FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Vancouver, Canada – March 13, 2025 – Blackbird Interactive (BBI), the award-winning developers of Hardspace: Shipbreaker and Homeworld 3, today announced a three-pronged strategy to position the studio for growth and long-term stability despite ongoing turbulence in the games industry.
This exciting transformation includes a minority investment and strategic partnership with London-based investment firm Emona Capital, several key changes to Blackbird Interactive’s leadership team, and an evolved business strategy focusing on external development partnerships that leverage BBI’s veteran talent and end-to-end development expertise.
The investment and partnership with Emona Capital will ensure Blackbird Interactive has the resources to adapt to continued industry upheaval and thrive as both a home of iconic original IP and as an external development partner with the rare pedigree of single-handedly shipping successful, critically-acclaimed games.
“Blackbird Interactive is perfectly aligned with our philosophy of supporting visionary game developers with transformative potential,” said Dominik Dolenec, Managing Partner at Emona Capital. “BBI’s track record of delivering high-quality, innovative experiences speaks for itself — we’re excited to support the studio as it continues to build for the future.”
As part of this evolution, Blackbird Interactive is also announcing key leadership changes:
This marks the beginning of an ambitious new chapter for Blackbird Interactive. With the support of Emona Capital, a reinforced leadership team, and a new strategic focus, the studio is poised to navigate today’s challenges while continuing to create world-class gaming experiences.
This exciting transformation includes a minority investment and strategic partnership with London-based investment firm Emona Capital, several key changes to Blackbird Interactive’s leadership team, and an evolved business strategy focusing on external development partnerships that leverage BBI’s veteran talent and end-to-end development expertise.
The investment and partnership with Emona Capital will ensure Blackbird Interactive has the resources to adapt to continued industry upheaval and thrive as both a home of iconic original IP and as an external development partner with the rare pedigree of single-handedly shipping successful, critically-acclaimed games.
“Blackbird Interactive is perfectly aligned with our philosophy of supporting visionary game developers with transformative potential,” said Dominik Dolenec, Managing Partner at Emona Capital. “BBI’s track record of delivering high-quality, innovative experiences speaks for itself — we’re excited to support the studio as it continues to build for the future.”
As part of this evolution, Blackbird Interactive is also announcing key leadership changes:
- Rob Cunningham, founder and now former CEO, is stepping back from day-to-day operations to assume the role of Chair of BBI’s Board of Directors, where he will continue to provide strategic guidance.
- Eric Torin, formerly Chief Strategy Officer, now takes the helm as CEO, where his immense leadership and business expertise will guide BBI into this exciting new era.
- Rory McGuire, President, is now also serving as Chief Creative Officer. As a creative powerhouse with decades of experience, Rory will now oversee all of BBI’s projects and push its teams to exceed expectations.
This marks the beginning of an ambitious new chapter for Blackbird Interactive. With the support of Emona Capital, a reinforced leadership team, and a new strategic focus, the studio is poised to navigate today’s challenges while continuing to create world-class gaming experiences.
About Blackbird Interactive
Blackbird Interactive is the award-winning studio behind such games as Hardspace: Shipbreaker, Homeworld 3, and Minecraft Legends. Founded in 2010 by Rob Cunningham and a team of former Relic Entertainment and Electronic Arts veterans, the Vancouver-based studio creates iconic experiences across original IP and external development with trusted partners like Microsoft, Mojang Studios, Blizzard Entertainment, and many more.
About Emona Capital
Emona Capital LLP is a London-based investment firm with a global investment mandate and focus on gaming and technology. The firm is led by seasoned investment professionals who have collectively invested more than $2 billion over the past two decades. By working closely with management teams and making significant investments of both capital and time, Emona Capital aims to add lasting value to its portfolio companies.
Blackbird Interactive is the award-winning studio behind such games as Hardspace: Shipbreaker, Homeworld 3, and Minecraft Legends. Founded in 2010 by Rob Cunningham and a team of former Relic Entertainment and Electronic Arts veterans, the Vancouver-based studio creates iconic experiences across original IP and external development with trusted partners like Microsoft, Mojang Studios, Blizzard Entertainment, and many more.
About Emona Capital
Emona Capital LLP is a London-based investment firm with a global investment mandate and focus on gaming and technology. The firm is led by seasoned investment professionals who have collectively invested more than $2 billion over the past two decades. By working closely with management teams and making significant investments of both capital and time, Emona Capital aims to add lasting value to its portfolio companies.