Finnish gaming industry is selling well. Not just games and related products, but also game companies. Finnish game companies Rovio and Supercell have been selling games very well for few years. The Fastest-Growing Game Company Ever, Supercell, was sold last year to GungHo And Softbank for $1.5 Billion. Rovio had just two years ago turned down a $2.2 billion buyout offer from Zynga.
Finnish gaming company Next Games has just amassed six million dollars in funding from venture capitalists. The company’s founders have worked in the past in Finnish Rovio and Super Cell-game companies, as well as Disney.
Yesterday I received news that another Finnish gaming related company was sold abroad: Applifier is joining the Unity team! Helsinki-based Applifier is acquired by Unity.The company pivoted from game development to pioneering game cross-promotion on Facebook and within games. In addition to that Applifier runs Everyplay game-play video sharing service. The company is led by persons I happen to know: Jussi Laakkosen ja Pekka Aakko are the main organizers of Assembly computer festival (has been very influential event for Finnish game industry), and I have worked on that event years back. The company was sold to Unity, a company that makes Unity game development ecosystem. The future plan is to integrate Everyplay and GameAds into Unity, which was already partially done. TechCrunch writes that Unity Acquires Applifier To Bring Shareable Instant Replays To More Games. There was no mentioning on the acquisition prices, but the company leaders looked pretty happy on pictures and their comments.
Maybe Finland is number one ICT country on the gaming industry. We have a really active gaming cluster.
37 Comments
Tomi Engdahl says:
Applifier “did not sell” – a new American partner to accelerate the conquest of the world
Finnish game Applifier marketing company was sold last week to the U.S. Unity Technologies. If the President and CEO Jussi Laakkonen asked if there was, however, more a strengthening of the partnership.
“Going short seems strange that the expression in this situation. Actually, we found a partner who wanted to make a match of it with us, ”
Laakkonen believes that the recent acquisition by Applifier services allow you to set global success stories.
“Both companies produce some great stuff and act in a similar market. We have had so many similar things that conclusion is based. ”
Laakkonen says that the deal does not change the Applifier ways of doing things.
Source: Tietoviikko
http://www.tietoviikko.fi/kaikki_uutiset/applifieria+quotei+tarvinnut+myydaquot++uusi+jenkkikumppani+vauhdittaa+maailmanvalloitusta/a976197?s=u&wtm=tivi-21032014
Simon says:
Gaming Industry is really getting bigger and bigger day by day I didn’t know Finland had that big gaming industry.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Region Specific: Finland – the small Nordic country that’s spreading its wings far beyond Angry Birds
http://www.edge-online.com/features/region-specific-finland-the-small-nordic-country-thats-spreading-its-wings-far-beyond-angry-birds/
This winter has been a disappointing one in Finland.
Once the ice and snow starts to melt the kids have to stay inside: there’ll be no skating on frozen lakes. As one interviewee puts it, it’s almost like Finland’s had no winter at all.
Yet the state of the weather is just about the only note of disappointment we hear during our visit. Elsewhere there is only optimism.
It’s easy to see why. This time last year the Finnish game industry comprised some 150 companies with 1,500 staff. Now, according to industry association NeoGames, there are over 200 firms with a combined headcount of around 2,400. After years of stable, if modest growth, Finland’s game industry is exploding.
The term ‘next generation’ means many different things in Finland, from the console developers working on PS4 and Xbox One to those seeking to redefine expectations of free-to-play on mobile; from the logical evolution of video capture and sharing to using games as a springboard into the cross-media stratosphere. At this rate the Finnish game industry workforce will be long past 2,500 by the time the ice melts: where, in a country of just five million, are the next 2,500 going to come from? The Finland of 2014 faces perhaps its biggest ever challenge, and it’s posed by its own success.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Digits Show: Can Rovio Be the 21st Century’s Disney?
http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2014/04/16/digits-show-can-rovio-be-the-21st-centurys-disney/
With two billion downloads since launching in 2009, Angry Birds mobile games are already the most distributed piece of game content in the world. Now Rovio, the Finland-based creator of the game, is looking for ways to expand the brand.
