Scopely, which was established in 2011, develops and publishes a range of games, which include free-to-play brands such as Stumble Guys, Scrabble GO, Star Trek Fleet Command, Yahtzee With Buddies, and others
US-based Scopely to be acquired by Savvy Games for $4.9bn. (Credit: Anton Porsche from Pixabay)
Games and esports company Savvy Games Group has agreed to acquire US-based games publisher and developer Scopely in a deal worth $4.9bn.
Savvy Games is owned by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Established in 2011, Scopely develops and publishes a range of games, specifically on mobile platforms.
The company’s popular free-to-play brands include Stumble Guys, Scrabble GO, Star Trek Fleet Command, Yahtzee With Buddies, and others.
Scopely co-CEO Walter Driver said: “Today’s announcement marks a major milestone in the Scopely journey. Savvy Games Group shares our long-held belief that the companies who have built the deepest relationships with their players will succeed.
“Together, as one, we will be able to further expand the possibilities of play, continuing to develop beloved game experiences for players around the world.”
Through the acquisition, Savvy Games expects to bolster its offerings for the gaming community worldwide.
According to Savvy Games, the transaction will bring Scopely’s publishing infrastructure, development capabilities, and differentiated technology to the company’s ecosystem.
The transaction is also expected to bring a global footprint of talented game makers across North America, Europe, and Asia to Savvy Games’ ecosystem.
Following the closing of the acquisition, Scopely will become an autonomous operating company under the Savvy Games umbrella.
The game publisher is expected to gain from Savvy Games’ long-term financial assistance to expand and strengthen its existing franchises.
Furthermore, the US firm can explore new player audiences through innovative game experiences as well as collaborate with the best talent and studios through partnerships and acquisitions, said Savvy Games.
Besides, the transaction is anticipated to expand Scopely’s cross-platform approach, allowing it to extend its expertise in live services to new segments including PC, console, and other gameplay genres.
Savvy Games CEO Brian Ward said: “Scopely is one of the fastest-growing games companies today, and we have long admired their ability to build loyal, engaged player communities.
“At Savvy Games Group, our mission is to invest in – and grow – the global games community by inviting the best minds to join us.”
The acquisition is subject to receipt of regulatory approvals.