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{{Short description|British software development company}}
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{{Infobox company {{Infobox company
|name = YoYo Games Ltd. | name = YoYo Games Ltd.
|logo = ] | logo = YoYo Games.svg
|type = | type = ]
|industry = Software <br> Games Development | industry = ]
| founded = {{Start date and age|2007}}
|genre = Game Engine IDE <br> Desktop, Mobile and Web
| founders = {{Unbulleted list|Michel Cassius|Sandy Duncan|Spencer Hyman|James North-Hearn}}
|foundation = {{Start date|2007}}
| location = ], Scotland, UK
|founder =
| key_people = Russell Kay (])
|location_city = ]
|location_country = ] | products = ]
| parent = ] (2015–2021)<br/>] (2021–present)
|location = |locations =
| website = {{URL|https://gamemaker.io/}}
|area_served =
|key_people = Sandy Duncan<br>Mike Dailly<br>Russell Kay|
|products = ] <br> Cross-platform Game development technology
|services =
|revenue =
|operating_income =
|net_income =
|assets =
|equity =
|num_employees = 25–50
|owner = |parent = |divisions = |subsid =
|caption =
|homepage = http://yoyogames.com
|footnotes = |intl =
}} }}


'''YoYo Games''' is a software and ] based in ]. It is best known for developing the proprietary, game development IDE, ] for ] which can compile cross-platform, originally created by ]. '''YoYo Games''' is a British ] company based in ], Scotland. From February 2015 to January 2021, the company was owned by ]; afterwards, it was sold to ] to launch its new gaming division.

== History ==
On 26 January 2007, ] announced his partnership with a company based in ], ] called YoYo Games.<ref> from Mark Overmars, Game Maker Community</ref> The company, headed by CEO '''Sandy Duncan''' (ex Vice President of Xbox Europe),<ref> on </ref> was founded to support the future development of GameMaker and to build a community for developers and casual gamers who could upload their games to the website.

The company established its European office in ] in May 2010 by opening an office within ] with two team members.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dundeewaterfront.com/News+Article/1656/YOYO+GAMES+EXPANDS+INTO+DUNDEE+WATERFRONT/?nid=1290 |title=News Article |publisher=Dundee Waterfront |date=2013-04-22 |accessdate=2014-01-29}}</ref> The company currently employs more than 25 employees.<ref name="thecourier.co.uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.thecourier.co.uk/business/news/dundee-s-yoyo-games-looks-to-next-level-1.86723 |title=Dundee’s YoYo Games looks to next level - News / Business / The Courier |publisher=Thecourier.co.uk |date=2013-04-23 |accessdate=2014-01-29}}</ref> YoYo Games has announced plans to create an additional 25 positions, over the next 18 months, in systems development, software engineering, sales and customer service.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://interactivetayside.com/news/yoyo-games-to-double-its-staff-to-50/ |title=YoYo Games to Double its Staff to 50 |publisher=Interactive Tayside |date=2013-04-22 |accessdate=2014-01-29}}</ref> The employees will be hired to help the company keep pace with the rapid evolution of the global games market and demand for Game Maker: Studio.<ref name="scottishgames1">{{cite web|author=by scottishgames |url=http://scottishgames.net/2013/04/23/yoyo-games-expanding-recruiting-new-staff-moving-to-new-office/ |title=YoYo Games Expanding, Recruiting New Staff, Moving To New Office &#124; Scottish Games Network |publisher=Scottishgames.net |date=2013-04-23 |accessdate=2014-01-29}}</ref> To accommodate this expansion, in June 2013, YoYo Games moved from its old location within Abertay University<ref name="scottishgames1"/> into new office space on ]’s Waterfront redevelopment.<ref name="thecourier.co.uk"/>