Rovio is gearing up for a 3-D animated movie with its characters to be released in 2016, as well as several activity parks based on Angry Birds themes
Tomi Engdahl says:
Defectors aim to create next ‘Angry Birds’
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/06/03/tech/innovation/boomlagoon-next-angry-birds/index.html
Helsinki, Finland (CNN) — Tuomas Erikoinen, the man who drew the hit “Angry Birds” app, doesn’t really resent his creation.
He’s just bored with it.
But Erikoinen recently left Rovio, the Finnish company that employed him when he helped create the wildly addictive “Angry Birds” franchise, to try to start something new.
Boomlagoon — Erikoinen’s new venture with another former Rovio worker, Antti Sten, 32, who managed Rovio’s server architecture — plans to release a HTML5 Web game featuring non-angry characters that have oven mitts and frying pans on their heads.
That, of course, is easier said than done. In trying to create a new hit, the two men at Boomlagoon are leaning heavily on their experiences at Rovio, a company that made 51 relatively unsuccessful games and almost went bankrupt before coming up with “Angry Birds” in 2009. They know their success is far from assured, but they figure why not try.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Angry Birds CEO hops into slingshot, goes ‘WEEEEE!’
Mikael Hed steps down as Rovio boss
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/08/29/angry_birds_ceo_hops_into_slingshot_goes_weeeee/
The CEO of the company behind mobile gaming hit Angry Birds has announced his intention to leave the gaming firm.
Rovio Entertainment said that Mikael Hed, long time business leader of the Finnish games firm that made flinging wildfowl a global craze, would be stepping down from the company on New Year’s Day. His replacement will be Pekka Rantala, the former Nokia marketing VP who joined Rovio in June as its chief commercial officer.
“It has been an amazing ride and in the coming months I will be very happy to pass the hoodie to Pekka Rantala, who will take Rovio to the next level,” Hed said.
“Pekka is known to be a great leader with experience building successful global consumer brands.”
Tomi Engdahl says:
Rovio mad as an Angry Bird over alleged copies
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/09/11/us-ip-angrybirds-idUSKBN0H62MN20140911
Finnish mobile games maker Rovio, which owns the globally successful Angry Birds brand, is suing two North American companies for selling allegedly counterfeit trinkets based on its famous game.
Rovio filed suit in Manhattan federal court on Thursday against vending firms Allstar Vending of Canada and California-based Toy Amazon claiming it was the victim of “unscrupulous individuals” trying to capitalize on Angry Birds’ popularity. Rovio accused the companies of selling bracelets, key chains, charms, as well as artwork and textiles.
Rovio is asking the court for $2 million in damages for each counterfeit item sold and a halt to their distribution.
Angry Birds, released in 2009, is the No. 1 paid mobile application of all time
Rovio has expanded the brand into an animated TV series and is merchandising toys and clothing.
The company has struggled to retain players, and earnings halved last year because of investments in the animation business, as well as stalling sales.
Tomi Engdahl says:
In years gone by, for example, electronics Elkom-fair drew tens of thousands of fair visitors. For a long time visitors to the different events have shrunk, which has eaten fairs economic base. The Finnish Fair Corporation responds to the challenge by organizing next year, the actual technology mega fairs.
Major Trade Fairs generated so that FinnTec event combined with the Technology Exhibition whole. The event is held the exhibition center, 6 to 8. October 2015.
In the past, every other year in the spring arranged FinnTec, ToolTec and JoinTec events will now be held in the autumn Helsinki Fair Centre. In the autumn of events at the same time is also a technology-event package, which includes Automation, Hydraulics & Pneumatics, Mecatec and Elkom.
Teknologia15-event now becomes clear Nordic region’s largest industry event.
Finland also hoped that the exhibition organizers coordinate their events together.
Source: http://etn.fi/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1778:teknologia-alalle-todelliset-jattimessut&catid=13&Itemid=101
Tomi Engdahl says:
The new hit?
Finnish game studio PlayRaven just released, WWII-based SpyMaster strategy performs well in the world. pyMaster has already risen to the UK and the United States, indicating a strategy game list at # 2. It is currently available in 127 countries in the App Store. The game was released, Apple’s application store on Wednesday 10 September. Now, it has been downloaded 160 000 times.
Game studio PlayRaven was set up in 2013 by 13 people who have long history in game business,
previous experience in, inter alia, Remedy, Supercell, and to Wooga.
