Razer acquires console start-up Ouya’s entire software and assets

Gaming technology player Razer has acquired games console start-up Ouya for an undisclosed sum in a move that will make Android TV content and games more visible in the living room.

The deal includes Ouya’s software, technology and development teams. Ouya’s hardware business is not part of the deal.

The move comes just after Razer achieved a valuation of around US$1bn after a recent equity funding round.

Razer, which makes popular gaming accessories ranging from console controls to VR headsets and smart bands, will take on Ouya’s 15 staff.

It is understood that Razer plans to offer Ouya’s technology, including its app store, to other device manufacturers under the name Cortex.

Defining the Android living room

“Razer has a long-term vision for Android TV and Android-based TV consoles, such as the Xiaomi Mi Box and Alibaba Tmall Box, to which Ouya already publishes,” says Razer Co-Founder and CEO Min-Liang Tan.

“Ouya’s work with game developers, both triple A and indies, went a long way in bringing Android games to the living room and Razer intends to further that work. This acquisition is envisaged to usher more developers and content to the Android TV platform.”

It said that Razer plans to provide existing Ouya users a clear path of migration to the more advanced Forge TV micro-console and Serval controller bundle.

Razer said it plans to publish Android TV content and Android-based TV console games under the Ouya moniker as a separate interest.

In the past year, Razer revealed its Razer Forge TV, a high-performance Android TV micro-console to bring Android gaming into the living room.

“When it comes to gamers, Min clearly knows what he is doing,” says Brian Fargo, video game designer, producer, programmer and founder of Interplay Entertainment and inXile Entertainment.

“I’m certain that he has clever ideas on how to make his many initiatives with Forge TV fit well with all the titles and hard work that Ouya put in.”