In a strategic move to diversify its portfolio, leading mobile games publisher Voodoo has announced the acquisition of Gen Z-focused social media platform BeReal. The deal values BeReal at €500 million, marking a significant step for Voodoo in expanding its reach into consumer apps beyond its traditional mobile gaming stronghold.

Voodoo Acquires Social Media Platform BeReal for €500M

Over 7 Billion Downloads

Founded in 2013, Voodoo is a tech company dedicated to creating mobile games and apps aimed at entertaining a global audience. With 800 employees, over 7 billion downloads, and more than 150 million active users, Voodoo ranks as the third-largest mobile publisher worldwide in terms of downloads, following Google and Meta.

Voodoo is known for its popular mobile games like Helix Jump and Block Jam 3D. With this latest acquisition, Voodoo aims to leverage its expertise in product strategy and growth to enhance BeReal's platform and user base. Voodoo has also supposedly been working on blockchain games and other mobile IPs.

“BeReal achieved incredible user loyalty and growth, showing there is a universal need to share real, unfiltered experiences with close friends,” said Alexandre Yazdi, Voodoo co-founder and CEO. “We are very excited to bring our teams together and leverage Voodoo’s know-how and differentiated technologies to scale BeReal into the iconic social network for authenticity.”

Voodoo Over 7 Billion Downloads

BeReal: The Authentic Social Network

Founded in 2019, BeReal has enhanced the social media landscape by promoting genuine connections over curated content. The app prompts users daily to post a snapshot of their current activity within a two-minute window, fostering an environment of authenticity. Unlike other platforms, BeReal eschews traditional social metrics like likes and followers, reducing social anxiety and encouraging real moments.

In 2022, BeReal topped the Apple App Store charts as the #1 social networking app and was named the iPhone ‘App of the Year’ in Apple’s App Store Awards. With more than 40 million active users, BeReal is particularly popular in the USA, Japan, and France, with half of its users engaging with the app at least six days a week.

BeReal Screenshots

A New Growth Chapter Supported by Voodoo

BeReal stands at a critical juncture, poised for its next phase of growth. With Voodoo’s platform and expertise, BeReal will focus on innovating new features and expanding through both organic and paid marketing efforts. Voodoo’s track record in scaling mobile products positions it well to support BeReal’s ambitions.

“Voodoo has a proven track record of driving significant growth in mobile apps. Their resources and expertise will help bring BeReal on a sustainable growth path while continuing to deliver on its mission to create an authentic world that keeps you connected with the people you really care about,” said Alexis Barreyat, BeReal founder and CEO.

Aymeric Roffé, currently CEO of Voodoo’s social media app Wizz, will take over as CEO of BeReal. Barreyat will work closely with Roffé and Voodoo’s management team during the integration phase to ensure a seamless transition.

Voodoo Latest Releases 

Relevance to Blockchain Gaming

This acquisition holds particular significance for the blockchain gaming sector, where the values of authenticity and transparency are paramount. By combining BeReal's focus on genuine user experiences with Voodoo's expertise in mobile gaming and blockchain technology, there is potential to introduce new social features within blockchain games.

This could enhance user engagement and trust in blockchain gaming ecosystems, using BeReal's authentic social interactions to create more connected and immersive gaming experiences. As Voodoo expands its offerings, this strategic move places it in a strong position to innovate in both social media and blockchain gaming.

Voodoo Case Studies

Final Thoughts

Voodoo has demonstrated its capability to manage complex acquisitions, as evidenced by its successful purchase and development of the gaming studio BeachBum in 2021. This experience will be instrumental in integrating BeReal and unlocking its full potential.

This acquisition marks a pivotal moment for both companies, promising to deliver enhanced user experiences and significant growth in the social media landscape.