Gdev Acquires Light Hour Games to Expand Mobile Portfolio
A strategic move to strengthen Gdev's presence in the casual mobile gaming market with an AI-first studio.
Published: August 6, 2025The Acquisition Explained
Global games company Gdev, in a significant move to bolster its mobile gaming division, has completed the acquisition of Light Hour Games, a promising mobile studio based in Cyprus. This strategic deal is a major step for Gdev, aiming to solidify its position in the highly competitive casual gaming market. The terms of the acquisition, while undisclosed in financial figures, highlight a unique partnership model where Light Hour Games will maintain complete creative independence. This approach signals a forward-thinking strategy by Gdev, which believes in nurturing talent and innovative vision rather than imposing top-down control.
For Light Hour Games, this partnership offers the 'best of both worlds,' as described by CEO Konstantin Mitrofanov. The studio, founded by industry veterans Konstantin Mitrofanov and Ilya Nikitin, will now have access to Gdev’s extensive resources, including full operational funding, robust data analytics, and comprehensive publishing support. This backing is crucial for a lean, 15-person team that prides itself on using 'heavy automation' and 'AI-first' workflows to drive rapid, high-quality game development. This focus on efficiency and technology is a key reason Gdev was attracted to the studio in the first place.
A New Era for Casual Gaming
Light Hour Games has carved out a niche for itself by focusing on 'feel-good casual games.' Their philosophy centers on creating emotionally resonant experiences that are accessible to a wide audience. Their first major project under Gdev’s wing is a story-driven tile-match game, set for a soft launch in October. This title aims to combine the familiar mechanics of a tile-match game with a deeper narrative, a direction that the studio hopes will set it apart from its competitors. The integration of emotional storytelling into a casual game is a trend that has been gaining traction, and Light Hour Games is well-positioned to capitalize on this shift.
“Light Hour Games fits our vision perfectly - lean, talented, and driven by innovation. We believe in backing great creators with the freedom and support they need to make something unforgettable.”
The acquisition reflects Gdev’s trust in the founders' vision and their ability to execute. Mitrofanov, a former CPO at Belka Games, and Nikitin, previously a chief project manager at My. Games, bring a wealth of experience to the table. Their combined expertise in game development and project management, coupled with a lean, automated approach, positions Light Hour Games as a potent force. The deal provides the studio with the stability and resources needed to focus purely on creating great games without the typical commercial pressures of a standalone startup. The upcoming game, with its blend of accessible gameplay and emotional depth, will be a key test of this new partnership's potential. If successful, it could pave the way for a new model of studio acquisition where creative autonomy is prioritized.
The mobile gaming market is currently experiencing a period of intense consolidation, with larger companies actively acquiring smaller, innovative studios to diversify their portfolios and capture emerging market trends. Gdev's acquisition of Light Hour Games is a perfect example of this. By bringing a studio with a unique focus on 'feel-good' casual games and a strong technological foundation (AI-first workflows) into its fold, Gdev is not only expanding its IP but also acquiring a team with a demonstrated ability to innovate. This move is a clear signal that even in a crowded market, there is still a high value placed on creative vision and a lean, efficient development process. The success of Light Hour's upcoming title will be closely watched as a bellwether for this strategic direction.
Furthermore, the trend of integrating narrative into traditionally simple game genres like tile-matching or puzzle games is a growing one. Players are increasingly seeking more than just simple mechanics; they want a reason to stay engaged, a story to follow, and characters to care about. Light Hour Games' approach of blending 'familiar mechanics with emotional storytelling' taps directly into this demand. This strategy, combined with Gdev's publishing power, could lead to a highly successful new title and establish a strong foundation for future projects. The partnership underscores a belief that technology and creativity, when combined effectively, can still lead to significant breakthroughs in the mobile gaming space. The gaming community will be eager to see if this synergy can produce the next big hit. It's a calculated risk for Gdev, but one that could pay off handsomely by positioning them as a leader in innovative, emotionally engaging casual games.
