Market (Overall)·Updated Mar 17, 2026 by GDev
Financial · November 14, 2024
The financial results for the third quarter of 2024 reveal a period of stabilization and shifting cost structures within the gaming portfolio. Revenue for the quarter reached $111 million, reflecting a 5% increase from the previous quarter but an 8% decline compared to the same period in 2023. Profitability showed significant recovery from a net loss of $3 million in the first quarter of 2024 to a profit of $15 million in the third quarter, while Adjusted EBITDA remained steady at $16 million. Operating metrics indicate a transition in user engagement and monetization. Monthly Paying Users (MPUs) grew to 381,000, a 21% increase year-over-year, though Average Bookings Per Paying User (ABPPU) declined by 11% to $92. Total bookings for the quarter stood at $108 million, showing a 6% year-over-year decrease but remaining relatively flat compared to the first half of 2024. The geographic distribution of revenue remains concentrated in the United States at 53%, followed by Europe at 22% and Asia at 14%. The product portfolio is led by the Hero Wars franchise, with Hero Wars: Alliance and Hero Wars: Dominion Era accounting for 37% and 34% of revenue, respectively. Island Hoppers has emerged as a significant contributor, growing its revenue share from 4% in Q3 2023 to 7% in Q3 2024. Platform distribution remains dominated by mobile at 62%, with PC contributing 38%. Cost management efforts are evident in the reduction of total costs and expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization) to $94 million, down 13% from the prior year, driven largely by a decrease in selling and marketing expenses which now represent 25% of the cost base.
2 Q3 2024 Financial Results Disclaimer Due to the rounding the numbers presented throughout this document may not precisely add up to the totals. The period-over-period percentage changes are based on the actual numbers and may therefore differ from the percentage changes if those would be calculated based on the rounded numbers The figures in this presentation are unaudited. Forward-looking statements Certain statements in this presentation may constitute “forward-looking statements” for purposes of U.S. federal securities laws. Such statements are based on current expectations that are subject to risks and uncertainties. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this presentation are based on the Company’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on the Company. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting the Company will be those that the Company has anticipated. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond the Company’s control) or other assumptions. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s 2023 Annual Report in Form 20-F, filed by the Company on April 29, 2024, and other documents filed by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the Company’s assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. Presentation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures In addition to the results provided in accordance with IFRS throughout this presentation, the Company has provided the non-IFRS financial measure “Adjusted EBITDA” (the “Non-IFRS Financial Measure”). The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as the profit/loss for the period, net of tax as presented in the Company's financial statements in accordance with IFRS, adjusted to exclude (i) goodwill and investments in equity accounted associates' impairment, (ii) loss on disposal of subsidiaries, (iii) income tax expense, (iv) other financial income, finance income and expenses other than foreign exchange gains and losses and bank charges, (v) change in fair value of share warrant obligations and other financial instruments, (vi) share of loss of equity-accounted associates, (vii) depreciation and amortization, (viii) share-based payments expense and (ix) certain non-cash or other special items that we do not consider indicative of our ongoing operating performance.
warrant obligations and other financial instruments, (vi) share of loss of equity-accounted associates, (vii) depreciation and amortization, (viii) share-based payments expense and (ix) certain non-cash or other special items that we do not consider indicative of our ongoing operating performance. The Company uses this Non-IFRS Financial Measure for business planning purposes and in measuring its performance relative to that of its competitors. The Company believes that this Non-IFRS Financial Measure is a useful financial metric to assess its operating performance from period-to-period by excluding certain items that the Company believes are not representative of its core business. This Non-IFRS Financial Measure is not intended to replace, and should not be considered superior to, the presentation of the Company’s financial results in accordance with IFRS. The use of the Non-IFRS Financial Measure terms may differ from similar measures reported by other companies and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures.
