# Lego Digital Play Acquires Mobile Studio ForthStar Games Lego expands its digital gaming presence by acquiring the Manchester-based studio ForthStar Games. - **Source:** [GamesIndustry.biz](https://www.gamesindustry.biz) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/ef88beba-c772-45ef-97ba-383fd272b926 ## Strategic Mobile Expansion Lego Digital Play has officially acquired the Manchester-based mobile studio ForthStar Games for an undisclosed sum. This move aims to strengthen Lego's digital footprint by leveraging ForthStar's specialized expertise. The acquisition follows Lego Digital Play's recent strategy of building a dedicated, independent entity to craft unique, authentic digital experiences for global audiences. ## Experienced Leadership Team ForthStar Games was co-founded in 2024 by industry veterans Paul Gouge and Alex Rigby. The duo brings extensive experience, having previously founded successful studios like Playdemic, which was sold to Electronic Arts for $1.4 billion in 2021. Their leadership is expected to drive Lego's new mobile gaming initiatives forward effectively. ## Growth and Funding History Operating in stealth mode until 2023, ForthStar Games initially launched with 14 former Playdemic employees. The studio has since expanded its workforce to 30 people and secured $10 million in funding from Griffin Game Partners. This financial backing and talent density made the studio an attractive target for Lego's digital expansion. ## Integration and Operational Structure Following the acquisition, ForthStar will maintain its operations in Manchester. Paul Gouge will transition into the role of head of games at Lego Digital Play, while Alex Rigby will continue to lead the ForthStar studio. This structure ensures continuity while integrating the team into Lego's broader digital gaming strategy and vision. ## Democratizing Global Digital Play Lego Digital Play president Aaron Loeb highlighted that the mobile market is the most democratic platform for reaching gamers worldwide. By focusing on mobile, the company aims to connect with children of all ages across every country. This acquisition serves as a foundational step in their mission to bring Lego to mobile. ## Building a Digital Portfolio Lego Digital Play was established in 2025 as a separate entity from the main Lego Group. Its primary mandate is to create wholly-owned, unique digital experiences. This acquisition is part of a broader consolidation effort, following the September 2026 purchase of UK-based mobile studio Offroad Games, which was founded by former Space Ape employees. ## Pursuit of Mobile Excellence Paul Gouge emphasized that the partnership provides a unique opportunity to push for excellence in mobile gaming. By combining their historical experience with Lego's brand, the team aims to elevate the presence of Lego titles on mobile devices. The studio views this collaboration as the ideal environment to achieve their creative goals. ## Future Market Implications This acquisition signals Lego's aggressive transition from a traditional toy manufacturer to a significant player in the digital gaming ecosystem. By acquiring specialized studios, Lego is building the internal capacity to compete directly in the mobile space. The success of these integrations will determine their long-term influence on the global gaming market. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.gamesindustry.biz/lego-digital-play-acquires-forthstar-games-to-bring-lego-to-the-prominence-it-truly-deserves-on-mobile — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._