Daniel Stammler, Co-founder of Kolibri Games, shares the journey of achieving a 9-figure exit in mobile gaming. They discuss the appeal of idle games, challenges in the market, key strategies for success like rigorous research and agile development. Daniel also talks about the current mobile gaming landscape, investible opportunities, and balancing commercial sense with creative passion.
Success in mobile gaming requires rigorous research and agile development.
Balancing commercial viability and creativity is key for mobile game studio success.
Deep dives
Genesis of the Mobile Story and Appeal of Idle Games
In 2016, despite warnings about the mobile gaming market saturation, Daniel Stamler ventured into mobile gaming with an emphasis on idle games. The appeal of idle games lies in providing continuous progress and reward to players without frustrations experienced in shooter games.
Challenges and Opportunities in Mobile Gaming
Despite discouragement due to market saturation in mobile gaming in 2016, Colibri Games took the leap. Stamler credits timing and approach for their success. By extensively studying top mobile games, they identified what worked, leading to the creation of a game blending elements of popular titles.
Navigating Growth in Mobile Gaming
Colibri Games' success was attributed to being at the right place at the right time. They focused on learning from successful games and iterating rapidly. This approach allowed them to capitalize on player preferences and avoid potential pitfalls, leading to sustainable growth.
Keys to Investing in a Mobile Gaming Studio
When considering investments in mobile gaming studios, understanding the team's adaptability, alignment with market demands, and a balanced business mindset are crucial. Successful studios recognize the need for commercial viability while maintaining a creative spark for game development success.
How do you achieve a 9-figure exit in mobile gaming?
In this episode of Growth Masterminds, host John Koetsier chats with Daniel Stammler, co-founder of Kolibri Games, known for the Idle Tycoon series.
Daniel shares his journey from dropping out of university in 2016 to selling his game studio to Ubisoft for a nine-figure sum. They discuss the appeal of idle games, the challenges faced entering a crowded mobile game market, and key strategies that led to their success, including rigorous research and an agile development process.
Daniel also offers insights on the current mobile gaming landscape, investible opportunities, and the importance of balancing commercial sense with creative passion.
00:00 Introduction: Is It Too Late for Mobile Gaming?
00:54 The Appeal of Idle Games
02:15 Starting a Game Studio in 2016
03:39 Keys to Success: Luck and Strategy
06:02 Building and Launching the First Game
09:25 The Importance of Agile Development
13:18 Current Mobile Gaming Landscape
20:46 Investing in Mobile Games
26:21 Challenges and Future of Mobile Gaming
33:11 Conclusion: Insights and Final Thoughts
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