SayGames, a leading publisher in the casual gaming space, has announced a new investment initiative to support hybrid-casual mobile game studios globally. Building on the success of past investments, the company plans to allocate an additional $30 million to promising game development projects, with a particular focus on studios innovating in the hybrid-casual genre.

About SayGames

This investment push follows SayGames’ previous commitment of $10 million, which funded five studios, including Redux Games. Notably, Redux Games’ title My Perfect Hotel, a hybrid-casual game supported by SayGames, has achieved substantial success, surpassing $100 million in revenue. SayGames credits its in-house resources, including software, expert guidance, and advanced analytics, as instrumental in helping partners achieve strong market performance.

SayGames Logo and Key Art

Supporting Hybrid-Casual Gaming

Hybrid-casual games blend the accessible gameplay of hyper-casual games with more complex progression systems, aiming to enhance engagement and player retention. According to AppLovin’s definition, these games maintain simplicity while incorporating deeper game mechanics, appealing to a broad player base without sacrificing depth. SayGames has recognized the potential in this genre but also acknowledges the significant challenges studios face, particularly in adapting to the fast-evolving mobile gaming landscape and navigating user acquisition complexities in an era of increased privacy restrictions.

Through its latest funding initiative, SayGames intends to support studios working to overcome these hurdles. In addition to financial investment, SayGames offers an array of resources designed to amplify game reach and longevity. These resources include comprehensive marketing support, expert insights in game publishing, and analytics tools aimed at optimizing game performance.

Popular Casual Games

An Ecosystem for Long-Term Success

Yegor Vaikhanski, CEO of SayGames, described the company's investment strategy as a commitment to fostering growth within the hybrid-casual space. “Our vision is to create an ecosystem where studios can thrive and push the boundaries of hybrid-casual gaming,” Vaikhanski stated in an interview with GamesBeat.  He emphasized the value of forming long-term partnerships with studios whose innovative approaches align with SayGames’ goals, underscoring the company's dedication not only to funding but also to sharing industry knowledge and tools.

SayGames’ $30 million pledge reflects its ambition to drive innovation within hybrid-casual gaming. As mobile gaming continues to expand, the company’s investment program signals a promising avenue for independent studios aiming to develop games that resonate in today’s highly competitive market.

Casual Gaming Report

Final Thoughts

With this initiative, SayGames is positioning itself as a key player in advancing the hybrid-casual genre. By extending its resources and expertise to selected studios, the company hopes to cultivate a thriving community of developers who can navigate and potentially redefine the mobile gaming landscape.

This investment underscores SayGames’ belief in the hybrid-casual model’s potential and its commitment to overcoming market challenges while nurturing sustainable, creative growth in mobile gaming. This strategic approach could further solidify hybrid-casual games’ role within the mobile gaming industry, potentially setting new standards for engagement and monetization in the years to come.

Source: GamesBeat