Duolingo, the Pittsburgh-based maker of the language learning app of the same name, has acquired Detroit-based design and animation studio Gunner.
The Gunner-Duolingo connection isn’t a new one. Gunner has been a key part of Duolingo’s animation plans for the past two years and produces still art assets and animation for the language-learning app and Duolingo’s early childhood literacy app Duolingo ABC. Gunner also produces graphics for the company’s marketing campaigns.
Duolingo first approached Gunner about an acquisition in April 2021. In an essay published on Gunner’s website, the team said that, “spent nearly 1 ½ years mulling it over” and “after making sure everyone was on board we decided it was the right move for the future.” All 15 employees at the studio will join Duolingo full-time, and continue working out of their Detroit office.