Epic Games revealed today that it has acquired Rad Game Tools, a long-standing provider of software solutions for game development. While often operating discreetly, many players will likely recognize the distinctive Bink Video logo that has graced the start screens of numerous games throughout the years.

According to Rad Game Tools’ founder and CEO, Jeff Roberts, “Our collaboration with Epic spans many years, and this acquisition represents a logical progression given our shared goals, values, and approaches.” This partnership appears to have grown stronger in recent times.

The seamless compatibility between engines and platforms fosters robust standards, and these standards are widely adopted by developers. This is a key reason why Epic has been strengthening its relationship with Sony and strategically acquiring assets to enhance its Unreal Engine, aiming to establish it as a comprehensive platform for creating cutting-edge games.

RAD (as it is styled) boasts a considerable history in the gaming industry, evidenced by its somewhat dated website. Bink is a video codec designed specifically for games, prioritizing both efficient compression and rapid playback – crucial attributes in the gaming world. Beyond that, Oodle, Telemetry, Granny 3D, and Miles Sound System represent a suite of development tools that, while perhaps unfamiliar to the average user, are highly valued by professionals.

Although Epic is currently celebrated for the immense success of Fortnite, the company has a long-established presence in the industry and likely has a strong existing relationship with the Rad team. This familiarity may contribute to the amicable nature of the acquisition.

Epic stated in its announcement that “RAD will continue to serve its clients in the game, film, and television sectors, with its sales and business development teams continuing to license its products to companies across various industries – even those not using Unreal Engine.”

Consequently, while Bink and other Rad Game Tools products will remain accessible for use independently of Epic, they will undoubtedly be more closely integrated within the Unreal Engine environment. As the costs and intricacies of game development continue to increase, solutions that streamline the process are highly sought after. Epic is dedicated to making Unreal Engine not only the most visually impressive engine available, but also the most cohesive and user-friendly.

A request for additional information regarding the terms of the deal, directed to Rad Game Tools, was handled by Epic and declined.