Included Games Company Profile

Background

Included Games is a UK-based mobile game development company founded in 2020. The company is dedicated to creating socially-powered mobile games that emphasize community engagement and inclusivity. Their mission is to develop gaming experiences where players feel truly represented and can connect effortlessly with friends.

Key Strategic Focus

Included Games focuses on developing mobile games that are:

Social: Facilitating connections and play among friends.

Fulfilling: Ensuring gameplay feels rewarding and time well spent.

Effortless: Designing intuitive and accessible gaming experiences.

Inclusive: Promoting representation and inclusivity within their games.

Their primary market is the mobile gaming sector, targeting players seeking engaging and socially interactive experiences.

Financials and Funding

Since its inception, Included Games has secured funding to support its growth:

April 2021: Raised an undisclosed amount in an early-stage venture capital round.

November 2023: Secured $2.92 million in another early-stage venture capital round.

Notable investors include Gaingels, Mana Ventures, The Games Fund, Ascension (Venture Capital), and Concept Ventures (London). The capital is intended to enhance game development, expand the team, and support marketing efforts.

Pipeline Development

Included Games' flagship title is Heroes of Fortune, a multiplayer procedural dungeon crawler designed for quick, social play. The game is currently in soft launch in select territories, with a global release anticipated in early 2025.

Technological Platform and Innovation

The company leverages proprietary technologies and methodologies to create unique gaming experiences. Their focus on social dynamics and community-driven content sets them apart in the mobile gaming industry. Specific technological platforms and AI-driven capabilities have not been publicly disclosed.

Leadership Team

Michael Heywood: Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Background: Former Studio Head at Circuscode (acquired by Gamesys Social Gaming); experience at Electronic Arts, Accenture, Virgin Media, and Channel 4.

Michael Othen: Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer

Background: Co-founder & Chief Creative Officer at Fusebox Games; former roles at Electronic Arts; co-founder of UK LGBTQ+ Game Community, Out Making Games.

Francesco Puglisi: Chief Technology Officer

Sophia Coney: Chief Operating Officer

Chris: Head of Economy & Analytics

Daniel: Art Director

Rute: Senior UI Designer

Joseph: Senior Developer

Mensah: Senior Developer

Jude: Developer

Nuno: Head of Growth

Austin: QA Engineer

Em: Community Manager

Leadership Changes

As of the latest available information, there have been no significant recent changes or appointments within the company's leadership team.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The mobile gaming industry is highly competitive, with a focus on social and multiplayer experiences. The market has seen significant growth, driven by increasing smartphone penetration and demand for interactive entertainment.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

Zynga: Known for social games like "FarmVille" and "Words with Friends."

Skillz: Offers a platform for competitive mobile games, enabling developers to integrate real-money competitions.

PLAY: Provides infrastructure for launching web3 games and transitioning existing games to blockchain platforms.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Included Games has partnered with various investors and organizations to strengthen its market position and innovation capacity. Notable partnerships include:

Concept Ventures: Provided early-stage funding and strategic support.

Operational Insights

Included Games differentiates itself through its commitment to inclusivity and social engagement in gaming. By focusing on community-driven content and effortless gameplay, the company aims to carve out a unique position in the mobile gaming market.