RIP Space Ape Games: 70 join Supercell London, and 30 laid off
As reported by MobileGamer, Space Ape Games is no more. Following Supercell’s full acquisition in November 2024, the studio’s fate has now taken shape: 70 staff join Supercell London, 30 are laid off, and the rest take their projects to new homes.
Supercell confirmed that “around 70” former Space Ape employees will be part of Supercell London, marking a major expansion of the Finnish giant’s UK presence.
Meanwhile, Chrome Valley Customs and Fastlane are moving to Offroad Games, a new startup led by ex-Space Ape GM Geoffrey Gilles, bringing along 10-12 team members. Transformers: Earth Wars shifts to Chinese publisher Yodo1, which will now handle the game globally, taking 10 Space Ape employees with it.
Unfortunately, around 30 staff were left without roles, though Supercell reportedly worked to minimize layoffs and support transitions. Some declined offers at Supercell or the spin-outs.
Supercell shared this statement:
“We’ve worked closely with each Space Ape employee to explore options. We’re excited to combine our talents in Supercell London and wish those moving on every success.”
NextBeat: The Music Game Spin-Off
This isn’t the first exodus—30 Space Ape veterans had already jumped ship to form NextBeat, a music game studio behind Beatstar and Country Star. Founded by Space Ape cofounder Simon Hade and industry veteran Olly Barnes, NextBeat is prepping rock and metal-themed Beatstar spin-offs for 2025. Supercell remains a minority investor as the studio eyes a “substantial” funding round.
Thus, Space Ape’s legacy lives on—scattered, but far from forgotten.
