The gaming industry is flourishing like never before, and Europe is at the forefront of this revolution. With a rich history of game development and innovation, Europe has become a hub for some of the most exciting and influential gaming companies in the world. In this article, we'll explore the top gaming companies in Europe, why choosing Europe for gaming is a smart move, how to pick the right game publisher, and more.
How to pick a game publisher?
Selecting the right game publisher is a crucial step for any game developer. A game publisher can make or break the success of a game, as they handle everything from distribution to marketing. When looking for a game publisher, consider factors like their track record, experience in the gaming industry, and their vision aligning with yours. The partnership should be built on trust and shared goals.
Why choose Europe to find gaming companies?
Europe has emerged as a gaming powerhouse, offering a diverse and vibrant ecosystem for both game developers and players. Here's why Europe is a prime destination for finding gaming companies:
Rich Gaming History: Europe boasts a rich history of game development, with iconic titles and companies that have shaped the industry. This legacy fuels a culture of innovation and creativity.
Talent Pool: European countries are home to top-notch universities and institutions that produce skilled game developers, designers, and artists. This talent pool contributes to the creation of high-quality games.
Cultural Diversity: Europe's cultural diversity is reflected in its games, resulting in a wide range of genres and themes that appeal to players across the globe.
Strong Support Ecosystem: European governments and organizations provide support to startups and gaming companies, fostering an environment of growth and sustainability.
Top gaming companies in Europe
Let's dive into the heart of the matter – the top gaming companies in Europe that are shaping the future of the industry:
1. HitBerry Games (Porto, Portugal)
HitBerry Games is a mobile games development studio with vast experience in creating successful games in various genres. Their portfolio boasts mobile games developed for major industry players such as Homa, Moonee, CrazyLabs, Gismart, Zplay, TapNation, and more.
Specializing in all aspects of mobile game development, they ensure top-notch quality and captivating gameplay.
Their professional team of game developers provides every client with a vast range of services, including:
branded games development,
hyper- and hybrid-casual games,
NFT game development,
mid-core games development,
idle games development,
AR/VR game development, etc.
2. Raw Fury (Stockholm, Sweden)
Raw Fury is a game publisher that designs and publishes indie games across various platforms and devices. The Stockholm-based company has raised $6.5 million and was acquired by Altor Equity Partners in August 2021 for an undisclosed amount. Raw Fury's commitment to supporting indie developers makes it a driving force in the indie gaming scene.
3. Keen Games (Frankfurt, Germany)
Keen Games, established in 2005, creates games for various platforms. In July 2021, the startup raised $10 million in Series B funding from Hiro Capital and Chinese telecoms giant Tencent. This funding will enable Keen Games to expand into self-publishing and empower players to create user-generated content. Keen Games' dedication to player engagement and its strategic partnerships position it as a key player in the gaming industry.
4. Bright Star Studios (Aarhus, Denmark)
Founded in 2018, Bright Star Studios is an international video game studio specializing in futuristic, massive multiplayer online games. The Danish company has raised $2.7 million to date, including a seed investment round of $2 million in May 2021. Bright Star Studios' focus on creating immersive multiplayer experiences and its innovative approach to game development set it apart in the competitive gaming landscape.
5. UnusuAll (Madrid, Spain)
UnusuAll, a Madrid-based mobile game developer, targets casual gamers looking to socialize online. Founded in 2020, the company raised a seed round of €3 million, underlining its commitment to fostering a community of social gamers. With a focus on accessibility and social interaction, UnusuAll is poised to make a significant impact in the casual gaming space.
6. Klang Games (Berlin, Germany)
Klang Games, an independent game development studio, was founded by three Icelanders in 2013. The company raised a Series B investment of $22 million in 2019 to develop a multiplayer virtual world. Klang Games' innovative approach to online worlds and its dedication to creating unique player experiences position it as a pioneer in the gaming industry.
7. Mainframe Industries (Helsinki, Finland)
Mainframe Industries, a cloud-native game studio, is developing a massively multiplayer online game. The company raised €7.6 million in Series A funding in April 2020 and has studios in both Finland and Iceland.
With a commitment to creating expansive online worlds and a strong funding history, Mainframe Industries is set to redefine the MMO gaming experience.
