Social First was founded in 2021 by CEO Kim Soares (right) and President Mikko Kähärä (left). The company is backed by Play Ventures, Crowberry Capital, and a syndicate led by Joakim Achrén. © Jussi Ratilainen Business Social First Expands Into Real-Money Trading With GamerPay Acquisition Finnish game studio Social First has acquired GamerPay. This brings together an emerging game studio and a real-money marketplace for buying and selling in-game items. By Marcel Kleffmann • 2 min read
At a meeting of the Games Cluster, Games Syndicate Cologne provided information about its cooperation with Startplatz Köln. Business Cologne's Gaming Industry Gets Office Space Possibilities at Startplatz Instead of acquiring its own house, the Cologne-based games industry is relying on special conditions at an existing start-up hub and incubator. This is made possible by a cooperation between Games Syndicate Cologne and Startplatz Köln. By Stephan Steininger • 1 min read
The exhibition floor of DevGamm Lisbon 2025 in the Crystal Center of Myriad Hotel Lisbon (GamesMarkt, Pascal Wagner) Business DevGamm Lisbon 2025 - Photo Recap DevGamm Lisbon 2025 closed this weekend and GamesMarkt was on site. Relive Portugal's most important games B2B event with out picture gallery and see who graced the stage, exhibited their game or partied at the awards. By Pascal Wagner • 3 min read
Chris Hewish, President of Xsolla; © 2023 Christer Berg Business Chris Hewish: Can Europe Build the Next Roblox? Why We Need a More Supportive Ecosystem In a guest article for GamesMarkt, Chris Hewish, President of Xsolla, explains why Europe needs a more supportive ecosystem. From world-class studios to bold new ideas, the continent has everything needed to build the next global gaming platform - except the ecosystem to support it. By Xsolla • 3 min read
Business Fabian Mehring and E-Sport Verband Bayern Specify Esports Project for Rural Areas In the summer, the Bavarian Ministry of Digital Affairs approved around €135,000 in funding to support the expansion of esports structures outside of urban centers. Now, the ministry and the project sponsor, the Bavarian Esports Association, have further specified the project. By Stephan Steininger • 2 min read
Business Square Enix to Reorganise Operations in North America and Europe In the current fiscal year, Square Enix plans to restructure its Western publishing organisation fundamentally. Additionally, development activities will be concentrated in Japan, with AI also playing an important role. By Marcel Kleffmann • 2 min read
Prof. Dr. Dr. Rudolf Thomas Inderst Business Game Studies Watchlist #44 The Game Studies Watchlist newsletter, curated by Prof. Dr. Rudolf Inderst, is published weekly on GamesMarkt. This week's topics include an analysis of game awards, offering insight into the power structures that shape the medium, as well as several new contributions to Game Studies. By Rudolf Inderst • 2 min read
CentreSoft distributes Capcom titles, including Resident Evil Requiem and Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection; © Capcom / CentreSoft Business CentreSoft Will Distribute Capcom's Flagship Titles in Germany Capcom has chosen CentreSoft to handle the physical distribution of Resident Evil Requiem and Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection in Germany. By Marcel Kleffmann • 1 min read
Business Power of Play: Saudi Arabia As part of the Power of Play survey, industry associations also took a close look at the participating countries. GamesMarkt summarizes the results. This time: Saudi Arabia. By Stephan Steininger • 2 min read
Business Stardock's Brad Wardell About the Return of Elemental, "Budgeting It Right" and Ara Stardock Entertainment, a publisher known for its strategy games, recently launched Elemental: Reforged in Early Access. In an interview, CEO Brad Wardell explains why the company made this decision and shares his current assessment of the market. By Marcel Kleffmann • 4 min read
Business Video Games Europe and USK Respond to EU Consultation on Digital Fairness Act The Digital Fairness Act could bring about lasting change to the gaming business, particularly in the free-to-play segment. This is another reason why it is important for the industry to get involved in the legislative process, as Video Games Europe and USK have done. By Stephan Steininger • 2 min read
The Epic Games Store is one of the alternative app stores within the Android ecosystem that will likely benefit from the settlement. © Epic Games Business Google Agrees to App Store Reforms as Part of a Settlement With Epic Games After years of legal battles, Google and Epic Games have reached a settlement, which is still awaiting approval from the US court. The agreement includes simpler installation of third-party stores, lower service fees, and alternative payment options. By Marcel Kleffmann • 3 min read
