Full Breakdown
Trophy Games Acquires Playrion in Largest Deal to Date
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Danish developer Trophy Games announced the purchase of French studio Playrion, creator of *Airport Simulator: First Class* and *Airlines Manager*. The transaction includes €2.25 million cash upfront and a three-year earn-out tied to Playrion’s net revenue. Thirty Playrion employees will join Trophy Games, and the studio will retain creative independence in Paris. The deal is scheduled to close by September 30.
Background & Context
Playrion, founded in 2010 in Paris, was acquired by Paradox Interactive in 2020. Trophy Games, founded by Søren Gleie, entered the mobile simulation market with the 2021 acquisition of Airline Manager 4, later expanding into a six-title transport-management series and driving a four-fold revenue increase over five years. The Playrion purchase follows that growth model.
Data & Statistics
- Purchase price: €2.25 million upfront; additional 9 % of Playrion’s net revenue for three years.
- Workforce transfer: 30 Playrion staff.
- Playrion’s reported annual revenue: approx. DKK 30 million.
- Trophy Games’ 2026 revenue outlook: €22.8 million–€24.1 million (up from €20.1 million–€22.4 million).
- EBITDA outlook: DKK 29 million–DKK 35 million (previously DKK 28 million–DKK 36 million).
- Cash position at half-year: €8.9 million with no interest-bearing debt.
- Six new games are slated for release over the next year.
Official Statements & Responses
Trophy Games’ CEO Søren Gleie said the acquisition aligns with a “strong strategic match” after four years of monitoring Playrion, a former competitor. He noted the plan to use *Airport Simulator* as a platform for a new series of simulation titles.
Paradox Interactive CEO Fredrik Wester described the sale as part of Paradox’s shift toward strategy and management games on PC and console, stating that Playrion’s mobile focus no longer fits the firm’s core direction.
Why It Matters
The deal expands Trophy Games’ portfolio in the mobile aviation-simulation niche and provides a proven technology base for future titles. By integrating Playrion’s team and IP, Trophy Games aims to create a new series that could become a “growth pillar,” potentially increasing its market share in mobile strategy games. The acquisition also reflects broader industry trends of consolidation among mid-size developers seeking scale and diversified revenue streams.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is a milestone for Trophy Games. We have had Playrion on our radar for four years,” — Trophy Games CEO
- “Our job is to give them more opportunities while bringing the best of Trophy Games into play.” — Søren Gleie
What's Next
The transaction is expected to be finalized by September 30, after which Playrion will operate under Trophy Games’ ownership while maintaining its Paris base. Trophy Games indicated that the integration will enable immediate enhancements to Playrion’s existing games through its marketing and technology expertise, and the company will monitor the earn-out performance over the next three years.