Danish developer Trophy Games has announced the purchase of Playrion, the studio behind the popular mobile title Airport Simulator: First Class, from its former owner Paradox Interactive. The transaction is structured as a €2.25 million cash payment up front, followed by a three‑year earn‑out that is tied to Playrion’s net revenue performance.
As part of the deal, roughly thirty members of the Playrion team will be integrated into Trophy Games’ existing workforce, bolstering the company’s talent pool and giving it immediate access to a proven mobile‑gaming operation. "This is a watershed moment for Trophy Games," said Søren Gleie, founder and chief executive officer of the Danish studio. "We have been watching Playrion for four years and have always regarded them as one of our toughest competitors.
Because we know their games, their culture and the market they serve inside‑out, we see a very strong strategic fit." Fredrik Wester, CEO of Paradox Interactive, added his perspective on the sale: "The transaction aligns with our broader strategy of concentrating on PC and console strategy and management titles. Playrion is an exceptionally capable mobile developer with a solid track record, and we are pleased to hand the studio over to an owner who is committed to nurturing its growth." Trophy Games intends to treat Airport Simulator as the seed for an entirely new series of simulation experiences.
The company has already demonstrated that it can turn a single successful title into a multi‑product franchise. In 2021, it acquired Airline Manager 4, a move that sparked a period of rapid expansion and laid the groundwork for the current growth trajectory.
Gleie explained that the firm now possesses a repeatable formula: identify a game that has already proven market demand, then develop a broader series around that core concept. "We have a recipe for taking a proven game and building an entire franchise around it," Gleie said.
"We did that with Airline Manager, and we see the same opportunity with Airport Simulator. If we can replicate that model, Playrion will become a completely new growth pillar for Trophy Games." The acquisition comes at a time when Trophy Games is positioning itself for further expansion. The studio currently has six games in active development, ranging from mobile simulations to more ambitious cross‑platform projects. Over the past five years, the company has more than quadrupled its revenue, creating a financial foundation that enables it to pursue larger deals.
"Playrion is our biggest acquisition to date and a clear signal that we are ready to execute the growth strategy we have outlined," Gleie noted. In light of the deal, Trophy Games has revised its financial outlook for 2026. The revised forecast now projects revenue in the range of €22.8 million to €24.1 million, up from the earlier estimate of €20.1 million to €22.4 million. This upward adjustment reflects both the anticipated contribution of Playrion’s existing titles and the longer‑term potential of an expanded Airport Simulator franchise.
Playrion’s history adds an interesting layer to the narrative. The studio was originally founded in 2010 and later became part of Paradox Interactive’s portfolio in 2020. During its tenure with Paradox, Playrion focused primarily on mobile simulation games, building a reputation for high‑quality graphics and deep, accessible gameplay mechanics.
Airport Simulator: First Class, its flagship product, allows players to design, manage, and operate a virtual airport, combining realistic aircraft handling with strategic resource management. The game has attracted a dedicated fan base and consistently performed well in app store rankings, making it an attractive acquisition target for a company looking to deepen its presence in the simulation genre. By absorbing Playrion, Trophy Games not only gains a proven product but also inherits a development pipeline, a community of engaged players, and a team experienced in delivering regular content updates. This synergy is expected to accelerate the rollout of new titles and expansions, potentially leading to a suite of airport‑themed games that could cover everything from ground‑crew logistics to passenger experience design.
Industry observers see the move as part of a broader trend where mid‑size studios consolidate niche expertise to compete more effectively against larger publishers. Mobile simulation games have shown steady growth, driven by players seeking complex, strategy‑rich experiences on handheld devices.
Trophy Games’ strategy to build a portfolio of interconnected simulation franchises could position it as a leading specialist in this space, offering cross‑title synergies and shared technology platforms. Looking ahead, Gleie emphasized that the company’s ambition extends beyond simply adding a new title to its catalog. "We are in a very good position for further growth," he said.
"Our aim is to create a sustainable ecosystem of simulation games that feed into each other, share resources, and provide players with a cohesive experience across different aspects of transport and logistics." In summary, the acquisition of Playrion by Trophy Games represents a significant milestone for the Danish studio. It combines a sizable upfront financial commitment with performance‑based earn‑out incentives, integrates a skilled development team, and opens the door to a new series of airport‑focused simulation games.
With an updated revenue outlook and a clear strategic vision, Trophy Games appears poised to leverage this deal as a catalyst for the next phase of its expansion, turning Playrion into a cornerstone of its future growth.