Aonic's Strategic Approach to Supporting Mid-Tier Game Developers

Aonic has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its strategic acquisitions and investments in the gaming industry. Since its inception in 2021, the company has successfully acquired notable studios such as nDreams, Otherside Entertainment, and Milky Tea, establishing itself as a key player in the market. The company's founders, Paul Schempp and Olliver Heins, created Aonic out of a desire to invest in and support mid-tier game developers, which they believed had immense potential for growth. Heins emphasizes that Aonic's approach to supporting these developers is not solely focused on budgets, but rather on believing in the vision and potential of each game. The company assesses various factors, including the game's entertainment value, market opportunity, and potential for long-term success. Aonic has been actively acquiring companies, with the goal of owning 12 companies by 2026. However, the company is taking a cautious approach, prioritizing selective acquisitions that align with its strategic objectives. Heins highlights the importance of synergies within the group, where companies can collaborate and support each other to drive growth and innovation. Aonic has already seen success with its synergistic approach, with studios combining their expertise to develop new products and services. The company has also established its own publishing arm, Megabit, which is responsible for publishing Aonic's games, as well as signing third-party titles. Heins notes that while first-party games are crucial for long-term value creation, third-party games offer an opportunity for Aonic to contribute to the gaming ecosystem and generate revenue. Aonic is committed to making financially reasonable deals, focusing on targeted acquisitions that align with its strategic goals. While the company is not currently public, it may consider an initial public offering (IPO) in the future as a potential exit event. Heins emphasizes that Aonic's primary objective is to create a dynamic company that can adapt to the ever-changing gaming market, while also ensuring that it delivers value to its backers and stakeholders.