Wargaming, the award-winning online video game developer and publisher, today announced that it has acquired BigWorld Pty Ltd, an Australian-based middleware company providing reliable high-end platforms for developers of massively multiplayer online games and virtual worlds.

The acquisition will allow Wargaming to consolidate its position as a leading publisher in the free-to-play market and expand its opportunities for further development in the industry as well as explore new platform possibilities.

"This is a pivotal event that further reinforces Wargaming’s growth and expansion," said Victor Kislyi, CEO of Wargaming. "BigWorld Technology is helmed by highly experienced professionals, and our acquisition of it enables us to take all of its technology in house, providing a winning combination of technical expertise and service excellence to players worldwide."

Wargaming and BigWorld Pty Ltd have a long history of fruitful collaboration. World of Tanks, the free-to-play MMO action is powered by BigWorld technology, which has made it possible to bring millions of users simultaneously together and in turn has helped redefine the concept of ‘massive’ in gaming.

"We are excited to join the Wargaming family and share the booming success of the company’s flagship MMO World of Tanks, as well as to contribute to the tremendous potential of its forthcoming titles: World of Warplanes and World of Warships," said BigWorld CEO John De Margheriti. "We fully expect that BigWorld technology will reinforce Wargaming, broadening the company’s technical expertise and knowledge in the industry, and helping it excel its unique creativity and experience."