Supercell Fully Acquires ‘Merge Mansion’ Developer Metacore, Which Faces Up to 160 Job Cuts

Finnish gaming giant and Clash of Clans developer Supercell has officially announced the full acquisition of Helsinki-based studio Metacore, creator of popular puzzle game Merge Mansion. The transaction amount has not been disclosed. Supercell, previously the majority shareholder, will integrate Merge Mansion into its live games portfolio.

At the same time, Metacore is undergoing a major restructuring. Having failed to launch any new successful global titles after Merge Mansion, the company will now focus entirely on its flagship “merge 2” puzzle game. The restructuring plan could result in up to 160 job cuts in Finland – more than half of its roughly 280 employees. Roles at Metacore’s studios in Sweden and Germany are also under review.

Strategic Move: Doubling Down on Casual Puzzle Genre

Supercell’s existing portfolio includes long-lasting hits such as Hay Day, Clash of Clans, and Brawl Stars. Bringing Merge Mansion into its live game lineup signals a stronger push into the casual puzzle genre. Since its launch in 2020, the game has attracted millions of players worldwide with its pioneering “merge 2” mechanics and has maintained a high level of player loyalty.

Ilkka Paananen, CEO of Supercell, said:

“Merge Mansion has a strong core that players have genuinely loved for over five years, built by a team that pioneered the merge 2 category itself. I believe Merge Mansion’s best days are still ahead. With Supercell’s experience in turning around and scaling global live games, alongside our capabilities in live operations and user acquisition, we can help it climb back to the top of its category – where it belongs.”

Metacore’s Challenges and Pivot

Metacore had spent the last few years attempting to launch several new merge puzzlers, and even tested a solitaire game featuring the Merge Mansion grandma for several months. In January 2023, Metacore acquired Supercell’s cancelled soft-launch game Everdale with plans to reboot and relaunch it, but 18 months later it also abandoned that project.

Mika Tammenkoski, CEO of Metacore, admitted:

“These are very difficult discussions. We have built an organization with growth ambitions that have not materialized as expected. The competition has become tougher every year since we launched Merge Mansion and created the merge 2 category as a pioneer. We need to make changes to remain competitive and to give Merge Mansion the best possible chance to succeed going forward.”

Supercell’s Long-Term Support and Future Plans

Supercell had previously invested a total of €180 million in Metacore. Following the full acquisition, Merge Mansion will sit alongside Supercell’s existing product portfolio, with Supercell taking direct responsibility for its live operations, user acquisition, and global scaling.

Ilkka Paananen added:

“Metacore’s team created the first ever game for the merge 2 category, and I have huge respect for them for that. I truly believe Supercell is the best future home for Merge Mansion.”

Mika Tammenkoski echoed the sentiment:

“I truly believe Supercell is the best future home for Merge Mansion. It’s an amazing game, and it deserves the best possible chance to succeed going forward.”

About Supercell
Headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Supercell is the creator of global hits including Clash of Clans, Clash Royale, Brawl Stars, and Hay Day. Supercell is a subsidiary of Tencent.

About Metacore
Based in Helsinki, Finland, Metacore is known for pioneering the “merge 2” mobile puzzle genre with Merge Mansion. The company also had studios in Germany and Sweden.

Additional Information

Change negotiations have been initiated in Finland. If the plans are fully implemented, more than half of Metacore’s workforce would be affected.

The future of Metacore’s operations in Germany and Sweden is still under evaluation.