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[Nirolak]

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articl...2-percent-of-space-ape-a-match-made-in-heaven

Finnish mobile giant Supercell has made a significant investment in the UK development scene, acquiring a majority stake in Space Ape Games.

The Clash of Clans creator has acquired 62% of the company in a deal that has been valued at $90m. The remaining 38% still belongs to Space Ape. The deal has been described as a "long-term partnership", and crucially will see Space Ape continue to operate independently - albeit now with the backing of a mobile gaming behemoth.

Space Ape's comment:

"Supercell is a turbocharge to our business. They're going to be able to help us in some ways that are really superpowers unique to their size and stature within the games industry - be that helping us land a world-class licence that maybe we couldn't have gotten otherwise, or giving us advice in a key area they're outstanding in. We think those sort of, frankly, unfair advantages are going to take the great thing Space Ape already has going and turbocharge it."

Supercell's comment:

Supercell CEO Ilkka Panaanen adds: "We've known John, Simon and their team for some time now. We share their vision and passion to create games for the biggest possible audience. They want to innovate, take risks and aren't afraid to make mistakes. We also know from our own experience that this vision needs a backer who thinks long-term and is patient. And, above all, one that trusts the team and stays out of the way.

"As a bonus, we've been huge fans of the UK game developer scene since the days of Commodore 64 so it's really cool to partner with a studio there."

For reference, games from the two studios in question:

Supercell's Clash of Clans:

Games by Space Ape:

"Supercell is clearly focused on one thing and that is making the world's biggest mobile games," Earner explains. "They're not interested in mediocre hits or small derivative products.

 

[kulapik]

Eliminate the competition by buying them. Sounds legit.

 

[nampad]

Even a mobile game clone developer is now valued $ 90 million, crazy how much money is made in the mobile market.
Anyways, where is the clone of the superior Supercell game (Clash Royale)?

 

[Nirolak]

Even a mobile game clone developer is now valued $ 90 million, crazy how much money is made in the mobile market.
Anyways, where is the clone of the superior Supercell game (Clash Royale)?

There's about 40,000 of those. There's even a Titanfall branded one.

 

[oti]

consolidate consolidate consolidate

 

[Jiguryo]

Holy crap. I'm friends with one of SA's founders (no longer with them, AFAIK). Good on them.

 

[GCX]

I guess Supercell being "independent" under Tencent is more than just talk if they can just go and buy other developers.

 

[nampad]

There's about 40,000 of those. There's even a Titanfall branded one.

I meant from Space Ape. BTW, the Titanfall one was cancelled before it got released

Elsewise I can recall Craft Royale, some jungle/modern soldier themed one and the Star Wars game. Are there really so much more?

 

[zoukka]

They bought the company for the talent, not the IP's.

 

[Tunesmith]

Wife used to work there, always figured this was the way it would go, good on them!