Matrix, Slitherine Merge For Wargames Publishing

Wargaming publishers Slitherine Ltd. (Field of Glory) and Matrix Games (Close Combat) announced an agreement to merge their companies, creating a single specialist publisher that aims to grow the niche wargaming genre. Neither disclosed terms for the merger, but the companies intend to retain their "strong identities and core values". Founded in 2000 and based in the UK, Slitherine is a privately funded company that primarily develops and publishes history-based video games, and is involved with book publishing and board gaming, too. It also provides consultancy services to TV and other media companies such as History, Spike TV, Showtime, and more for making their programs historically accurate. Matrix was founded in 1999 and specializes in releasing real-time strategy games, sports management titles, and space sims. The publisher works with a range of studios for its wargaming titles, such as Gary Grigsby, Strategic Studies Group, and Talonsoft. Matrix also prides itself in being one of the first companies to sell its titles through digital distribution. "We are excited and thrilled about the deal with Matrix Games," says Slitherine's co-founder and group chairman JD McNeil. "We both operate in a niche market and we see many opportunities to further grow and expand the business by joining forces. By combining our resources and experience we are confident that we can lead this market to the next level."