Reforged Studios Acquires Headup Games To Strengthen Independent Publishing Platform And Support Ambitious Creators

Reforged Studios buys Headup Games, publisher of Super Meat Boy 3D. Dieter Schoeller joins as CPO. No job losses reported in this strategic indie expansion.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 26, 2026, 12:17 PM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from GamesIndustry.biz

A Strategic Alliance For Independent Development

In a move designed to bolster its presence in the independent gaming sector, Reforged Studios has officially acquired Headup Games. This acquisition is framed as a "significant strategic milestone" for Reforged as it seeks to build a comprehensive publishing platform capable of supporting high-potential independent studios. By integrating Headup’s established infrastructure and respected portfolio, Reforged aims to accelerate its long-term growth while providing a stable, durable home for creators who prioritize artistic vision over traditional corporate scaling.

Stability And Continuity For The Headup Team

Crucially, the acquisition has been structured to maintain the operational integrity of Headup Games. Reforged has confirmed that there will be no job losses, and the current Headup team will remain unchanged. This approach deviates from the recent industry trend of aggressive consolidation followed by layoffs. Instead, Headup will be integrated into Reforged’s wider development and publishing network, receiving additional resources and support while continuing to operate with the editorial independence that has defined its brand since its inception.

Dieter Schoeller To Lead Publishing Strategy

As part of the transaction, Headup founder Dieter Schoeller will take on a dual leadership role. While continuing to manage the day-to-day operations of Headup, he has also been appointed as Reforged Studios’ Chief Publishing Officer. Reporting directly to the company’s founders, Schoeller will leverage his experience in curated independent publishing to shape the parent company’s global outreach. Schoeller emphasized that the deal was motivated by cultural alignment rather than a simple desire for scale, stating that Reforged’s deep understanding of game development was the deciding factor in the merger.