Zynga, a global interactive entertainment company, has announced the acquisition of StarLark, developer of the mobile golf game, Golf Rival, from Betta Games for a total purchase price of approximately $525 million in cash and stock. 

StarLark brings to Zynga the development team behind Golf Rival, where players of all skill levels compete in real-time player-versus-player matches, including multiplayer tournaments on courses with customizable equipment. The acquisition also expands Zynga’s international presence by establishing a new China-based studio with access to the region’s talent pool. StarLark will continue to be led by Henry You, founder and general manager, and its current management team. StarLark has additional projects in development. 

“We could not be more pleased to welcome StarLark’s extraordinarily accomplished team to Zynga,” says Frank Gibeau, chief executive officer, Zynga. “StarLark and Zynga share a common vision – to bring people together through games. With Golf Rival, we are expanding Zynga’s portfolio with a new hit franchise and are establishing a developer presence in China, a country with unparalleled technical and creative talent. As a combined team, we are well positioned to grow faster together.” 

“StarLark shares a common passion with Zynga for uniting mobile gamers from anywhere in the world,” says You. “By partnering with Zynga, we will have access to the company’s extensive global resources and expertise, while continuing to develop new and exciting content for players. We are thrilled to embark on the next chapter of our journey with Zynga, a global leader in mobile gaming.” 

The close of the acquisition was effective Oct. 5. Zynga expects to update its full year 2021 guidance when reporting its Q3 2021 financial results on Nov. 8.