Gameloft teams with Blacknut to enable smartphone companies to launch their own game streaming subscription services

Mobile developer/publisher Gameloft has announced it’s partnering up with Blacknut to provide cross-platform game cloud streaming across “ADSL, fiber optic internet and 5G mobile networks to set top boxes, connected TVs, smartphones, or PC”.

The company says the offer enables smartphone operators and manufacturers to establish their own cloud-based, game streaming subscription services “fully managed by Gameloft and leveraging Blacknut’s game streaming technology”.

The scheme will kick off with Gameloft and Blacknut combining their respective game catalogues to give players access to “over 360 games including Gamesloft’s Asphalt 9: Legends” with new titles from Gameloft and other publishers expected to be added over time.

The companies also confirmed they are working together on “original projects that will take full advantage of everything the Cloud has to offer”.

“We are convinced that subscription services and streaming are the next steps in the evolution of the video game industry,” said Yann Fourneau, VP global sales & distribution at Gameloft. “In line with our philosophy of allowing everyone to play games, regardless of their location and device, this partnership allows us to integrate a dimension of cloud-based cross-platform play into our offer through the game streaming technology provided by Blacknut.”

“Blacknut is a pioneer in the cloud gaming market. With a catalogue of streamed games since 2018, we allow users to play anywhere and without a need for a console,” added Olivier Avaro, CEO of Blacknut. “Thanks to Gameloft’s expertise and international presence, we will be able to work together to accelerate our service’s growth and welcome more players and partners around the world.” 

Mobile developer Gameloft shuttered its UK base last week but since that closure, it’s also come to light that the firm was forced to make cuts in Australia and the Philippines, too.

In the days since the UK closure, the company had also closed its Manila branch earlier this year, which chiefly housed the firm’s web services, and layoffs are reported in Brisbane, Australia, too. 

The studio’s managing director John-Paul Burke announced the closure of the UK office on Linkedin but did not specify how many employees have been affected by the closure in the UK, but it was later confirmed seven staff were made redundant. The company said it was “working with all employees, on a case by case basis, to find the best way to handle their situation in accordance with local employment regulations”.

“Unfortunately last week we closed Gameloft UK. What an amazing time we had there. For me as someone who has been playing Gameloft games from 2005 it was a dream job and I thank them for the opportunity,” Burke said last week.