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Sandsoft Games, the mobile-first game developer, publisher and investor powered by AAA talent, has invested USD $3.25 million (EUR €3 million) in The Tiny Digital Factory (TDF), an independent developer of world-class mobile racing and motorsport games.
The investment in the France and Canada-based studio represents a significant addition to Sandsoft Games’ portfolio and will enable the two companies to continue to trailblaze player-first mobile gaming experiences into 2023 and beyond. Sandsoft Games has an established global presence, including its flagship internal game development studio and publishing team based in Riyadh, as well as further publishing teams in Barcelona, Helsinki, and Shanghai. The Sandsoft Games leadership is driven by senior games industry talent, including CEO David Fernandez, and Head of Publishing, Miikka Lindgren, who will team up with The Tiny Digital Factory’s highly experienced team to expand the studio’s successful game development plans. Additionally, Sandsoft will publish TDF’s games in the MENA region, taking advantage of its localization and marketing capabilities to attract players from the Arab world.
The Tiny Digital Factory is led by a veteran of iconic racing game franchises such as Test Drive Unlimited and V-Rally, Stéphane Baudet, who has since created successful mobile-first games including GT Manager. Over the past 18 months, TDF has developed unprecedented expertise in web3 and the power of digital ownership in racing games thanks to collaborations with the early players in the field, F1 Delta Time and Revv Racing. TDF is currently developing a state-of-the-art web3 racer, Infinite Drive, which has already received critical acclaim for its game-first approach and recently announced its official partnership with Aston Martin.
Abdulaziz Alajlan, Managing Director of Sandsoft, commented: “Investment in The Tiny Digital Factory is an important step in Sandsoft’s investment vision of facilitating gaming studios on their journey to become the leaders in the mobile and web3 gaming space. This will also contribute to Saudi Arabia’s positive impact to the global gaming industry, in alignment with the national gaming strategy and Kingdom's Vision 2030. The Tiny Digital Factory’s team has tremendous potential and we are excited to have the opportunity to help drive them forward.”
David Fernandez, CEO at Sandsoft Games, continued: “We’re thrilled to welcome The Tiny Digital Factory into the Sandsoft Games collective of game makers. It has a tremendous track record of producing world-class racing games, and is a natural partner for Sandsoft Games as we look to create a lasting legacy of innovative, mobile-first core gaming experiences. The Tiny Digital Factory also shares our philosophy for player-first web3 gaming, where any integration of blockchain needs to deliver unique value for players that can’t be achieved with existing technology. Our new alliance is an ideal match because both teams have the player and gameplay experience at the epicentre of our games.”
Stéphane Baudet, CEO at Tiny Digital Factory, added, “Sandsoft Games is both a major investor in and supporter of global games industry growth and innovation. The team’s ambition enables us to be even bolder, braver and better in the talent and tech we allocate to bring stunning mobile games to new and enthusiastic audiences. We are singularly impressed with the AAA team in place at Sandsoft, and their player first philosophy which is ingrained in their company from top to bottom.”
Sandsoft has recently invested in major IP-linked mobile titles including Rambo: Strike Force, and Pacific Rim: Breach Wars, as well as new and emerging technologies in the gaming space. Sandsoft is the gaming arm of Ajlan & Bros Holding company, one of the MENA region’s largest corporations, providing the company and partners such as The Tiny Digital Factory with access to an unrivalled global infrastructure.
