Playtika acquiring Israeli gaming startup SuperPlay for $700 million
Playtika acquiring Israeli gaming startup SuperPlay for $700 million
Additional contingent consideration of up to $1.25 billion is subject to SuperPlay achieving certain financial targets over the next three years. Founded in 2019 by former Playtika employees Gilad Almog and Eyal Netzer, along with industry veteran Elad Drory, SuperPlay has two successful titles in Dice Dreams and Domino Dreams, and has two more games currently in development.
Gaming company Playtika announced on Wednesday that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire SuperPlay, a mobile gaming company based in Tel Aviv for $700 million, and additional contingent consideration of up to $1.25 billion, subject to achieving certain financial targets over three years.
Founded in 2019 by former Playtika employees Gilad Almog and Eyal Netzer, along with industry veteran Elad Drory, SuperPlay has emerged as expert game makers with two successful titles - Dice Dreams, a fast-growing Coin Looter game, and Domino Dreams, a popular Board game, and two more games currently in development. In 2024, both Dice Dreams and Domino Dreams have grown rapidly, boasting a combined 1.7 million Average Daily Active Users as of August. Gilad and Eyal will continue to lead SuperPlay as its own studio within Playtika.
“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,” said Robert Antokol, Playtika CEO. “SuperPlay’s proven talent and success in navigating complex environments align seamlessly with our team. Together, we’re expanding our ability to deliver exceptional experiences to players worldwide.”
“We’re incredibly excited for this opportunity,” said Gilad Almog and Eyal Netzer. “It is a testament to our amazing team who bring creativity and passion to everything we make. With Playtika's backing and support, we'll continue growing the most memorable and engaging games in their category, and exchange knowledge that will propel each other to new heights.”
The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024.
SuperPlay has raised over $50 million to date, including from NFX, North83, vgames, General Catalyst, Eyal Ofer’s O.G Venture Partners and Key1.
The company, founded by two childhood friends from Rosh Ha'ayin, has chosen a unique path compared to other companies in the field, and it makes sure to combine a high artistic level with a solid technological base. This combination allowed it to create familiar games such as Solitaire and Dominoes while giving them an innovative twist.
The company's headquarters are located in Israel, and it also employs workers in Ukraine, Poland and Romania.
Playtika has consistently cut back its staff over recent years, reducing its headcount by 300-400 employees earlier this year. The company laid off around 900 employees in 2022. The biggest cutback came in December of that year when it parted ways with 610 people, accounting for 15% of the team at the time.
