2024 has been a big year for mergers and acquisitions not just in the gaming industry but overall across businesses. From mobile game studios to major publishers, companies have been making moves to expand their reach, strengthen their portfolios, and stay ahead in the competitive market. Last year we saw some deals that brought well-known developers under new leadership, while others were for fresh opportunities for more growth. On the same note, here’s a look at the top 10 M&A deals that shaped the gaming landscape this year.
Based on data from the InvestGame Q4’24 Report, below are the top 10 biggest deals of the year.
1. Keywords Studios by EQT, CPP, and Temasek ($2.8B)
One of the biggest deals of the year was the acquisition of Keywords Studios, the Irish video games company, by BPEA EQT, CPP Investments and Temasek for $2.8 billion. This was completed on 24 October 2024.
2. Easybrain by Miniclip ($1.2B)
Easybrain, known for its mobile puzzle and logic games like Sudoku.com, Word Search, and Number Sums, was acquired by Miniclip for $1.2 billion.
3. Jagex by CVC and Haveli (~$1.1B)
The developers of RuneScape, Jagex, changed hands once again, this time being acquired by CVC Capital Partners and Haveli Investments for around $1.1 billion.
4. SuperPlay by Playtika ($700M)
Playtika, the Israel-based video games giant, spent $700 million to acquire Dice Dreams’ creator SuperPlay, a year after the failed Rovio Entertainment deal. The additional contingent consideration of up to $1.25 billion was also mentioned for the deal.
5. Plarium by MTG ($620M)
Another mobile-focused acquisition saw Modern Times Group (MTG) purchasing RAID: Shadow Legends maker Plarium for $620 million, with a total deal value of $820 million.
6. Gearbox by Take-Two Interactive ($460M)
One of the more surprising deals was Take-Two Interactive acquiring Gearbox, the studio behind the Borderlands and Homeworld franchise, for $460 million. It was previously owned by Embracer Group.
7. Landvault by Infinite Reality ($450M)
In the tech space, Landvault was acquired by Infinite Reality for $450 million.
8. Saber Interactive by Beacon Interactive ($247M)
Saber Interactive, known for its work on several major gaming franchises including Halo, was picked up by Beacon Interactive for $247 million, with the total deal valued at $341 million.
9. Data.ai by SensorTower (NA)
In March, one of the leading mobile app market intelligence providers SensorTower acquired Data.ai, though the financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
10. Chartboost by LoopMe (NA)
Finally, Chartboost, a well-known in-app monetization and programmatic advertising platform, was acquired by fellow brand advertising performance company LoopMe, though the financial details were not revealed.
