From $1B to $10B in 5 Years – Scopely’s Journey to Mobile Game Success
It’s been five years since we last spoke with Javier Ferreira, Co-CEO of Scopely, on the Deconstructor of Fun podcast. Much has changed in mobile gaming since then—and not all of them for the better—but one thing’s for sure: Scopely has more than delivered.
Back in 2019, we explored how Scopely was carving out its own space in the industry with a unique approach to game development focused on building a strong product foundation. Everything revolved around the product, and they eliminated the traditional internal versus external studio divide, creating a seamless environment supported by a robust central tech platform.
What truly stood out then, and remains impressive now, is their launch mindset. They’ve always prioritized long-term success over short-term gains, maintaining a laser focus on core metrics while embracing both failures and successes. This commitment to their vision has undeniably paid dividends, reinforcing their position as a leader in mobile gaming.
Fast-forward to today, and Scopely’s foresight rings true through MONOPOLY GO!’s stratospheric success as the fastest mobile title to reach three billion dollars. Not by coincidence but by design—the game had been in development since 2016, with a commitment to delivering a high-quality experience over the long haul.
Recently Mishka Katkoff visited Scopely's Barcelona office to reconnect with Javier and delve deeper into their journey. Discussions covered everything from prime drivers behind MONOPOLY GO!'s success to Scopely's M&A strategies maintaining strong company culture during growth. It's all part of continually expanding while retaining an essential approach.
Among other topics they also discussed Scopely's knack for picking the right IPs—ones that resonate with dedicated fan bases—and how they keep their teams supported with strong leadership. And, of course, they couldn’t ignore the impact of the recent Savvy acquisition, which has given Scopely the freedom to take on even bigger, more ambitious projects while staying true to their long-term vision.
What Makes Scopely So Good at Working with IPs?
MONOPOLY GO! was globally released on April 11, 2023, and is by far the biggest casual game launch in five years, featuring engaging gameplay that combines classic MONOPOLY elements with innovative mechanics.
One of Scopely’s defining traits is its remarkable success in licensing, developing, and launching games based on popular IPs. Scopely understands that creating a mobile game from an IP goes beyond surface-level borrowing of characters or stories.
They really nailed the art of working with intellectual properties (IPs), and it all comes down to three key pillars:
Choosing the Right IP with Fandom Appeal
First and foremost, Scopely knows how to pick IPs that spark genuine fandom. Take Yahtzee, for example. Before Scopely got its hands on it, the game was just a modest performer. But once Scopely jumped in, they built a digital games business that blew the original numbers out of the water. They’ve done the same with franchises like Star Trek, focusing on titles that don’t just have name recognition but also passionate fans who want to immerse themselves in that universe. It’s all about finding IPs that come with a built-in audience ready to engage.Building the Right Game for the IP
Next up is the game itself. Scopely isn’t just slapping a beloved brand onto a generic game template. They’re crafting experiences that resonate with the IP’s core essence. With Star Trek, for instance, they could’ve easily gone the route of a typical match-three game, but that’s not what the fans crave. Instead, they focused on the fantasy of space exploration and epic battles, allowing players to step into that universe and truly feel like they’re part of the action. It’s all about aligning gameplay with what the fans actually want.Implementing a Strategic Product Vision
The third pillar is having a smart product strategy. Scopely takes a long-term approach, as seen with MONOPOLY GO! They didn’t just digitize the classic board game; they completely reimagined it for modern audiences. By focusing on player engagement and fresh mechanics, they created a free-to-play experience that truly resonates.
Building Strong Connections
Of course, none of this would matter without solid partnerships. Scopely didn’t start with Monopoly – they laid the groundwork with Yahtzee and Scrabble, building a digital presence that made Hasbro take notice. By showing they could deliver, they earned the trust to explore bigger titles. It’s all about that trust factor. When IP owners see you’re serious about making their brand shine, they’re more willing to collaborate on ambitious projects.
But Scopely isn’t just relying on established IPs. They are actively developing their own. As Javier Ferreira noted, Scopely has several games in the works that leverage their unique insights and experience.
“We are making a number of games with our own IP,” he stated. “We never really thought about the business in that way before, but we see it as a part of our journey.”
Titles like Stumble Guys, with its massive worldwide following of over 50 million monthly players, demonstrate Scopely’s knack for crafting lively communities that thrive without riding coattails. Continuing to bet on original creations will broaden their portfolio and allow unprecedented stories to captivate audiences.
The Savvy Acquisition: A New Chapter for Scopely
In 2023, Scopely made headlines with its acquisition by Savvy for an impressive $4.9 billion. Given the insights we've shared about Savvy Games Group and its long-term vision in our recent podcast and latest blog post, this move aligns seamlessly with the strategic goals of both Savvy and Saudi Arabia.
For Scopely, choosing Savvy as an acquirer was a deliberate decision to maintain its independence and private status. This new partnership provides Scopely with a robust platform for growth. With an investor who is focused on long-term success and respects Scopely's strategic and operational autonomy, the company now has the support to scale its ambitions without the pressure of outside interference. Javier Ferreira emphasizes that Savvy is dedicated to helping Scopely thrive rather than altering its core mission.
However, increased capital brings its own challenges, particularly regarding effective risk management.
Mishka raised an important question about whether this financial boost could lead Scopely to take on more than it can handle. Javier notes that while risk is an inherent part of any business, it can manifest in various forms.
Scopely is currently developing numerous exciting (and costly) projects. They recognize that not all of these endeavors will succeed, but the focus remains on learning from these experiences and progressing. Javier underscores the importance of self-awareness and encourages his team to stay grounded. Successful organizations pursue ambitious goals while being mindful of their limitations. At Scopely, these discussions are ongoing, ensuring they navigate the complexities of risk effectively.
Conclusion
In summary, Scopely’s focus on strategic planning, continuous learning, and meaningful partnerships has positioned the company for impressive growth within the competitive mobile gaming landscape. The acquisition by Savvy offers Scopely the freedom to explore ambitious projects without external pressure, allowing for greater innovation and creativity.
The company's commitment to data-driven insights empowers them to deploy significant capital with confidence, backed by the accuracy of their tools and the experience gained from previous game launches.
As Scopely continues to develop both licensed and original IPs, it will be fascinating to see which new franchises they choose to pursue. What exciting titles and innovative concepts are on the horizon? With a culture grounded in conviction and insight, Scopely is well-equipped to seize new opportunities and redefine the gaming landscape once again.