Source: http://www.kauppalehti.fi/etusivu/uusi+hitti+suomalaispelista+raketti+applen+kaupassa/201409698844?utm_source=iltalehti.fi&utm_medium=boksi&utm_content=Versio1&utm_campaign=Boksi3
Tomi Engdahl says:
HS: Toni came to the three-month work-millionaire
The hit game the developers made millionaire, tells Helsingin Sanomat.
Oulu Toni Fingerroos made a pair of three months in a row of 16-hour days. Born in Hill Climb Racing racing game.
Now the game has been downloaded phones and tablet computers for about 200 million times, says newspaper Helsingin Sanomat.
Fingerroos game made millionaire. His solely owned company Fingersoft did last fiscal year 15.5 million in net sales of EUR 12.4 million in operating profit.
Source: http://www.iltalehti.fi/digi/2014093018707071_du.shtml
Tomi Engdahl says:
It is not going that well with Rovio:
The successful company Rovio to launch negotiations with employees
According to the company personnel reduction is a maximum of 130 people, or about 16 percent of the workforce.
Rovio, President and CEO Mikael Hed, the company simplify its operations by focusing on three key areas, which include games, media and consumer goods.
Source: http://www.iltalehti.fi/uutiset/2014100218713454_uu.shtml
Tomi Engdahl says:
Analyst Rovio: “There will be a anxiety- mind Nokia”
Many store chains thinks Rovio’s Angry Birds titles are going out. So says the New York-based, independent analyst Tero Kuittinen and refers to its negotiations with the chains.
“I will now anxiety- mind Nokia. I went to Helsinki in 2010, and many of Nokia’s Director swore pathetically, that consumers do not ever give up sales pitches, even though the iPhone is performing. Now, the same text will hear Rovio’s leaders, the AB-game [Angry Birds] calculates the popularity of a furious pace, “says Kuittinen to Tivi
Source: http://www.tivi.fi/summa/analyytikko+roviosta+quottulee+ahdistavasti+mieleen+nokiaquot/a1016982
Tomi Engdahl says:
Rovio’s two errors
The gaming company Rovio responded to the bad news to wake reaction silence. The reaction indicates growth in the sector pain more than anything else. The gaming company Rovio announced that cooperation negotiations that result in a maximum of 130 people allowed to leave. The company was recognized incorrectly assessed their growth and will have to lay off people.
Many noticed this. Part of the fear to discover the “new Nokia” dive. Some damage with joy when the “real work-avoidant hoodie hippies” bubble burst.
Regardless of the point of view of the matter was interested. Angry Birds world and the unique success of Rovio had come to public attention. And the company customized its success in a rare manner.
Inexperience, fear
and misunderstandings?
Silence, there are three possible explanations. The first is the lack of experience, and falling into a new situation. Young game industry has until now been the upswing, and the bad news not just have to tell me. As such, the standard economic news turned into a crisis This news, when the public does not even attempt to manage.
Another explanation is fear. People are afraid for their jobs, as the majority of the game factors do not have the added protection of trade unions. At the stake of approximately 800 employees
Traditional trade union models fit poorly startup sector, and not rise during the period needed at all.
The third reason silence may be that the game makers are silent for fear of being misunderstood. Media treats the game industry in general as part of the IT industry to recognize its special character. The gaming industry is a hit with business, and if there is no hits, then you can not sustain their employees. Hit Business is business risk.
One of the most influential games industry believes that it is now seen as just the beginning. Finnish game industry is extremely fragmented, so bankruptcies, acquisitions, mergers and death is coming for more.
The factors are many, but only a small part of the start-ups and can not succeed.
Game industry mainly concentrates on the essential question is whether the Finnish studios shoppers are Finnish and American firms.
Game industry becoming the focus has been part of the development of the sector. It does not mean that the area of the bubble. It says only that the industry matures as a business. Hits is born or is born, irrespective of this.
Source: http://www.digitoday.fi/mielipide/2014/10/03/rovion-kaksi-virhetta/201413750/66?rss=6
Tomi Engdahl says:
Finnish studio Small Giant Games raises $3.1 million
http://www.arcticstartup.com/2014/10/23/finnish-studio-small-giant-games-raises-3-1-million
You can add Small Giant Games to the list of companies like Seriously, Grand Cru, and Playraven who’ve successfully raised multi-millions before any game hits the market. To be specific, Small Giant announces they’ve raised $3.1 million in a round led by Stockholm-based Creandum, followed by PROfounders, Spintop Ventures, and Capital A Partners. A group of private investors also joined the round, including Gregory Milken and Risto Siilasmaa.