==Games== ==History==
YoYo Games was founded in 2007 by Michel Cassius, Sandy Duncan, Spencer Hyman and James North-Hearn, former ] and ] executives. Duncan was appointed ] of the company.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cdgr.ucsb.edu/database/organization/1764 |title=YoYo Games |website=]}}</ref> On 26 January 2007, ] announced his partnership with a company based in ], Scotland, called YoYo Games.<ref> from Mark Overmars, Game Maker Community</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://money.cnn.com/galleries/2007/biz2/0707/gallery.web_world.biz2/16.html|title=It's a Web, Web, Web 2.0 world|last1=Schonfeld|first1=Erick|last2=Yen|first2=Yi-Wyn|work=]|publisher=]|access-date=28 April 2019}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable collapsible sortable"
|-
! | Title
! data-sort-type="date" | Year
! | Platform
|-
|''They Need To Be Fed''
| October 2010
|], ], ]
|-
|''Skydiver Mach II''
| October 2010
|], ], ]
|-
|''Skydiver Mach II HD''
| October 2010
|], ], ]
|-
|''Simply Solitaire''
| November 2010
|], ], ]
|-
|''Simply Solitiare HD''
| November 2010
|], ], ]
|-
|''Maddening''
| November 2010
|], ], ]
|-
|''Maddening HD''
| November 2010
|], ], ]
|-
|''Teka Teki''
| November 2010
|], ], ]
|-
|'']''
| January 2011
|], ], ]
|-
|''Prison Ball''
| January 2011
|], ]
|-
|''Green Tech Plus''
| January 2011
|], ], ]
|-
|''Sync Simple''
| March 2011
|], ]
|-
|''Simply Poker Squares''
| March 2011
|], ]
|-
|''Skydiver Mach II Free''
| March 2011
|], ], ]
|-
|''Skydiver Mach II HD Free''
| March 2011
|], ], ]
|-
|''Prison Ball Free''
| March 2011
|], ], ]
|-
|''Sync Simple Free''
| March 2011
|], ], ]
|-
|''Simply Poker Squares Free''
| March 2011
|], ]
|-
|''Maddening Free''
| March 2011
|], ], ]
|-
|''Maddening HD Free''
| March 2011
|], ], ]
|-
|''Teka Teki Free''
| March 2011
|], ], ]
|-
|''Skydiver Drop Zone''
| April 2011
|], ]
|-
|''Skydiver Drop Zone Free''
| April 2011
|], ]
|-
|''Super Snake HD''
| June 2011
|], ]
|-
|''Nimjammin Beat-jitsu''
| June 2011
|], ]
|-
|''Pollushot''
| September 2011
|], ], ]
|-
|''Reflexions|Reflexions''
| October 2011
|], ], ]
|-
|''Rick O'Shea''
| November 2011
|], ]
|-
|''They Need To Be Fed Lite''
| January 2012
|], ], ]
|-
|''Karoshi Lite''
| January 2012
|], ], ]
|-
|''Froad''
| February 2012
|], ], ]
|-
|''Simply Solitaire Pro''
| February 2012
|], ], ], ]
|-
|''Simply Minesweeper''
| March 2012
|], ], ], ]
|-
|''Simply Word Search''
| April 2012
|], ], ], ]
|-
|''B.A.S.E Jumper''
| September 2012
|], ], ], ]
|-
|''Grave Maker''
| October 2012
|], ], ], ]
|-
|''Simply Sudoku Free''
| January 2013
|], ], ], ]
|-
|''Planet Descent''
| February 2013
|], ], ]
|-
|''Lazy Mouse''
| April 2013
|], ], ]
|}


