The acquisition of Metacore by Supercell is moving forward steadily, with both parties having already signed a definitive agreement that is slated to close by the end of September 2026. The Finnish mobile‑gaming powerhouse first disclosed its intention to buy the Estonian studio in May, but has chosen to keep the financial terms of the transaction under wraps. Since the announcement, Supercell has begun the process of folding Metacore’s flagship product, the puzzle‑adventure game Merge Mansion, into its existing suite of live‑service games. Supercell has been quick to reassure the community that the ongoing integration will not disrupt the day‑to‑day experience of its titles.
In a statement, the company emphasized that its games will "continue as normal" while the deal is being finalized, and that the Merge Mansion team remains fully committed to the player base that has supported the game for years. This reassurance is echoed by Metacore’s chief executive officer, Mika Tammenkoski, who expressed enthusiasm about the partnership.
"As we step into this next phase together with Supercell, I’m thrilled about the possibilities this creates for the game, our team, and our players," Tammenkoski said. He added that Supercell’s decades‑long expertise in operating and scaling global live games provides Merge Mansion with an ideal platform for sustained growth. "Our players have always been our top priority, and that will continue to be the case at Supercell," he affirmed. Supercell’s president, Sara Bach, also weighed in on the strategic fit, highlighting the unique qualities that set Merge Mansion apart in the crowded mobile market.
"Merge Mansion pioneered an entirely new genre and possesses all the ingredients of a title that can endure for years and be remembered forever: a strong brand, a passionate community, and distinctive gameplay and narrative that keep players coming back," Bach explained. She continued, "We believe in what this game can become, and we’re excited to welcome the Merge Mansion team to Supercell and collaborate on the next chapter of the game’s evolution." The broader context of Supercell’s business performance provides insight into why the company is pursuing such an ambitious acquisition. In 2025, Supercell reported year‑over‑year growth across its live‑games portfolio, reaching an estimated 290 million active players each month—a testament to the enduring appeal of its core titles such as Clash Royale, Brawl Stars, and Clash of Clans.
Despite this user growth, the company experienced a modest 4 % decline in total revenue for the full year, posting €2.65 billion in sales. However, the bottom line remained healthy, with pre‑tax profit climbing 6 % to €932 million, reflecting efficient cost management and strong monetisation of its existing games.
One of the most striking signals of Supercell’s strategic direction is its commitment to reinvest in new game development. In 2025 the firm doubled its R&D spend compared with the previous year, a move that CEO Ilkka Paananen described as part of a deliberate long‑term betting strategy.
"While many companies have scaled back, we’ve moved in the opposite direction," Paananen said. "Our strong live‑games performance, especially Clash Royale’s historic year, gives us the ability to make these long‑term bets.
We’re fortunate to be in this position, and we intend to use it." He added that the company aims to roughly double its development budget again in the near future, underscoring a confidence that the pipeline of fresh titles will fuel the next wave of growth. The acquisition of Metacore fits neatly into this broader vision.
Merge Mansion, with its blend of match‑3 mechanics, home‑renovation storytelling, and a highly engaged community, offers Supercell a fresh genre to diversify its portfolio beyond the battle‑arena and strategy‑centric games that have defined its brand. By bringing Metacore’s talent and technology in‑house, Supercell hopes to accelerate feature updates, expand the game’s global reach, and leverage its robust analytics and live‑ops infrastructure to deepen player engagement.
From a market perspective, the deal also signals Supercell’s confidence in the continued viability of the live‑service model for mobile games. Even as the overall industry grapples with user‑acquisition costs and shifting monetisation trends, Supercell’s stable active‑user base and strong cash flow give it the flexibility to pursue acquisitions that can broaden its audience and create cross‑promotional opportunities. The integration of Merge Mansion could also open pathways for shared events, bundled offers, or loyalty programmes that span multiple Supercell titles, further cementing player loyalty across the ecosystem. Looking ahead, the next few months will be crucial as the parties work through regulatory approvals and finalize the handover of operational responsibilities.
Both companies have stressed that the transition will be seamless for players, with no anticipated downtime or loss of progress. The collaboration promises to blend Metacore’s creative flair with Supercell’s operational excellence, potentially setting a new benchmark for how established live‑service giants can absorb innovative indie studios. In summary, Supercell’s pending acquisition of Metacore is on track to close by the end of September 2026, with the terms remaining confidential.
The integration of Merge Mansion into Supercell’s live‑games portfolio is already underway, and both leadership teams have expressed optimism about the synergies and growth opportunities this partnership will unlock. As Supercell continues to invest heavily in new game development and leverages its strong financial position, the Metacore deal represents a strategic move to diversify its offerings, deepen player engagement, and sustain its leadership in the highly competitive mobile gaming landscape.