9-figure exit: how Idle Tycoon grew so big

Growth Masterminds: mobile growth podcast

How do you achieve a 9-figure exit in mobile gaming? In this episode of Growth Masterminds, host John Koetsier chats with Daniel Stammler, co-founder of Kolibri Games, known for the Idle Tycoon series. Daniel shares his journey from dropping out of university in 2016 to selling his game studio to Ubisoft for a nine-figure sum. They discuss the appeal of idle games, the challenges faced entering a crowded mobile game market, and key strategies that led to their success, including rigorous research and an agile development process. Daniel also offers insights on the current mobile gaming landscape, investible opportunities, and the importance of balancing commercial sense with creative passion. 00:00 Introduction: Is It Too Late for Mobile Gaming? 00:54 The Appeal of Idle Games 02:15 Starting a Game Studio in 2016 03:39 Keys to Success: Luck and Strategy 06:02 Building and Launching the First Game 09:25 The Importance of Agile Development 13:18 Current Mobile Gaming Landscape 20:46 Investing in Mobile Games 26:21 Challenges and Future of Mobile Gaming 33:11 Conclusion: Insights and Final Thoughts