US-based PLAYSTUDIOS, a developer of free-to-play casino games has acquired Israeli startup Scene53, a game studio, previously developed games platforms such as Shaker, specializing in real-time, multi-player mobile games, previously developed games platforms such as Shaker.
Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
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Scene53 was founded in 2009 by Yonatan Maor. The company has raised $20 million to date.
The two companies jointly developed the newest PLAYSTUDIOS mobile app, POP! Slots. The game allows players to play in groups, share jackpots, and interact with friends as they explore virtual versions of iconic Las Vegas resorts.
After working with Scene53 to create and launch POP! Slots, PLAYSTUDIOS moved to acquire the company and establish it as an independently operated studio, PLAYSTUDIOS Israel (PSI). The Tel Aviv team will now focus on growing the POP! Slots product while pursuing new opportunities in the casual, free-to-play casino category.
Andrew Pascal, CEO of PLAYSTUDIOS, said, “Scene53 built an incredible platform for running multi-player, real-time games and hosting virtual events in a 3D setting. They used this technology to create some very promising online experiences. We quickly saw their company’s potential and believed that together we could build something really great.”
Yonatan Maor, Founder and CEO of Scene53, said, “We are big fans of PLAYSTUDIOS. Their games are beautiful and fun to play. They have extensive knowledge of the casino industry and they possess a very unique set of assets – their real world rewards platform and their exclusive rights to the biggest and best resorts in Las Vegas, such as Bellagio, Aria, and Mandalay Bay.”
Pascal continued, “We are delighted to welcome Yonatan, Yossi, Ofer, Oded and the rest of the Scene53 team to the PLAYSTUDIOS family. Their entrepreneurial spirit is evident in all that they do, and their passion is inspiring.”
