Bigpoint GmbH is a German video game developer founded in 2002 by Heiko Hubertz. The company specializes in creating stand-alone browser-based games and social network games that do not require any downloads to play, positioning itself as an innovator in the online gaming sector. It has grown significantly since its inception, boasting over 200 million registered users as of 2011 and maintaining a strong presence in the industry with a diverse portfolio of games.
Headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, Bigpoint also operates offices in Berlin, San Francisco, Malta, and São Paulo, indicating its global reach and influence. The company’s offerings include popular titles such as Battlestar Galactica Online, Farmerama, Drakensang Online, DarkOrbit, and Seafight, all of which have contributed to its reputation and user base.
Bigpoint’s growth and success attracted significant investment and ownership changes; in 2008, a 70% controlling share was acquired by NBCUniversal and GE’s joint venture Peacock Equity Fund along with UK PE Firm GMT Communications Partners. Later, in 2016, Bigpoint was acquired by Youzu Interactive but continues to operate as an independent subsidiary.
The company has been recognized with several awards, including the Red Herring Award in 2007, acknowledging it as one of the top 100 most innovative businesses, and the Ruban d’Honneur at the European Business Awards in 2009. It celebrated 20 years of entertainment and innovation in 2022, marking two decades of development and contribution to the MMO and browser game industry.
Bigpoint’s mission centers around the goal to provide engaging and accessible games to a broad audience, continuously pushing the boundaries of technical and creative possibilities within the online gaming sector. This focus has allowed it to sustain growth and relevance in a competitive market.