Gameloft

Gameloft was founded by Michel Guillemot, one of the five founders of Ubisoft, on 14 December 1999.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/09/19/mobile-luminaries-michel-guillemot |title=Mobile Luminaries: Michel Guillemot |first=Levi |last=Buchanan |date=19 September 2005 |website=IGN |access-date=20 July 2018 |archive-date=20 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720170202/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/09/19/mobile-luminaries-michel-guillemot |url-status=live }}{{cite press release |url=https://www.ubisoft.com/usa/corp/press/pr_gameloft.html |title=Gameloft.com: The Global Online Entertainment Platform |date=14 December 1999 |website=Ubisoft |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000302181200/http://www.ubisoft.com/usa/corp/press/pr_gameloft.html |archive-date=2 March 2000 |url-status=dead |access-date=5 November 2018 }} By February 2009, Gameloft had shipped over 200 million copies of its games since its IPO,{{cite web |url= https://kotaku.com/gameloft-moves-200-million-mobile-games-5154566 |title=Gameloft Moves 200 Million Mobile Games |first=Mike |last=Fahey |website=Kotaku |date=16 February 2009 |access-date=22 February 2022|archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071522/https://kotaku.com/5154566/gameloft-moves-200-million-mobile-games |url-status=live }} as well as 2 million daily downloads of its games via the App Store for iOS.{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/gameloft-sells-2m-iphone-games-5176723 |title=Gameloft Sells 2M iPhone Games |first=Brian |last=Crecente |website=Kotaku |date=20 March 2009 |access-date=22 February 2022 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071558/https://kotaku.com/5176723/gameloft-sells-2m-iphone-games |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/gameloft-sells-more-than-20-million-games-on-app-store-5642953 |title=Gameloft Sells More than 20 Million Games on App Store |first=Brian |last=Crecente |website=Kotaku |date=20 September 2010 |access-date=22 February 2022 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071519/https://kotaku.com/5642953/gameloft-sells-more-than-20-million-games-on-app-store |url-status=live }} Gameloft's chief financial officer (CFO), Alexandre de Rochefort, noted that the company's games generated about 400 times more revenue on iOS than on Android, partially because Google did not develop its Google Play storefront to "entice customers to actually buy products"; as a result of which Gameloft heavily cut its investments in Android games development in November 2009.{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/gameloft-slashes-android-investment |title=Gameloft slashes Android investment |first=Ellie |last=Gibson |date=23 November 2009 |website=Eurogamer |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071331/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/gameloft-slashes-android-investment |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/gameloft-cuts-android-investment-claims-others-will-follow |title=Gameloft cuts Android investment, claims others will follow |website=gamesindustry.biz |date=23 November 2009 |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121000002/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gameloft-cuts-android-investment-claims-others-will-follow |url-status=live }} In July 2010, Gameloft instead attempted to sell Android games directly through its website, avoiding the use of Google Play.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/2010/05/gameloft-android/ |title=Gameloft Sidesteps Android Market for Mobile Assassin's Creed, HAWX |magazine=Wired |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121000019/https://www.wired.com/2010/05/gameloft-android/ |url-status=live }}

In a May 2011 keynote, de Rochefort stated that he wanted to avoid moving the company to the NASDAQ stock exchange, as the U.S. games market appeared to be nothing more than a large economic bubble, especially when seeing Zynga's then {{US$|10 billion|link=yes}} total stock value.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/gameloft-cfo-warns-of-social-gaming-bubble- |title=Gameloft CFO Warns Of Social Gaming 'Bubble' |first=Kyle |last=Orland |website=Game Developer |date=20 May 2011 |access-date=22 February 2022 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071337/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/124992/Gameloft_CFO_Warns_Of_Social_Gaming_Bubble.php |url-status=live }}

Gameloft's games have often been accused of being clones of other properties;{{cite web |url= https://kotaku.com/so-is-this-your-legend-of-zelda-rip-off-gameloft-5731973|title=So, Is This Your Legend of Zelda Rip-off, Gameloft? |first=Michael |last=McWhertor |website=Kotaku|date=12 January 2011 |access-date=22 February 2022 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071526/https://kotaku.com/5731973/so-is-this-your-legend-of-zelda-rip-off-gameloft |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/is-this-gamelofts-team-fortress-2-or-battlefield-heroes-5979849 |title=Is This Gameloft's Team Fortress 2 or Battlefield Heroes? |first=Mike |last=Fahey |website=Kotaku |date=29 January 2013 |access-date=22 February 2022|archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071555/https://kotaku.com/5979849/is-this-gamelofts-team-fortress-2-or-battlefield-heroes |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://toucharcade.com/2013/06/07/gamelofts-gta-like-gangstar-vegas-hits-the-app-store/ |title=Gameloft's 'GTA'-like 'Gangstar Vegas' Hits the App Store – TouchArcade |website=toucharcade.com |date=7 June 2013 |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071235/http://toucharcade.com/2013/06/07/gamelofts-gta-like-gangstar-vegas-hits-the-app-store/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/gameloft-shows-off-impressive-new-grand-theft-auto-and-5639832 |title=Gameloft Shows Off Impressive New Grand Theft Auto And Diablo Clones |first=Mike |last=Fahey |website=Kotaku |date=16 September 2010 |access-date=22 February 2022 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071600/https://kotaku.com/5639832/gameloft-shows-off-impressive-new-grand-theft-auto-and-diablo-clones/ |url-status=live }} when asked about it at the November 2011 Consumer Electronics Show, chief executive officer (CEO) Michel Guillemot stated "The videogame industry has always played around a limited number of themes. There is maybe one new idea a year."{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/gameloft-answers-game-cloning-charge |title=Gameloft answers game cloning charge |first=Fred |last=Dutton |date=11 January 2011 |website=eurogamer.net |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071516/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-01-11-gameloft-answers-game-cloning-charge |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/01/10/guillemots-goal-gameloft-on-every-screen |title=Guillemot's Goal: Gameloft on Every Screen |first=Levi |last=Buchanan |date=10 January 2011 |website=IGN |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121092847/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/01/10/guillemots-goal-gameloft-on-every-screen |url-status=live }} In response to many users commenting on Guillemot's remarks, Levi Buchanan of IGN defended Gameloft, stating that its games were usually well-polished, in contrary to the original concepts' games.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/12/03/editorial-in-defense-of-gameloft |title=Editorial: In Defense of Gameloft |first=Levi |last=Buchanan |date=3 December 2010 |website=IGN |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121023012/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/12/03/editorial-in-defense-of-gameloft |url-status=live }}

