Nodwin Gaming's Singapore Branch Acquires Full Ownership of Nazara's Game Marketing Agency, Publishment

05 Oct, 2023

Nodwin Gaming's Singapore Branch Acquires Full Ownership of Nazara's Game Marketing Agency, Publishment

Nodwin Gaming's Singapore unit has made a significant move in the gaming and esports industry by acquiring a 100 percent stake in the game marketing agency, Publishme, for a total sum of $2 million. This acquisition was completed by Nodwin Gaming's subsidiary, Nodwin Gaming International Pte Ltd, which is based in Singapore. They purchased an 82.81 percent stake from Nazara's Dubai unit for $2 million in cash and the remaining 17.19 percent stake from Ozgur Ozalp for $1.

As part of this strategic acquisition, Publishme will undergo a rebranding process and change its name to Nodwin Gaming in the Middle East. However, it will retain the Publishme name in its original market, Turkey. Furthermore, Ozgur Ozalp, one of the co-founders of Publishme, will take on the role of CEO for Nodwin Gaming Dubai.

This acquisition serves as a crucial step in Nodwin Gaming's efforts to enhance its international presence and expand its solutions for brands and publishers. The company has been actively pursuing global expansion, with a particular focus on the BRICS global network, which includes countries like Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Argentina.

Akshat Rathee, co-founder of Nodwin Gaming, expressed the significance of this acquisition, stating, "This strategic acquisition not only brings in a host of new opportunities but also paves the way for a multitude of fresh possibilities for us as a leading gaming and esports media company."

Nitish Mittersain, CEO of Nazara, also recognized the potential synergies between Nodwin Gaming and Publishme. He highlighted that this transaction would enable Nodwin Gaming to establish a stronger presence in the Middle East esports market.

Publishme, the gaming marketing agency in question, specializes in collaborating with game publishers in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. Its services encompass assisting companies with game launch plans, managing social media strategies, sponsorship arrangements, and activation campaigns. In June 2021, Nazara Technologies had acquired a majority stake in Publishme for Rs 20 crore.

Over the past year, Nodwin Gaming has been actively expanding its offerings in both the Indian and international markets. This expansion strategy has involved a series of acquisitions and investments. Notable moves include the purchase of a 51 percent stake in Singapore-based live events firm Branded, a 10.26 percent stake in digital media firm Rusk Media, and the acquisition of the gaming and adjacent IP businesses of OML Entertainment, which includes the popular NH7 Weekender music festival.

Nodwin Gaming's diversified portfolio also includes a 35 percent stake in gaming accessories maker Brandscale Innovations, known for its high-quality and affordable gaming audio gear under the brand name "Wings," as well as the acquisition of comics, pop culture, and superheroes merchandising retailer Planet Superheroes.

With its various intellectual properties, which include prominent tournaments, festivals, and conferences in esports, gaming, music, comedy, and live experiences, Nodwin Gaming continues to captivate gaming enthusiasts worldwide. The company operates from multiple offices located in South Asia, Singapore, the Middle East, and Turkey.

In May 2023, Nodwin Gaming secured $28 million in funding from new investors, including Sony Group Corporation and Innopark, as well as existing investors like Nazara, Krafton, and JetSynthesys. This funding round valued the company at $349 million, marking a significant increase from its previous valuation of $135 million in March 2021. Nodwin Gaming's growth trajectory showcases its determination to remain a key player in the ever-expanding gaming and esports ecosystem.