Finnish mobile game studio Metacore is making headlines with its latest strategic moves — opening its first overseas location in Berlin and acquiring Helsinki-based animation studio Piñata. The studio’s decision comes on the heels of its highly successful year, marked by the unprecedented popularity of its mystery puzzle game, Merge Mansion, which recently achieved a remarkable 50 million downloads. Metacore, founded in 2020, has experienced substantial growth, expanding its team from 15 to over 170 professionals in just three years, and the trend continues with its European expansion.
CEO Mika Tammenkoski expressed the company’s excitement about the Berlin venture, stating, “We’ve been planning our expansion and vetting different markets for quite some time now to support our growth and talent acquisition. Berlin not only has some of the top games talent in the world, but it’s also a hotspot for creative industries and entertainment. We can’t wait to contribute to and collaborate with this vibrant ecosystem.”
Berlin will serve as the initial base for the company’s newly established feature team, focusing on further developing Merge Mansion. Metacore also has multiple new games in the pipeline and is actively hiring in both Helsinki and Berlin to facilitate these projects.
Known for its emphasis on storytelling, Metacore has garnered a reputation for innovative marketing campaigns featuring Hollywood star power, including Kathy Bates and Pedro Pascal. The acquisition of Piñata, a long-time animation partner, aligns seamlessly with Metacore’s commitment to enhancing its creative capabilities.
Tammenkoski emphasized the broader mission, stating, “Traditionally, mobile games have been apps on your phone. Our mission is to create entertainment with our games but also with our marketing and community building. Piñata brings us not only animation skills and abilities but creative storytelling for both our games and marketing efforts.”
With 15 years of experience working with global gaming, advertising, and entertainment brands, Piñata has evolved from a provider of single illustrations to a creative storytelling concept and production studio. The specific details and price of the acquisition deal remain undisclosed.
In 2022, Metacore achieved significant financial success, generating 129 million euros in revenue. As the company sets its sights on further expansion and creative exploration, these recent strategic moves mark a bold step toward shaping the future of the mobile gaming industry.