Dwango today announced the acquisition of an 80% stake in Spike. The network and cellphone content specialist will pay 1.02 billion yen ($8.65 million US) for 180 Spike shares. Dwango has been involved in the development and administration of Square Enix's Cross Gate and Namco's Tales of Eternia Online, while Spike is best known for its popular Way of the Samurai series.

Earlier this year, Dwango had already acquired a 59% stake in the makers of Torneko and Fuurai no Shiren, Chunsoft. Similiar to Chunsoft, Spike will become a subsidiary of Dwango. Afterwards, Dwango plans to set up a jointly held company which will integrate the game development acitivities of the entire group.

• Dengeki Online