Updated Mar 17, 2026 by PCF Group
Legal · April 23, 2021
Published by PCF Group
PCF Group S.A. expanded its international development capabilities through the strategic acquisition of the Phosphor Games development team in Chicago, Illinois. Executed via the subsidiary People Can Fly Chicago, LLC, the transaction involved the transition of eighteen developers, including the three original founders of the studio. This move establishes a permanent presence for the group in the Chicago market, with the new studio officially commencing operations under the People Can Fly brand on May 1, 2021. The acquisition process utilized a structured legal framework to ensure a seamless transition of talent and assets. Each developer entered into separation agreements with the former entity while simultaneously signing confidentiality, non-solicitation, and non-compete agreements with the new employer. Employment offers were standardized to align with the parent company’s global compensation and bonus structures. Furthermore, the founders provided indemnification to protect the acquiring entity from potential third-party claims, tax liabilities, or employment obligations stemming from the previous operations of Phosphor Games. Beyond the human capital, the agreement included the transfer of the existing office lease in Chicago to serve as the headquarters for the new studio. Financial backing for the expansion was secured through an internal loan provided by the parent company to its United States holding entity. This acquisition represents a targeted effort to bolster the group’s creative workforce in North America, integrating an established team of industry veterans into its global production pipeline.
Raport bieżący nr 13/2021 Data sporządzenia: 23 kwietnia 2021 r. Temat: Przejęcie zespołu deweloperskiego Phosphor Games, LLC Podstawa prawna: art. 17 ust. 1 Rozporządzenia Parlamentu Europejskiego i Rady (UE) nr 596/2014 z dnia 16 kwietnia 2014 roku w sprawie nadużyć na rynku (rozporządzenie w sprawie nadużyć na rynku) oraz uchylającego dyrektywę 2003/6/WE Parlamentu Europejskiego i Rady i dyrektywy Komisji 2003/124/WE, 2003/125/WE i 2004/72/WE Treść raportu: W nawiązaniu do raportów bieżących nr 11/2021 oraz 12/2021 z dnia 23 kwietnia 2021 r. Zarząd spółki PCF Group S.A. z siedzibą w Warszawie („Spółka”) niniejszym informuje, że w dniu 23 kwietnia 2021 r. spółka pośrednio zależna Spółki, tj. People Can Fly Chicago, LLC („PCF Chicago”), przejęła zespół deweloperski spółki Phosphor Games, LLC z siedzibą w Chicago, Stany Zjednoczone Ameryki („PH Games”). W konsekwencji umów zawartych z każdym z deweloperów PH Games obejmujących, w szczególności, umowy zakończenia współpracy (Separation Agreements and General Release) z PH Games z dniem 30 kwietnia 2021 r., umowy o zachowaniu poufności, zakazie rekrutowania pracowników i zakazie konkurencji (Confidentiality, Non-Solicitation, and Non-Compete Agreement), oraz złożenie przez PCF Chicago i przyjęcie przez deweloperów ofert
aration Agreements and General Release) z PH Games z dniem 30 kwietnia 2021 r., umowy o zachowaniu poufności, zakazie rekrutowania pracowników i zakazie konkurencji (Confidentiality, Non-Solicitation, and Non-Compete Agreement), oraz złożenie przez PCF Chicago i przyjęcie przez deweloperów ofert zatrudnienia w PCF Chicago dostosowanych do standardów obowiązujących w grupie kapitałowej Spółki wraz z nowym systemem premiowym, PCF Chicago pozyskała zespół liczący osiemnaście osób, w tym trzech założycieli studia PH Games. Nowe studio PCF Chicago rozpocznie działalność z dniem 1 maja 2021 r. Dodatkowo, ze skutkiem od dnia 1 maja 2021 r., założyciele PH Games zobowiązali się, działając solidarnie, zwolnić w szczególności PCF Chicago oraz podmioty powiązane z PCF Chicago z ewentualnej odpowiedzialności z tytułu potencjalnych roszczeń osób trzecich dotyczących prowadzonej przez PH Games działalności, w tym z zobowiązań związanych z zatrudnieniem i zobowiązań podatkowych PH Games. Ponadto, PCF Chicago zawarła z PH Games umowę przejęcia z dniem 1 maja 2021 r. umowy najmu biura PH Games w Chicago z przeznaczeniem na siedzibę PCF Chicago. Przejęcie zespołu deweloperskiego zostało sfinansowane ze środków z pożyczki udzielonej w dniu 31 marca 2021 r. przez Spółkę swojej jednoosobowej spółce zależnej People Can Fly U.S., LLC z siedzibą w Nowym Jorku, Stany Zjednoczone Ameryki, o której Spółka informowała raportem bieżącym nr 11/2021.