With no public title out yet since coming together in 2013, we last covered the company as ex-Sulake CEO Timo Soininen joined the company last year. In the funding round’s press release he gives some hints about their upcoming release, Oddwings Escape, which seems to include strong characters, good graphics, and unique gameplay.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Seriously announces new funding,
bringing total raised to $10M
Finnish Game Developer of the Year poised to redefine mobile entertainment
Today at SLUSH, Seriously, the creators of the award winning hit game Best Fiends, announced $5M additional funding raised from existing investors, ahead of commencing a Series A round in the new year, bringing the company’s total funding to ten million dollars.
Source: http://seriously.com/#news
Tomi Engdahl says:
6 million downloads – Finnish gaming industry has a new emerging star
Seriously, the game’s puzzle game Best Fiends has reached six million game download milestone
The company released the game in October 2014 Apple’s iOS devices in the system, and in December it became the Android version.
The game currently produces about 50 000 dollars in revenue per day.
At the same time Stalbow revealed other key indicators, which measure the success of the game. Free downloadable games, it is important to get the player to enjoy the game and come back to it a couple again and again – and finally, of course, spend money on the game’s internal micro-payments.
Game grip of the players returning (retention) is measured by calculating the percentage of the game try the following to return to the game, or even the first seitsämännen day.
Best fiends 70 percent of the players return to the game the next day, and more than 45 per cent even after a week. The figures are exceptionally high.
Source: http://www.tekniikkatalous.fi/ict/jo+6+miljoonaa+latausta++uusi+suomalainen+pelialan+tahti+on+syntymassa/a1041925
Getting Started. Seriously
https://medium.com/@stalbs/2015-seriously-67a6522ce993
As we begin 2015, it feels like a good time to reflect on the past year, as well as to share some exciting news about additions to our team.
Tomi Engdahl says:
New Finnish game became an instant hit around the world – sales top the list
Finnish reap while the popularity of the video game market. At the time this thing is a city building game Cities: Skylines. Tampere-based Colossal Order -firman computers, developed the game was released on Tuesday, and it is a matter of days elevated myyti- and critical success.
Cities: Skylines is currently the world’s largest video games digital distribution platform Steam’s sales topped the list. In addition, the marks received criticisms from various sources reviews collector Metacritic site 89/100.
The reason for the popularity of the game is thought a few years ago published a similar SimCity game of failure. Apparently, the Finnish game offers juurikin what city building game players have been waiting for.
Source: http://www.uusisuomi.fi/teknologia/79025-uudesta-suomalaispelista-tuli-heti-hitti-myyntilistan-karjessa
Cities: Skylines – Release Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gI2N10QyRA
Cities: Skylines – Our Passion for Cities: Skylines
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJpmee4N-xg
Cities: Skylines – Game web site
http://www.citiesskylines.com/
Cities: Skyline is out to satisfy where SimCity couldn’t
Do something constructive.
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-09-04-cities-skyline-is-out-to-satisfy-where-simcity-couldnt
Tomi Engdahl says:
Gaming company Supercell made more than half a billion in revenue – a profit of three million euros per worker
Supercel sales tripled to 519 million to EUR 1 545 million. The company’s EBITDA, or earnings before depreciation, interest expenses and certain other items last year was 515 million euros. The previous year’s result was EUR 243 million.
The success is a relatively small number of workers. The company had 152 employees last year.
Supercel success will also benefit the Finnish tax authorities. The Company’s calculation, the Super Cell gave birth last year, corporate income taxes, value added tax and salary-related costs by more than EUR 150 million.
Supercell distribute a dividend of seven per share, or a total of about 300 million euros. Dividends paid slightly more than half of the Japanese supercel principal shareholder, Softbank, but also the company’s founders will be like a pot substantial dividends.
CEO Ilkka Paananen available from the company about 18 million, and the founder of Mikko Kodisoja approximately EUR 16 million of dividends.
