VentureBeat Homepage
  • The Machine
  • GamesBeat
  • Jobs
  • Special Issue
  • Account Settings
  • Log Out
  • Become a Member
  • Sign In
VentureBeat Homepage

GamesBeat

VentureBeat

  • AR/VR
  • Big Data
  • Cloud
  • Commerce
  • Dev
  • Enterprise
  • Entrepreneur
  • Marketing
  • Media
  • Mobile
  • Security
  • Social
  • Transportation

Follow

follow us on Twitter follow us on Facebook follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on RSS

The Machine

  • AI
  • Machine Learning
  • Computer Vision
  • Natural Language Processing
  • Robotic Process Automation

Follow

Follow us on RSS

GamesBeat

  • Games
  • Esports
  • PC Gaming

Follow

follow us on Twitter Follow us on RSS

Events

  • Upcoming
  • Transform
  • Media Partner
  • Webinars

General

  • Newsletters
  • Got a news tip?
  • Advertise
  • Press Releases
  • Guest Posts
  • Deals
  • Jobs
  • VB Lab
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
×

Join the GamesBeat Community

Free: Join the GamesBeat Community for access to 3 premium posts or videos a month.

Learn More
Please wait...

Share

  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on LinkedIn

Profile

  • VentureBeat Homepage
  • Newsletters
  • Events

Big Run Studios will make Skillz-based mobile esports games for underrepresented groups

Dean Takahashi@deantak October 22, 2019 7:00 AM
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on LinkedIn
Big Run Studios is targeting Skillz-based competitive games at new audiences.
Big Run Studios is targeting Skillz-based competitive games at new audiences.
Image Credit: Big Run Studios

GamesBeat Summit 2021

#GBSummit returns with two days of content and networking designed for industry executives.

Hosted Online

April 28-29, 2021

Register Now

Join Transform 2021 for the most important themes in enterprise AI & Data. Learn more.


Big Run Studios CEO Andrew Bell announced that his company will make new mobile games exclusively built for Skillz, the mobile esports platform.

The Oakland, California-based Big Run Studios raised money from investors so that it can make Skillz-based games targeted at women and other underrepresented groups.

Skillz has built a platform that adds competitive multiplayer to mobile games, and it now has more than 20,000 game developers and Skillz-based games are played by 30 million people. Skillz has shown that competitive gaming helps keep players engaged and playing the game longer, and it helps game makers better monetize their content.

Esports monetization is expected to reach $3 billion by 2022, according to a report from Goldman Sachs. Skillz provides game makers with an additional monetization solution beyond legacy models like ads and in-game purchases, while better aligning the game maker revenue model with the player experience to drive greater business outcomes.

“Our ultimate goal is to bring together players of all backgrounds through mobile gaming, the most accessible and affordable form of entertainment available for mass audiences worldwide,” said Bell in a statement. “Modern game development requires monetization strategies that compliment player motivation. Skillz aligns revenue models with the player experience, so game makers like us can build successful businesses doing what we love. Our investors recognized the promising upside of taking an inclusive, audience-first approach to building games exclusively on the Skillz platform. Big Run is inspired by Skillz, which is driving the future of interactive entertainment by connecting millions of people through fair competition and a positive player experience.”

Andrew Bell is CEO of Big Run Studios.

Above: Andrew Bell is CEO of Big Run Studios.

Image Credit: Big Run Studios

Bell has previously worked on franchises like FarmVille, Star Wars: Battlefront, and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite. Most recently at Warner Bros., Bell built a large-scale distributed game team from the ground up, overseeing over 100 developers to produce Harry Potter: Wizards Unite.

“Andrew Bell has built some of the most popular mobile games in the world, and now he’s partnering with Skillz to tap into the most prolific market for mass media entertainment,” said Andrew Paradise, CEO and founder of Skillz, in a statement. “Big Run Studios’ mission to create engaging content for diverse audiences worldwide aligns with our vision of adding every kind of game to our platform. Together, we’re empowering every player to find competitive and entertaining games they love to play, practice, and can turn into a lifelong sport – just like running, skiing, or any other skill-based activity.”

Big Run Studios has 15 employees.

GamesBeat

GamesBeat's creed when covering the game industry is "where passion meets business." What does this mean? We want to tell you how the news matters to you -- not just as a decision-maker at a game studio, but also as a fan of games. Whether you read our articles, listen to our podcasts, or watch our videos, GamesBeat will help you learn about the industry and enjoy engaging with it. How will you do that? Membership includes access to:
  • Newsletters, such as DeanBeat
  • The wonderful, educational, and fun speakers at our events
  • Networking opportunities
  • Special members-only interviews, chats, and "open office" events with GamesBeat staff
  • Chatting with community members, GamesBeat staff, and other guests in our Discord
  • And maybe even a fun prize or two
  • Introductions to like-minded parties
Become a member

GamesBeat Summit 2021

#GBSummit returns with two days of content and networking designed for industry executives.

Hosted Online

April 28-29, 2021

Register Now

Search jobs and find your dream job today.

Get Hired
  • GamesBeat
  • Follow us on Facebook
  • Follow us on Twitter
  • Follow us on LinkedIn
  • Follow us on RSS
  • VB Lab
  • Newsletters
  • Events
  • Special Issue
  • Product Comparisons
  • Jobs
  • About
  • Contact
  • Careers
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

© 2021 VentureBeat. All rights reserved.