Daybreak Partners With NantWorks To Create Mobile Versions Of H1Z1 And EverQuest

We haven't seen a news day like this in quite a while. CCP Games was purchased, Carbine and WildStar are shutting down, the Amalur IP was scooped up, and now: Daybreak Game Company is going mobile.

More specifically, Daybreak and tech company NantWorks that are coming together to create NantG Mobile LLC, a new company that will produce mobile versions of H1Z1 and EverQuest, with the additional goal "to build and publish video games across all platforms." NantG will also assume control of the PC version of H1Z1, while its CEO and Chairman, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, will join Daybreak's board of directors.

NantWorks is also planning construction of the LA Times Center adjacent to the new HQ of the newspaper, which will include "e-sports arenas with fiber inter-connectivity at a global scale." One of those esports will undoubtedly be Z1 Battle Royale, touted as a "revitalized PC-based version of H1Z1: Battle Royale."

There's no indication that NantG will have anything to do with Daybreak's other games, or Standing Stone Games' properties, which are published by Daybreak. What it could mean for games currently in development, such as the rumored Mythwarden, is less clear.

It's not quite a sale or acquisition on the same level as what happened between Pearl Abyss and CCP, but it's still clear that Daybreak is ceding at least some control over its operations to another entity. Given the decline of H1Z1 in recent months, including its issues with paying the bills for its esports league, it comes as little surprise that the company would seek outside investment.

You can read the full press release here.