The company’s three mobile game popularity is avittanut big investments in marketing. Paananen, CEO, says that last year, the company spent on marketing over 400 million euros.
Several estimates of the Clash of the Clans Creative was selected as the best Super Bowl commercials, the ranks. The video has also been on Youtube for more than 49 million times.
The mobile games market is very competitive, and will be published every month thousands of new games.
“Everything leads to the fact that it is extremely complicated and difficult to make new games,” Paananen said at a briefing.
Source: http://www.hs.fi/talous/a1305940954675?ref=hs-art-luetuimmat-#7
Tomi Engdahl says:
Games Community Palringo Acquires Helsinki-Based Chat Games Developer Tribe Studios | TechCrunch
http://www.epanorama.net/newepa/2015/05/20/games-community-palringo-acquires-helsinki-based-chat-games-developer-tribe-studios-techcrunch/
http://techcrunch.com/2015/05/20/games-community-palringo-acquires-helsinki-based-chat-games-developer-tribe-studios/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Success Story Helsinki – Finland game rose to a new hit for Apple devices
New Finnish mobile game is once again risen to popularity in the world. Drive Ahead game “Dodreams” created by company from Helsinki rose to Apple’s online store the most popular racing ranks, when Apple brought its new games recommended e-commerce front page ranks.
Drive Ahead is a two-player game or play against the computer racing game where the idea is to hit your opponent with your own car characters from the head, a helmet. Dodreamsin CEO Erik Pöntiskoski describes the game gladiator car game.
The game is earning models free-2-play, that is, money company deserves and advertisers that in-game micro-payments. In fact, the game can be downloaded for free. The game can go faster by purchasing virtual currency to buy new cars and courses.
- Be able to play for free and earn virtual currency by playing, but if you want to go a little faster, the game can invest money says Pöntiskoski. – or watch the video ads
- One million downloads just went out last night, says Pöntiskoski game sales volumes.
Source: http://www.iltalehti.fi/digi/2015052219735020_du.shtml
Tomi Engdahl says:
Angry Birds LEGO sets are coming.
http://kotaku.com/angry-birds-lego-sets-are-coming-rovio-and-the-lego-gr-1709779957
Rovio and The LEGO Group announced today that a series of construction sets based on The Angry Birds Movie will be arriving just in time for the film’s May 2016 release. The dozen or so people still excited by Angry Birds in 2016 are going to be thrilled.
Lego® Angry Birds Will Take Flight
http://www.rovio.com/en/news/press-releases/670/lego%C2%AE-angry-birds-will-take-flight
LAS VEGAS, Nevada– 8th June 2015– Rovio, makers of Angry Birds, the most downloaded mobile game ever, today announced a partnership with The LEGO Group to develop a line of construction toys. LEGO® Angry Birds will be available in spring 2016 to coincide with the release of The Angry Birds Movie, a full-length feature film based on the popular gaming franchise.
“We are excited to bring Angry Birds to life in LEGO form, given the popularity of the game and its characters with fans of all ages, which will only be amplified by the forthcoming film,”
Tomi Engdahl says:
Rovio: reduce up to 260 jobs
Rovio planning a major reorganization and to start co-determination negotiations.
Reduction is up to 260 jobs worldwide. In Finland, the reduction need is estimated to be up to 230 jobs.
The negotiations concern the whole company, except for next year to receive its premiere Angry Birds film production.
The company says in a statement to focus on what feels best: games, film, and fan products. The main emphasis leans game business.
This year has been challenging for the company. Revenue and earnings have remained lower than expected.
Rovio’s licensing business tumbled 43 per cent compared with last year. Accessory proportion of Rovio’s turnover shrank from 47 per cent in 2013 to 26 per cent last year.
Source: http://www.tivi.fi/Kaikki_uutiset/rovio-korjaa-ronsyjaan-vahentaa-jopa-260-tyopaikkaa-3411269
Tomi Engdahl says:
Rovio boss compares their company Disney: “not very different”
The stake has not gone any way brilliantly, but Rovio boss Peter Vesterbacka is not yet discouraged.
Rovio announced its withdrawal from a maximum of 260 employees, of which about 40 percent of its workforce. Rovio’s profits also fell last year by about 70 percent compared to the previous year.
