Chinese tech and entertainment giant Tencent has invested in British games studio Playtonic.

The company has bought an undisclosed amount in the Yooka-Laylee maker, which retains full control over its intellectual property. Playtonic says that this investment will be used to staff up and be able to field more than one studio.

“Six years ago we built a cool, exciting rocket ship, set a course we think is right and exciting. We are thrilled that Tencent agrees with that course and has provided some rocket fuel to further the reach of our mission," Playtonic founder Gavin Price (pictured) said.

“The countdown to today has included (deep inhale)... our record breaking Kickstarter for Yooka-Laylee, growing the buddy-duo's reach with the acclaimed Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair, establishing Playtonic Friends and the successful launch of its first three titles - BPM: Bullets Per Minute, A Little Golf Journey and Demon Turf, signing 3 further incredible beauties in L'il gator Game, Victory Heat Rally & Blossom Tales 2 - The Minotaur Prince, and all the while still being cool (ask our parents)! BUT with Tencent’s help we can scale up and fast-track the super-exciting, super-secret projects we've been keeping close to our treasure chests too... things are going to get Bat Ship Crazy over the next few years! Please imagine a wink emoji right now.”

Playtonic founded the Friends publishing label earlier in 2021.