Spain: A Vital Engine for Monopoly Go Developer Scopely
Scopely, the developer behind the multi-billion dollar mobile game Monopoly Go, employs over 1,100 staff across Spain, marking the country as a crucial part of its operations. The company has established a significant presence in Seville with nearly 150 employees and considers its Barcelona studio the "primary international engine" in Spain. This expansion began in 2017 when Scopely co-CEO Javier Ferrera, a native Spaniard, recognized the potential in the region.
Spain has since evolved into one of Scopely's most strategic global markets, bolstered by acquisitions of local companies such as the casual mobile studio Genjoy in 2020 and Barcelona-based Omnidrone in 2022. The teams in Spain are also integral to developing Scopely's in-house technology platform, Playgami, which supports a variety of games, alongside the creative agency Flamed, established in Barcelona. This growth has significantly contributed to Scopely's ranking as the top mobile game maker in PocketGamer.biz’s Top 50 list for 2024.
Néstor Pequeño, Scopely's director of operations, emphasizes Barcelona's unique blend of world-class talent and international appeal, creating an ecosystem where creativity meets technical expertise. While Barcelona remains a powerhouse for mobile and live operations, other cities like Madrid, Seville, Valencia, and Malaga are emerging as vital tech hubs, each developing its own creative culture. The Canary Islands are also noteworthy as the local government incentivizes the gaming industry with tax benefits, aiming to transform the region into a strategic gaming hub.
Pequeño points out the dual heritage of Spain's gaming sector, where Barcelona excels in mobile and live operations, while Madrid has a stronger focus on PC and console development. This diversity presents opportunities for convergence, enabling cross-platform experiences that leverage the strengths of both sectors. A prime example is Stumble Guys, which transitioned from a mobile-first game to a cross-platform hit.
However, Pequeño acknowledges challenges facing Spain’s gaming industry, particularly in scaling and fragmentation. With around 500 registered companies and an additional 300 operating as projects, the gap between innovative ideas and sustainable businesses is evident. Access to capital and long-term support is crucial for smaller studios aiming to compete globally.
Why it matters
Despite these challenges, Pequeño remains optimistic about the future of Spain’s gaming sector, citing its rich talent pool, international reach, and technical expertise. Scopely is committed to nurturing this ecosystem by collaborating with universities to ensure that upcoming professionals are ready for the industry. Pequeño believes that the broader ecosystem—including universities, training centers, and smaller studios—will be essential in establishing Spain as a sustainable hub for the long term.
Original source
PocketGamer.biz