However, Vestebacka announced the Angry Birds brand has remained strong despite the economic stumble, told the New York Times blog.
“We are pleased with progress, but there is still room to step up,”
Source: http://www.tivi.fi/Kaikki_uutiset/rovio-pomo-vertaa-yhtiotaan-disneyyn-ei-kovin-erilainen-3482087
Executive at Struggling Rovio, Maker of Angry Birds, Pushes Silver Lining
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/09/02/executive-at-struggling-rovio-maker-of-angry-birds-pushes-silver-lining/?module=BlogPost-Title&version=Blog%20Main&contentCollection=Gaming&action=Click&pgtype=Blogs®ion=Body&_r=0
STOCKHOLM — The signs are still not looking good for the maker of Angry Birds.
The woes became clear again last week when Rovio, the Finnish company that helped usher in the rise of mobile games with the Angry Birds franchise, said it would cut up to 260 jobs, or nearly 40 percent of its work force. Rovio’s profit in 2014 fell roughly 70 percent compared with the year before, to just $11 million, according to regulatory filings.
Nevertheless, at a tech conference here on Wednesday, one of the company’s top executives tried to strike an upbeat tone — saying the Angry Birds brand remained strong despite the financial troubles.
“We’re happy with our progress, but there’s room to streamline,” Peter Vesterbacka, Rovio’s chief marketing officer, said in an interview. “We’re in a hits business, but we remain confident.”
That confidence is being severely tested as the global online gaming business becomes increasingly cutthroat.
In the last couple of years, games from rivals like Supercell of Finland and King Digital of Sweden have outpaced Rovio by offering so-called freemium games. These allow people to download the online game free, and then charge users for additional services like extra lives or premium levels. The freemium business model has been particularly successful in Asian countries like South Korea, where people have become accustomed to paying for additional gaming services.
Rovio has now shifted to freemium games. Its latest offering, Angry Birds 2, has been downloaded more than 50 million times worldwide in its first month — a big number, but still behind other top games.
“Freemium is really tough,”
Tomi Engdahl says:
Entertainment company Rovio received employer-employee negotiations: over 200 allowed to leave
The company informs that the negotiations have resulted in Rovio in Finland to reduce its organization 198 jobs.
Foreign operations reduced by 15 jobs.
Rovio to reduce its workforce by almost a third, because the company has about 670 employees around the world.
- We’re still a company that seeks growth. It is not in recent times have come, but we do not give up.
Source: http://www.iltalehti.fi/tyoelama/2015102120542502_tb.shtml
Tomi Engdahl says:
Finnish gaming startups received 2.3 million investment
Asian investors have toured around the Finnish game companies suitable for a couple of years investments seeking. Supercell the broad majority of Softbank bought the Japanese pioneer work.
However, interest was realized only now, when the Chinese NetEase has invested EUR 2.26 million in fresh Finnish Reforged Studios. The gaming company used to finance the first mobile of their games in product development and recruitment of new employees.
“We make competitive intellectual and skill-based games. Although the players’ habits are different, the core of China-playing closer to the mainstream than we do, and China is already the world’s largest gaming market, “CEO Teemu Vilén noted.
Source: http://www.tivi.fi/Kaikki_uutiset/suomalainen-peli-startup-sai-2-3-miljoonan-sijoitukset-6060951
Tomi Engdahl says:
Startup takes Finnish games in China – “For the Chinese, there is no problem to buy a game success”
Game start-ups all look the same throughout the world. Small open plan office full of computers and young workers.
“Combining the strengths of East and West is perhaps a cliché, but we have it works,” says Managing Director Mikael Leinonen.
He founded Shanghai With its headquarters in the Finnish-Chinese company three years ago with his partner Charles Chiang. MyGamezin business is to provide Western mobile games in China.
In Finland, mobile game typically loaded either Apple’s or Google’s stores. China games for Android versions will be published at least on ten different trading venue. For a small pelistudiolle it means a large amount of work and thereby risk.
Source: http://www.tivi.fi/Kaikki_uutiset/startup-vie-suomalaisia-peleja-kiinaan-kiinalaisille-ei-ole-ongelma-ostaa-pelimenestysta-6249997
Tomi Engdahl says:
Finnish game industry is growing handsomely: the top three in Europe
Finnish game industry’s turnover last year was a total of EUR 2.4 billion, estimates the industry association NeoGames. Growth from the previous year’s 33 per cent.
