Weekly News Digest #36

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MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

Sweden-based tech and gaming group Aonic has acquired US-based market research company Prime Insights for more than $250m. The deal supports Aonic’s ambition of creating an industry-leading rewards platform. Prime Insights operates mobile and web platforms that conduct online consumer surveys and programmatic data collection, reaching over 50 million users and generating approximately $300m in annual revenue. This marks Aonic’s largest deal to date, following its $10m investment in Turkey-based mobile gaming discovery and loyalty platform Mega Fortuna in Jan’25. Subscribe to our Patreon to access a complete history of Aonic Group’s previous transactions.

UK-based Speech Graphics has acquired US-based OC3 Entertainment, the developer behind the facial animation tool FaceFX, for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition aims to consolidate leadership in facial animation technology and expand the company’s ability to deliver high-fidelity animation solutions for game developers, animation studios, and digital experiences. The deal includes the FaceFX intellectual property and the integration of OC3’s technical leadership into Speech Graphics. As part of the acquisition, Jamie Redmond, co-founder and CTO of OC3 Entertainment, has joined Speech Graphics.

Cyprus-based GDEV (NASDAQ: GDEV) has increased its equity stake in Cyprus-based mobile game developer Royal Ark to 57% by exercising a conversion option, although the financial terms of the transaction remain undisclosed. The deal reinforces the partnership around Royal Ark’s new game, Idle Zombie Miner, and supports continued studio growth. Idle Zombie Miner has generated $23m in revenue and reached 17 million installs during H1’25. GDEV initially acquired a 49.5% stake in the developer for $4.95m in Jan’22. Royal Ark retains management autonomy under the new agreement.

Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya Investment Company, developer of Qiddiya City, has acquired US-based esports organization RTS, the co-owner of the Evolution Championship Series fighting game tournament, for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition expands Qiddiya’s esports vertical. Qiddiya, owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, had previously invested in RTS in Aug’25.

VENTURE FINANCING

Web3 game studio GLHF has raised $2.3m in a funding round led by 1confirmation, with participation from crypto angels. The funds will be used to scale the development of its crypto-RPG, Gigaverse, by adding new features and game modes, starting with an expansive open-world update. Since launch, the game has attracted 75,000+ accounts and generated $4.5m in revenue in its first six months.

Saudi Arabia-based mobile games developer Symmetric Studio has raised $300k in accelerator funding from Exel by Merak, the gaming accelerator of Merak Capital. The funding will accelerate the development of its debut hybrid-casual title, Valley of Fog. The deal is more likely part of Exel’s investment in 17 gaming studios announced at the end of Aug’25.

Poland-based PC & Console games developer Pretty Soon has secured an undisclosed investment from Agnitio Capital. As part of the deal, Agnitio Capital Managing Director & Founder Shum Singh will join Pretty Soon’s Board of Directors.

PUBLIC OFFERINGS

US-based VC firm a16z has launched its Speedrun 6 accelerator program. The 12-week program will provide up to $1m in funding, office hours with investors and operators, expert-led sessions in marketing, go-to-market strategy, and AI, as well as networking opportunities. Applications are being accepted until the end of Sep’25. The previous Speedrun program was launched in Mar’25.

COMPANY REPORTS