Krafton, the publisher behind PUBG: Battlegrounds and Subnautica, has officially acquired Eleventh Hour Games, the studio responsible for the hit action RPG Last Epoch. The announcement comes just as Last Epoch prepares for its third season in August 2025, and it marks another milestone in the game’s impressive growth since its 2024 release.
From Passion Project to Krafton Powerhouse
Eleventh Hour Games was founded by Game Director Judd Cobler, who revealed the acquisition in a post on the official Last Epoch forums. Cobler reflected on the studio’s journey from a one-man project to a team of over 100 developers. He emphasized that joining Krafton will provide the studio with greater resources and new opportunities to further develop Last Epoch and future titles.
Krafton’s backing also means the studio is expanding. According to Cobler, Eleventh Hour will be hiring across multiple roles in the coming weeks and months, suggesting a long-term commitment to the franchise and a larger development roadmap.
Krafton Pushes Forward Despite Legal Drama
The acquisition comes during a turbulent time for Krafton, as the company continues to deal with a lawsuit involving the former leadership of Subnautica 2. Earlier this year, Krafton faced backlash after firing key members of the Subnautica sequel’s development team and delaying its release. The publisher has also made headlines for layoffs at The Callisto Protocol developer, further raising concerns within the industry.
Still, Krafton’s decision to acquire Eleventh Hour Games shows confidence in the studio’s direction and in the broader action RPG market. The publisher has also garnered goodwill by stepping in to save Hi-Fi Rush developer Tango Gameworks after Microsoft’s planned closure.
A Vote of Confidence in Last Epoch
Despite recent controversies, Krafton remains one of the most successful publishers in gaming, valued at around $10 billion since its formation in 2018. Its acquisition of Eleventh Hour could significantly bolster its library, especially with Last Epoch enjoying a growing player base and strong community support.
Cobler assured fans that the game’s vision remains intact and that Eleventh Hour will continue to prioritize community engagement. With Krafton’s support, Last Epoch could see more frequent updates, broader content expansions, and enhanced development resources heading into its third season and beyond.
Whether this acquisition will serve as a turning point for Krafton’s public image remains to be seen, but for Eleventh Hour Games and Last Epoch, it’s a clear sign of upward momentum.
