Team17 Group plc, one of the United Kingdom's oldest and most renowned video game companies, is embarking on a significant transformation. Starting early February 2025, Team17 will officially rebrand itself as Everplay Group plc, marking the next chapter for the established company known primarily for popular franchises like Worms, Overcooked, and The Escapists.
The name change is not merely cosmetic; it reflects the evolution of the business following its initial public offering (IPO) and entry onto the London Stock Exchange back in 2018. Since then, Team17 has made strategic acquisitions and expanded its operations, prompting the need for a brand identity to match its growth aspirations. Steve Bell, who became CEO of the company in January 2024, emphasized the new brand's purpose, stating, "This rebrand not only creates an ideal backdrop to enable greater cross-collaboration internally but also reflects our aspirations to expand our reach across complementary sectors within the broader indie market."
The rebranding to Everplay will not erase the legacy of Team17. The latter will continue to serve as the name for the company's video games label, ensuring fans still see familiar branding linked to future releases. Everplay will oversee the strategic directions of three distinct divisions: the Team17 game development label, the simulation games publisher Astragon Entertainment (acquired in 2022), and StoryToys, which specializes in educational apps for children (acquired in 2021). This structure allows each division to retain its identity and operations, even as they work collaboratively under the new corporate umbrella.
Team17, founded back in 1990, emerged from the vibrant Amiga demo scene, originally capturing audiences with games like Alien Breed and Superfrog. The studio also earned acclaim for publishing significant indie titles such as Yooka-Laylee, Dredge, and Blasphemous. While the company has shifted more toward publishing over the past several years, it still retains its creative roots, evidenced by their recent horror title, Killer Frequency, released in 2023.
Despite its successes, Team17 hasn’t been without controversy. The company faced backlash due to its brief foray with NFTs, which many fans and partners derided, leading to a quick withdrawal from plans to engage with cryptocurrencies. Reports surfaced indicating dissatisfaction among employees over long hours, poor wages, and lack of management response to workplace harassment allegations. This turmoil highlighted the need for leadership changes, contributing to the recent appointment of Steve Bell as CEO.
The arrival of Everplay symbolizes more than just new signage; it is about the drive to create exceptional gaming experiences across various platforms, as Bell noted, "Fundamentally, we want to create captivating experiences... and I firmly believe Everplay will become synonymous with creating games delivering a lifetime of play." The rebranding aims to fuel this vision by maximizing the potential of their established franchises, leveraging cross-division synergies, and tapping new market opportunities.
Trading for the newly renamed Everplay Group plc is set to begin under the ticker symbol "EVPL" on January 24, 2025. This transition signifies not just the adaptability of the firm but its commitment to advancing as a leading independent developer and publisher within the gaming industry. For not only does the change represent the legacy of Team17, but it also sets the stage for future innovation.
Each arm of the group has its distinct focus: Everplay encompasses the developer Team17, which seeks to continue its legacy within the indie game market; Astragon specializes in delivering technically sophisticated simulation games catering to diverse audiences; and StoryToys aims to enthrall and educate younger players through engaging apps featuring beloved characters and narratives.
With over three decades behind it, Team17's evolution to Everplay is set against the backdrop of its long-standing commitment to game development and player engagement. The company’s new name encapsulates both its history and its aspirations: to never stop playing, continually delivering enriching experiences for gamers around the globe.
The UK gaming industry continues to thrive, driven by innovation and creativity among companies like Everplay Group plc. The next chapter for this iconic brand and its divisions appears bright as they push forward with their mission to captivate audiences and redefine the gaming experience.