8. PortalOne (Oslo, Norway)
PortalOne, a Norwegian hybrid game developer, seamlessly merges mobile technology with TV-esque live game experiences and interactivity. The startup launched in 2018 and raised $15 million in seed funding in April 2021.
PortalOne's innovative approach to merging entertainment mediums and its ability to captivate players through interactive experiences position it as a trailblazer in the gaming industry.
9. Eleven Kings (Lausanne, Switzerland)
Eleven Kings invites football fans to take charge of their clubs in a free online football manager game. With an undisclosed seed round in 2020 and a partnership with football legend Ronaldinho, the startup is tapping into the passion of the global football community.
Eleven Kings' commitment to delivering an authentic football management experience and its high-profile partnerships set it apart in the gaming landscape.
10. META Games (Berlin, Germany)
META Games creates games tailored for esports fans, focusing on a sports management simulation game centered around the world of esports. The company raised a seed round of $2 million in October 2019, reflecting its commitment to enhancing the esports gaming experience. With a unique focus on esports management and a strong foothold in the esports community, META Games is a rising star in the industry.
11. Valiant Game Studio (Stockholm, Sweden)
Valiant Game Studio, an indie game company founded in 2019, takes a unique approach by releasing popular games like "Pendulum Swing" in quarterly installments, delivering an episodic gaming experience. The Swedish company's commitment to storytelling and its innovative approach to game releases position it as a captivating player in the indie gaming scene.
12. Codigames (Valencia, Spain)
Codigames develops social simulation games as mobile apps. The Spanish gaming startup launched in 2013, raising seed investment in July 2021. It is best known for the game “Heroes of War: Dragon Rings.” Codigames' focus on simulation games and its dedication to engaging player experiences position it as a player-centric company.
13. Fracture Labs (Sliema, Malta)
Maltese video game company Fracture Labs launched in 2018 and is the creative force behind the sci-fi roleplaying game "Decimated," which boasts an impressive subscriber count of 153,000.
The company's commitment to immersive storytelling and its focus on building dedicated player communities position it as a captivating presence in the gaming landscape.
14. BetaDwarf Entertainment (Copenhagen, Denmark)
Danish game developer BetaDwarf Entertainment, founded in 2010, creates games intended to build and cultivate friendships. The Copenhagen-based company has raised $8.1 million, including a $6.6 million Series
An investment in September 2019. BetaDwarf Entertainment's unique focus on social interactions and cooperative gameplay sets it apart in the gaming industry.
15. WarDucks (Dublin, Ireland)
WarDucks is an Irish game development company that specializes in AR and VR gaming experiences. The company raised a Series A investment round of €3.3 million in March 2019 to continue developing immersive gaming.
WarDucks' dedication to AR and VR experiences and its commitment to innovation make it a pioneering player in the gaming industry.
16. Daxe Games (Istanbul, Turkey)
Daxe Games, an emerging mobile games startup from Istanbul, launched in 2020. The company has successfully raised an initial seed round to further build out its burgeoning studio. Daxe Games' dedication to growth and its potential to contribute to the mobile gaming scene make it a company to watch.
17. Darewise (Paris, France)
Social gaming studio Darewise creates online multiplayer games that emphasize creativity, collaboration, and building social cohesion. The company raised €3 million in seed investment in July 2020 to grow its team of developers. Darewise's commitment to social experiences and its innovative approach to multiplayer gaming set it apart in the gaming landscape.
18. Lightheart Entertainment (Helsinki, Finland)
Lightheart Entertainment specializes in mobile games and was founded in 2019. Their first game, "Mr Autofire," has generated over $10 million in revenue, and the company raised €5.6 million in Series A funding. Lightheart Entertainment's success in the mobile gaming market and its commitment to delivering engaging mobile experiences set it apart in the industry.
19. Gunzilla Games (Frankfurt, Germany)
Gunzilla Games focuses on creating blockbuster shooter games through its independent video game studio.
Gunzilla Games' dedication to high-quality shooter experiences and its strategic funding make it a significant player in the gaming industry.
20. Labworks.io (London, United Kingdom)
Labworks.io is a voice games studio that creates voice-powered gaming experiences. The London-based company first debuted in 2017 and secured a £500,000 seed investment in April 2020 to create a subscription-based gaming platform. Labworks.io's innovative use of voice technology and its dedication to unique gaming experiences position it as a trailblazer in the gaming industry.
