The impish rule-breakers at darling indie game publisher Devolver Digital have grown yet again, this time purchasing Doinksoft, the Oregon-based developer of 2019’s Metroidvania, Gato Roboto, and the upcoming action-adventure Gunbrella.
Announced via its official Twitter account, Devolver called the partnership a “historic moment.” Doinksoft also tweeted about the deal, stating “there is no ‘i’ in team” and claiming the studio is “now devolver’s problem.” Their chaotic energies are a perfect match. With a strong, established relationship — Devolver published all of Doinksoft’s previous games, including the self-parody Devolver Bootleg and physical-exclusive Switch game Demon Throttle — the acquisition only serves to strengthen the ties.
Independent publishers purchasing development studios is rare — UK-based publisher Team17 owns a few PC and mobile studios — but Devolver seems keen on bringing trusted partners in-house to possibly provide greater guidance and support. Doinksoft is Devolver’s sixth acquisition since 2021, joining the likes of John Wick Hex publisher Good Shepherd Entertainment, Reigns and Card Shark developer Nerial, and Enter/Exit the Gungeon creator Dodge Roll.
Devolver has a long history of successful off-beat games, striking gold early on with Hotline Miami and continuing to find success yearly with the likes of Olli Olli, Hatoful Boyfriend, Titan Souls, Downwell, Mini, Gris, Katana Zero, and dozens more. Many of the titles are experimental, either in terms of gameplay — Sloclap’s Absolver allowed players to create their own combat system — or their irreverent, crude tones. Devolver has also maintained a strong independent presence during E3 and Summer Games Fest, with a long-running (and vaguely serialized) direct that has only gotten more absurd and ridiculous with each passing year.
Doinksoft’s upcoming release Gunbrella will see players taking control of a gruff woodsman questing for revenge with his trusty Gunbrella, a gun that also acts as an umbrella. It’s slated for release on Steam and the Nintendo Switch at some point this year.