Highlights
- Reforged Studios acquires the German publisher for an undisclosed fee, retaining the entire team.
- Founder Dieter Schoeller remains MD and becomes Chief Publishing Officer at Reforged.
- The deal bolsters the 2026 launch of the highly anticipated indie title on Game Pass.
Hybrid publisher and developer Reforged Studios has officially acquired the acclaimed German independent publisher Headup. Announced on March 24, the deal brings the co-publisher of Super Meat Boy 3D under the Reforged umbrella for an undisclosed fee. Most importantly, the buyout keeps the entire Headup team fully intact, with absolutely no job redundancies or restructuring on the horizon.
Rather than being swallowed up by a corporate machine, Headup will maintain its unique identity and continue doing exactly what it is known for: publishing and supporting standout indie games. Founder Dieter Schoeller is staying right where he belongs as the company's Managing Director.
However, he is also stepping up to serve as the Chief Publishing Officer for the Reforged group. Reporting directly to the founders, Schoeller will bring his sharp curatorial eye to their broader international strategy and help shape the group's long-term growth.
Both sides seem genuinely thrilled about the alignment, emphasizing a shared vision for the future of independent gaming. Schoeller noted that the move wasn't simply about chasing scale, but rather finding a team that actually understands games, allowing Headup to grow without losing its soul.
Steam
Gearing Up for Super Meat Boy 3D
Reforged Studios CEO Peter van der Watt echoed this sentiment, praising Headup’s carefully curated portfolio and clear editorial vision. He said that this acquisition isn't just consolidation for its own sake but a strategic milestone designed to build a durable, developer-first home for independent creators.
The timing of this partnership is massive. Headup is currently gearing up to launch Super Meat Boy 3D alongside developer Sluggerfly in early 2026. The title is slated for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC, complete with day-one Game Pass support, a project that has already earned high praise from Team Meat’s Tommy Refenes for its creative freedom.
Beyond their upcoming heavy hitter, Headup also brings a catalog that includes Bridge Constructor and Pumpkin Jack, along with special physical editions tied to games such as Terraria, QUBE, LIMBO, and The Binding of Isaac.
For both companies, the deal appears to be a strategic fit. Founded in 2023, Reforged has been on a steady mission to assist independent teams, having already scooped up three distinct developers in 2024 alone: Fights in Tight Spaces creator Ground Shatter, Broken Sword co-developer Extra Mile, and Yellow Lab Games.
Meanwhile, Headup secures increased backing and resources after successfully buying its independence back from the Thunderful Group. In an era of turbulent studio buyouts, it is genuinely nice to see a deal aimed squarely at preserving the creative spirit of the indie scene.
