Troubled Android console manufacturer Ouya, which originally launched its at-the-time unique Android games console via Kickstarter, is now rumored to be in talks with game peripheral and hardware maker Razer.
During its Kickstarter campaign, Ouya raised over $8 million in funding and then also received a further $15 million from investors such as Kleiner Perkins and the Mayfield Fund. This significant financial backing highlighted the strong interest and potential seen in the micro-console market at the time.
Investment and Expansion Efforts
Earlier this year, Alibaba invested $10 million in Ouya to aid the company’s plans to break into the console market in China. This investment was seen as a strategic move to leverage Alibaba’s vast distribution network and market influence in China, a region with a burgeoning gaming community. The Chinese market, known for its unique gaming culture and massive player base, presented a lucrative opportunity for Ouya to expand its reach and establish a foothold.
However, despite these substantial investments, Ouya faced numerous challenges. The console struggled with a limited library of games and competition from more established gaming platforms. These hurdles made it difficult for Ouya to maintain its initial momentum and fulfill the high expectations set by its early success.
Potential Acquisition by Razer
Tech Crunch is today reporting that the companies are currently in talks for Razer to acquire Ouya, although details and terms of the deal are still unknown as the talks are “still in flux”. This potential acquisition could mark a significant turning point for Ouya, providing the company with the resources and expertise needed to overcome its challenges.
Razer, known for its high-quality gaming peripherals and hardware, could bring a wealth of experience and innovation to the table. The acquisition could lead to the integration of Ouya’s technology into Razer’s existing product lineup, potentially revitalizing the micro-console concept with enhanced features and a broader game library.
The Ouya is a micro-console designed to run its own version of the Android operating system, developed by Ouya Inc. Julie Uhrman founded the project in 2012, aided by designer Yves Béhar and Muffi Al-Ghadiali as product manager to put together the engineering team. The console’s open platform was intended to encourage indie developers to create and share games, fostering a diverse and creative gaming ecosystem.
Despite its innovative approach, Ouya faced criticism for its hardware limitations and the quality of its game offerings. Many users found the console’s performance lacking compared to other gaming systems, and the limited selection of high-quality games hindered its appeal.
As soon as more information is made available by either party or details are leaked out, we will keep you updated. The potential acquisition by Razer could breathe new life into Ouya’s vision, combining Razer’s industry expertise with Ouya’s innovative platform to create a compelling new product for gamers.
Source: Tech Crunch
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