Ashurst advises Google and Google DeepMind on equity investment in and partnership agreement with Fenris Creations, developer of Eve Online

Global law firm Ashurst has advised Google on its minority investment in Fenris Creations, formerly known as CCP Games. A separate Ashurst team also advised Google DeepMind on its AI research partnership with Fenris Creations, focused on advancing understanding of intelligence in complex, dynamic systems.

Fenris Creations is an independent video game developer headquartered in Reykjavík, Iceland and is the developer of online role-playing game Eve Online. Google DeepMind is Google's AI lab. Using EVE Online as a uniquely rich environment for study, the AI research partnership will explore areas including long-horizon planning, memory, and continual learning, whilst exploring breakthrough player experiences.

The Ashurst team advising on the equity investment was led by Tech M&A partner Chris Grey, supported by senior associates Daniel Johnstone and Louise Chan, associate Rebekah Oakes and trainee Arabella Vickers. The Ashurst team advising on DeepMind's partnership agreement with Fenris Creations was led by Digital Economy partner Amanda Ludlow, supported by counsel Aaron Cole, senior associates William Barrow and Tom Brookes, and associate Nilesh Ray. Partner Laura Ho and associate Neil Moran advised on the finance aspects of the transaction, while partner Ruth Buchanan led on employment advice.

BBAF advised on Icelandic law matters.