Game engine maker Unity Technologies has purchased corporate-backed US-based gaming communications technology developer Vivox for an undisclosed amount.
Founded in 2005, Vivox has created a platform that enables users to communicate through voice or text tools while playing mobile, PC and console games.
The company’s platform has been integrated into more than 125 games through partnerships with gaming studios such as Ubisoft, Bluehole, Wargaming.net and Epic Games, and has more than 100 million monthly users.
Following the deal, Vivox’s team will join Unity where it will operate independently as a wholly owned subsidiary. Unity said the technology will be added to its own platform to help game developers.
Vivox had received a $2m investment from Peacock Equity, the now defunct corporate venturing vehicle formed by power and industrial technology conglomerate General Electric and broadcaster NBC Universal, in 2010.
The funding came six months after IDG Ventures, then a corporate venturing branch of technology publisher International Data Group, backed the company in a $6.8m funding round that included Benchmark Capital, Canaan Partners and GrandBanks Capital.
Benchmark led a $7.8m round for the company in 2007, adding to $6m Vivox had secured from Canaan and GrandBanks in 2005, according to VentureBeat.