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PocketGamer.biz Week That Was: King's going to IPO on the back of $1 billion Candy Crush Saga sales while Facebook buys WhatsApp for $19 billion

The past 7 days in bite-sized portions

PocketGamer.biz Week That Was: King's going to IPO on the back of $1 billion Candy Crush Saga sales while Facebook buys WhatsApp for $19 billion
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Everybody loves a good comeback story.

There’s something about cheering for a down-and-out sports figure, celebrity, or developer who’s quest for redemption brings them instant vindication and validation.

...or $19 billion dollars, as was the case for WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton who was passed over by both Twitter and Facebook in 2009. Rather than turn despondent, Acton kept "looking forward to life's next adventure" which turned out to be a business venture with fellow co-founder Jan Koum.

It's hard to say how much money or industry influence Acton would have had if Facebook hired him four years ago, but it's a safe bet to say that he's come out well ahead after two disappointments.

The same will hopefully be said for all of us as we face hardships and disappointments in the coming year. But until those hardships come, let's look back at the Pocket Gamer Biz week that was.

Tools and platforms
  • GDC's a few weeks away, and a survey of attending developers found that a full 51 percent are looking to release their next game on smartphones or tablets.
  • App Annie and IHS discovered that spending on game apps jumped 3x from 2012 - 2013 while non-app digital game sales remained at a relatively flat 1.0x.
Monetisation Industry voices Funding, acquisitions, and start-ups Financials
Matthew Diener
Matthew Diener
Representing the former colonies, Matt keeps the Pocket Gamer news feed updated when sleepy Europeans are sleeping. As a frustrated journalist, diehard gamer and recovering MMO addict, this is pretty much his dream job.