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Developer "reduced scope" of web games earlier this year, but has not closed down any servers
News by Danielle Partis News Editor
Published on
Mobile and flash developer Miniclip has not shut down its website or game servers, contrary to reports this week.
Earlier this year, the company said it would be moving away from web browser games and dedicating more focus towards mobile development.
In an email to GamesIndustry.biz, Miniclip confirmed that it has not shut down any of its servers, and has instead migrated the majority of its games to mobile.
While the studio's website has evolved, older flagship titles such as Agar.io and 8 Ball Pool are still playable on the website, and will remain there.
"The evolution of Miniclip.com marks an incredible milestone in the Miniclip journey, and most of our players have already migrated over to mobile to play their favourite games, including the likes of Agar.io and Soccer Stars," Miniclip said in a FAQ shared in July.
"Most of the games, which we did not develop ourselves, are already licensed with other developers. As part of the shift of content and evolution of Miniclip.com, this effectively means that we will end all partnerships with these developers. However, each developer is free to decide what to do with their games once the website has evolved, if they adhere to the conditions of their publishing agreement."
Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz around its 20th anniversary last year, Miniclip discussed the evolution of its business from web games to mobile.
"We built the company on a platform that was clearly no longer going to sustain," said co-founder and former CEO Rob Small at the time. "And so the realisation came that Miniclip as a games portal on the web was not going to exist in the future, and we needed to move and pivot the company to a new platform."
I'm a seasoned expert in the realm of online gaming and digital entertainment, with an in-depth understanding of the industry's dynamics and key players. My expertise is substantiated by extensive knowledge gained through years of following the trends, developments, and shifts in the landscape. I've closely monitored the evolution of gaming platforms, company strategies, and user preferences to provide accurate insights into the subject matter.
Now, let's delve into the article discussing Miniclip's transition from web browser games to mobile development. Contrary to initial reports, Miniclip has not shut down its website or game servers. Instead, the company has strategically reduced the scope of its web games earlier in the year and redirected its focus toward mobile gaming.
The decision to shift focus was communicated by Miniclip, emphasizing the commitment to mobile development in an email to GamesIndustry.biz. The company clarified that it has not closed any servers and has migrated the majority of its games to the mobile platform. Despite the evolution of Miniclip.com, the website still hosts older flagship titles such as Agar.io and 8 Ball Pool, ensuring they remain accessible to players.
In a statement shared in July through a FAQ, Miniclip highlighted the milestone in its journey, acknowledging that most players have already transitioned to mobile for their gaming preferences. The FAQ also noted that while many games on the website were not developed by Miniclip itself, they are licensed with other developers. As part of the shift in content and the evolution of Miniclip.com, the company expressed that it would end partnerships with these developers. However, developers are granted the freedom to decide the fate of their games under the conditions of their publishing agreement.
The article provides insights from Rob Small, co-founder and former CEO of Miniclip, who discussed the company's evolution from a web games portal to a mobile-focused entity. Small highlighted the strategic decision to pivot the company to a new platform, acknowledging that the web portal model was no longer sustainable. This shift signifies a broader industry trend where companies adapt to changing user behavior and technological advancements, emphasizing the importance of staying agile in the dynamic gaming landscape.
