Griffin

And that’s a wrap! This past Thursday, December 12th, took place the last GamesBeat event of the year, and the 2nd edition of GamesBeat Insider: Hollywood Meets Gaming: Exploring the Intersection! The event was packed with leaders in the gaming and the entertainment industry, that met to learn, connect, and come up with innovative strategies for the next year ahead. We want to thank our wonderful sponsors: The Sandbox, Xsolla, Aethir, and Overwolf who made it all possible! The wonderful cast of 24 speakers: Amanda Kruse, Head of Business Development, Big Fan Games, Erika N. Ewing, Director, Interactive Ventures & Games, Lionsgate, Bridget Stacy, VP Global Marketing, Xsolla, Dmitri M. Johnson, Co-founder, Story Kitchen, Tasha Huo, Showrunner & Executive Producer, Jacob Robinson, CEO, Line Mileage, Uri Marchand, CEO & Co-founder, Overwolf, Nate Spell, Founder & CEO, Barrier Four, Eugene Evans, SVP, Digital Strategy & Licensing, Wizards of the Coast, Nicholas Tuosto, Co-Founder of Griffin and Founder of GoodGame Advisors, Carter Swan, Senior Producer PlayStation, Roy Lee, Founder, Vertigo Entertainment, Matthew Ball, CEO, Epyllion, BORGET Sebastien, COO, The Sandbox, Adam Orth, Chief Product Officer, Readyverse Studios, Sibel Sunar, CEO, fortyseven communications, Sharon Tal Yguado, Founder & CEO, Astrid Entertainment, Scott Farris, Sr. Development Executive, Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios, Ari Arad, Co-founder & President, Arad Productions, Michael Minotti, Managing Editor for GamesBeat, Eunice Lee, COO, Scopely, Shelby Moledina, Founder, Glowy Pixels, Dean Takahashi, Lead Writer for GamesBeat! And everyone who attended the event! We feel fully recharged and we look forward to an exciting 2025 packed with more GamesBeat events! You can stay up to date by signing up for our events newsletter (or all of them!) - https://lnkd.in/eXMx52Ng

56 trips to Finland. 20+ years of belief. Our Co-Founder and Managing Director, Peter Y. Levin, has been walking the walk in Finland’s gaming ecosystem since the early 2000s — long before it became a global phenomenon. From Habbo Hotel to Angry Birds, Next Games, and beyond, Peter has played a pivotal role in some of Finland’s greatest success stories. Today, we’re doubling down — investing in the next generation of Finnish gaming innovators, like our most recent investment in BIT ODD, founded by Clash of Clans veteran Lasse Louhento. Why? Because we believe in the extraordinary talent, entrepreneurial spirit, and creative excellence this market consistently produces. Finland has always punched above its weight, and we’re here for the long game. As Peter says: "Finland is like Norway in the Winter Olympics of gaming. And Supercell? Supercell is the Michael Jordan of mobile gaming." 🔗 Read the full article: https://bit.ly/3VIdgfx

Just published a fascinating conversation with Peter Y. Levin, Co-Founder and MD of Griffin about the future of gaming and global entertainment. Here's what stood out: The gaming industry isn't just growing - it's transforming culture. With 3.4 billion gamers worldwide (and growing to 5B+), we're seeing something remarkable: gaming is becoming the primary form of entertainment across generations. Three key insights from our discussion: 1. The next wave of gaming innovation isn't coming from traditional markets. Peter shared how emerging regions like MENA and India aren't just consuming games - they're about to revolutionise storytelling through their unique cultural perspectives and narratives. 2. Smart money follows authentic leadership. Griffin's approach? Avoid hype cycles (VR, Metaverse) and focus on founders who deeply understand their markets. Fun fact: Pete actually hired a partner after playing Call of Duty with him during COVID - a six-month "interview" that revealed his leadership and character under pressure. 3. The future of transmedia isn't about exploitation - it's about celebration. The success of shows like Fallout comes from treating gaming IP with respect and bringing in creators who genuinely love the source material. Most exciting takeaway? We're entering an era where gaming will bring global cultures closer together through shared interactive experiences and compelling storytelling. The next hill isn't just about reaching new technological heights – it's about having the courage to tell the stories that will define our generation and inspire the next. Curious to hear your thoughts: What untold stories do you think could make for compelling games? Remember, the legacy we leave begins with the stories we choose to tell today. Enjoy! 🔗 Link to episode in comment. #GamingIndustry #DigitalEntertainment #Innovation #Leadership #GlobalGaming #Transmedia #Storytelling #Griffin #PurposeMade #PurposeMadePodcast Lexi Monaghan | Emily Wang | Nicholas Tuosto | Phil Sanderson | Pierre-Edouard Planche 🎮 | Frankie Zhu | Ibrahim Hafeez | Seth Nutt | Daniel Wu | Stuart Nguyen | Swapan D. | Kavin Kasi | Jack Baldner | Chris Hollenbeck | Isaac Ruiz | Jennifer Mannion | Lindsay Krause | Aaron Loeb | Tim Bender | Abel M. | Alex Kamins | Douglas Bemis | Jessica Tams | Jim Huntley | Keyvan Peymani | Koh Kim | Mich Mathews-Spradlin | Chris Quaidoo | Michael Capps | Vic Bassey This podcast is produced by Purpose Made, empowering change through intentional leadership and shared knowledge.