The company established its European office in ] in May 2010 by opening an office within ] with two team members.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dundeewaterfront.com/News+Article/1656/YOYO+GAMES+EXPANDS+INTO+DUNDEE+WATERFRONT/?nid=1290|title=YoYo Games Expands Into Dundee Waterfront|date=22 April 2013|website=Dundee Waterfront|publisher=Dundee City Council|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202185033/http://www.dundeewaterfront.com/News+Article/1656/YOYO+GAMES+EXPANDS+INTO+DUNDEE+WATERFRONT/?nid=1290|archive-date=2 February 2014|url-status=dead|access-date=28 April 2019}}</ref> The company currently employs more than 25 employees.<ref name="thecourier.co.uk">{{cite web|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/business/business-news/77422/dundees-yoyo-games-looks-to-next-level/|title=Dundee's YoYo Games looks to next level - The Courier|last=Williamson|first=James|date=23 April 2013|website=]|publisher=]|access-date=28 April 2019}}</ref> YoYo Games has announced plans to create an additional 25 positions, over the next 18 months, in systems development, software engineering, sales and customer service.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://interactivetayside.com/news/yoyo-games-to-double-its-staff-to-50/|title=YoYo Games to Double its Staff to 50|date=22 April 2013|website=Interactive Tayside|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201211059/http://interactivetayside.com/news/yoyo-games-to-double-its-staff-to-50/|archive-date=1 February 2014|url-status=dead|access-date=28 April 2019}}</ref> The employees will be hired to help the company keep pace with the rapid evolution of the global games market and demand for Game Maker: Studio.<ref name="scottishgames1">{{cite web|url=http://scottishgames.net/2013/04/23/yoyo-games-expanding-recruiting-new-staff-moving-to-new-office/|title=YoYo Games Expanding, Recruiting New Staff, Moving To New Office &#124; Scottish Games Network|author=scottishgames|date=23 April 2013|website=Scottish Games Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217002834/http://scottishgames.net/2013/04/23/yoyo-games-expanding-recruiting-new-staff-moving-to-new-office/|archive-date=17 February 2015|url-status=dead|access-date=28 April 2019}}</ref> To accommodate this expansion, in June 2013, YoYo Games moved from its old location within Abertay University<ref name="scottishgames1"/> into new office space on ]’s Waterfront redevelopment.<ref name="thecourier.co.uk"/> On 16 February 2015 it was announced that ] acquired YoYo Games for £10.65 million (USD$16.4 million).<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2015-02-16-yoyo-games-sells-to-playtech-for-USD16-4-million|title=YoYo Games sells to PlayTech for $16.4 million|last=Pearson|first=Dan|date=16 February 2015|work=GamesIndustry.biz|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=28 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.develop-online.net/opinions/playtech-buys-gamemaker-creator-yoyo-games-for-10m/0203202|title=PlayTech buys GameMaker creator YoYo Games for £10m|last=Chapple|first=Craig|date=16 February 2015|work=Develop|publisher=NewBay|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129222131/http://www.develop-online.net/opinions/playtech-buys-gamemaker-creator-yoyo-games-for-10m/0203202|archive-date=29 November 2016|url-status=dead|access-date=28 April 2019}}</ref> Shortly thereafter, Duncan stepped down from his position.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pocketgamer.biz/job-news/60829/yoyo-games-ceo-sandy-duncan-steps-down/ |title=YoYo Games CEO steps down following $16 million Playtech deal |first=Alysia |last=Judge |date=17 February 2015 |website=]}}</ref> He was later replaced by James Cox as ], who himself stepped down in October 2018 to be replaced by Stuart Poole in January 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-01-16-yoyo-games-promotes-stuart-poole-to-general-manager |title=YoYo Games promotes Stuart Poole to general manager |first=Matthew |last=Handrahan |date=16 January 2019 |website=]}}</ref>
== Controversy ==