On the other hand supercel the sheer size of obscure statistics. Its turnover last year was € 2.1 billion. The rest of the game industry’s share was thus only around EUR 300 million – and the fact Rovio account for about half.
At the end of 2015, Finnish gaming industry was approximately 290 companies.
A significant phenomenon is so to speak a second or third round of the serial entrepreneurs, start-ups, which is already a third of new game companies. This can be regarded as evidence of the maturation of the industry. Experienced entrepreneurs have also newcomers a better chance of success.
When new companies have emerged in recent years to hard pace, a large part of the Finnish game companies have less than five years old. More than a decade old game companies is 20. About 40 percent of companies in the sector is located in the metropolitan area.
95 percent of the sector’s turnover comes from exports, which makes it a significant export sector. A significant part of both the global and Finnish game industry’s growth in 2015 came from the Asian market.
In 2015, Finland, slightly more than 150 games published. A large part of the games are mobile games.
Despite the strong mobile presence Finland is a significant development of the game to other platforms. Especially PCs Steam distribution platform achieved the popularity of last year and during the 2015 developers was released about 30 PC or console game.
Source: http://www.tivi.fi/Kaikki_uutiset/suomen-peliala-kasvaa-komeasti-euroopassa-kolmen-karjessa-6426167
Tomi Engdahl says:
Supercell succeeded in doing the eye-popping: “The World Game ace of spades”
Supercell rose for the second year in a row in the game world ruler.
Supercell is the king of free games, and no longer even the uncrowned one analyzes the markets that App Annie , who at the same time to give the Super Cell in a playful crown. Game World suitably it is a trump card deck, the ace of spades.
As a tribute to Finnish Supercell deserves, above all, because it managed to stay last year for the second year in a row free games as a market leader.
In early March, Supercell told billion revenue and nearly one billion rising profits.
Source: http://www.tivi.fi/Kaikki_uutiset/supercell-onnistui-huikeassa-suorituksessa-pelimaailman-pataassa-6538689
More:
Top 52 Winners Profile: How King and Supercell Capitalized on Their Flagship Titles
http://blog.appannie.com/app-annie-52-top-spotlight-king-supercell/
Taking the top spot on the App Annie 52 for two years running, Supercell’s success is all the more impressive considering its small portfolio. In 2015, the company didn’t launch a new game, but rather concentrated its efforts on maximizing its existing franchises.
The cash cow of the company, freemium strategy game Clash of Clans, is the main revenue driver for Supercell, although its other games are also doing well. The publisher’s games are most popular in the US and China, but they’re played nearly everywhere.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Google rewards the best Android – Two Finnish games in finals
Google has chosen two Finnish game finalists of the best Android apps and games in the race.
Supecell Clash Royale is competing for the best game for the title. Fingersoft Fast Like a Fox is a candidate, as well as indie game developers the most innovative application or game category.
Source: http://www.tivi.fi/Kaikki_uutiset/google-palkitsee-androidin-parhaimmistoa-mukana-kaksi-suomalaista-pelia-6544235
Tomi Engdahl says:
Should Electronic Arts Buy Supercell For $6 Billion?
http://seekingalpha.com/article/3976890-electronic-arts-buy-supercell-6-billion
Bloomberg reported last week that SoftBank (OTCPK:SFTBY) is mulling the sale of its subsidiary, Supercell Oy, to some unidentified Chinese buyers. Bloomberg speculated that the deal could be worth more than $5 billion.
Summary
Rumor has it that SoftBank is entertaining offers from Chinese firms interested in buying Supercell.
Supercell is the developer and publisher of multibillion-dollar-earning mobile game, Clash of Clans.
Supercell reported FY 2015 revenue of $2.3 billion and $924 million in net income.
