"Sega isn't limiting us": Rovio's first year after the €706m acquisition

gamesindustry.biz:

It may not seem like it, but it's been just over a year since Sega acquired Rovio in a deal worth €706 million.

Now a subsidiary of Sega's Europe division, the Finnish-based Rovio has spent the past 12 months integrating into Sega and providing tools and support in expanding the Japanese firm's capabilities on mobile. These efforts will culminate in the release of its battle royale title Sonic Rumble this winter.

GamesIndustry.biz caught up with Rovio's vice president of strategy Timo Rahkonen at this year's Gamescom, who discussed where the partnership stands a year after the acquisition and what the industry can expect from the two companies.

Looking back to last April, Rahkonen notes that there was a "long process" before the acquisition, which gave Rovio the time to look into how Sega runs as a company, the actual scale of its business, and the IP and game portfolios it has – and whether it was the right fit.

"There were so many things that we were not aware of, and something that has been really exciting to hear is what kind of things they have done and the cool projects they're planning to do," he says.

"Everyone has some sort of impression of Sega, but because we've had the chance to work together for a year we're in a position where we have really learned what kind of company Sega is, and what kind of company Rovio is."

As for Rovio's experience of integrating with Sega over the past year, Rahkonen explains how they've had to adapt culturally.

"There are differences between a Japanese-owned company compared to us. But I think it's good that they have experience working with different studios in different locations because they have a presence across Europe, so they're used to working internationally.

"Of course you need to spend time to understand what kind of processes you have and values, as there are definitely some differences. On the other hand, we also try to respect each other and learn. I would say we're more straightforward in things, that's a very Finnish