PlaySide
PlaySide Studios is an Australian publicly-listed video game developer and publisher (ASX: PLY) creating original and licensed-IP games across mobile, PC, console, and VR for global consumers, entertainment IP holders, and independent developer partners.
- Company typePublic
- Founded2011
- HeadquartersBrisbane, Australia
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingSoftware
What PlaySide does
PlaySide Studios Limited is an Australian publicly-listed video game developer and publisher (ASX: PLY) headquartered in Melbourne, with a second studio on the Gold Coast and remote team members distributed globally. The company operates a three-pillar business: (1) original IP game development across mobile, PC, console, and VR platforms — anchored by Age of Darkness: Final Stand (dark fantasy survival RTS), KILL KNIGHT (arcade isometric action shooter), and the recently-launched MOUSE: P.I. For Hire (noir FPS published for Fumi Games); (2) licensed-IP development under partnerships with major entertainment rights holders including Disney, Pixar, Warner Bros, HBO, Nickelodeon, MGM, Spin Master, Firaxis, and 2K, most prominently Game of Thrones: War for Westeros; and (3) a publishing division (PlaySide Publishing) that signs external developers such as Fumi Games, Zugalu, and Maverick Games to provide global launch, marketing, and distribution services. The company also owns the Dumb Ways to Die franchise, acquired in October 2021 for AUD 2.25 million, which has been extended across mobile, Netflix Games, and Meta Quest VR.
The revenue model combines one-time perpetual game license sales (USD 19.99-59.99 across editions and platforms), advertising revenue from mobile free-to-play titles (mediated by Adjust and AppLovin), publishing fees and revenue share from external developer partnerships, licensing royalties from entertainment IP collaborations, and the Australian Digital Games Tax Offset, which contributed AUD 7.8 million to H1 FY26 EBITDA. Distribution spans Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store (with Play Anywhere support), Nintendo eShop (Switch 2 with physical cartridge editions), Meta Quest Store, Apple App Store, and Google Play. Following two rounds of restructuring in 2024 and April 2025 that reduced headcount from 363 to approximately 261, the company upgraded FY2026 revenue guidance to AUD 50-53 million after MOUSE: P.I. For Hire sold roughly 730,000 units and generated AUD 21.4 million gross sales within weeks of its April 16, 2026 launch.
PlaySide serves three distinct customer segments in parallel: consumer gamers purchasing across multiple platforms (long-tail, transactional); entertainment IP holders seeking development and publishing partners (Disney, HBO, Netflix, Meta, etc.); and independent game developers (Fumi Games, Zugalu, Maverick Games) seeking publishing support and global distribution. The company is led by CEO Benn Skender and CFO Colin Lai, with dedicated leadership for the publishing, PC/console, and creative functions.
PlaySide firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- PlaySide
- Legal name
- PlaySide Studios Limited
- Website
- https://playsidestudios.com
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 2011
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- PlaySide Studios is an Australian publicly-listed video game developer and publisher (ASX: PLY) creating original and licensed-IP games across mobile, PC, console, and VR for global consumers, entertainment IP holders, and independent developer partners.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
PlaySide industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Video Game Development and Publishing
- NAICS
- Software Publishers (5132)
- SIC
- Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812)
- akta.pro primary industry
- AAA & Premium Game Studios (PC/Console) (MPAFAAAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Mobile & F2P Game Studios (MPAFAAAB), Strategy/4X/Management Game Studios (MPAFAAAK), Full-Service Game Publishers (1st/2nd/3rd-Party Publishing) (MPAFABAA)
Keywords
Where PlaySide is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Brisbane
- HQ country
- Australia
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices3 records
Markets served
PlaySide business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Game Sales - Original IP: PlaySide develops and self-publishes original IP titles including Age of Darkness: Final Stand, KILL KNIGHT, and Game of Thrones: War for Westeros, generating revenue from digital and physical game sales across PC and console platforms.
- Publishing Services: As a publisher for external developers (Fumi Games, Zugalu), PlaySide provides launch excellence, global growth, and developer support services in exchange for publishing fees and revenue share.
- Licensed IP Development: PlaySide develops games based on licensed intellectual property from major entertainment companies (Disney, Pixar, Warner Bros, Nickelodeon, HBO, MGM, Spin Master, Firaxis Games), including the Dumb Ways to Die franchise and Game of Thrones titles.
- Mobile Games - Ad Supported: Mobile applications on Apple App Store and Google Play operate as ad-supported free-to-play titles, generating revenue through in-app advertising from third-party networks including Adjust, AppLovin.
