Skillz (NYSE: SKLZ), a mobile games platform known for its competitive play and real-money tournaments, has acquired select assets from Beamable, a backend and LiveOps provider for live-service games. The move is part of Skillz’s ongoing strategy to provide developers with more robust tools for building, operating, and monetizing mobile games.
By integrating Beamable’s technology into its ecosystem, Skillz aims to offer developers a unified platform that combines backend services, LiveOps features, and meta-game systems. The acquisition is designed to reduce the need for separate backend infrastructure and allow developers to focus on game design and player engagement.
Andrew Paradise, CEO and founder of Skillz, explained that the integration will provide developers with additional flexibility and control over their games. “With Beamable’s technology, we’re adding modern backend services, meta-game systems, LiveOps capabilities, and AI-native tools to the Skillz platform. This allows developers to engage players more effectively while leveraging the competition, payments, and integrity systems already built into Skillz,” Paradise said.
Beamable is known for offering a developer-friendly backend platform that includes identity management, microservices architecture, analytics, LiveOps tooling, and content management. These tools complement Skillz’s existing services, which include matchmaking, real-money competition, loyalty programs, and player identity verification. According to Jon Radoff, CEO of Beamable, the integration with Skillz will create a single platform where developers can build richer games, operate them efficiently, and scale monetization strategies more effectively than with standalone tools.
What This Means for Mobile Game Development
For developers, the integration of Beamable’s technology into Skillz’s platform provides access to advanced backend services alongside existing competition and payment systems. It allows teams to implement live events, progression mechanics, and meta-game features without building custom infrastructure. The acquisition also supports both real-money and non-real-money gaming experiences, streamlining operations and reducing reliance on external backend providers or hyperscaler platforms.
Additionally, Skillz plans to introduce new AI-native products to support game development and content creation. These enhancements are expected to accelerate development timelines and improve operational efficiency while maintaining a focus on competitive play.
Skillz SDK Updates and GDC 2026
Skillz will provide a roadmap for the combined platform through upcoming SDK updates, with details to be shared before the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in March 2026. The phased integration of Beamable’s technology will allow developers to adopt new tools gradually, ensuring a smooth transition and enabling Skillz to incorporate developer feedback during the process.
The acquisition reflects Skillz’s commitment to simplifying game development and enhancing the mobile gaming ecosystem, while also creating potential opportunities for future web3 integrations within competitive gaming experiences.
Make sure to check out our articles about top games to play in 2026:
Best Nintendo Switch Games for 2026
Best First-Person Shooters for 2026
Best PlayStation Indie Games for 2026
Best Multiplayer Games for 2026
Most Anticipated Games of 2026
Top Game Releases for January 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Beamable, and why did Skillz acquire it?
Beamable provides backend services, LiveOps tools, and meta-game systems for live-service games. Skillz acquired its assets to expand developer capabilities and integrate these features into its mobile gaming platform.
How will the acquisition affect Skillz developers?
Developers will gain access to advanced backend and LiveOps features alongside Skillz’s competition, payment, and identity systems. This enables richer game content, live events, and progression without building custom infrastructure.
Will this support real-money and free-to-play games?
Yes, the integrated platform will support both real-money and non-real-money gaming experiences, giving developers flexibility across different monetization models.
When will the new features be available?
Skillz plans to share details of the combined platform and SDK enhancements ahead of GDC 2026, with a phased rollout of Beamable’s tools for developers.
Does this acquisition impact web3 development?
While the announcement primarily focuses on mobile and live-service games, the enhanced backend and LiveOps systems could support future web3 integrations within the Skillz ecosystem.
