Aonic's Strategic Focus on Supporting Mid-Tier Game Developers

Aonic has garnered significant attention in recent years, largely due to its mergers and acquisitions strategy. The company was founded in 2021 by Paul Schempp and Olliver Heins, who sought to invest in and acquire mid-tier game studios. Heins, the chief product officer, notes that many mid-tier studios have tremendous potential but require guidance to reach their full potential. Aonic's approach to supporting these studios involves more than just providing financial backing. The company carefully evaluates each project, considering factors such as the game's vision, entertainment value, and market opportunity. Heins emphasizes that Aonic's goal is to create a synergistic group of companies that can collaborate and support one another. The company has made significant strides in achieving this goal, with a portfolio that includes nDreams, Otherside Entertainment, and Milky Tea. Aonic's Megabit publishing arm was established to provide a more equitable and supportive publishing model for its studios. Heins believes that Aonic's strategic differences, such as its focus on smaller companies and lack of public ownership, will enable the company to avoid the pitfalls that have affected other industry players. Looking ahead, Aonic aims to continue growing and adapting to the ever-changing game market, while prioritizing the needs of its stakeholders and creating great games for the market.