Crytek could be the latest game developer under the Tencent umbrella, which concerns some of its employees. Gematsu picked up the story from BILD journalist Julian Röpcke who reports that Tencent is looking to buy Crytek for over €300 million. The Chinese-based company has already acquired other game companies such as Riot Games and Supercell Games, and unveiled a new AAA studio in Seattle. Known for its Crysis series and Hunt: Showdown, Crytek was once the benchmarks of graphical fidelity with its CryEngine. Yet, according to Röpcke, Tencent may use the company for non-commercial purposes.
Along with its game studio, Crytek is a developer of military simulations that Western countries use. It is possible that Tencent, which supports the CCP (Chinese Communist Party), wants the company for that reason and not for game development. Employees are afraid a Crytek acquisition would enable China to spy on Western militaries through CryEngine and secure access to the simulations.
#ScoopAccording to information, exclusively obtained by @BILD, Chinese internet company #Tencent is trying to buy German games developer #Crytek for more than 300 Million Euros via a European subsidiary.Crytek supplies several western armies with military simulation programs. pic.twitter.com/tjtbfvNGJk
— Julian Röpcke (@JulianRoepcke) July 13, 2021
Tencent announced back in 2017 that it would bolster its party member share of 23% in the CCP with more supporting members among its leadership. If this is Tencent’s ultimate plan, then the German government will need to stop the sale. This acquisition would threaten the national security of the German military and other countries like the U.S that use Crytek’s simulations. Arms suppliers would also be affected, according to the journalist. Röpcke claims there is more with this story but is holding on to the rest of the information to protect his sources.
It’s without question that this is a concern for militaries using the simulations and CryEngine. This development is no doubt being looked into by militaries and military contractors using the software. Other studios similar to the German-based developer could be in danger of being purchased for nefarious reasons in the future if the sale passes. Hopefully, the forces that be can stop whatever ulterior motives Tencent has planned before it’s too late.
Source: Twitter/JulianRoepcke, Gematsu
