GamingonPhone’s Post

🎮 A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made the GamingonPhone Conference (GPC) such a grand event! Your enthusiasm, expertise, and engagement made this gathering truly exceptional. From our esteemed speakers and sponsors to every attendee who joined us from around the world, your contributions helped create a vibrant and insightful experience. Together, we explored the latest trends, shared invaluable knowledge, and fostered meaningful connections within the gaming community. As we reflect on the success of GPC, we extend our gratitude to each and every one of you. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey!

AceForce 2 has launched its early access phase across multiple regions, exclusively on Android. Developed by Tencent Games’s Morefun Studios and published by Level Infinite, this 5v5 PvP mobile shooter boasts Unreal Engine 4-powered gameplay, promising intense tactical combat. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gw2FjAfM

When we talk about mobile games making a lasting impact, Pokemon GO stands out as a game that won millions of hearts! Since its release in July 2016, Pokémon Go has taken the Pokémon franchise to new heights with its innovative AR technology. Eric Araki, Pokémon Go's Country Manager for Brazil, echoes this sentiment. He shares that Pokémon Go has not only expanded the franchise but also created a passionate global community. Eric, who’s been with the Pokémon brand since the early 2000s, recalls the original games and the TCG, noting how Pokémon Go broadened fan engagement. He calls this evolution a “dream come true.” Eric highlights the competitive spirit in Latin America, with Brazil and Mexico boasting some of the world’s top players. However, he also notes security challenges, especially in cities like São Paulo. Despite this, the Pokémon Go community in LATAM remains resilient and vibrant. Niantic, Inc. recently announced the largest in-person event in the region for 2024, proving the game’s enduring popularity. Read full story: https://lnkd.in/gWC75KXm

London-based Sporty Group has announced the acquisition of Tower Studios Ltd' arcade-style football game series Sociable Soccer from Professor Jon Hare, the creator of Sensible Soccer series. The acquisition marks the sports media platform's first entry into the mobile and video gaming market. Hare will continue to lead the development on Sociable Soccer under the acquisition, utilising Sporty Group's resources. "In recent years, game development and publishing has become more complex than ever and the landscape ever more competitive, making it harder for titles to find their audience. Bringing our talented development team under the Sporty umbrella allows us to continue to focus on what we do best, designing and creating hit games for as many platforms and gamers as possible." commented Hare on the deal. "As we continue to enhance and diversify Sporty Group’s overall portfolio, we have been considering adding a football video game to the Sporty ecosystem. As part of this process, we have investigated a number of opportunities in the sector. Once we sat down with Jon and his team it was clear that we shared the same ambitions and we were only too happy to bring them into the Sporty family." said Gregory Parsons, Vice President of Business Development for Sporty Group.

Leading global games publisher and developer, Kwalee has made an equity investment in Devolver Digital. By participating in Devolver’s recent equity placing, announced on 2 July, Kwalee now holds a 3.58% share in this remarkable company. David Darling CBE and founder of Kwalee commented, “I would like to thank Harry and the Devolver team for giving us the opportunity to invest in such a fantastic brand and category-defining games.” The investment in Devolver fits with Kwalee’s broader growth strategy to expand beyond its heritage in hypercasual mobile gaming to achieve more balanced growth. The minority investment in Devolver increases Kwalee’s exposure to the PC/console segment, one of its four target verticals. The investment in Devolver follows on from its minority investment in French mobile games developer 8SEC in January of this year. 8SEC was an early adopter of another Kwalee focus vertical - the hybrid casual style of mobile game - easy to pick up but designed for long-term play with revenue from a mix of ads and in-app purchases.

Hong Kong-based Animoca Brands is reportedly considering going public, possibly in Hong Kong or the Middle East, as early as late next year. According to South China Morning Post SCMP, Animoca Brands' co-founder Yat Siu is considering listing the company in Hong Kong or a Middle Eastern market. In its last publicly announced valuation, Animoca was worth US$5.9 billion after a US$75 million funding round in July 2022. Its investors include HongShan, formerly Sequoia Capital China, Singapore’s state fund Temasek Holdings, and Saudi Arabia’s government-backed smart city project Neom Company, which last year put US$50 million into Animoca.

Video games company Keywords Studios has reached a $2.8 Billion (£2.2 billion) acquisition agreement with Swedish investment company EQT Group. Expressing delight at the acquisition, the Chief Executive Officer of Keywords Studios, Bertrand Bodson, said: “I am extremely proud of our passionate world-class teams and the leading technology-enabled global platform we are building together, which have enabled us to develop innovative solutions and foster strategic partnerships with our clients.“ The acquisition made by Houting UK Limited (Bidco), an entity wholly owned by EQT’s BPEA Fund VIII, is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2024, subject to shareholder and court approvals. https://lnkd.in/g7WAbvNf

Roblox has announced the appointment of Jerret West as its new chief marketing officer and head of market expansion. Before joining Roblox, West served as the CMO of Xbox and corporate vice president of Microsoft Gaming. "Roblox is just scratching the surface of its opportunity on its own platform and in connecting to people around the world. It was also clear that there is a wonderful culture of long view strategic investment and a pragmatic approach to working together internally. I think that fits my personal philosophy well and how I like to build teams." wrote West in a LinkedIn post.

Qiddiya | القدية has announced the appointment of Ghada Almoqbel as the Gaming Strategy Manager. Prior to joining Qiddiya, Ghada served as the CEO of GCON, where she developed innovative strategies in line with the Vision 2030 of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the National Games and Esports Strategy. Her efforts were focused on enabling and empowering Saudi women in gaming through various initiatives and projects in esports, game development, and festivals. In her new role at Qiddiya, Ghada will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive gaming strategies, overseeing gaming initiatives, and driving the growth of the gaming sector within Qiddiya. She will also work on fostering partnerships and collaborations to establish Qiddiya as a leading destination for gaming and esports in the region.

Xsolla has announced a new partnership with London-based publisher Curve Games. Under the partnership, Curve Games will leverage Xsolla’s Web Shop and Site Builder to support them in showcasing its video games via a product page, boosting revenue and maximizing the potential of each title. “It’s great to work with a publisher with such a long-standing commitment to the development and growth of indie developers as Xsolla itself has." commented Christopher Meredith, SVP EMEA at Xsolla. “We couldn’t be more excited to join forces with Xsolla. Their dedication to delivering exceptional gaming experiences mirrors our passion for crafting memorable and innovative games. With their support, we’re confident that our games will reach new heights and resonate with players worldwide like never before.” said Stuart Dinsey, Executive Chair at Curve Games.