21. Luau (Malmö, Sweden)
Luau is an exciting mobile game developer company that has been making waves in the gaming industry. Founded in Malmö, Sweden, Luau aims to bring a fresh perspective to the world of mobile gaming.
The company was established by co-founders Michel Savariradjalou and Stephane Stamboulis. Luau's approach revolves around delivering high-quality games that cater to a wide range of players.
22. Talewind (London, United Kingdom)
Talewind is a British games studio dedicated to creating experiences within the metaverse. The gaming startup raised a seed investment of $800,000 in June 2021 to create games for the online platform Roblox. Talewind's innovative approach to metaverse experiences and its focus on emerging platforms set it apart in the gaming landscape.
23. Fatshark (Stockholm, Sweden)
Fatshark is an independent game studio that designs, develops, and publishes high-profile games for PC and consoles. With $56 million in funding, Fatshark's dedication to delivering high-quality gaming experiences and its successful portfolio of games position it as a major player in the gaming industry.
24. Mobile Games Entertainment (MGE) (Osijek, Croatia)
Croatian gaming startup MGE launched in 2019 and has published eight successful titles. The game studio helps aspiring game developers create games from concept into reality. MGE's commitment to supporting game developers and its experience in bringing concepts to life highlight its importance in the gaming industry.
25. Netspeak Games (London, United Kingdom)
London-based Netspeak Games creates online multiplayer games designed to be inclusive for all types of players. They are currently developing "Sunshine Days," an online social game available on PCs and Android devices. The pre-seed company raised £150,000 in October 2019 to pursue its vision of gaming for all. Netspeak Games' dedication to inclusivity and its focus on social gaming experiences make it a standout player in the industry.
26. AntStream Arcade (London, United Kingdom)
AntStream Arcade offers players access to a nostalgic collection of over 1000 old-school console, computer, and arcade games. The company, established in 2013, is backed by mega-investor Tencent. AntStream Arcade's unique focus on retro gaming and its strategic partnerships make it a go-to destination for gamers seeking nostalgic experiences.
27. Dazzle Rocks (Helsinki, Finland)
Dazzle Rocks is a games development studio based in Helsinki, connecting global players through immersive social experiences.
They empower players to create and expand communities together in an evolving massive multiplayer online world, known as a "Social Sandbox."
With $6.8 million in funding, Dazzle Rocks is dedicated to shaping the future of social gaming.
29. Quarks Interactive (Miercurea-ciuc, Romania)
Quarks Interactive aims to educate young people about quantum physics through compelling video games. The Romanian startup raised a pre-seed fund of €115,000 in 2020 and is dedicated to making quantum literacy accessible with its puzzles and interactive learning modules. Quarks Interactive's unique educational approach and commitment to blending gaming with learning make it a pioneering presence in the gaming landscape.
26. Playpulse (Oslo, Norway)
Oslo-based Playpulse transforms physical exercise into a video game experience through the Playpulse ONE exercise bike. Their innovative blend of fitness and gaming aims to make staying active more engaging. As part of its physical gaming experience, Playpulse also offers multiplayer gaming capabilities, bringing a competitive edge to its unique format.
FAQs
What is the biggest game company in Europe?
The biggest game company in Europe varies based on different metrics such as revenue, market capitalization, and user base. Companies like Ubisoft, CD Projekt Red, and Supercell are considered among the top gaming companies in Europe due to their successful game titles and global influence.
What is the #1 gaming brand?
Determining the #1 gaming brand is subjective and can vary based on different factors such as brand recognition, revenue, and user loyalty. Brands like Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox are recognized as major players in the gaming industry, each with its unique strengths and offerings.
What is the biggest game publisher in Europe?
Ubisoft, a multinational video game company headquartered in France, is often considered one of the biggest game publishers in Europe. With a vast portfolio of popular game franchises and a global presence, Ubisoft holds a significant position in the gaming industry.
To Sum Up
Europe's gaming industry is a thriving hub of innovation, creativity, and diverse gaming experiences. From established giants to emerging startups, the region is home to a wide array of gaming companies that shape the future of gaming worldwide.
As the industry continues to evolve, these companies are at the forefront of delivering groundbreaking games and experiences that captivate players across the globe. Whether you're a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, Europe's gaming scene offers something for everyone, making it an exciting time to be part of the gaming community.