fizz_Factor_Brands.php |url-status=live }}</ref> However, in July 2009, Fizz Factor was closed down entirely, while Amaze was merged into Griptonite and Double Helix suffered staff cuts.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/115562/Foundation_9_Confirms_Staff_Cuts_Merges_Studios.php |title=Foundation 9 Confirms Staff Cuts, Merges Studios |first=Kris |last=Graft |date=July 29, 2009 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113164437/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/115562/Foundation_9_Confirms_Staff_Cuts_Merges_Studios.php |archive-date=November 13, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> FXLabs, based in [[Hyderabad]], India, was acquired by Foundation 9 in October 2010 and became part of Griptonite under the name Griptonite India.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ptinews.com/pressrelease/4037_press-subGriptonite-India--Formerly-FXLabs--Announces-Expansion-Plans-in-Hyderabad |title=Griptonite India (Formerly FXLabs) Announces Expansion Plans in Hyderabad |first=Tiffany |last=Spencer |date=March 21, 2011 |website=[[Press Trust of India]] |access-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151011202226/http://www.ptinews.com/pressrelease/4037_press-subGriptonite-India--Formerly-FXLabs--Announces-Expansion-Plans-in-Hyderabad |archive-date=October 11, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> Griptonite was sold to [[Glu Mobile]] in August 2011 in exchange for 6&nbsp;million shares of Glu's [[common stock]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/126331/Glu_Mobile_Picks_Up_Griptonite_Blammo_After_Narrowing_Losses.php |title=Glu Mobile Picks Up Griptonite, Blammo After Narrowing Losses |first=Frank |last=Cifaldi |date=August 2, 2011 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171101024413/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/126331/Glu_Mobile_Picks_Up_Griptonite_Blammo_After_Narrowing_Losses.php |archive-date=November 1, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> Backbone's location in [[Vancouver]] had been closed in May 2009, and in October 2012, its [[ImaginEngine]] studio was closed as well, while its primary location in [[Emeryville, California]], laid off the majority of its staff.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vancouverobserver.com/blogs/megabytes/2009/11/18/it-game-over-vancouvers-video-game-industry-not-quite-yet |title=Is it Game Over for Vancouver's Video Game Industry? Not quite yet |first=Terry |last=Lavender |date=November 18, 2009 |website=[[Vancouver Observer]] |access-date=April 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222174950/http://www.vancouverobserver.com/blogs/megabytes/2009/11/18/it-game-over-vancouvers-video-game-industry-not-quite-yet |archive-date=December 22, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://venturebeat.com/2012/10/12/imaginengine-game-studio-shuts-down-exclusive/ |title=ImaginEngine game studio shuts down (exclusive) |first=Dean |last=Takahashi |date=October 12, 2012 |website=[[VentureBeat]] |access-date=April 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201051533/https://venturebeat.com/2012/10/12/imaginengine-game-studio-shuts-down-exclusive/ |archive-date=December 1, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/179049/Layoffs_at_digital_game_studio_Backbone_Entertainment.php |title=Layoffs at digital game studio Backbone Entertainment |first=Mike |last=Rose |date=October 9, 2012 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201054420/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/179049/Layoffs_at_digital_game_studio_Backbone_Entertainment.php |archive-date=December 1, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2014, Double Helix was sold to [[Amazon (company)|Amazon]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/2/5/5384672/report-double-helix-games-acquired-by-amazon |title=Double Helix Games acquired by Amazon (update) |first=Megan |last=Farokhmanesh |date=February 5, 2014 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |access-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408035434/https://www.polygon.com/2014/2/5/5384672/report-double-helix-games-acquired-by-amazon |archive-date=April 8, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> Later that year, under advisory from GP Bullhound, Foundation 9 sold Pipeworks to Italian publisher [[Digital Bros]], and Sumo Digital to its own management, the latter of which was backed by NorthEdge Capital.