Firy, formerly Skillz, is divesting its stake in Exit Games, the developer of the Photon Engine, on a day that is primarily focused on new events and showcases. We also spoke to Pauk Sherry from CentreSoft.
Things don’t always go to plan, dear readers,
as we might expect. The physical market for games appears to be heading into uncertain times, and yet Paul Sherry of CentreSoft takes a more than positive view of the future. After all, even digital games have to be played on a physical device, and where there are physical goods, there are also opportunities for distributors. I can only agree with him, as nobody expects the ‘good old days’ of games distribution to return exactly as they were.
But one shouldn’t simply write off the sector either. Firy, too, has monetised – rather than written off – its stake in the Hamburg-based Photon developer Exit Games. The return on the investment isn’t exactly lavish, but it’s significantly better than many other tech investments over the last five years.
Here are the news of the day!
Your Stephan Steininger
Following the MBO, CentreSoft became part of the Hemani Group and now has an owner who shares CentreSoft’s long-term vision. CEO Paul Sherry on CentreSoft’s goals, the underestimated importance of retail, and why distribution is about much more than just moving boxes.
(Read more...)
by Stephan Steininger
The US company Firy, formerly Skillz, has sold its stake in Exit Games back to the Hamburg-based company. The purchase price for the stake, amounting to almost 10.5 per cent, is 55 million dollars, which is only slightly higher than the investment made in 2021.
(Read more...)
by Stephan Steininger
The WOW Virtual Bundesliga (VBL) will begin its 2026/27 season with an expanded selection of competitions. The Club Championship begins on 15 October, with spectators present at all offline knockout rounds. The Player Championship will be held in a new in-game mode in EA Sports FC 27.
(Read more...)
by Marcel Kleffmann
London houses one of only two physical Bandai Namco Cross Stores, both in the UK. We've been on site to check out the concept and showcase store, which focuses heavily on gachapon machines and TCG play spaces.
(Read more...)
Following its debut at gamescom 2026, the organisers of the GamingUp Showcase are already making plans for 2027. Studios from the GSA region can now submit their applications again.
(Read more...)
KüHe Event, the team behind RetroGamesCon, is starting a new German TCG event in Heidelberg called Card Galaxy Europe on 21 November. Not only trading and collectibles, but also family experiences, cosplayers and free TCG play areas are the focus.
(Read more...)
Pascal Wagner
Marcel Kleffmann
Marcel Kleffmann
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