Market (Overall)·Updated Mar 17, 2026 by Thunderful
Financial · January 1, 2025
Published by Thunderful
Thunderful Group underwent a profound structural transformation throughout 2024, shifting its strategic focus toward external publishing and core internal development while divesting its distribution segment and several subsidiaries, including Headup and Jumpship. This transition resulted in a significant decline in financial performance, with annual net revenue falling 23.8% to 292.8 MSEK and Q4 revenue dropping 27.6% to 77.4 MSEK. The fiscal year was defined by a substantial operating loss of 917.3 MSEK, primarily driven by 848 MSEK in depreciation and asset write-downs. These impairments reflect the aggressive cleanup of the balance sheet as the organization streamlined its workforce to 297 employees and moved away from non-core business units. Despite the heavy accounting losses and a deterioration of the adjusted EBITDA margin to -14.1%, the group successfully stabilized its financial position by reducing interest-bearing net debt from 402.1 MSEK to -7.7 MSEK. This improvement in liquidity was largely achieved through a drastic reduction in core working capital and the settlement of liabilities. Furthermore, a comprehensive cost-savings program is expected to generate between 80 and 90 MSEK in annual savings, positioning the company for a return to positive cash flow in the coming year. The outlook for 2025 remains optimistic, supported by a robust release pipeline consisting of twelve ongoing development projects. This portfolio includes eight internally developed titles, such as Reignbreaker and Lost in Random: The Eternal Die. By concentrating resources on a leaner operational model and a high-potential publishing slate, the group aims to recover from the volatility of its restructuring phase and establish a more sustainable, profitable trajectory within the global gaming market.
# A more agile and sustainable game company following restructuring program Fourth quarter October–December 2024 - Net revenue decreased 29.6 MSEK to 77.4 MSEK (107.0) compared to the same quarter last year. - Operating profit (EBIT) decreased 76.2 MSEK to –631.5 MSEK (–555.2), corresponding to an operating margin of –815.5 percent (–519.0). - Write-down of capitalised development cost amounted to 560.2 MSEK for the quarter, of which 444.0 MSEK was acquisition-related goodwill values. - Adjusted EBITDA increased 7.1 MSEK to –10.8 MSEK (–17.9), corresponding to an adjusted EBITDA margin of –13.9 percent (–16.7). - Adjusted EBITA increased 0.1 MSEK to –154.8 MSEK (–154.9), corresponding to an adjusted EBITA margin of –199.9 percent (–144.8). - Profit & loss for the quarter amounted to $- 4 9 2 . 9$ MSEK (–595.1), and for continuing operations $- 4 4 9 . 1$ MSEK (–541.0). - Earnings per share before and after dilution amounted to –7.01 SEK (–8.47), and for continuing operations –6.39 SEK (–7.70). - Cash flow from operating activities amounted to 26.7 MSEK (300.0), of which discontinued operations amounted to –7.4 MSEK (489.2). - Consolidated cash and cash equivalents together with unutilised credit facilities amounted to 150.2 MSEK (209.1) as of 31 December $2 0 2 4$ . - Thunderful has signed an agreement with Jumpship’s former owner, Dino Patti, for the transfer of all shares in Jumpship — Limited. The company has also reached a settlement agreement regarding former seller claims on future earnouts in exchange for shares in Jumpship Ltd. According to the settlement agreement, Jumpship shall receive 752,6 TGBP from Thunderful, which corresponds to expected wind-down costs. Thunderful shall also waive all internal loans to Jumpship. The transfer of shares is conditional upon shareholder approval at the extraordinary shareholders’ meeting. The period January–December 2024 - Net revenue decreased 91.7 MSEK to 292.8 MSEK (384.4) compared to the same period last year. - Operating profit (EBIT) decreased 371.4 MSEK to –917.3 MSEK (–546.0), corresponding to an operating margin of –313.3 percent $( - 1 4 2 . 0 )$ . - Write-down of capitalised development cost amounted to 659.3 MSEK for the period, of which $4 4 4 . 0$ MSEK was acquisition-related goodwill values. - Adjusted EBITDA decreased 150.6 MSEK to –41.3 MSEK (109.2), corresponding to an adjusted EBITDA margin of –14.1 percent (28.4). - Adjusted EBITA decreased 287.4 MSEK to –383.9 MSEK (–96.5), corresponding to an adjusted EBITA margin of –131.1 percent (–25.1). - Profit & loss for the period amounted to –887.5 MSEK (–629.8), and for continuing operations –665.5 MSEK (–579.6). - Earnings per share before and after dilution amounted to –12.63 SEK (–8.96), and for continuing operations –9.47 SEK (–8.25). - Cash flow from operating activities amounted to 241.3 MSEK (299.0), of which discontinued operations amounted to $3 4 3 . 6$ MSEK (346.2).
