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The echoes of the launch of a major title from the world of gaming - 'Starfield' - are still loud, and we have just published our latest article 'The Shifting Landscape of Gaming M&A: A Tale of Investments, Acquisitions, and Emerging Trends'. Anyone interested in learning more about the current situation, as well as future predictions, is encouraged to read on. We also touched upon the topic of Polish productions, so much loved around the world :) https://lnkd.in/dgW6RUV6

Based on our Global Gaming Deals Report, gaming content businesses require less capital in later stages due to limited exit options, such as closed IPOs and volatile M&A activity. Consequently, VCs and PEs have shown increased hesitancy in funding late-stage rounds (Series B+) since the second half of 2022. Since the third quarter of 2023, there has been a slight uptick in investment in smaller rounds, averaging about 3 deals per quarter, similar to pre-pandemic levels. However, larger investment rounds ($100m+) remain infrequent, occurring roughly once or twice every six months. https://lnkd.in/dxfPQSb2

🎉 Aristocrat Gaming revenue rises 13% to AU$6.3bn in 2023 💵 NeoGames $1.02bn purchase expected to be complete by H1 2024 💵 Pixel United represented $2.65bn, or 42.1%, of annual revenue 💵 Pre-tax profit of $1.67bn, up by 35.8% year-on-year https://lnkd.in/eZq3fH4t

Gaming investments hit US$2.2 billion in Q1 (vs US$755 million last year Q1) across 178 transactions, of which Disney's $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games contributed to 67%. M&A activity in Q1 grew 382% year-on-year to US$2 billion via 41 deals, of which the acquisition of Kahoot by Goldman Sachs and other investors for US$1.6 billion represents 76%. https://lnkd.in/dirhQaTv

The COVID-19 pandemic increased M&A activity in the gaming industry, with companies eager to spend money on extending their footprint within a booming market – however, as of 2024, the tide has turned, and the gaming sector is currently dealing with the consequences of high levels of industry consolidation and overspending in better times. Check out our new report on video gaming industry M&A for some facts and figures on the current state of the market.. https://lnkd.in/esgxqeUG https://lnkd.in/eB9dYCpB

Good summary of the problem “The expansion and investment over COVID has left engagement-based businesses, not just video games, spread too thin. We're doing too many things that aren't delivering…Competition isn't the biggest factor [in this current situation], but it is a challenge, especially when you consider how much disposable income people have at the moment. It's also not just the number of new games you're competing with, but all the old games and live service games that are there and doing huge numbers."

Nareit published a good interview with Chris Darling, CFA (Green Street), Barry Jonas (Truist Securities) and Ronald Kamdem, CFA (Morgan Stanley) looking at the Gaming #REITs including VICI Properties Inc. and Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. The interview covers: 1. Gaming REITs State of Fundamentals 2. Impact of credit markets on transactions 3. The inclusion of Gaming REITs as their own sector in the FTSE NAREIT U.S. Real Estate Index Series 4. The opportunity for new entrants into the sector 5. The impact of online gaming on the sector 6. Other trends impacting Gaming REITs https://lnkd.in/gPb2kPKM

#Update: Nazara Technologies-backed NODWIN Gaming said that its Singapore-based subsidiary, NODWIN Gaming International Pte. Ltd, has picked up an additional 43.49% stake in Freaks 4U Gaming GmbH for around €23.4 Mn (~ INR 212.9 Cr) 👇 Nazara Technologies Limited-backed NODWIN Gaming announced that its Singapore-based subsidiary, NODWIN Gaming International Pte. Ltd, will increase its existing 13.51% stake in Freaks 4U Gaming GmbH to 100% in tranches through a share swap valued at up to INR 271 Cr. NODWIN Pte will initially increase its stake in Freaks 4U Gaming to 57%, with the remaining 43% held by founders Michael Haenisch, Matthias Remmert, and Jens Enders to be swapped at a later time at its option. Existing investors of Freaks 4U Gaming will become shareholders of NODWIN Pte. This acquisition will enhance NODWIN Gaming’s capabilities, bringing in the expertise, experience and network of the Freaks 4U Gaming team and is expected to contribute materially to NODWINs revenues going forward. 🔗 To read more in detail, click here: https://lnkd.in/guWKDkqE #news #acquisition #nodwingaming

The Highs and Lows of Northstar Gaming: A Case Study in Strategic Financing and Market Dynamics. Join Chris Parry as he uncovers the intricate story of BET.V, from its hopeful RTO to Playtech's increasing control. This article offers a critical look at the complexities of the gaming industry, investment strategies, and the challenges of navigating turbulent financial waters. A must-read for professionals in finance, gaming, and strategic business development. #BusinessInsights #GamingIndustry #StrategicInvestments #MarketAnalysis https://bit.ly/40Ulcvr

Check out our article on M&A trends in the gaming sector discussing the 2023 market and what we expect for 2024. https://lnkd.in/dYF8vkkD