What made gaming acquisitions attractive in 2024, and what do investors have on their wishlist for 2025? Michael Metzger, Managing Partner at global tech investment bank Drake Star, takes the mic in this episode of the Pocketgamer.biz Podcast to shine a light on the new era of M&A and share advice with studios shaping their growth strategies for the upcoming year. Alongside our host, Peggy Anne Salz, and special co-host Craig Chapple, Michael reveals insights from Drake Star's Global Gaming Report Q3 2024, explaining why 2024 saw a surge in M&A activity—with a 70% year-over-year increase in gaming sales—and how factors like private equity interest, strategic acquisitions, and profitability-focused deals are shaking up the industry status quo. Tune in to determine what's driving the shift, what it means for developers, and why diversification into non-gaming sectors should be on your growth radar for 2025.

Drake Star’s Global Gaming Report Q3 2024 - https://www.drakestar.com/news/global-gaming-report-q3-2024

Michael Metzger - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmmetzger/

Drake Star - https://www.drakestar.com/

CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Intro

02:41 - Getting to close

05:42 - Length of acquisition

08:56 - What's driving gaming M&A?

13:00 - Is it sustainable?

17:11 - What are acquiers looking for?

19:49 - Rollups in 2025

23:37 - The financing climate

30:15 - Bullish on blockchain

33:43 - Diversification

35:44 - Investments in 2025

42:09 - Advice for studios

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