Playtech sold YoYo Games to Opera for {{US$|10 million}} in January 2021. Opera announced with YoYo's acquisition, it was launching a new Opera Gaming division alongside their browser software.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/376373/Playtech_sells_GameMaker_Studio_maker_YoYo_Games_for_10_million.php | title =Playtech sells GameMaker Studio maker YoYo Games for $10 million | first = Chris | last = Kerr | date = 19 January 2021 | access-date = 19 January 2021 | work = ] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://venturebeat.com/2021/01/20/opera-acquires-yoyo-games-for-10-million-and-launches-opera-gaming-division/ | title = Opera acquires YoYo Games for $10 million and launches Opera Gaming division | first= Dean | last = Takahashi |date = January 20, 2021 | access-date = January 20, 2021 | work = ] }}</ref>
=== Digital rights management ===
]
In late 2012/early 2013, YoYo Games released a version of their new Studio IDE for cross-platform development that would import games and destroy all of the image type resources for some legitimate purchasers of the software by superimposing a pirate symbol on top of the image.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gamemakerblog.com/2012/11/26/skull-crossbones-vandalize-studio-games/ |title=Skull & Crossbones Vandalize Studio Games |publisher=Game Maker Blog |date= |accessdate=2014-01-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20121127/14455221158/game-maker-studio-drm-misfires-permanently-replaces-created-game-resources-with-pirate-symbols.shtml |title=Game Maker Studio DRM Misfires; Permanently Replaces Created Game Resources With Pirate Symbols |publisher=Techdirt |date=2012-11-28 |accessdate=2014-01-29}}</ref> This was due to a fault in their Digital Rights Management software implementation which they use as a method of combating pirated copies of the software.<ref>{{cite web|author=Published on 27th November 2012 by David Hing |url=http://www.bit-tech.net/news/gaming/2012/11/27/game-maker-accidentally-brands-customers-as/ |title=Game Maker accidentally brands customers as pirates &#124; bit-gamer.net |publisher=Bit-tech.net |date=2012-11-27 |accessdate=2014-01-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Chapple |first=Craig |url=http://www.develop-online.net/news/42651/GameMaker-fixes-anti-piracy-bug-afflicting-users |title=Gamemaker anti-piracy bug destroys developer assets &#124; Latest news from the game development industry &#124; Develop |publisher=Develop-online.net |date=2012-11-29 |accessdate=2014-01-29}}</ref> YoYoGames publicly stated they would remove the DRM at a later point in time<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/120850-GameMaker-Studio-DRM-Bug-Trashes-Legit-Resources |title=GameMaker Studio DRM Bug Trashes Legit Resources |publisher=Defy Media, LLC |date=28 November 2012 |accessdate=2 December 2014}}</ref>, but that other less-invasive DRM techniques would remain.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gamepolitics.com/2012/11/28/game-maker-drm-permanently-vandalizing-paying-users-games#.VH4PQ8ms9dQ |title=Game Maker DRM Permanently Vandalizing Paying Users' Games |publisher=Entertainment Consumers Association |date=28 November 2012 |accessdate=2 December 2014}}</ref>


In February 2021, Stuart Poole left the role of General Manager and Russell Kay was named Senior Product Director (Head of GameMaker)<ref>{{Citation |title=GameMaker Update 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMYGAiHAyuI |language=en |access-date=2022-04-22}}</ref>
=== 2013 April Fools' Day joke ===
On 30 March 2013, Mike Dailly announced that YoYo Games was being purchased by the ], the developers of ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reddit.com/r/gamedev/comments/1bdtar/valve_is_buying_yoyogames_the_makers_of_game_maker/ |title=Valve is buying Yoyogames, the makers of Game Maker : gamedev |publisher=Reddit.com |date=2013-03-31 |accessdate=2014-01-29}}</ref> The joke drew much criticism from the community and lead to widespread arguments within the community and a large removal of several users from the Game Maker Community.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gmc.yoyogames.com/index.php?showtopic=576257 |title=Yoyo Are Not Selling Out - April Fools - The Community - Game Maker Community |publisher=Gmc.yoyogames.com |date= |accessdate=2014-01-29}}</ref> YoYo Games Chief Executive Officer, Sandy Duncan, later learned of the prank and promptly had it removed from the site, however several moderators continued reposting the topic. An apology was later given.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://coinarcade.org/2013/04/01/yoyo-games-april-fools-prank-angers-indie-game-community/ |title=YoYo Games April Fool’s Prank Angers Indie Game Community |publisher=Coin Arcade |date= |accessdate=2014-01-29}}</ref>


== References == ==References==
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
{{Reflist|2}}
* {{Official website|https://gamemaker.io/}}


{{Opera Software AS}}
== External links ==
* {{Official website|http://www.yoyogames.com/}}


] ]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 09:34, 2 July 2024

British software development company

YoYo Games Ltd.
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryVideo games
Founded2007; 18 years ago (2007)
Founders
  • Michel Cassius
  • Sandy Duncan
  • Spencer Hyman
  • James North-Hearn
HeadquartersDundee, Scotland, UK
Key peopleRussell Kay (Senior Product Director)
ProductsGameMaker
ParentPlaytech (2015–2021)
Opera (2021–present)
Websitegamemaker.io

YoYo Games is a British software development company based in Dundee, Scotland. From February 2015 to January 2021, the company was owned by Playtech; afterwards, it was sold to Opera to launch its new gaming division.

