In a groundbreaking move that further cements its dominance in the global mobile gaming industry, Israeli gaming giant Playtika has announced a monumental deal to acquire its Tel Aviv-based peer, SuperPlay, in a transaction valued at a staggering $1.95 billion. This acquisition underscores Playtika’s relentless pursuit of growth and innovation in the rapidly expanding mobile gaming sector.

An Unprecedented Acquisition

As part of this landmark agreement, Playtika, headquartered in Herzliya, will initially shell out a hefty $700 million upfront to secure SuperPlay, a rapidly rising star in the mobile gaming world. The deal also includes an additional contingent payment of up to $1.25 billion, which will be disbursed if SuperPlay meets certain ambitious financial milestones over the next three years. This performance-based consideration underscores the confidence Playtika has in SuperPlay's potential to deliver exceptional results. The transaction, anticipated to close in the fourth quarter of 2024, is currently pending regulatory approvals.

Playtika to acquire Dice Dreams maker SuperPlay https://t.co/Ho1c3xvgyU pic.twitter.com/XhaKNw5NiD

— Reuters (@Reuters) September 18, 2024

The financial markets have responded positively to the news, with Playtika’s shares, traded on the Nasdaq, rising 0.8 percent before the official announcement. This increase pushed the company’s market value to an impressive $2.93 billion, reflecting investor confidence in Playtika’s strategic direction.

SuperPlay: A Rising Star

Founded in 2019 by former Playtika veterans Gilad Almog and Eyal Netzer, along with industry expert Elad Drory, SuperPlay has quickly made a name for itself in the competitive world of mobile gaming. The company operates a highly successful game development studio, responsible for two popular titles: Dice Dreams, a rapidly growing coin looter game, and Domino Dreams, an innovative board game that has captivated millions of players worldwide.

Playtika agrees to buy Tel Aviv-based mobile game maker SuperPlay for $700M, and up to an additional $1.25B if SuperPlay hits financial targets over three years (@deantak / VentureBeat)https://t.co/kSA9D1DRPh

📫 Subscribe: https://t.co/OyWeKSRpIMhttps://t.co/ZoRjNEfVjw

— Techmeme (@Techmeme) September 18, 2024

As of August 2024, these two games boasted a combined average of 1.7 million daily active users, a testament to their widespread popularity and SuperPlay’s ability to capture the imagination of gamers globally. The company has also hinted at the development of two additional games, currently shrouded in secrecy, that are expected to further enhance its portfolio.

A Strategic Power Move by Playtika

Playtika’s CEO, Robert Antokol, hailed the acquisition of SuperPlay as a pivotal move in the company’s quest to solidify its leadership in the mobile gaming arena. "We see the acquisition of SuperPlay as a key move in strengthening Playtika’s leadership in mobile gaming, driving growth with scaled titles, and unlocking new opportunities," Antokol stated. He emphasized that SuperPlay’s proven track record of navigating complex and competitive environments aligns perfectly with Playtika’s strategic objectives.

"Together, we’re expanding our ability to deliver exceptional experiences to players worldwide," Antokol added, highlighting the synergies that this acquisition is expected to create.

How SuperPlay grew Dice Dreams into a $300m+ sleeper hithttps://t.co/AUnvx4KxHm pic.twitter.com/J2i5ymg982

— PocketGamer.biz (@pgbiz) September 19, 2024

SuperPlay’s Journey and Future with Playtika

SuperPlay has attracted a prestigious roster of investors, including NFX, 83North, VGames, General Catalyst, Key1 Capital, O.G. Venture Partners, and Gal Ventures. The startup has also established a significant presence outside Israel, with additional offices in Ukraine and Romania.

Despite the acquisition, SuperPlay will retain its independent identity within Playtika, with founders Gilad Almog and Eyal Netzer continuing to lead the studio. This decision ensures that SuperPlay’s creative vision and innovative spirit remain intact while benefiting from Playtika’s extensive resources and industry expertise.

A Series of Strategic Acquisitions

This acquisition is not an isolated event but rather part of Playtika’s broader strategy of expansion and consolidation in the gaming industry. Just last September, Playtika acquired Innplay Labs, another Israel-based gaming startup focused on arcade and puzzle animation mobile games, for up to $300 million. This series of strategic acquisitions highlights Playtika’s commitment to diversifying its game portfolio and scaling its global operations.

Israel Exit: Superplay startup is sold to playtika for $700M@MikeNew19512115 @lizBeth_Hineni @Zimmlaw175 @natalie_Zion_ @james_anderssen @Roni4488 @shimrat1onal @BritsForIsrael @JAmy208 @TaraZehut1981 @j_bubbie https://t.co/OOM9cr33tR

— Odi F. (@odifass) September 19, 2024

Playtika: A Pioneer in Mobile Gaming

Founded in 2010, Playtika has been a trailblazer in the mobile gaming industry, particularly in the realm of free-to-play games on social networks and mobile platforms. The company is the creative force behind several blockbuster titles, including Slotomania, House of Fun, and Bingo Blitz. With a workforce of over 3,000 employees, a third of whom are based in Israel, Playtika continues to lead the way in delivering innovative and engaging gaming experiences to a global audience.

As Playtika continues to expand its empire through strategic acquisitions like that of SuperPlay, the future of mobile gaming looks brighter than ever, with Israeli innovation at the forefront of this dynamic industry.