Private equity-backed film financier Legendary Pictures is in negotiations to acquire Epic Games, the North Carolina-based developer of video games including “Gears of War,” reports Variety.
If the deal is consummated, Legendary would be the first film financing company to start investing money in video games. Several studios, including Warner Bros., where Legendary is based, have recently started spending their own money on games.
“Gears” is Epic’s most successful game. It has sold more than 5 million units since its 2006 release; a sequel, slated for next month, is expected to perform even better. The company’s other successful franchise is “Unreal Tournament.”