Mobile is the biggest growth catalyst for video games. Electronic Arts is not yet one of the top publishers of mobile games.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Wall Street Journal:
Sources: China’s Tencent seeks majority stake in Clash of Clans maker Supercell, in early stage talks with SoftBank
China’s Tencent Seeks to Buy Majority Stake in ‘Clash of Clans’ Maker Supercell
Chinese Internet firm’s discussions with Japan’s SoftBank are still at early stage
http://www.wsj.com/article_email/tencent-in-talks-with-softbank-for-majority-stake-in-clash-of-clans-maker-supercell-1463987609-lMyQjAxMTA2NjI1MzgyODM2Wj
Internet company Tencent Holdings Ltd. of China is in talks with SoftBank Group Corp. to buy the Japanese telecommunications giant’s majority stake in Supercell Oy, the Finland-based maker of some of the world’s most popular mobile games, according to people briefed on the discussions.
SoftBank bought a 51% stake in Supercell—maker of the farm simulator game “Hay Day” and combat simulator “Clash of Clans”—for US$1.53 billion in 2013.
The Japanese company last year raised its stake to 73%, but didn’t disclose how much it paid.
Tomi Engdahl says:
WSJ: The Chinese giant to buy Supercell – the estimated price of EUR 7-8 billion
Chinese technology giant Tencent to buy a gaming company Supercell from Japanese telecom operator SoftBank.
According to Wall Street journal the price will be around 8 billion USD, which is around 7 billion Euros.
Sources:
http://www.iltalehti.fi/digi/2016062121770503_du.shtml
http://www.talouselama.fi/uutiset/tencent-ostaa-supercellin-yli-7-miljardilla-eurolla-suomen-yrityshistorian-suurin-myynti-6561355
Tomi Engdahl says:
Tencent Agrees to Acquire ‘Clash of Clans’ Maker Supercell
Chinese internet major will acquire majority stake in Finnish game maker from Japan’s SoftBank
http://www.wsj.com/articles/tencent-agrees-to-acquire-clash-of-clans-maker-supercell-1466493612
Tencent Holdings Ltd. has reached an agreement to buy Finnish mobile game maker Supercell Oy from SoftBank Group Corp., people familiar with the matter said, in a deal that could turn the Chinese internet giant into a global videogame powerhouse.
Tomi Engdahl says:
HS: Peter Vesterbacka leaves Rovio
Red hooded man will focus on investment and start-up coaching, says Helsingin Sanomat.
Rovio’s reel-up, “Mighty Eagle,” Peter Vestarbacka leave the company, says Helsingin Sanomat .
Vester moves to start-ups as a coach and as an investor.
The Red Hoodie known man justifies the HS for his departure as a desire to “go out and do a little bit bigger stuff.”
Sources:
http://www.hs.fi/talous/a1466473476250
http://www.digitoday.fi/tyo-ja-ura/2016/06/21/hs-peter-vesterbacka-lahtee-roviolta/20166684/66
Tomi Engdahl says:
Finnish dream the eternal game of the summer and the project is realized the car – publisher found
My Summer Car is a Finnish video game, which is sent every car enthusiast’s dream: an eternal hot summer, the restoration project car, as well as laid-back rides along the sunny roads.
The game will be published as part of the Steam gaming service GreenLight program. Green Light in the player community itself to vote for candidates from among those games that can get through a sieve, and thus the Steam gaming service application. In this way, both the developer and Steam will know that the game will be in demand.
Source: http://www.tivi.fi/Kaikki_uutiset/suomalainen-unelmapeli-ikuisesta-kesasta-ja-projektiautosta-toteutuu-julkaisija-loytyi-6572643
Game homepage:
http://www.amistech.com/msc/
Tomi Engdahl says:
David Gauthier-Villars / Wall Street Journal:
Angry Birds maker Rovio announces IPO, plans to issue €30M in new stock, to trade on Finnish Nasdaq affiliate; sources say valuation expected to reach ~€2B — Finnish videogame company reports sharp rise in first-half sales and profit
‘Angry Birds’ Maker Hatches IPO Plan
Finnish videogame company reports sharp rise in first-half sales and profit
https://www.wsj.com/articles/angry-birds-maker-rovio-confirms-ipo-plan-1504597726
Tomi Engdahl says:
Tuomas Forsell / Reuters:
Angry Birds maker Rovio sets price range for IPO at €10.25-11.50 per share, which would value the company between €802-896M, or $955.34M-$1.07B
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-rovio-ipo/angry-birds-maker-rovio-sets-price-range-for-1-billion-ipo-idUSKCN1BQ0VR?feedType=RSS&feedName=technologyNews