- Digital Games Tax Offset: Australian government incentive program providing tax offsets for digital game development, contributing $7.8 million to H1 FY26 EBITDA.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Digital Standard Edition |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Digital Deluxe Edition |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Physical Standard Edition |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Physical Mouseburg Edition (Deluxe) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Dumb Ways: Free For All VR |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels8 records
Marketing channels7 records
PlaySide product offering
Product offeringCore offering
PlaySide Studios develops and publishes video games across mobile, PC, console, and VR platforms, operating three business lines: (1) original-IP self-published titles (MOUSE: P.I. For Hire, Age of Darkness: Final Stand, KILL KNIGHT), (2) licensed-IP game development for major entertainment companies (Disney, Pixar, Warner Bros, HBO, Nickelodeon, MGM), and (3) a developer-first publishing service that partners with external studios for global launch and distribution support.
Product overview
PlaySide Studios is Australia's leading video game developer and publisher offering a diverse portfolio across mobile, PC, console, VR, and AR platforms. The company operates two distinct business lines: original IP development (including MOUSE: P.I. For Hire, Game of Thrones: War for Westeros, Age of Darkness: Final Stand, and KILL KNIGHT) and an acquired franchise portfolio (Dumb Ways to Die franchise acquired for $2.25 million). Additionally, PlaySide Publishing provides publishing services to third-party developers, amplifying their games through launch strategies, global market expansion, and developer support.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- PlaySide Publishing: Publishing division that partners with developers to bring games to market globally
- Dumb Ways to Die
- Age of Darkness
- KILL KNIGHT
Products and services
- MOUSE: P.I. For Hire A noir-style first-person shooter featuring black-and-white hand-drawn rubber-hose animation inspired by 1930s cartoons, where players assume the role of private investigator Jack Pepper voiced by Troy Baker, navigating the corrupt streets of Mouseburg with fast-paced FPS combat, jazz soundtrack, and over 20 noir-infused levels. Available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch 2.
- Age of Darkness: Final Stand A dark fantasy survival real-time strategy game where players illuminate, build, and defend humanity's last bastion against hordes of Nightmares. Includes cooperative multiplayer, campaign, and survival modes on PC.
- KILL KNIGHT An ultra-responsive arcade-inspired isometric action shooter featuring top-down combat through five fatal layers where players master demon combat using an arsenal of weapons against otherworldly horrors with global leaderboards. Available on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.
- Dumb Ways to Die (Mobile Franchise) Acquired mobile game franchise featuring iconic 2D art style with engaging mini-games spanning rail safety, infrastructure, medical, and public health sectors. Includes the original title and multiple sequels generating 5.5 billion social media views and 7M+ followers in 2023.
- Dumb Ways: Free For All A VR party game in the Dumb Ways to Die franchise featuring chaotic minigames playable solo or with up to 5 players across various holiday-themed environments. Available on Meta Quest 3 at USD 19.99.
- Dumb Ways to Survive A survival adventure game representing a departure from the mini-game format of the Dumb Ways to Die franchise, featuring crafting, base building, and survival mechanics. Released exclusively through Netflix Games, with availability on the App Store and Google Play.
- PlaySide Publishing A developer-first publishing service that partners with independent game studios to bring titles to market globally. Offers launch excellence, global growth strategies, marketing execution, and developer support covering production to go-to-market capabilities, with fair and transparent deal structures. Current publishing partners include Fumi Games (MOUSE: P.I. For Hire), Zugalu (Thrive: Heavy Lies The Crown), and Maverick Games (Dune platformer).
Quantifiable outcome
- 730,000 units sold in first weeks, generating $21.4 million gross sales
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use PlaySide
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
PlaySide technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
PlaySide partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.
- Maverick GamescoreNew global publishing deal with Maverick Games for the Dune platformer title. PlaySide Publishing will handle publishing services for the title through their global distribution network.
- Summer Game FestminorPlaySide announced Game of Thrones: War for Westeros at Summer Game Fest 2025 with cinematic reveal trailer premier.
- Meta (Facebook)corePartnership with Meta for Dumb Ways: Free For All VR title launching November 7 on Meta Quest 3. Meta serves as platform holder and marketing partner for the VR minigame collection featuring 50 minigames at launch with free DLC planned.
- Netflix GamescoreExclusive partnership for Dumb Ways to Survive worldwide release on Netflix Games platform. Dumb Ways to Survive is a survival adventure game representing a new genre for the Dumb Ways to Die franchise.
- Fumi GamescorePlaySide Studios signed Fumi Games' MOUSE as the third title to PlaySide Publishing. PlaySide provides publishing services including launch excellence, global growth, and developer support. Fumi Games is based in Warsaw, Poland and developed MOUSE: P.I. For Hire featuring 1930s cartoon-noir aesthetic and rubber hose animation.