3 Q3 2024 Financial Results Key operating metrics used in the presentation In this presentation, we use a number of key operating and non-IFRS financial metrics which we believe accurately, in material aspects, reflect the principal parameters of our historic and projected performance. For further information, regarding our operating metrics, see our 2023 Annual Report in Form 20-F filed with the SEC. Operating metrics • Monthly Paying Users (MPUs) are the number of individuals who made a purchase of a virtual item at least once on a particular platform in a calendar month • Average Bookings Per Paying User (ABPPU) is the total Bookings attributable to in- game purchases in a given period, divided by the number of months in that period, divided by the average number of MPUs during the period • Bookings are sales contracts generated from in-game purchases and sales of advertisement in a given period Non-IFRS measure Adjusted EBITDA. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as the profit/loss for the period, net of tax as presented in the Company's financial statements in accordance with IFRS, adjusted to exclude (i) goodwill and investments in equity accounted associates' impairment, (ii) loss on disposal of subsidiaries, (iii) income tax expense, (iv) other financial income, finance income and expenses other than foreign exchange gains and losses and bank charges, (v) change in fair value of share warrant obligations and other financial instruments, (vi) share of loss of equity-accounted associates, (vii) depreciation and amortization, (viii) share-based payments expense and (ix) certain non-cash or other special items that we do not consider indicative of our ongoing operating performance. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS financial measure and should not be construed as an alternative to net income/loss as an indicator of operating performance as determined in accordance with IFRS.
4 Q3 2024 Financial Results Financial highlights Revenue, $MLN Total costs and expenses, excl. D&A, $MLN Profit/(loss) for the period net of tax, $MLN Adj EBITDA, $MLN -9% 94 13% 91 107 89 20% 10% 99 10% -10% -1% -8% 14% (1) Other Selling and marketing expenses Platform commissions 9% -3% 15% 25% 14% 121 109 107 106 111 3Q23 4Q23 1Q24 2Q24 3Q24 3Q23 11 4Q23 -1 24 15 2Q24 15 3Q24 1Q24 Source: Company Information (unaudited) (1) See slide #3 for definition and slide #11 for reconciliation to profit/(loss) for the period, net of tax 24% 30% 46% 3Q23 21% 25% 54% 4Q23 20% 22% 58% 1Q24 22% 26% 53% 2Q24 20% 25% 55% 3Q24 30 10 16 16 3Q23 4Q23 -3 1Q24 2Q24 3Q24 -5%
5 Q3 2024 Financial Results Operating highlights Average bookings per paying user, $ Bookings, $MN Monthly paying users, ‘000 -8% -6% 4% 4% -3% -16% 23% 13% 0% -3% 10% -26% -11% 4% 2% 102 106 109 108 93 3Q23 4Q23 1Q24 2Q24 3Q24 375 359 381 381 314 3Q23 4Q23 1Q24 2Q24 3Q24 84 92 88 88 92 3Q23 4Q23 1Q24 2Q24 3Q24 Source: Company Information (unaudited)
6 Q3 2024 Financial Results By games By platforms By geography Pixel Gun 3D Other PC Island Hoppers Asia Mobile Hero Wars: Dominion Era Europe Hero Wars: Alliance US Diversification 49% 53% 37% 37% 10% 7% 4% 3Q23 3% 3Q24 63% 62% 37% 38% 3Q23 3Q24 35% 34% 26% 30% 23% 22% 16% 14% 3Q23 3Q24 Source: Company Information (unaudited)
The second quarter 2024 financial results for the organization reveal a period of strategic transition characterized by a slight decline in revenue alongside a significant recovery in profitability. Revenue for the quarter reached $106 million, representing an 8% year-over-year decrease. However, the company reported a net profit of $15 million, a substantial improvement from the $1 million loss recorded in the first quarter of 2024. Adjusted EBITDA followed a similar trajectory, rising to $16 million in the second quarter after a negative $3 million result in the previous period. Operating metrics indicate a stabilizing user base with 381,000 monthly paying users, consistent with the first quarter but down from 392,000 in the prior year. Average bookings per paying user stood at $88, reflecting a 6% year-over-year decline. The company’s portfolio remains heavily reliant on the Hero Wars franchise, with Hero Wars: Alliance and Hero Wars: Dominion Era accounting for a combined 89% of revenue. Geographically, the United States remains the primary market at 51% of revenue, followed by Europe at 22% and Asia at 15%. Strategic highlights for the period include the successful launch of Pixel Gun 3D on PC via Steam, which recouped development costs on its first day without dedicated marketing spend. Additionally, a high-profile collaboration between Hero Wars and the Tomb Raider brand drove a 25% year-over-year increase in new payers during the month of the campaign. While mobile remains the dominant platform at 58% of revenue, the PC segment grew to 42%, up from 38% in the same period last year, signaling a successful push toward platform diversification. These unaudited results suggest that while top-line growth remains pressured, disciplined cost management and brand collaborations are effectively supporting the bottom line.
