Codemasters bringing funding "war chest" to E3 for new signings

Codemasters has revealed that it will be attending E3 next month with a major "war chest" for new acquisitions, but the British publisher has reiterated that it will not be showcasing games on the show floor despite reports to the contrary.

Codemasters recently received what it described as a "substantial financial investment" from top-tier capital firm Benchmark Capital Europe. This investment will go towards the new "multi-million dollar war chest" that has been set aside for funding and acquiring new game properties. The acquisitions programme is said to form part of the company's vision of "leading on innovation, creativity and quality."

David Darling, chairman and CEO of Codemasters, has appointed ex-Daydream Software CEO Peter Zetterberg to head-up the acquisitions charge. Zetterberg will spend E3 meeting with studio executives to discuss projects both planned and already underway, for current and next-generation consoles as well as PC.

"If you're developing an unsigned title or not receiving satisfaction or support from your current publishing arrangements, we want to talk to you," said Zetterberg.

"Get in touch, we'll meet at E3 and discuss the international publishing and distribution that Codemasters delivers."

Darling commented: "I'm delighted to welcome Peter to Codemasters. We share a long working history, an entrepreneurial spirit and an ambition to champion new projects that inspire and amaze."

As we reported yesterday, Codemasters doesn't plan to showcase any of its current portfolio of titles on its booth at the show, with the firm's global communications boss Richard Eddy explaining that E3 is "not the right platform" for the predominantly European-focused range.

Those wishing to arrange a meeting with Peter Zetterberg and his team should contact acquisitions@codemasters.com.