History

YoYo Games was founded in 2007 by Michel Cassius, Sandy Duncan, Spencer Hyman and James North-Hearn, former entertainment and video game industry executives. Duncan was appointed chief executive officer of the company. On 26 January 2007, Mark Overmars announced his partnership with a company based in Dundee, Scotland, called YoYo Games.

The company established its European office in Dundee in May 2010 by opening an office within Abertay University with two team members. The company currently employs more than 25 employees. YoYo Games has announced plans to create an additional 25 positions, over the next 18 months, in systems development, software engineering, sales and customer service. The employees will be hired to help the company keep pace with the rapid evolution of the global games market and demand for Game Maker: Studio. To accommodate this expansion, in June 2013, YoYo Games moved from its old location within Abertay University into new office space on Dundee’s Waterfront redevelopment. On 16 February 2015 it was announced that Playtech acquired YoYo Games for £10.65 million (USD$16.4 million). Shortly thereafter, Duncan stepped down from his position. He was later replaced by James Cox as general manager, who himself stepped down in October 2018 to be replaced by Stuart Poole in January 2019.

Playtech sold YoYo Games to Opera for US$10 million in January 2021. Opera announced with YoYo's acquisition, it was launching a new Opera Gaming division alongside their browser software.

In February 2021, Stuart Poole left the role of General Manager and Russell Kay was named Senior Product Director (Head of GameMaker)

References

  1. "YoYo Games". University of California, Santa Barbara.
  2. Public announcement from Mark Overmars, Game Maker Community
  3. Schonfeld, Erick; Yen, Yi-Wyn. "It's a Web, Web, Web 2.0 world". CNN Money. CNN. Retrieved 28 April 2019.
  4. "YoYo Games Expands Into Dundee Waterfront". Dundee Waterfront. Dundee City Council. 22 April 2013. Archived from the original on 2 February 2014. Retrieved 28 April 2019.
  5. ^ Williamson, James (23 April 2013). "Dundee's YoYo Games looks to next level - The Courier". The Courier. DC Thomson. Retrieved 28 April 2019.
  6. "YoYo Games to Double its Staff to 50". Interactive Tayside. 22 April 2013. Archived from the original on 1 February 2014. Retrieved 28 April 2019.
  7. ^ scottishgames (23 April 2013). "YoYo Games Expanding, Recruiting New Staff, Moving To New Office | Scottish Games Network". Scottish Games Network. Archived from the original on 17 February 2015. Retrieved 28 April 2019.
  8. Pearson, Dan (16 February 2015). "YoYo Games sells to PlayTech for $16.4 million". GamesIndustry.biz. Gamer Network. Retrieved 28 April 2019.
  9. Chapple, Craig (16 February 2015). "PlayTech buys GameMaker creator YoYo Games for £10m". Develop. NewBay. Archived from the original on 29 November 2016. Retrieved 28 April 2019.
  10. Judge, Alysia (17 February 2015). "YoYo Games CEO steps down following $16 million Playtech deal". Pocket Gamer.biz.
  11. Handrahan, Matthew (16 January 2019). "YoYo Games promotes Stuart Poole to general manager". GamesIndustry.biz.
  12. Kerr, Chris (19 January 2021). "Playtech sells GameMaker Studio maker YoYo Games for $10 million". Gamasutra. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
  13. Takahashi, Dean (20 January 2021). "Opera acquires YoYo Games for $10 million and launches Opera Gaming division". Venture Beat. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
  14. GameMaker Update 2022, retrieved 22 April 2022

External links

Opera
Software
Technology
Websites
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