Financial results for the third quarter of 2023 reveal a period of strategic reinvestment and portfolio expansion despite a year-over-year decline in top-line revenue. Total revenue for the quarter reached $121 million, a 5% decrease from the $128 million reported in the same period of 2022. This decline was mirrored in Adjusted EBITDA, which fell 35% to $29 million, and total comprehensive income, which dropped from $31 million to $24 million. These decreases are primarily attributed to a significant ramp-up in selling and marketing expenses, which more than doubled to $43 million as the company pivoted from the reduced marketing spend of 2022 toward aggressive new player acquisition. Operational metrics show a shift in the user base composition. Monthly Paying Users (MPUs) grew by 23% year-over-year to 375,000, though Average Bookings Per Paying User (ABPPU) declined by 26% to $84. Total bookings for the quarter stood at $102 million, with the United States remaining the largest geographic market at 35%, followed by Europe at 26%. Mobile platforms continue to dominate the distribution mix, accounting for 63% of bookings compared to 37% for PC. Product milestones highlight the continued performance of the flagship Hero Wars franchise, which has surpassed $1.55 billion in lifetime bookings across mobile and PC versions. The company also successfully transitioned Island Hoppers into global release, achieving over $30 million in bookings and 12 million downloads. Looking forward, the portfolio is set to diversify further with the planned Steam release of Pixel Gun 3D in early 2024, which has already secured approximately 260,000 wishlists. These results reflect a transition phase where increased operating expenses are being utilized to scale new titles and expand the paying user base for long-term growth.
KLab Inc. experienced significant financial contraction during the first nine months of fiscal year 2024, reporting a 27.5% year-over-year revenue decline to 6.06 billion yen. This downturn resulted in an operating loss of 1.11 billion yen and a net loss of 1.76 billion yen, driven primarily by a reduced title portfolio and rising software-in-progress costs. While core titles such as BLEACH Brave Souls and the new release Haikyu!! Fly High maintained steady performance, the overall fiscal health was strained by three consecutive years of operating deficits and a shift to negative retained earnings. The company’s strategic focus remains centered on its Game Business, which generated a segment profit of 709.7 million yen despite the broader corporate losses. To stabilize its capital position, the firm issued new stock acquisition rights and bonds, contributing to a 723 million yen increase in capital stock and surplus. Management has prioritized liquidity through the sale of investment securities and the pursuit of institutional funding, while simultaneously pivoting the development pipeline toward hybrid casual games to diversify revenue streams. Despite current volatility and the withholding of a full-year forecast due to uncertainty surrounding the global launch of EA SPORTS FC™ TACTICAL, leadership maintains confidence in the organization's status as a going concern. This outlook is supported by a robust pipeline of major intellectual property titles and aggressive cost-reduction measures. While intangible assets have grown to 6.65 billion yen due to ongoing development projects, the company’s ability to achieve a turnaround remains contingent on the successful execution of its upcoming global releases and the stabilization of its cash flow through these new strategic initiatives.
Sea Limited’s third-quarter 2024 financial results demonstrate a strategic return to high growth across its core business segments while simultaneously improving overall profitability. The company reported a significant turnaround in consolidated performance, swinging from a GAAP operating loss of $127.7 million in the third quarter of 2023 to an operating income of $202.4 million in the same period of 2024. Total adjusted EBITDA rose dramatically from $35.3 million to $521.3 million year-over-year, supported by a robust cash position of $9.9 billion. The e-commerce segment, Shopee, achieved a pivotal milestone by reaching positive adjusted EBITDA in both its Asian markets and Brazil. GAAP revenue for the segment grew 42.6% year-over-year to $3.2 billion, driven by improved monetization through higher commission take rates and a 25% increase in ad-paying revenue per seller. Operational efficiencies also improved, with half of SPX Express orders in Asia delivered within two days and a reduction in cost per order. Digital Financial Services saw a 38% increase in GAAP revenue, reaching $615.7 million. The segment’s loan book expanded significantly, with principal outstanding growing over 70% year-over-year to $4.6 billion, while maintaining a stable risk profile with a non-performing loan ratio of 1.2%. Growth was particularly strong in the off-Shopee lending sector in Indonesia, which now accounts for over 50% of the local loan book. In Digital Entertainment, Garena’s performance was bolstered by the continued strength of Free Fire, which saw a 25% year-over-year increase in daily active users. Segment bookings rose 24.3% to $556.5 million, leading the company to raise its full-year 2024 bookings growth guidance for Free Fire to over 30%. The segment remains a primary profit driver, contributing $314.4 million in adjusted EBITDA for the quarter. These results reflect Sea’s successful integration of content ecosystems, logistics improvements, and credit expansion across Southeast Asia, Latin America, and other global markets.