GamesMarkt

Global technology investment bank [Drake Star](https://www.drakestar.com/news/global-gaming-report-q4-2024) has released its latest Global Gaming Report, analysing Q4 2024 and the full year 2024 for gaming & esports dealmaking, and outlining what to expect in 2025. In 2024, gaming M&A and financings were described as "robust", with a disclosed deal value of $27.3 billion across more than 967 transactions. This represents a 39% increase in disclosed value compared to 2023. 

Looking at the M&A sector alone, the picture is as follows. M&A activity in 2024 saw a 21% increase in deal volume over 2023, with 198 deals announced and $10.5 billion in disclosed value. "As predicted, several high-profile M&A deals emerged from private equity firms, including EQT's $2.8B acquisition of Keywords and CVC's $1.1B purchase of Jagex. Other major transactions included Playtika's acquisition of SuperPlay for up to $1.95B and Embracer Group's $1.2B divestment of EasyBrain to Tencent / Miniclip," Drake Star writes. The PC & Console segment continued to be the most active in terms of M&A activity with 53 deals, followed by Mobile with 38 deals and Platform / Tools with 32 deals.

In the private placement space, a total of $4.8 billion was raised in 711 deals, reflecting a 30% increase in total disclosed value but an 8% decrease in the number of deals compared to 2023. "Major financings included Epic's $1.5B round led by Disney, along with significant raises for Infinity Reality ($350M), Build A Rocket Boy ($110M), and Aonic ($105M). Early-stage deals made up over 90% of total raises. Blockchain remained the most active segment with 250 deals, followed by Platform / Tools (133) and Mobile (111)" can be read in the report. Investors secured $1.8B+ in funding, including follow-on funds from a16z ($600M), Bitkraft ($275M), Vgames ($142M), and Play Ventures ($140M), along with new funds launched by Big Time ($150M) and Beam Ventures ($150M)...

Drake Star: Gaming M&A Returns to Growth in 2024; Activity Expected to Increase