It has been reported today that Google has purchased some of the assets of the Android games company Green Throttle Games, which ran into difficulties late last year.
Green Throttle Games was founded by RedOctane founder Charles Huang, Palm, Inc.’s Matt Crowley, and Karl Townsend, the original Palm Pilot’s lead engineer.
The Rise and Fall of Green Throttle Games
Green Throttle launched their Android game controller in 2012 but unfortunately couldn’t claim any market share against the already established Android gaming consoles. Its thought that Green Throttle Games came a little too late to the Android gaming scene with a product that was too far behind competitors such as PowerA and Ouya. Despite their innovative approach, the market was already saturated with more advanced and well-marketed products.
The Green Throttle controller was designed to turn any Android device into a gaming console, allowing users to play games on their TV screens. However, the execution fell short in several areas. The controller faced criticism for its lack of compatibility with a wide range of games and devices, which limited its appeal to a broader audience. Additionally, the user experience was not as seamless as that offered by competitors, which further hindered its adoption.
Google’s Strategic Acquisition
When questioned about the acquisition of the assets of Green Throttle Games, a Google spokesperson wouldn’t disclose the terms of the deal, but did confirm that a deal had been made and its terms included Crowley and Townsend joining the Google team. This move suggests that Google sees potential in the technology and expertise developed by Green Throttle Games, even if the company itself struggled to find a foothold in the market.
Google’s acquisition of Green Throttle Games’ assets could be part of a broader strategy to enhance its presence in the gaming industry. With the rise of cloud gaming services like Google Stadia, the integration of Green Throttle’s technology could provide valuable insights and innovations. For instance, the expertise of Crowley and Townsend could help Google develop more advanced gaming controllers or improve the user experience for Android-based gaming.
Moreover, this acquisition could be seen as a defensive move to prevent competitors from gaining access to Green Throttle’s technology and talent. By bringing Crowley and Townsend on board, Google not only gains their expertise but also ensures that their knowledge and skills are not leveraged by rival companies.
Its not sure what Google has planned for the assets of Green Throttle Games but as soon as any more information comes to light we will keep you updated as always.
Source: Pando
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.