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The developers behind Space Ape Games’ renowned music rhythm game Beatstar have launched the title into an independent music-gaming enterprise known as NEXTBEAT.
This transition comes after Supercell‘s complete acquisition of Space Ape Games in November 2024 – a transaction anticipated to finalize in spring.
Beatstar was globally released in 2021 following five years of development at Space Ape Games by a crew that featured Simon Hade as COO and co-founder of the studio, along with Olly Barnes, who directed music strategy and rights acquisition.
Barnes is the co-founder of Voisey, a music creation app that was acquired by Snapchat for $70 million in 2020. Subsequently, Snapchat divested Voisey in 2022 as part of Snap Inc.’s extensive restructuring.
Beatstar operates as a free-to-play mobile game often likened to Guitar Hero. It includes over 850 international music hits secured via licensing agreements with major labels, independent publishers, and numerous rightsholders.
In September 2022, MBW noted that Beatstar distributed USD $16 million of its revenue to music labels and publishers within its inaugural year following the launch.
These rightsholders encompass Universal Music Group, Sony Music Group, Warner Music Group, BMG, Beggars Music Group and Domino, in addition to Kobalt Music Publishing, Concord, Peermusic, Downtown Music Publishing, Reservoir Media and Bucks Music Group.
Most recently, Hade and Barnes shared that Beatstar has reached nearly 100 million downloads and is projected to exceed $200 million in total revenue this year.
“Seizing this substantial opportunity now, with a venture dedicated to music instead of adhering to a traditional mobile gaming studio model, renders this collaboration an exhilarating advancement for everyone involved.”
Simon Hade, NEXTBEAT
Under the newly formed structure, Beatstar and its country music-focused successor, Countrystar, will transition to NEXTBEAT, a new venture headquartered in London and spearheaded by Hade and Barnes.
“From the first moment we tested the initial prototype of Beatstar, we recognized it was truly something unique that could pave the way for new possibilities. I am eager to build upon the momentum created by the talented Space Ape team, as NEXTBEAT, to evolve into further experiences, games, and applications that highlight the creativity and inspiration of our artist partners,” stated Hade.
“Addressing this immense opportunity now, with a dedicated music-focused venture rather than adhering to a traditional mobile gaming studio model makes this partnership an exciting advancement for all involved and I’m thrilled that the team at Supercell embraced our bold vision.”
The spinoff follows Supercell’s initial investment in Space Ape Games, which began with a $56 million majority stake acquisition in 2017, subsequently increasing to 75% ownership in 2022. While Supercell intends to acquire the remaining shares of Space Ape Games, it will preserve a minority stake in NEXTBEAT along with other external investors.
“Beatstar demonstrated to us that there exists significant monetization potential for music within gaming per user, far beyond streaming service subscriptions.”
Olly Barnes, NEXTBEAT
NEXTBEAT launches with a team of 30 individuals in London, primarily consisting of industry veterans from Space Ape Games, and has appointed experienced financial executive Joe Adams as CFO.
NETBEAT claims that the Beatstar franchise has already positioned itself as the “top-grossing music game series” in Western markets, garnering industry accolades including Google‘s Players Choice award, Apple Editors’ Choice, and Game of the Year at the Mobile Game Awards 2022.
“Beatstar illustrated that there is immense per-user monetization potential for music in gaming, significantly exceeding streaming service subscriptions. The expansive audience of mobile gamers and ARPU insights from Countrystar’s genre-focused strategy highlighted the necessity to launch a fully resourced company dedicated to this opportunity,” remarked Barnes.
Looking forward, NEXTBEAT intends to create additional genre-focused gaming platforms while also exploring avenues to apply its music licensing and game development knowledge in educational technology and mental health industries.
Supercell’s Chief Strategy Officer Janne Snellman stated, “We are excited to continue this journey that commenced with Beatstar and anticipate the next chapter of a music-first enterprise alongside NextBeat’s talented team.”
Music Business Worldwide
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