Ilkka Paananen, the head of Finnish gaming giant Supercell, is advocating for a bold shift in the mobile gaming industry, emphasizing the critical need for greater risk-taking in game development. During a recent interview, he projected a calm demeanor, reflecting a sense of confidence amidst the turbulence of the gaming market. Paananen’s assertion is clear: to invigorate innovation and creativity, the industry must venture beyond its conventional boundaries.
Paananen, who embraced the Finnish tradition of working shoeless in the office, articulated that the current mobile gaming landscape requires a jolt to stimulate change. “We need to take bigger risks,” he stated, echoing a sentiment that resonates widely in the sector. Taking risks is essential for fostering new game experiences, something Paananen believes is necessary for capturing the interests of modern gamers.
Typically, Supercell’s portfolio includes several blockbuster titles like **Clash of Clans** and **Brawl Stars**, which collectively generated over a billion dollars in revenue just last year. However, recognizing this success does not deter Paananen from pursuing innovative pathways for future gaming experiences. Within the last few years, he has prioritized significant investments into the development of new games, expanded team sizes, and established new game studios with an aim to reinvigorate the creative atmosphere at Supercell.
Supercell boasts teams that are noted for their creativity and ambition, attempting to reimagine the gaming experience for the future, particularly envisioning what mobile games might resemble in 2030. “I wish I had the answer,” he remarked, admitting to the uncertainty that surrounds the creation of entirely new gaming experiences. Yet, he insists that a transformative shift is forthcoming.
Drawing attention to a concerning trend in the industry, Paananen noted a striking statistic: last year, 60% of mobile gaming time was absorbed by games that were over six years old, while only 10% was dedicated to games released in the past year. This indicates a troubling stagnation in the industry where players cling to established titles while new entries struggle to captivate audiences.
He further elaborated on the mounting competition for players’ attention spans, recognizing the myriad entertainment options available on mobile devices today, from social media to music and video streaming. This environment poses a unique challenge for mobile game developers to stand out and capture a significant share of players’ limited free time.
Interestingly, Paananen identified other challenges facing the industry, particularly the rising costs associated with game development. Initial mobile games were more cost-effective and simpler to develop compared to traditional console or PC games. However, the current economic landscape necessitates more sophisticated, visually appealing experiences that align with the heightened expectations of consumers—a reality that has led to ballooning budgets for game development.
In discussing Supercell’s more recent games, the focus expands to include titles such as **Squad Busters**, released last year. Although it had a promising launch, it failed to maintain its initial momentum, prompting Paananen to acknowledge that it has yet to meet their ambitious targets. Supercell has since introduced a new general manager to this project to explore bold changes that might reinvigorate interest in Squad Busters.
Another title, **Mo.co**, is taking a unique approach by distributing invitations for gameplay to select players, which has sparked debate over its success. Neil Long, founder of mobilegamer.biz, expressed skepticism regarding its impact, suggesting that the game has not made significant waves in the industry thus far.
Reflecting on the nature of the mobile gaming market, Long pointed out the severe dichotomy between substantial successes and tremendous failures, noting that many developers are increasingly averse to taking risks due to the high visibility and financial implications of unsuccessful games. This sentiment has led to a shift away from grand, splashy game launches in favor of more iterative, data-driven approaches to development.
Despite these challenges, Supercell maintains its commitment to granting autonomy and independence to its development teams. Currently, there are ten teams working on various projects aimed at creating engaging games that can sustain player interest over the long term. The guiding principle that has emerged is the inquiry into what factors will ensure players return to these games in five or ten years—akin to the longevity enjoyed by gaming institutions like **Nintendo**.
Supercell’s emphasis on simplifying complex game mechanics has largely contributed to its success, making games accessible and enjoyable for a broad audience. Paananen, meanwhile, remains optimistic that leveraging **AI technologies** will facilitate innovative breakthroughs in game development, with efforts currently taking place in Supercell’s AI Innovation Lab in Helsinki.
As Supercell endeavors to innovate within the mobile gaming sector, the industry watches closely. With an eye towards reinvention and the exploration of new formats, Paananen’s declarations serve as a clarion call for risk-taking and creativity, which could ultimately reshape the landscape of mobile gaming for years to come.
