Scopely

Scopely: The Rise of an Interactive Entertainment Giant

Imagine a company that has transformed the way we play games on our smartphones, turning casual moments into thrilling adventures. That’s Scopely, Inc., an American interactive entertainment powerhouse based in Culver City, California.

The Birth of an Empire

Scopely was founded in 2011 by Walter Driver, Ankur Bulsara, Eric Futoran, and Eytan Elbaz. From the very beginning, Scopely set out to revolutionize mobile gaming, creating free-to-play games that would captivate millions of players worldwide.

A Partnership for Success

Scopely partners with intellectual property holders and external development studios, much like a master chef combining different ingredients to create a delicious dish. This collaboration has allowed Scopely to produce some of the most popular games in the industry.

Strategic Acquisitions

The company has acquired several studios, including DIGIT game studios, PierPlay game studio, Game Show Network’s online gaming division (GSN Games), Tag Games studio, and Cold Iron Studios. This strategic move not only expanded Scopely’s portfolio but also solidified its position as a leader in the mobile gaming industry.

A Major Acquisition

In 2023, Scopely was acquired by Savvy Games Group for $4.9 billion, but the company remains independently operated under its current headquarters in Culver City. This acquisition speaks volumes about Scopely’s success and the high regard it commands within the industry.

Recognition and Impact

In 2024, Scopely received recognition from Time Magazine’s annual TIME100 list and contributed to the FireAid Benefit Concert to support wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles. This not only highlights the company’s financial success but also its commitment to giving back to the community.

Global Presence

Scopely has a presence across the US, EMEA, and Asia with offices and partnerships established over the years. The company has surpassed $1 billion in lifetime revenues and continues to invest in game development studios across Europe. This global footprint underscores Scopely’s ambition and its ability to reach players worldwide.

Early Successes

In January 2012, Scopely launched its first free-to-play mobile game Dice With Buddies. The company then released several successful games, including Jewels Wwith Buddies and Bubble Galaxy With Buddies in 2012, Mini Golf MatchUp in 2013, Wordly and Skee-ball Arcade in 2013, and Slots Vacation in 2014. These early successes laid the foundation for Scopely’s future growth.

Strategic Partnerships

In 2015, Scopely partnered with Hasbro to launch Yahtzee With Buddies, which saw over 1 million downloads. The company also signed a partnership deal with Ireland’s DIGIT games studios, acquired Kings of the Realm, and partnered with Robert Kirkman and Skybound Entertainment to create The Walking Dead: Road to Survival. These partnerships have been instrumental in Scopely’s success.

Recent Acquisitions

In 2022, Scopely acquired Stumble Guys, and in April 2023, the company launched Monopoly Go!. As of 2018, 40 million people had installed Walking Dead: Road to Survival since its release. MONOPOLY GO! became the biggest mobile game of 2023, generating $1 billion in revenue. It is now the biggest mobile game launch of all time. These acquisitions and launches have further cemented Scopely’s position as a leader in the industry.

Funding and Growth

In 2013, Scopely raised a seed round of $8.5 million. In 2014, Scopely raised a $35 million Series A funding round. In 2016, Scopely raised $55 million in Series B funding. In 2017, the company announced $60 million in Series C funding. In 2018, Scopely raised an additional $100 million from Greenspring Associates. In March 2020, another $200 million was added to the valuation. In October 2020, $340 million was added to the valuation. As of October 2021, Scopely was valued at $5.4 billion. This steady stream of funding has fueled Scopely’s growth and expansion.

Conclusion

Scopely has truly transformed the landscape of mobile gaming, becoming a powerhouse in the industry with its innovative approach to game development and strategic partnerships. As it continues to grow and innovate, one can only wonder what new adventures await us on our smartphones.