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AFK Gaming
It’s Friday, November 15th.
In today’s newsletter: Krafton’s anticipated investments in India, including potential acquisitions; EA’s CEO Andrew Wilson reportedly in consideration as Disney’s next CEO; and Microsoft’s plans to acquire a mobile game studio to strengthen its foothold in the sector.
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Krafton Eyes New Indian Acquisitions, Plans to Surpass $200 Million Investment Mark
Battlegrounds Mobile India developer Krafton India is gearing up to deepen its footprint in India with plans to acquire two to three local firms over the coming months. The acquisitions would push Krafton’s total investment in India beyond $200 million, as confirmed by Krafton India CEO Sean Hyunil Sohn to The Times of India. With approximately $170 million invested to date, Krafton’s pending deals are projected to add another $20 to $30 million, likely closing by early 2025.
Sohn indicated that Krafton’s acquisition targets include one gaming company and two social or digital media platforms, aligning with the company’s strategy to integrate gaming and social engagement assets. The moves, Sohn noted during the India Game Developer Conference (IGDC 2024), reflect Krafton’s view of India as a core growth market, one of its top five globally.
Furthering its localization strategy, Krafton is also assessing the feasibility of establishing a development team in Bengaluru or Hyderabad to augment its Indianization efforts. Pre-registrations for Cookie Run India, a localized adaptation of its popular title, underscore Krafton’s commitment to tailoring offerings for Indian users, enhancing both user engagement and market penetration.
Quick Bytes
Disney Considers EA's Andrew Wilson as Potential Successor to CEO Bob Iger
The Walt Disney Company is reportedly considering Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson as a potential successor to current CEO Bob Iger, according to The Wall Street Journal. Wilson joins a shortlist of external candidates identified by search firm Heidrick & Struggles. Disney's interest in Wilson follows past speculation of a merger between Disney and EA, fueled by their collaboration on Star Wars games. Analysts, however, question if Wilson’s gaming focus aligns with Disney's diverse portfolio, which includes film, theme parks, and sports. Internal candidates include Disney’s Dana Walden, Alan Bergman, Jimmy Pitaro, and Josh D’Amaro.
Embracer Sells Easybrain to Miniclip for $1.2 Billion Amid Restructuring Efforts
As part of its ongoing restructuring, Embracer Group has sold its mobile game subsidiary Easybrain to Miniclip for $1.2 billion. This strategic divestment strengthens Embracer’s financial position, according to CEO Lars Wingefors, who called Miniclip “the right strategic buyer” for Easybrain, given shifts in the ad-driven mobile gaming market. Since 2016, Cyprus-based Easybrain has amassed over 1.5 billion downloads with popular titles like Sudoku.com. Miniclip CEO Saad Choudri welcomed Easybrain’s addition, noting its strong community-building capabilities. The acquisition is expected to close in early 2025.
Microsoft Eyes Another Mobile Studio Acquisition, Plans for Mobile Expansion
Microsoft is reportedly exploring the acquisition of another mobile game studio to expand its geographic reach, following its $69 billion acquisition of Candy Crush Saga maker King as part of the Activision Blizzard deal. Gaming division CEO Phil Spencer told Bloomberg that Microsoft is interested in potential acquisitions in Asian markets, though nothing is "imminent" as the company integrates Activision Blizzard teams.
Team Liquid Launches Blockchain Fan Platform ‘MyBlue’ with Mysten Labs
Team Liquid has introduced MyBlue, a blockchain-based fan engagement platform developed with Mysten Labs, creators of the Sui blockchain. Designed to deepen fan loyalty, MyBlue lets users earn digital collectibles and unique rewards through interactive community activities. Building on Team Liquid’s previous Liquid+ platform, MyBlue features a customizable avatar, “Blue,” which fans can personalize and enhance by completing tasks such as watching live matches and engaging on social media.
Did You Know
In the early 2000s, Rockstar Games—now famously known for Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption—had an unexpected project in development: an Austin Powers racing game for the SEGA Dreamcast. Known as Austin Powers: Mojo Rally, the title aimed to capture the groovy, satirical spirit of Mike Myers’ spy spoof films within a kart-racing format.
Mojo Rally was set to feature Austin Powers, Dr. Evil, and other characters from the films as drivers in a vibrant, humor-filled world. The concept involved themed tracks, likely adorned with 1960s-inspired psychedelic designs and soundtracks echoing the series' funky musical cues. Rockstar Games envisioned a lighthearted, casual game—a stark contrast to the gritty, open-world experiences it would later pioneer.
While development progressed enough for early prototypes, the game was ultimately shelved before reaching the public. The reasons remain speculative, with the possible factors being Dreamcast’s dwindling market position, licensing issues, or Rockstar’s shifting focus to titles that better aligned with its long-term strategy.
Quote of the Day
Life is cruel. Of this I have no doubt. One can only hope that one leaves behind a lasting legacy. But so often, the legacies we leave behind... are not the ones we intended."Queen Myrrah, Gears of War 2
