Tag: UK

• Leamington Spa-based mobile game developer and publisher hits milestone with overseas studios in Bangalore and Beijing underway

• Kwalee has grown rapidly in 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic, recruiting globally while embracing remote work for the first time

• After tripling in size over the past two years, Kwalee sets sights on more hit games and more growth, with 60+ current vacancies

Kwalee, a leading developer and publisher of hyper-casual mobile games, has expanded its team to more than 100 people after maintaining a rapid rate of growth throughout 2020.

Despite the company’s Leamington Spa headquarters lying empty for much of the year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kwalee team adapted quickly to temporary remote working measures and released multiple hit games in 2020, including Bake It, Line Up: Draw the Criminal and Let’s Be Cops 3D.

This facilitated growth across all disciplines and departments, from Publishing Managers to Game Designers, with Kwalee welcoming team members from as far afield as Turkey, the Philippines, India, Spain and China. And while Kwalee has always recruited internationally, 2020 was the year in which the company cemented its global outlook by permanently opening several positions to remote workers and committing to open new studios in Bangalore and Beijing. Across all locations, Kwalee has more than 50 open positions.

Founded and led by games industry legend David Darling CBE, a co-founder and former CEO of Codemasters, Kwalee has become one of the UK’s biggest gaming success stories while specialising in hyper-casual games – a style of mobile games that are defined by their accessibility and designed to be played in short bursts. Kwalee has become a leading developer and publisher in this space and has racked up nearly half a billion downloads worldwide.

Kwalee has also earned itself a reputation for being a rewarding workplace, not least for the weekly ‘Creative Wednesdays’ where anyone in the company can pitch their game ideas and vote on which ones get made. This also ties into a generous profit share bonus scheme, which surpassed £1 million in payouts in February 2020.

“We’re extremely proud to have expanded the Kwalee team to more than 100 people – particularly in such a challenging year,” said CEO David Darling. “Our rate of growth has been phenomenal and we all look forward to that continuing, both in Leamington Spa and internationally.

With so many vacant positions still open and big plans for 2021 and beyond, we can’t wait to welcome many more great people to help us release many more great games. Between remote working and the overseas studios we’re building, there are now more options than ever for the world’s best talent to work with us, which is very exciting indeed.”

Jithin Rosh, based in Bangalore, became Kwalee’s 100th team member. Joining as Marketing Artist & Animator, he commented:

“Working for a gaming studio like Kwalee is truly exciting! All my life I’ve been playing games – now I’m part of that process, making games with fun and talented people. I’m very happy to be here and to be Kwalee’s 100th employee!”

While much of the online bingo industry chugs through life MrQ.com could well be likened to a bullet train this year; fast moving, revolutionary and full of momentum as we hurtle towards 2021. The next stop for the online bingo site is in teaming up with the week-long charity event RailAid, in partnership with The Railway Children.

RailAid, which runs for the week commencing 23^rd November with a series of fund-raising events, will be taking advantage of the MrQ bingo technology on Tuesday 24^th November with the first game departing at 7pm.

The website has enabled RailAid to run their bingo event remotely, having previously been planned as a live event. Current COVID-19 restrictions have forced the event to be hosted online and MrQ have been selected as the most user-friendly bingo platform for the diverse RailAid audience.

Head of Fundraising, Jack Miller commented, “We’re very much looking forward to working alongside MrQ and are grateful for their support in creating the event. We reviewed several options and it was clear that MrQ could provide the smoothest user experience and bespoke gameplay for our audience.”

The event will run in conjunction with a YouTube live stream, hosted by Strictly winner and Emmerdale actor, Kelvin Fletcher. He’ll be guiding the players through the night with sponsored prizes and live player chat interaction.

To get involved and buy tickets for the first game of the night, head to MrQ.com/RailAid. Of course, all proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to The Railway Children.

Slot provider’s games launched on growing UK brand

Casino game and software developer Red Tiger has partnered with SpaceCasino in a deal which further enhances its presence in the UK.

The core stable of Red Tiger’s hit titles is now integrated into the rising star casino, including classics such as Piggy Riches MegaWays, Dynamite Riches and the smash hit Gonzo’s Quest MegaWays.

SpaceCasino is a fast-growing brand in the UK online market, committed to delivering an outstanding and a secure casino and betting experience, with eyes on further expansion across Europe.

Red Tiger’s Head of Account Management, Nick Vuchev, said: “SpaceCasino is a real challenger brand in the competitive UK market and we’re super delighted to be partnering with them.

“Our games are proven performers in the UK, as they are in regulated jurisdictions around the world, and we are looking forward to rolling out new games with SpaceCasino there in the coming months.”

Cem Sisman, CEO at STech, said: “Delivering the highest quality products to our customers is paramount here at STech and providing players with the best games on the market has always been our driving force.

“We plan to increase the number of our brands in the near future, and it is great to have Red Tiger on board as we extend our reach to an even larger audience with SpaceCasino in the UK.”