Lockdown sees demand soar for Team17’s back catalogue of games
GLOBAL VIDEO games developer Team17 has reported better than expected demand for its back catalogue, which has outperformed pre Covid-19 expectations, especially at the height of the lockdown during April and May.
The Wakefield-based firm, best known for the Worms video game franchise, said sales and increased playtime were boosted by its socially orientated or multi-player co-op and online games, which has enhanced earnings on key franchise titles such as Worms, Overcooked and The Escapists alongside 2019 new games, Golf with Your Friends, Hell Let Loose and the recently released Moving Out. More people are using multi-player games as a way of maintaining human contact during the coronavirus pandemic.
Team17 reported strong sales in the six months to June 30. It said that its priority throughout the outbreak has been the safety and wellbeing of its team and partners.
The firm said its teams seamlessly switched to remote working as various lockdowns were imposed globally.
In a trading update, the firm said: “Their performance has been terrific and, as a testament to how well the company has responded, we will not be seeking a speedy return to officebased working until we are certain it will be permanent and most importantly safe.”
Team17 said Yippee Entertainment, which was
A statement from Team17
acquired in January, is now fully integrated, with the team 100 per cent focussed on Team17 games.
In addition to Yippee actively recruiting as the firm expands its second UK development studio location, Team17 has also maintained its broader recruitment targets during the period.
During the lockdown, the firm said a number of new, highly successful virtual gaming events have been held to combat the loss of physical events such as the Game Developers Conference and others, and it now has more games in later stage discussion than at any other time in its history.
We will not be seeking a speedy return to officebased working.