- HBOcoreLicensed IP partnership for Game of Thrones: War for Westeros real-time strategy game. Set in the Game of Thrones universe drawing from George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire novels.
- DisneymajorMajor entertainment IP partner for licensed game development. PlaySide has developed games in collaboration with Disney.
- PixarmajorMajor entertainment IP partner for licensed game development. Listed among partner logos on PlaySide website.
- Warner BrosmajorMajor entertainment IP partner for licensed game development. Listed among partner logos on PlaySide website.
- NickelodeonmajorMajor entertainment IP partner for licensed game development. Listed among partner logos on PlaySide website.
- Spin MastermajorEntertainment company IP partner. Listed among partner logos on PlaySide website.
- MGMmajorEntertainment company IP partner. Listed among partner logos on PlaySide website.
- Firaxis GamesmajorGame studio IP partner. Listed among partner logos on PlaySide website.
- 2KmajorGame publisher IP partner. Listed among partner logos on PlaySide website.
- ZugalucoreDeveloper partner for Thrive: Heavy Lies The Crown, published by PlaySide Studios.
- Play Now MelbourneminorAustralia's largest games market event where PlaySide Studios participates as an exhibitor. The event connects Australian developers with international publishers and investors. Last year's edition facilitated 230 meetings where 78 developer teams presented $44 million worth of projects.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
PlaySide competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Devolver Digital: Independent game developer and publisher with a portfolio of premium PC/console titles and a developer-first publishing model. Direct comparable in dual dev/publisher strategy and premium indie positioning.
- Team17: UK-listed game developer and publisher offering both owned IP and publishing services to third-party developers. Closely comparable business model to PlaySide's dual dev/publisher approach.
- 505 Games: Global multi-platform game publisher with premium PC/console releases and licensed IP partnerships. Similar geographic reach and platform distribution footprint as PlaySide.
- Frontier Developments: UK-listed developer and publisher of premium PC/console games across strategy, simulation, and management genres. Direct peer given PlaySide's Age of Darkness and Game of Thrones RTS titles.
- Nacon: European game publisher and developer offering premium and AA titles across PC and console. Comparable in scale and multi-platform premium publishing strategy.
- Annapurna Interactive: Premium PC/console game publisher with strong relationships with independent developers. Comparable in curating and publishing high-quality indie/premium titles to a similar audience.
- Modus Games: Independent game publisher focused on premium console and PC releases. Comparable mid-sized publisher serving similar indie developer relationships.
- Coffee Stain Publishing: Game publishing arm under Embracer Group that publishes third-party indie titles alongside owned IP. Similar developer-first publishing model to PlaySide Publishing.
Emerging players
- Raw Fury: Independent game publisher focused on premium indie titles across PC and console. Comparable in catalog approach and developer-friendly publishing terms.
Broad incumbents
- Keywords Studios: Global game industry services provider offering localization, QA, and art services across hundreds of titles. Comparable as an adjacent publicly-traded games services company providing infrastructure support.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
PlaySide social profiles
Digital presencePlaySide financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
PlaySide leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
PlaySide funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
PlaySide M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about PlaySide
What does PlaySide do?
PlaySide Studios develops and publishes video games across mobile, PC, console, and VR platforms, operating three business lines: (1) original-IP self-published titles (MOUSE: P.I. For Hire, Age of Darkness: Final Stand, KILL KNIGHT), (2) licensed-IP game development for major entertainment companies (Disney, Pixar, Warner Bros, HBO, Nickelodeon, MGM), and (3) a developer-first publishing service that partners with external studios for global launch and distribution support.
Is PlaySide a public or private company?
PlaySide is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was PlaySide founded?
PlaySide was founded in 2011. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is PlaySide based?
PlaySide is headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, in the Oceania region.
How does PlaySide make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Game Sales - Original IP is the primary driver. The others are publishing Services, licensed IP Development, mobile Games - Ad Supported and digital Games Tax Offset.
Who are PlaySide's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Devolver Digital, Team17, 505 Games, Frontier Developments, Nacon, Annapurna Interactive, Modus Games and Coffee Stain Publishing. Raw Fury is listed as an emerging player. Keywords Studios is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does PlaySide have an API?
No public API is recorded for PlaySide.
What industry is PlaySide in?
PlaySide's product category is Video Game Development and Publishing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAFAAAA, AAA & Premium Game Studios (PC/Console), with a secondary code of MPAFAAAB, Mobile & F2P Game Studios. Its NAICS code is 5132 and its SIC code is 7812.