tions –665.5 MSEK (–579.6). - Earnings per share before and after dilution amounted to –12.63 SEK (–8.96), and for continuing operations –9.47 SEK (–8.25). - Cash flow from operating activities amounted to 241.3 MSEK (299.0), of which discontinued operations amounted to $3 4 3 . 6$ MSEK (346.2). # Events after the end of the quarter • On February 10, 2025 the Thunderful shareholders approved the transfer of the Jumpship shares. Closing of the divestment is expected to be concluded shortly.
| Key performance indicators | Quarter | Period | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | GROUP | Q4 2024 | Q4 2023 | Δ% | Jan-Dec 2024 | Jan-Dec 2023 | Δ% | | Net revenue, MSEK | 77.4 | 107.0 | -27.6% | 292.8 | 384.4 | -23.8% | | Gross profit, MSEK | 53.4 | 56.2 | -5.0% | 229.6 | 319.4 | -28.1% | | Gross margin | 69.0% | 52.6% | | 78.4% | 83.1% | | | EBITDA, MSEK | -29.7 | -22.4 | -32.8% | -69.4 | 99.8 | -169.5% | | Adjusted EBITDA, MSEK | -10.8 | -17.9 | 39.6% | -41.3 | 109.2 | -137.8% | | Adjusted EBITDA margin | -13.9% | -16.7% | | -14.1% | 28.4% | | | EBITA, MSEK | -173.7 | -159.4 | -9,0% | -411.9 | -105.9 | 288.9% | | Adjusted EBITA, MSEK | -154.8 | -154.9 | 0.1% | -383.9 | -96.5 | 297.8% | | Adjusted EBITA margin | -199.9% | -144.8% | | -131.1% | -25.1% | | | Operating result (EBIT), MSEK | -631.5 | -555.2 | -13.7% | -917.3 | -546.0 | -68.0% | | Operating margin (EBIT margin) | -815.5% | -519.0% | | -313.3% | -142.0% | | | Profit & loss for the period, MSEK | -492.9 | -595.1 | 17.2% | -887.5 | -629.8 | -40.9% | | Profit & loss for the period for continuing operations, MSEK | -449.1 | -541.0 | 17.0% | -665.5 | -579.6 | -14.8% | | Net core working capital, MSEK | 8.9 | 526.3 | -98.3% | 8.9 | 526.3 | -98.3% | | Cash flow from operating activities, MSEK | 26.7 | 300.0 | -91.1% | 241.3 | 299.0 | -19.3% | | Interest-bearing net debt, MSEK | -7.7 | 402.1 | -101.9% | -7.7 | 402.1 | -101.9% | | Interest-bearing net debt/adjusted EBITDA, R12M, MSEK | 0.2 | 3.7 | -94.6% | 0.2 | 3.7 | -94.6% | | Earnings per share before dilution, SEK | -7.01 | -8.47 | 17.2% | -12.63 | -8.96 | -41.0% | | Earnings per share after dilution, SEK | -7.01 | -8.47 | 17.2% | -12.63 | -8.96 | -41.0% | | Earnings per share before dilution for continuing operations, SEK | -6.39 | -7.70 | 17.0% | -9.47 | -8.25 | -14.8% | | Earnings per share after dilution for continuing operations, SEK | -6.39 | -7.70 | 17.0% | -9.47 | -8.25 | -14.8% | | Net profit margin | -636.5% | -556.2% | | -303.1% | -163.8% | | | Net profit margin for continuing operations | -580.0% | -505.7% | | -227.3% | -150.8% | | LOST IN RANDOM: THE ETERNAL DIE STORMTELLER GAMES
# CEO Comments 2024 was a transformative year for Thunderful Group. We have taken critical steps to strengthen our financial control, streamline operations, and create a clearer path forward. The decision in November to focus more explicitly on game publishing in collaboration with external studios also marks an important change. The many changes throughout the year have laid the foundation for a more financially sustainable and flexible business. During the fourth quarter, we implemented the restructuring program announced in November. The program aims to streamline our publishing operations and is expected to generate annual cost savings of 80–90 MSEK. At the same time, we are increasing our investment in publishing rights to strengthen our future game portfolio and create new revenue streams. One-time costs related to the restructuring are estimated at a maximum of 30 MSEK, of which 19 MSEK was recognized in the fourth quarter. Additionally, we have made write-downs of development costs, goodwill, and game rights amounting to 560 MSEK, of which 216 MSEK were related to the restructuring program and 344 MSEK were adjustments of acquisition-related goodwill values to better reflect market valuation of industry assets. The Group’s net revenue for the fourth quarter $2 0 2 4$ amounted to 77 MSEK (107), with an operating result of –632 MSEK (–555). # Publishing In the Publishing segment, net revenue amounted to 49 MSEK (68), a decline explained by fewer game releases and one-time revenue during the same period last year. Costs have decreased due to reduced personnel expenses, as well as high one-time royalty costs in the comparison period. Transactional sales remained stable at approximately 45 MSEK (45), demonstrating the growing strength of our portfolio and the value of efficient back catalogue management. # Co-development & Services For the Co-development & Services segment, net revenue for the quarter decreased to 29 MSEK (39), primarily due to lower revenue from Coatsink—a result of a reduced monthly billing rate in exchange for a revenue-sharing model for an upcoming game release. Revenue from Services remains limited and declined marginally compared to the same quarter last year.