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.registerguard.com/article/20160221/BUSINESS/302219970 |title=Pipeworks progress |first=Sherri |last=Buri McDonald |date=February 21, 2016 |website=[[The Register-Guard]] |access-date=April 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415111301/https://www.registerguard.com/article/20160221/BUSINESS/302219970 |archive-date=April 15, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/229849/Sumo_Digital_has_separated_from_its_parent_company.php |title=Sumo Digital has separated from its parent company |first=Mike |last=Rose |date=November 11, 2014 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=April 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214002621/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/229849/Sumo_Digital_has_separated_from_its_parent_company.php |archive-date=February 14, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gpbullhound.com/news/gp-bullhound-advises-foundation-9-entertainment-sale-sumo-digital-pipeworks/ |title=GP Bullhound advises Foundation 9 Entertainment on the sale of Sumo Digital and Pipeworks |date=November 18, 2014 |website=GP Bullhound |access-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807152155/http://www.gpbullhound.com/news/gp-bullhound-advises-foundation-9-entertainment-sale-sumo-digital-pipeworks/ |archive-date=August 7, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2015, Foundation 9's board of directors elected to [[Dissolution (law)|dissolve]] the company.{{citation needed|date=April 2019}}
 == Subsidiaries ==
+* Amaze Entertainment (2004–2009)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-02-06 |title= |url=http://www.amazeentertainment.com/index.asp?p=home |access-date=2024-02-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040206203019/http://www.amazeentertainment.com/index.asp?p=home |archive-date=February 6, 2004 }}</ref> – Merged into Griptonite Games
-* Amaze Entertainment (2007–2009)
+** Adrenium
-* [[Backbone Entertainment]] (2005–2015)
+** Griptonite Games
-** Backbone Charlottetown (2006–2007)
+** KnowWonder (1996-2004)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-02-14 |title= |url=http://www.knowwonder.com/Whoweare.html |access-date=2024-02-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040214155902/http://www.knowwonder.com/Whoweare.html |archive-date=February 14, 2004 }}</ref> - PC game studio
-** Backbone Emeryville (2005–2015)
+** Fizz Factor - Handheld game studio
-** Backbone Vancouver (2005–2009)
+** Black Ship Games
-** Games2Learn
+* [[Backbone Entertainment]] (2005–2015) – Closed
-** ImaginEngine (2005–2012)
+** Backbone Charlottetown (2006–2007) – Closed
-* [[The Collective (company)|The Collective]] (2005–2007)
+** Backbone Emeryville (2005–2015) – Closed
-* [[Double Helix Games]] (2007–2014)
+** Backbone Vancouver (2005–2009) – Closed
-* Fizz Factor (2008–2009)
+** Games2Learn – Closed
-* Griptonite Games (2008–2011)
+** ImaginEngine (2005–2012) – Closed
-** Griptonite India (2010–2011)
+* [[The Collective (company)|The Collective]] (2005–2007) – Merged into [[Double Helix Games]]
-* [[Pipeworks Software]] (2005–2014)
+* [[Double Helix Games]] (2007–2014) – Sold to [[Amazon Game Studios]]
-* [[Shiny Entertainment]] (2006–2007)
+* Fizz Factor (2008–2009) – Closed
-* [[Sumo Digital]] (2007–2014)
+* Griptonite Games (2008–2011) – Sold to [[Glu Mobile]]
-** Sumo India (2007–2014)
+** Griptonite India (2010–2011) – Sold to [[Glu Mobile]]
+* [[Pipeworks Software]] (2005–2014) – Sold to [[Digital Bros]]
+* [[Shiny Entertainment]] (2006–2007) – Merged into [[Double Helix Games]]
+* [[Sumo Digital]] (2007–2014) – Sold back to founders in a [[management buyout]]
+** Sumo India (2007–2014) – Sold back to founders in a [[management buyout]]
 == References ==
 {{Reflist}}
-[[Category:American companies established in 2005]]
-[[Category:American companies disestablished in 2015]]
-[[Category:International Game Developers Association members]]
-[[Category:Video game development companies]]
-[[Category:Video game companies established in 2005]]
-[[Category:Video game companies disestablished in 2015]]
-[[Category:Defunct video game companies of the United States]]
-[[Category:Defunct companies based in Greater Los Angeles]]
 [[Category:2005 establishments in California]]
 [[Category:2015 disestablishments in California]]
+[[Category:American companies disestablished in 2015]]
+[[Category:American companies established in 2005]]
+[[Category:Defunct companies based in Greater Los Angeles]]
+[[Category:Defunct video game companies of the United States]]
+[[Category:Video game companies disestablished in 2015]]
+[[Category:Video game companies established in 2005]]
+[[Category:Video game development companies]]