French publisher Bigben has acquired How to Survive developer Eko Software for $10 million (€8.5 million).

Best known for its World Rally Car Championship series, Bigben said its acquisition of Eko Software is another step in its strategy to position itself as a leading “double-A” publisher. Bigben also recently took ownership of Styx and Blood Bowl developer Cyanide Studios.

Eko Software is most known for its recent How to Survive action games, but has long-running interests in rugby and handball titles. The Parisian studio has developed three titles for Bigben, including the upcoming Warhammer: Chaosbane.

"This acquisition is another milestone in Bigben's strategy as it strengthens our know-how in the development of new games in the strategic double-A segment,” said Bigben CEO and chairman Alain Falc.

”Bigben is also proud to welcome to its group the talents of Eko Software which we have already fully appreciated during our many years of partnership.

“We will be supporting their upswing towards new, even more ambitious projects, with the goal of reiterating the experience of the million copies sold of How to Survive.”

Eko Software CEO Jules-Benjamin Lalisse added: “We are pleased to join the Bigben Group, a leading international player in video game industry, whose vision, ambition and corporate values we fully share.

“Joining the Bigben Group gives us a unique opportunity to accelerate our development while integrating an environment favourable to the creation of ever more qualitative games.”