Overview

Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Berlin, Legendary Play (formerly META Games) is a multi-game mobile studio creating titles for esports fans. The company has launched the successful esports manager game RIVALS, and will deploy the new capital to release further titles, keeping at the forefront of the intersection between esports and mobile gaming.

The transaction further establishes Flow Partners’ position as a leading advisor to gaming, esports and digital media disruptors, and highlights our footprint in European venture deals.

Transaction Background

Roman Frank, Legendary Play's CEO, said in a statement: “By 2026, there will be 970 million esports fans worldwide, and 70% of those fans play mobile games. We are creating mobile titles that provide a way for engaged fans to live their passion in a more casual setting. While we have started with manager games, our long-term vision is to roll out a diverse portfolio of esport-themed games including casual games, role-playing games, and story adventure games.”

Jens Hilgers, BITKRAFT's Founding General Partner, added: “By developing mobile games that address the entire audience of esports fans worldwide, Legendary Play is tapping into a passionate yet underserved market. The team has laid a strong foundation with the success of RIVALS and I’m excited to see them bring their additional games in the pipeline to life as they continue to cater to the needs of esports fans.”

Arnd Benninghoff, MTG’s EVP of Esports and Games, commented: “MTG is excited to support Legendary Play on their continued growth journey. Their strategy and founding team are well aligned with our highly selective and targeted investment strategy and we’re proud to be the co-leaders of this investment round. Legendary Play is targeting a well defined and passionate slice of the gaming community and we look forward to following their progress closely going forward.”

About Legendary Play

Founded in 2017, Legendary Play (formerly META Games) is a Berlin-based mobile gaming studio catering to esports fans. The company has launched the successful esports manager game RIVALS, and will deploy the new capital to release further titles, keeping at the forefront of the intersection between esports and mobile gaming.

About Modern Times Group

MTG is an international gaming group that owns and operates gaming studios with popular global IPs across a wide range of casual and mid-core genres. The group is focused on accelerating portfolio company growth and supporting founders and entrepreneurs. MTG is an active driver of gaming industry consolidation and a strategic acquirer of gaming companies around the world. MTG is born in Sweden but has an international culture and global footprint. MTG's shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm under the symbols ‘MTGA’ and ‘MTGB’.

About BITKRAFT Ventures

BITKRAFT is a global investment platform for gaming, Web3, and immersive technology. BITKRAFT focuses on Seed, Series A, and Series B investments in game studios, gaming platforms, and gaming-related technology. BITKRAFT was founded in 2016 by gaming and esports veteran Jens Hilgers—founder of ESL, G2 Esports, and Bayes Holding.

About Flow Partners

Flow Partners is a modern advisory firm providing independent corporate finance advice to companies and investors that shape the global digital ecosystem. Flow was founded in 2020 and operates globally with presence in London, Berlin, Warsaw and Miami.

For more information, please visit www.flowpartners.io

Enquiries

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