Nacon

Nacon SA, originally called Bigben Interactive SA, is a French company based in Lesquin that publishes video games, manufactures gaming peripherals, and operates as a holdings company. It creates and sells gaming accessories, and also publishes and distributes games across multiple platforms. In 2020, the gaming side of the Bigben Group was reorganized into Nacon, while the Bigben Group itself continues to function as a distribution business.

History

BigBen first appeared on the Paris Stock Exchange's Second Marché in 1999. In 2001, it struck a deal with Sega to handle the European distribution of leftover Dreamcast consoles, accessories, and software. Three years after Atari's initial bankruptcy sale in 2016, Atari sold the Test Drive franchise to Bigben Interactive; around the same time, the V-Rally series was also sold to Bigben, though without a formal announcement.

In 2010, Nintendo sued BigBen over patent infringement related to the Wii Remote controller. A 2011 ruling by the Mannheim Regional Court favored Nintendo, and BigBen appealed. In 2025, Nintendo's German counsel announced that the court had awarded Nintendo €7 million in damages; Nacon is appealing, but the damage verdict is enforceable.

Nacon as a separate entity

Through 2020, Bigben Interactive was a subsidiary of the Bigben Group, which also oversaw Nacon, its accessories arm. On 11 February 2020, the parent company announced it would merge Bigben Interactive and Nacon into a single entity named Nacon. In January 2021, Nacon acquired Australian developer Big Ant Studios. On 1 March 2021, developer Frogwares accused Nacon of illegally hacking and publishing a pirated version of their game The Sinking City on Steam in February 2021 during an ongoing distribution dispute.

In August 2021, Nacon bought Crea-ture Studios, followed by Ishtar Games in October 2021, and Midgar Studio in February 2022. Nacon announced its intent to acquire Daedalic Entertainment in February 2022, completing the deal in April 2022. In May 2022, Nacon announced the formation of Nacon Studio Milan, which included its October 2020 acquisition RaceWard Studio and other unnamed studios. Also in 2020, Nacon acquired the gaming accessory brand RIG Gaming.

In February 2026, Nacon filed for insolvency due to financial troubles at the Bigben Group.