Winking Studios, a major gaming firm from Singapore, plans to list on London’s AIM market.
- Held in high regard, Winking Studios ranks third in Asia and fourth globally in revenue.
- The company boasts nine offices across Asia, collaborating with top-tier global game developers.
- CEO Johnny Jan sees the UK as a strategic choice due to its understanding of the gaming industry.
- £23.1m cash reserves will support European and North American expansions, enhancing AI capabilities.
Winking Studios, a prominent name in the gaming industry based in Singapore, has announced its intention to list on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM market. This move is strategically aimed at strengthening its foothold in Western markets, leveraging the UK’s extensive tech investment resources. Already listed on Singapore’s Catalist board, the firm aims to consolidate its position in the fast-paced technology sector.
Founded in 2004 by CEO Johnny Jan, the company has rapidly climbed to a leading position in game art outsourcing. By revenue, it holds the third position in Asia and the fourth globally. The company operates nine offices across Asia and has established partnerships with 22 of the world’s top 25 game developers, including industry giants such as Ubisoft, EA, Activision, and Tencent. The studio has made significant contributions to renowned game franchises like FIFA, Call of Duty, and Assassin’s Creed.
Johnny Jan regards London as a natural choice for the company’s global ambitions, emphasising the city’s supportive environment for growth-oriented international enterprises. “London feels like the obvious choice,” he remarked, highlighting its understanding of the global gaming arena. Furthermore, Jan noted that dual listing on AIM would enhance their global expansion capabilities and expedite the company’s growth efforts.
In an industry characterised by rapid growth and a fragmented landscape, Winking Studios intends to build on its successful track record. With a network of solid relationships with leading game developers, the company plans to capitalise on the fragmented nature of the sector to drive future growth.
The firm plans to invest over $30m (£23.1m) of its cash reserves, in addition to capital from the AIM listing, to expand within Europe and North America. Plans include establishing a regional hub in the UK and acquiring smaller studios to bolster its presence. Additionally, Winking Studios aims to advance its AI capabilities to remain competitive within the gaming sector.
This development coincides with significant movements within the AIM market. Recently, Keywords Studios, a British video game developer, delisted following a £2.2bn acquisition offer. Reports have surfaced regarding a decline in the number of AIM-listed companies, with figures falling below 700 for the first time since 2001. However, recent clarifications from the government about inheritance tax adjustments have caused a significant rise in stocks.
The gaming industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and Winking Studios’ strategic decisions reflect their commitment to sustaining growth and innovation in the global market.
Winking Studios’ strategic move to London’s AIM market underscores its ambition to expand and innovate within the global gaming industry.