the quarter decreased to 29 MSEK (39), primarily due to lower revenue from Coatsink—a result of a reduced monthly billing rate in exchange for a revenue-sharing model for an upcoming game release. Revenue from Services remains limited and declined marginally compared to the same quarter last year. # Looking ahead to the future Despite major challenges this year, we have seen improvements in our operational efficiency and financial control. These positive developments give us renewed confidence, which, combined with several exciting and important launches in 2025, make us optimistic about the future. Our commercial ambition for the year is clear: to ensure positive cash flow and create the necessary conditions for sustainable growth. Our increased focus on collaboration with external game studios makes it easier to adapt to changing market conditions. This strategic choice results in lower fixed costs, greater flexibility, and improved control over our cash flow. At the same time, our remaining internal game studios ensure that we retain the longterm ability to capitalise on the creative and commercial potential of our own established IPs and brands. The past year has not been easy for the organisation, and we still have challenges to overcome. However, the foundation has been laid to create long-term value in the coming years for shareholders, partners and players worldwide. I remain excited to lead Thunderful Group and I have confidence that, together with our incredibly talented and dedicated leaders and employees, we will succeed in making this happen. # Martin Walfisz CEO of Thunderful Group February 2024
# About Thunderful Group Thunderful Group AB (publ) focuses on the publishing and development of high-quality digital games primarily for PC and console platforms. Headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, Thunderful Group spans a significant portion of the game industry value chain through its two main operating segments: Publishing and Co-Development & Services. The group encompasses a global games publishing business, five game studios with various creative and technological expertise, and a services business. The segments work synergistically to develop, market, and support a diverse portfolio of gaming experiences. With 297 employees, Thunderful Group leverages a talented workforce, primarily based in Europe, dedicated to providing engaging and innovative digital entertainment. # MISSION To provide creative entertainment products of the highest quality for people of all ages. # VISION To be a leader in a world where everyone can play.
Thunderful Group’s interim report for the first quarter of 2025, covering January through March, details a period of significant structural transformation following extensive restructuring in 2024. The primary thesis centers on the company’s transition into a leaner, more focused entity specialized in game publishing and co-development after divesting its distribution businesses. Financial performance shows a 7.0% increase in net revenue to SEK 62.0 million, compared to SEK 58.0 million in the same period the previous year. While the company reported an operating loss (EBIT) of SEK 65.7 million, this represents a substantial improvement from the SEK 153.9 million loss in Q1 2024. The result was impacted by SEK 29.4 million in write-downs of intangible assets. Adjusted EBITDA improved to SEK –9.2 million from SEK –29.4 million, reflecting reduced personnel expenses, which fell 36.5% following a headcount reduction from 355 to 249 employees. The Publishing segment generated SEK 32.5 million in revenue, driven by back-catalog sales, while the Co-development & Services segment contributed SEK 29.6 million, primarily through work-for-hire projects at Coatsink. Strategic developments during the quarter included the transfer of all shares in Jumpship Ltd to its former owner and a directed share issue to Microcuts Holding GmbH to settle earnout obligations. Geographically centered in Gothenburg, Sweden, with operations across Europe, the group’s outlook relies on a heavy 2025 release schedule, including titles such as Lost in Random: The Eternal Die and Replaced. Management notes that while the restructuring has stabilized the cost base, future financial stability is highly dependent on the commercial success of these upcoming launches. Cash and unutilised credit facilities stood at SEK 83.1 million at the end of the period.