PCF Group S.A. issued this regulatory report to disclose the acquisition of the Phosphor Games development team and the associated financial arrangements used to facilitate the transaction. Originally classified as delayed inside information under European Union Market Abuse Regulations, the details were made public on April 23, 2021, following the formal conclusion of the acquisition process. The transaction marks a strategic expansion for the Warsaw-based parent company into the United States market, specifically targeting the Chicago-based development talent of Phosphor Studios and Phosphor Games. The acquisition was executed through a newly established subsidiary, People Can Fly U.S., LLC. To fund this expansion and the operational integration of the Phosphor team, PCF Group S.A. provided a $5,000,000 loan to its American subsidiary. This ten-year intercompany loan carries an interest rate of LIBOR plus two percentage points and is secured by the assets of the U.S. entity, including its intellectual property rights. Prior to the acquisition, the two entities maintained a professional relationship through a work-for-hire agreement where Phosphor Games served as a subcontractor for People Can Fly projects. The decision to delay the public announcement from the initial signing of the letter of intent on March 31, 2021, was a tactical measure to protect the negotiation process. Management concluded that premature disclosure could invite third-party interference, worsen transaction terms, or lead to public misinformation regarding the deal's certainty. By waiting until the acquisition was finalized, the company ensured market stability and the successful execution of its long-term growth strategy within the global gaming industry.
PCF Group S.A. issued a formal regulatory disclosure regarding the establishment of a new subsidiary, People Can Fly Chicago, LLC, as part of its broader corporate growth strategy. The primary purpose of this disclosure is to reveal previously delayed inside information concerning the expansion of the company’s development capabilities in the United States. This action follows the successful acquisition of the development team from Phosphor Games, LLC, which served as the catalyst for making the information public on April 23, 2021. The expansion originated on March 31, 2021, with a letter of intent signed between PCF Group and Chicago-based Phosphor Studios and Phosphor Games. Under the laws of Delaware, the new entity was officially incorporated on April 6, 2021. The strategic intent behind this formation was to create a dedicated vehicle for absorbing the Phosphor Games team, thereby strengthening PCF Group’s international presence and internal production capacity. The decision to delay the public announcement was made in accordance with European Union Market Abuse Regulations to protect the company’s legitimate interests. Management concluded that immediate disclosure during the negotiation phase could have jeopardized the transaction by inviting third-party interference or negatively impacting the terms of the deal. Furthermore, the company sought to prevent public misinformation, as the final outcome of the acquisition remained uncertain at the time of the subsidiary's formation. By maintaining confidentiality and monitoring access to this information, the company ensured market integrity until the acquisition was finalized.
This regulatory report, issued on April 27, 2021, details the acquisition of Game On Creative, Inc. by PCF Group S.A. (People Can Fly). The disclosure reveals previously delayed inside information regarding a non-binding letter of intent signed on March 11, 2021, and the subsequent execution of a definitive investment agreement. The transaction involves the 100% acquisition of the Montreal-based creative agency, which specializes in motion capture, cinematics, and audio for the global gaming industry. The financial structure of the deal establishes a purchase price based on eight times Game On’s 2020 EBITDA, subject to adjustments for debt, working capital, and potential leakage. The acquisition is primarily financed through a private subscription of PCF Group Series D shares issued to the seller’s trust, SG Trust. To align long-term interests, the agreement includes a five-year earn-out provision granting the seller 5% of annual EBITDA if specific targets are met. Furthermore, most newly issued shares are subject to a lock-up period, and a call option mechanism is established should the share registration face delays beyond 2021. Strategically, the acquisition integrates Game On into PCF Group’s North American operations. Samuel Girardin, the founder of Game On, transitions to the role of Studio Head at People Can Fly Canada while maintaining his presidency at Game On. PCF Group justified the initial delay in public disclosure under European Market Abuse Regulations to protect the integrity of negotiations and prevent third-party interference that could have compromised the transaction's terms or misled the public regarding the deal's certainty.
PlayWay S.A. officially announced the execution of a publishing agreement for the upcoming title Phantom Doctrine, developed by its subsidiary CreativeForge Games S.A. The contract, finalized on August 22, 2017, establishes a partnership with the Dutch entity Gambitious B.V., which transitioned to operating under the brand name Good Shepherd Entertainment during the same year. This strategic move secures a professional publishing partner for a project currently in active production, ensuring the title reaches a broad commercial audience upon its eventual release. The scope of the agreement covers a multi-platform launch, specifically targeting PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Under the terms of the contract, Good Shepherd Entertainment assumes full responsibility for marketing initiatives and promotional activities designed to drive sales across all designated distribution channels. This division of labor allows the development team at CreativeForge Games to focus on technical production while leveraging the publisher’s infrastructure for global outreach and market positioning. This corporate disclosure, issued in compliance with market abuse regulations regarding inside information, highlights the ongoing expansion of PlayWay’s portfolio through its subsidiary network. The announcement serves as a formal update to previous communications regarding the project's development trajectory. By securing a specialized international publisher, the company aims to maximize the commercial potential of the intellectual property within the competitive global gaming market.