Gaming isn’t just entertainment: it’s the language of a new generation. On the latest Purpose Made Podcast, our Co-Founder and Managing Director, Peter Y. Levin, joined Peter George Bell to explore gaming’s evolution into a cultural superpower. The highlights dive deep into the forces shaping the industry: 🌍 Emerging markets like MENA and India aren’t just consuming games—they’re redefining what gaming means. 🌟 Smart leadership? It’s not about chasing trends. It’s about authenticity and depth. 📖 Transmedia’s next chapter: Gaming IP isn’t a product; it’s a passion brought to life. This episode isn’t just a conversation: it’s a no-holds-barred look at the global force that’s turning pixels into power moves. 🎧 Watch here: https://bit.ly/4iw6SBE

😻 Last night at The Game Awards, the world got its first look at Catly, and we’re still catching our breath. Catly is an open-world adventure starring photorealistic felines that’s already redefining what’s possible in gaming. From the jaw-dropping visuals to the vibrant, otherworldly environments, this trailer didn’t just turn heads — it stole the show. Launching in 2025 on PC, Nintendo Switch, and Apple Watch, Catly blends exploration, world-crafting, and cat customization in ways we’ve never seen before. Think endless possibilities, unmatched innovation, and a whole lot of cat magic. We’re beyond proud to back the creative geniuses behind Catly. #thegameawards2024 Check out the trailer here: https://lnkd.in/dSrfNTNU

The countdown is on🔥In less than one week, our Co-Founder and Managing Director, Peter Y. Levin, hits the stage at #SEG3 LA: the ultimate playground for visionaries at the crossroads of culture and emerging technology. 📅 When: December 11 🎤 Hot Topic: Building a Transmedia Business: Leading the Narrative 🤝 Featuring: Peter Levin x Justin Scarpone, EVP, Global Head of Transmedia at SEGA This is your chance to explore how digital innovation is reshaping industries alongside leaders from the world’s most iconic sports, entertainment, gaming, consumer, and technology brands. Register now: https://lu.ma/qgwxuh86

📢 #Job hunters: Stop scrolling. Our portfolio companies have the opportunities you’ve been searching for. Ready to make your next move? Let’s go: 💻 Wave – Software Engineer: https://bit.ly/3Zx4jYt 📈 Tactile Games – User Acquisition Manager: https://bit.ly/3Us7QVm 🛠️ Spyke Games – Customer Support Specialist: https://bit.ly/3VmJZXA 🎨 Second Dinner – Senior Art Outsourcing Supervisor: https://bit.ly/3ZfQ1tZ 🕹️ RecRoom – Build Verification Tester: https://bit.ly/3CWUFWv 📊 Polygon Labs – Chief of Staff (CTO’s Office): https://bit.ly/4gcYIMH 📋 Overwolf – Ad Tech Product Manager: https://bit.ly/4gcJF5r 🔧 Mysten Labs – Sr. Software Engineer, Walrus Core: https://bit.ly/41lFmR4 🎮 Million Victories – Stage Game & Live Ops Designer: https://bit.ly/41knbeV 🌟 Gunzilla Games – Senior Technical Artist - VFX/Shaders: https://bit.ly/3Bd5Mdh 💡 Everyrealm – Full Stack Software Engineer: https://bit.ly/4iiSFb2 🔒 Eloelo – DevSecOps Engineer: https://bit.ly/3CR3LnI ⚙️ Discord – Director, Engineering: https://bit.ly/3Zg2IoL 🚀 Azra Games – Senior Software Engineer: https://bit.ly/4idV5YF 🌍 Aptos Labs – DeFi Partner Success Manager: https://bit.ly/4gyailR

November was packed with standout moments worth celebrating — and we captured it all in our monthly newsletter. Inside, you’ll find: 🎮 Epic plays and game-changing moves from BIT ODD, AppLovin, Neon, Gunzilla Games, WinZO, Overwolf, Muus Collective, N3TWORK Studios, Eloelo, Oxalis Games 📈 Insights shaping the future of gaming with Naavik, 🐰 Shahar Sorek, and Nicholas Tuosto 💼 Hot #opportunities from across our portfolio Consider this your backstage pass to what’s shaking at Griffin. Dive in 👇

We couldn’t have asked for a better partner than Fundco to bring together such a dynamic group of sharp minds with bold visions and the kind of energy that moves industries forward during #Slush in Helsinki. We’re grateful to have been part of it — sharing insights, sparking conversations, and building connections that matter. Huge thank you to to everyone who joined us at Löyly. Here’s to shaping the future of gaming, one big idea at a time. 💡

#FII8: Where visionaries don't just predict the future — they create it. 🪄 Sitting down with Mark Pougatch, our Co-Founder and Managing Director, Peter Y. Levin, unlocked a world where gaming isn't merely play — it's a global powerhouse connecting 3.4 billion people, on track to engage nearly 5 billion within a decade. Peter took us on a journey through gaming’s boundless potential, from its ability to cross borders and amplify diverse voices to its pivotal role at the intersection of media, technology, and human connection. He unveiled the industry's next big frontiers: explosive growth in the Middle East and Africa, the rise of female gamers, and the synergies between gaming, media, and sports. With an eye on the future, he emphasized AI’s transformative potential and the need for smart, strategic investments beyond technological hype cycles. 📽️ Watch the full conversation and see how gaming is rewriting the rules of global entertainment and technology: https://lnkd.in/g8t9snut Massive thanks to FII Institute for bringing this visionary dialogue to life. See you next year! 🤝