Game has sold its Multiplay Digital business to Unity Technologies following a strategic review of its digital activities.

The video game and console specialist said it struck the £19m deal following a strategic review of its digital activities.

Game has been paid £17.1m upfront and will receive a further £1.9m over the next 19 months.

Multiplay currently operates Game’s online server-hosting business for game developers, as well as a business-to-consumer game hosting service.

It also previously owned an esports and events business, which Game has retained.

Game transferred Multiplay’s esports and events trade and assets into another wholly owned subsidiary on October 31 and said it remains “committed to the ownership and continued development of the esports and events business”.

During the 52 weeks to July 29, Multiplay Digital posted a pre-tax loss of £800,000 on revenues of £4.5m.

Game boss Martyn Gibbs said: “This transaction is a significant strategic step forward for Game Digital.

“By divesting Multiplay Digital we simplify the group and focus management on accelerating development plans to fully capitalise on the strong growth potential in our exciting and growing esports activities, including Belong.

“We now look forward to further developing Game Digital as we seek to combine multichannel retail, events and esports.”