Language learning platform Duolingo has acquired the development team behind popular mobile music game, BeatStar.
The move will see Duolingo acquire 23 employees from London startup NextBeat, which was only last year spun off from mobile studio (and original BeatStar developer) Space Ape Games after it was acquired by Supercell.
At the time, it was reported that 30 staffers from Space Ape had joined NextBeat, so it seems like Duolingo has acquired the vast majority of the development team.
Duolingo explained the move is part of a broader bet on gamified learning experiences, but said it will specifically help make its nascent Duolingo Music offering “as fun and joyful as the best mobile games in the market.”
“Learning should be just as engaging as playing a great game, whether you’re practicing a new language or playing a favorite song,” said Duolingo chief business officer, Bob Meese, in a note to investors.
“This is a strategic bet on talent. The NextBeat team brings deep mobile gaming and music industry expertise, which will make our Music course and the entire Duolingo platform more delightful, immersive, and effective.”
The deal also establishes Duolingo first official presence in the United Kingdom.
NextBeat CEO Simon Hade said joining forces with Duolingo will provide the team with an opportunity to bring their passion for music and play to a platform that is “redefining how people learn.”
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Duolingo Music debuted in 2023 and pledged to make music education more accessible. “With the new course, anyone can learn music literacy, including reading and identifying notes and playing familiar songs,” explained Duolingo at the time.
The company said Duolingo Music has attracted millions of users since its beta launch.