The trend towards online browser-based games continues to attract the attention of VCs who recognise that this will be the platform of choice going forward. Thus it is that Finnish game developer Supercell has secured a large series A investment of $12 million from Accel Partners which has already invested in Rovio (maker of Angry Birds), Playfish, Gameforge and Mind Candy (Moshi Monsters). Such a large Series A Joining the round is Klaas Kersting, founder of German browser-game giant Gameforge and currently CEO of flaregames. London Venture Partners, one of Supercell’s previous investors, also participated. Previous investors include Initial Capital, Cerval Investments and Lifeline Ventures.
Supercell’s has so far created 165 games across 12 platforms, aiming at a sweet spot in social games which are also easier to deal with than massively-multiplayer games like World of Warcraft.
Founded in June 2010, it’s developed Gunshine, typical of the approach in that it can be developed in an agile manner and roll out features in co-operation with its fan community, unlike MMOs which required regular software updates.
The kinds of games Supercell wants to create sit between browser-based massively-multiplayer games and social games. Games are free to play and virtual goods are the main revenue source. Users can also sign in via Facebook and play games with friends.
Accel partner Kevin Comolli revealed to me that the team is largely made up of people who are ex-Digital Cholocate, the legendary games house, including CEO Ilkka Paananen who worked there for about a decade.
This goes some way to explaining why this team is producing such games at such a level.
