Calgary, Alberta, Canada – March 12, 2025 – Zugalu Entertainment, an independent video game studio based in Calgary, is thrilled to announce the acquisition of Edmonton-based Crimson Herring Studios. Zugalu, known for their innovative and immersive gaming experiences, is excited to bring this narrative-driven studio into its fold.

This strategic acquisition unites two of Alberta’s leading indie game developers, combining their creative talents and resources to enhance the development of compelling, story-rich games. Crimson Herring Studios, founded in April 2020 by producer Isaac Otway, has garnered attention for its debut title, Sovereign Syndicate, a Victorian steampunk role-playing game released in January 2024. The game has been praised for its intricate storytelling and unique gameplay mechanics.

Zugalu Entertainment, established in 2014 by game designer and entrepreneur Branden Sloane, has a diverse portfolio that includes titles such as Thrive: Heavy Lies the Crown, a medieval fantasy city-builder with real-time combat and impactful decision-making, which launched into Early Access on November 7, 2024. The studio is dedicated to creating games that offer deep, immersive experiences for players.

“We are excited to welcome the talented team from Crimson Herring Studios into the Zugalu family,” said Branden Sloane, Founder and CEO of Zugalu Entertainment. “Their expertise in crafting narrative-driven games aligns perfectly with our vision of delivering rich, engaging experiences to players. This acquisition allows us to accelerate our growth and expand our creative horizons.”

As part of this acquisition, Isaac Otway will be joining Zugalu Entertainment as Chief Operating Officer (COO). With his deep experience in narrative game development and production, Isaac will play a key role in ensuring Zugalu continues to grow and create even better games for players worldwide.

“Joining Zugalu Entertainment in this new role as COO is an exciting opportunity, our team can achieve so much more together.” said Isaac Otway. “I have a great deal of respect for Branden and his team, and the business they’ve built, and I look forward to helping shape the company’s future and working alongside this talented team to deliver unforgettable gaming experiences.”

The combined entity will operate under the Zugalu Entertainment brand, with plans to integrate Crimson Herring’s narrative-driven approach into Zugalu’s upcoming projects. This merger aims to enhance the quality and depth of future titles, providing players with immersive storytelling and refined gameplay experiences.

As part of this acquisition, Zugalu Entertainment will continue to support and update Sovereign Syndicate, with a planned Director’s Cut slated for Early 2026. The studio also plans to leverage Crimson Herring’s narrative expertise in the development of Thrive: Heavy Lies the Crown and other future projects.

For more information about Zugalu Entertainment and its games, please visit https://zugalu.com/.

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About Zugalu Entertainment

Founded in 2014 by game designer and entrepreneur Branden Sloane, Zugalu Entertainment is an independent game development studio based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The studio is dedicated to creating innovative and immersive games that players of all kinds can enjoy. Their portfolio includes titles such as Thrive: Heavy Lies the Crown, Voxel Scavenger, Technolites, and Boulder Run.

About Crimson Herring Studios

Crimson Herring Studios is an indie game development studio headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Founded in April 2020 by producer Isaac Otway, the studio focuses on narrative-driven games with a twist of mystery and intrigue. Their debut title, Sovereign Syndicate, is a Victorian steampunk role-playing game that emphasizes profound storytelling through immersive gameplay.

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Media Contact:

Branden Sloane
CEO, Zugalu Entertainment
branden@zugalu.com

Isaac Otway
COO, Zugalu Entertainment
isaac@zugalu.com

A Victorian steampunk RPG with tarot cards instead of dice – Sovereign Syndicate is now available on GOG, with a -10% launch discount until January 22nd, 2 PM UTC!

Choose from three playable characters with branching stories that intertwine. Investigate, interact, and take action to leave your mark on the world and its inhabitants. No random stat points here, use your skills to level them up, and trust your fate to our tarot card chance system.

So, how will you solve your problems? Combat, persuasion, magic, explosives? The choice is yours and all your cards are on the table; but be careful, the docklands aren’t for the faint of heart.

Check out what Sovereign Syndicate is all about!

PlaySide Publishing is thrilled to announce its second publishing deal in under four months.

Partnering with Canada-based Zugalu Entertainment, Thrive: Heavy Lies the Crown will launch into Early Access in 2024 on Steam, with sign-ups also opening for its 2023 Beta via Discord.

A strong allegiance

Founded in 2014 by game designers Branden Sloane and Greg Forsyth, Zugalu Entertainment is an indie game development studio based in Calgary, Canada dedicated to creating innovative and immersive games.

Branden Sloane, Co-Founder & CEO at Zugalu Entertainment said Thrive: Heavy Lies the Crown is the culmination of ten years of work and evolution for the Albertan studio.

What is Thrive: Heavy Lies the Crown?

Thrive: Heavy Lies the Crown is a medieval fantasy city-builder with real-time combat and weighty decision-making. As a new ruler, you and the survivors of Aldamor travel to the curious land of Nysamor in search of a new home. Together, you will work to raise up a great kingdom, and define your legacy.

“All decisions matter in Thrive: Heavy Lies the Crown. Will you be a kind or cruel ruler? Your choices will directly affect the society you create and the world around you. Choose wisely and help your kingdom thrive,” said Sloane.

As ruler, you will lead your people through Benevolence or Tyranny, setting a course for the type of leader you will eventually become. Explore mysterious lands, establish a powerful military to fortify your dominion and engage in real-time combat to defend or expand your rule.

In addition to both AI and human forces, players will have to contend with the Waelgrim, the mystical and unpredictable entity that stalks the magical lands of Nysamor.

“It is rare in city-builder and strategy games that you are able to build your kingdom alongside your friends and have the choice to play cooperatively or competitively, we believe this is a feature that really sets Thrive: Heavy Lies the Crown apart,” said Sloane.

Canada Media Fund Recognition

Thrive: Heavy Lies the Crown was honored to be chosen for Canada Media Fund Production Funding during the 2020-2021 fiscal year, under the Experimental Stream (Commercial Projects Program). This rigorous selection process entails a comprehensive evaluation of a game’s innovative features and market potential by 20 esteemed industry professionals from across the globe.  

With a team of passionate developers from Zugalu Entertainment and the team at PlaySide Publishing, we can’t wait to bring this incredible title to life.

Wishlist Thrive: Heavy Lies the Crown now on Steam, or join us on Discord, Twitter, Facebook or YouTube.