In this episode, Mika Tammenkoski, the CEO and co-founder of Metacore shared the evolution of his gaming company since its inception in 2020. From a small team prototyping smartwatch games to novel merge mechanics, the company has grown to 190+ members.
The studio’s first global hit game Merge Mansion already has over 50 million players. Metacore is one of the fastest growing game companies in Europe, with EUR 129 million in revenue in 2022 and a team of 190 professionals. The company has raised EUR 180 million in funding from Supercell and is one of their portfolio companies.
Mika talks about the company's early meetings and experiences, his personal journey into the gaming industry, and the decision to shift focus from new technologies to more established gaming markets.
He also sheds light on the company's culture and the vital importance of a robust talent acquisition strategy. Furthermore, Mika provides insights on Metacore's expansion plans, with a new studio in Berlin and operations extending to other games.
00:00 Introduction and Background of Metacore
00:31 Interview with Mika, CEO and Co-founder of Metacore
01:48 Mika's Journey into the Gaming Industry
04:47 Mika's Experience at Digital Chocolate
08:08 Founding of Everywear Games and Transition to Metacore
10:28 Challenges and Learnings from Previous Ventures
17:06 The Birth of Merge Mansion
18:49 The Testing and Iteration Process of Merge Mansion
23:55 Reflections on the Development Process
27:10 The Journey of Game Development and Company Growth
28:06 Challenges and Learnings from Global Launch
28:43 Understanding the Role of Story and Advertising in Gaming
29:37 The Evolution of Company Culture
30:37 Influence of Other Cultures and the Importance of Adaptability
32:40 The Importance of Talent Acquisition and Internal Growth
34:33 Reflections on Company Growth and Expansion
34:59 The Importance of Defining and Evolving Company Culture
43:18 Looking Forward: Future Aspirations and Expansion Plans for Metacore
47:33 Challenges and Strategies in Scaling Skills and Leadership
48:03 The Role of Community in the Gaming Industry
53:50 Closing Thoughts: The Importance of Inspiration and Continuous Learning
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