When Savvy Games Group acquired Scopely for $4.9 billion a year ago, some questioned the decision. However, with the launch of Monopoly Go, a highly successful mobile game, Scopely has earned $2 billion in revenue just 10 months after its launch and three months after hitting $1 billion.
It’s clear that Savvy Games Group, owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, made a wise investment. The success of Monopoly Go has significant implications for the gaming industry. (Brian Ward, CEO of Savvy, and Scopely leaders are set to speak at GamesBeat Summit 2024 in Los Angeles on May 20-21).
Monopoly Go has been downloaded over 150 million times, with over eight million daily players. By blending classic Monopoly gameplay with innovative features and new worlds, the game has resonated with players worldwide, offering a rich universe for engaging with friends and competitors daily.
As Scopely’s third collaboration with Hasbro, Monopoly Go follows the successful launches of Yahtzee with Buddies and Scrabble Go. Despite facing challenges during its seven-year development, Scopely’s 2,300 employees highlight the scale of game development in the modern gaming landscape.
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During the Game Developers Conference, I interviewed Walter Driver, co-CEO of Scopely, to discuss the immense success of Monopoly Go and future plans. The conversation covered potential acquisitions and strategic growth.
GamesBeat: What’s on your mind currently, aside from Monopoly Go?
Walter Driver: GDC presents a unique experience for evaluating industry trends and expanding partnerships. Following the acquisition by Savvy and the success of Monopoly Go, we find ourselves in an exciting position. The focus is on exploring potential collaborations with other industry innovators.
GamesBeat: What strategic choices do you think are most effective in your position?
Driver: We privilege quality ideas over capital constraints, allowing us to focus and invest opportunistically. Our current projects align with our long-term vision, and we actively seek partnerships with like-minded companies driving innovation in gaming.