Thunderful Group’s 2023 fiscal year was defined by a significant strategic pivot and financial restructuring aimed at addressing historical over-investment and stabilizing a volatile balance sheet. The Group reported net sales of SEK 2.8 billion, a 4.6% year-over-year decline, and swung to a substantial operating loss of SEK 609.3 million. This downturn was primarily driven by SEK 838.9 million in depreciation, amortization, and impairments—most notably a SEK 500.4 million goodwill impairment within the Games segment. In response, leadership initiated a major restructuring program to divest its legacy distribution businesses, including Bergsala and Amo Toys, for SEK 630 million to amortize debt and focus exclusively on high-potential "AA" game development. The geographic and operational scope of the Group remains centered in the Nordics, with a consolidated structure of 30 companies. While the Distribution segment, anchored by a long-standing partnership with Nintendo, contributed SEK 2.4 billion in net sales, the Group’s future thesis rests on the Games segment. This division released 15 titles in 2023, including SteamWorld Build, and maintains a pipeline of 29 projects. To ensure long-term viability, the Group implemented a rigorous "Go-ahead" approval process and a restructuring plan targeting annual cost savings of SEK 90–110 million. Sustainability and governance remained core priorities during this transition. The Group expanded its workforce to 519 employees, maintained a 26.5% female workforce, and integrated ESG metrics across its logistics and development cycles. Despite a 64.5% decline in share price and the expiration of unexercised incentive programs, the Group secured necessary bank waivers and maintained a positive cash flow from operating activities of SEK 315.4 million. Moving forward, the Group aims for 25% annual organic growth in its Games segment, supported by a centralized leadership team under CEO Martin Walfisz.
Thunderful Group’s interim report for the first quarter of 2024 details a period of significant financial decline and aggressive corporate restructuring. Net revenue fell 27.7 percent to 391.7 MSEK, while the group recorded an operating loss (EBIT) of 184.4 MSEK, a sharp reversal from the 19.2 MSEK profit reported in the same period the previous year. This downturn was driven by a 35.5 percent revenue drop in the Games segment and a 25.7 percent decrease in Distribution, largely due to weaker market demand for Nintendo Switch products and the underperformance of the internal title SteamWorld Build. To address these challenges, the group initiated a restructuring program aimed at annual cost savings of 90–110 MSEK. This process involved a 72.4 MSEK write-down of capitalized development costs following the cancellation or divestment of twelve game projects. Strategic shifts include the divestment of the German publishing subsidiary Headup GmbH and the sale of Nordic Game Supply’s assets to reduce net debt. Despite these pressures, the group successfully extended its Nintendo distribution agreement for the Nordics and Baltics through March 2026 and reported 13.9 percent growth in its Amo Toys division. The report covers the group’s global operations with a focus on European and Nordic markets for the period of January to March 2024. Financial data indicates a strained liquidity position, with cash and credit facilities dropping to 130.9 MSEK from 329.3 MSEK year-over-year. Management secured a bank waiver conditional on asset divestments and maintains that current funds are sufficient for continued operations. The overarching strategy moving forward emphasizes a simplified games portfolio, more rigorous project validation, and a balanced risk profile across internal and external development.
Starbreeze Entertainment’s fourth‑quarter 2024 briefing outlines a strategy centered on expanding the PAYDAY® franchise, launching new multiplayer experiences, and tightening operational efficiency to sustain growth. The company highlights the ongoing production of “Project Baxter,” partnership talks slated for spring, and the integration of high‑visibility platforms such as PUBG: Battlegrounds and Roblox to broaden the PAYDAY IP reach. Continuous release of multiple titles is presented as a risk‑mitigation measure that diversifies revenue streams while the firm emphasizes a strong cash position and limited debt to support its strategic agenda. Financial results for Q4 2024 show net sales of SEK 46.4 million, a modest EBITDA of SEK 19.7 million, and a near‑break‑even operating cash flow of SEK ‑0.3 million, contrasting with a full‑year 2024 net sales total of SEK 185.9 million and an EBITDA of SEK 97.6 million. Cash and cash equivalents rose to SEK 191.9 million, reflecting disciplined cash‑flow management despite a SEK ‑245.5 million net outflow from investing activities, primarily game development. Operating expenses fell across direct development, selling and marketing, and administrative categories, with total direct costs decreasing to SEK 80.4 million from SEK 111.3 million a year earlier, driven by lower server and marketing spend and higher capitalization of development work. The balance sheet indicates intangible assets of SEK 3 million, property, plant and equipment valued at SEK 69 million, and trade receivables linked to PAYDAY 3 of roughly SEK 20 million. Non‑current liabilities stand at SEK 226 million, while current liabilities are SEK 122 million, underscoring a solid liquidity profile. Organizational changes include targeted hiring for project‑specific skills, modest net employee adjustments, and the evaluation of redundancies in marketing and the potential termination of foreign entities to streamline costs. Overall, the report conveys a focused effort to leverage established IPs, introduce new multiplayer titles, and reinforce financial stability, positioning Starbreeze for sustained growth in the global video‑game market throughout 2025 and beyond.