Amber, a game development agency led by CEO Mihai Pohonțu, has had a long-standing relationship with Madbricks, a Bogotá-based game development studio. Pohonțu emphasizes Amber’s alignment with Madbricks’ values, particularly their mutual commitment to community investment. This cultural compatibility has fostered a trusted partnership between the two companies.
Madbricks, with a decade of experience, has specialized in co-development and full development across various genres and platforms. Pohonțu acknowledges the dedication and professionalism of the Madbricks team, which has led to the natural progression of acquiring the studio. This acquisition aims to solidify Amber’s presence in the South American gaming industry, particularly in Colombia, a region with growing significance in game development.
Miguel Benavides, CEO of Madbricks and head of the Colombian Videogames Association (COVA), has been instrumental in developing Colombia’s game development talent. Amber’s strategy to train thousands of game developers in Mexico is expected to be replicated in Colombia, reflecting a strong alignment between the two companies’ leadership and visions.
Amber Expands into Colombia with Acquisition of Madbricks Game Development Studio
Amber’s acquisition of Madbricks is anticipated to bring larger projects and learning opportunities for the Colombian studio. Benavides believes joining Amber will enhance Madbricks’ production efficiency and help realize their vision for the local industry. Amber, founded in 2013 in Bucharest, operates as a network of studios offering comprehensive game development solutions and currently employs over 850 staff globally.
Amber has collaborated with major gaming companies such as Amazon, Disney, and Rovio, and developed notable games like Tetris Beat and Sky: Children of Light. The company has a strong global presence with offices in multiple countries, including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Colombia. Madbricks, known for delivering top-tier gaming experiences, has contributed significantly to this global gaming landscape.
Colombia offers a cost-effective environment for game development, about 20% cheaper than Eastern Europe, and boasts political stability. Amber plans to expand the Colombian studio similarly to its growth in Guadalajara, Mexico. This approach includes nurturing local talent and leveraging established studios, which aligns with Amber’s scalable operational model.
Amber’s shift from mobile to PC and console game development reflects industry trends post-pandemic. Colombia’s higher ratio of Unreal Engine developers is an asset Amber intends to utilize. The company’s recent acquisition strategy is driven by increased confidence and a track record of enhancing studios in emerging markets, despite industry challenges like reduced revenues and layoffs.
Pohonțu sees a resurgence in investment in the gaming industry, with hopes for significant growth by 2025. Amber’s profitability and recent $20 million capital raise position it well for acquisitions. Pohonțu acknowledges the industry’s current difficulties, including layoffs and unionization drives, but remains optimistic about Amber’s future and the broader gaming market’s recovery.
