Softbank continues showing strong interest in mobile games
Softbank, a Japanese telecommunications corporation, has invested some $1.53 billion in a mobile games developer based in Finland. Per the investment, Softbank now owns a 51% stake in Supercell, developer of popular games like Clash of Clans and Hay Day. Despite the success of its games, Supercell is still considered a small development studio, but the developer is growing quickly and has established a formidable presence in the mobile games space.
Supercell boasts of strong revenue in games sector
Supercell has surpassed Zynga in terms of market value. The developer is currently valued at $3 billion and the developer’s games produce estimated daily revenue of over $2.4 million. The majority of this revenue comes from in-game purchases on virtual items and digital currencies. The financial clout that Supercell represents demonstrates the economic promise that can be found in the mobile games sector. As mobile games continue to grow in popularity, large companies like Softbank are looking to establish a lead in the sector.
Global game industry revenue expected to hit $86 billion by 2016
Market research firm Newzoo predicts that the global revenue produced by the game industry as a whole will reach $86.1 billion by 2016. The firm expects the mobile games sector to grow quickly over that time, accounting for approximately 30% of global gaming revenue. Mobile games currently represent 17% of the revenue produced within the game industry. Consumers have shown that they are willing to spend money on mobile games despite the fact that the majority of these games are free to play.
Softbank aims for the global stage with mobile games
Approximately 20% of the investment coming from Softbank will be funneled through the company’s own mobile games studio, GungHo Online Entertainment. Softbank has already established a formidable presence in the Asian game market through its subsidiaries, but the company is not turning its interests to the global stage. Softbank is well positioned to compete with other large companies, such as Electronic Arts, that have begun entering into the mobile games sector.
Mobile payments company uses Square as an example
Mint, an Australian mobile payments company, has been negotiating with three of the largest banks in Australia concerning the launch of a new mobile commerce platform. The company intends for the platform to emulate a similar platform designed by one of the leading companies in the mobile commerce field: Square. U.S.-based Square boasts of one of the most widely used and successful mobile payments services in the world, making it an attractive example for Mint’s initiative.
Mint to base new solution off of Square platform
Mint develops a variety of white label mobile payments applications for several companies interested in engaging mobile consumers. The company recently attained accreditation from Bendigo Bank, giving it the green light to pursue a new payment card initiative. Last month, Mint launched a small card reader designed for smartphones in New Zealand. The reader can process payments from credit cards, making mobile commerce somewhat more accessible to consumers without NFC-enabled devices. This particular product is being used by more than 1,000 Bank of New Zealand customers.
Regulations may impede success
Mint is expected to launch another mobile payments service within the coming weeks and its latest offering is expected to be based heavily on that pioneered by Square. Square boasts of more than 4 million users worldwide and processes some $15 million in mobile payments every year. Much of Square’s success has been garnered through the relatively lax regulations that exist in the U.S. concerning mobile payments. In Australia, however, staunch regulations may make it difficult for Mint to mimic the success of Square, especially because Mint is forced to work through banks rather than market its mobile commerce solution directly to businesses and consumers.
Consumers eager for NFC-free mobile commerce
Mobile payments are becoming more popular among Australian consumers, which bodes well for Mint’s future plans. Many people are demanding access to mobile commerce services that are not based on NFC technology. This is due to the low availability of NFC-enabled devices. Mint is well positioned to meet consumer demands with its technology and line of products.
