Supercell Invests $2.9M in Shipyard Games for Next-Gen Location-Based Mobile Game
Helsinki-based startup secures funding from Clash Royale creator to innovate in location-based gaming.
A Strategic Move by Supercell
Mobile gaming giant Supercell, renowned for hits like Clash Royale and Clash of Clans, has invested \(2.9 million in **Shipyard Games**, a Helsinki-based studio developing an immersive location-based mobile game. This marks Supercell’s second external investment following its 2016 majority acquisition of *Badland* developer Frogmind for \)7.8 million.
- Supercell’s Backing: The investment underscores Supercell’s strategy to support innovative studios with proven talent.
- Tencent Connection: Supercell itself is 84% owned by Tencent, which acquired its stake in 2016 at a $10.2 billion valuation.
Meet Shipyard Games: A Team of Industry Veterans
Though only two months old, Shipyard Games is led by a seasoned team with deep roots in location-based gaming:
- CEO Andreas Wedenberg: Former Grey Area executive, creator of Shadow Cities (2011), one of the earliest location-based mobile games.
- Key Team Members: Includes Teemu Tuulari, Teemu Harju (both Grey Area alumni), Emma Huovinen (MyNextRun), and Alex Pushilin.
Why Supercell Believed in Shipyard
According to Timur Haussila, Supercell’s M&A lead:
“We’ve known these developers for years. Their passion, humility, and industry expertise—especially in pioneering location-based games—made this partnership a no-brainer.”
The Pokémon Go Effect: Inspiration & Opportunity
Wedenberg credits Pokémon Go for validating location-based gaming’s mass appeal:
- Mainstream Breakthrough: Pokémon Go demonstrated the potential for casual, approachable location-based experiences.
- Learning from Predecessors: Unlike Ingress or Shadow Cities, which were more niche, Pokémon Go proved the value of strong IP and accessibility.
Wedenberg added:
“Pokémon Go opened the door. Now, we’re exploring how to push boundaries with immersive, single-player experiences.”
What’s Next for Shipyard?
- Game Launch: Targeting early 2018 release on iOS.
- Audience Focus: Designed for broad, casual players.
- The Name’s Origin: Inspired by a near-miss office location near a dockyard—”We liked the nautical theme,” Wedenberg quipped.
Image Credit: Björn Fagerholm (Left to right: Teemu Tuulari, Alex Pushilin, Andreas Wedenberg, Teemu Harju, Emma Houvinen)
Final Thoughts
With Supercell’s backing and a veteran team at the helm, Shipyard Games is poised to carve its niche in the booming location-based gaming market. Will their upcoming title be the next Pokémon Go? Only time—and player engagement—will tell.
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