By July 2014, Gameloft announced that they would focus more strongly on quality than on quantity, as was stated to have previously been the case.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/gameloft-pushing-quality-over-quantity |title=Gameloft pushing quality over quantity |website=gamesindustry.biz |date=10 July 2014 |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121000010/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2014-07-10-gameloft-pushing-quality-over-quantity |url-status=live }}

In April 2013, Texan company Lodsys filed a lawsuit against Gameloft, among other mobile game developers, for infringing its patent on in-app purchases.{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2013/04/patent-troll-lodsys-sues-10-mobile-game-makers-despite-apples-intervention/ |title=Patent troll Lodsys sues mobile game makers, despite Apple's intervention |website=arstechnica.com |date=8 April 2013 |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071530/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2013/04/patent-troll-lodsys-sues-10-mobile-game-makers-despite-apples-intervention/ |url-status=live }} Similar lawsuits were previously intervened by Apple Inc., who claim to have licensed the technology from Lodsys for usage in its App Store.{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2013/4/9/4204352/patent-troll-lodsys-sues-gameloft-and-disney-for-use-of-in-app |title=Patent troll Lodsys sues Gameloft and Disney for use of in-app purchases |last=emilygera |date=9 April 2013 |website=Polygon |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=20 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720165749/https://www.polygon.com/2013/4/9/4204352/patent-troll-lodsys-sues-gameloft-and-disney-for-use-of-in-app |url-status=live }}

In February 2012 and February 2016, Gameloft penned publishing contracts with GREE, Inc. and GungHo Online Entertainment, respectively, to facilitate its presence in the Asian market.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/gree-announces-publishing-deals-with-gameloft-and-ubisoft |title=Gree secures publishing deals with Gameloft and Ubisoft |website=gamesindustry.biz |date=21 February 2012 |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071754/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-02-21-gree-announces-publishing-deals-with-gameloft-and-ubisoft |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url= https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/gameloft-and-gungho-strike-up-new-mobile-partnership |title=Gameloft and GungHo strike up new mobile partnership |first=Chris |last=Kerr |website=Game Developer |date=3 February 2016 |access-date=22 February 2022 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071814/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/265077/Gameloft_and_GungHo_strike_up_new_mobile_partnership.php |url-status=live }}

In October 2015, French media conglomerate Vivendi announced that they had acquired a 6.2% stake in Gameloft's stock,{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/former-activision-owner-vivendi-takes-stakes-in-ubisoft-gameloft |title=Former Activision owner Vivendi takes stakes in Ubisoft, Gameloft |first=Christian |last=Nutt |website=Game Developer|date=14 October 2015 |access-date=22 February 2022 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121072000/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/256280/Former_Activision_owner_Vivendi_takes_stakes_in_Ubisoft_Gameloft.php |url-status=live }} which was quickly raised to 10.2% a few days later.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/vivendi-ups-its-stakes-in-ubisoft-and-gameloft-may-buy-more-stock |title=Vivendi ups its stakes in Ubisoft and Gameloft, may buy more stock |first=Christian |last=Nutt |website=Game Developer |date=22 October 2015 |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071812/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/257127/Vivendi_ups_its_stakes_in_Ubisoft_and_Gameloft_may_buy_more_stock.php |url-status=live }} By February 2016, Vivendi had acquired 30% in the company, and launched a hostile takeover bid.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/vivendi-in-process-of-mandatory-takeover-bid-for-gameloft |title=Vivendi in process of mandatory takeover bid for Gameloft |website=gamesindustry.biz |date=19 February 2016 |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=8 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108124653/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2016-02-19-vivendi-in-process-of-mandatory-takeover-bid-for-gameloft |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/2/25/11117916/report-ubisoft-seeking-investors-to-defend-against-vivendi-takeover |title=Report: Ubisoft seeking investors to defend against Vivendi takeover |first=Charlie |last=Hall |date=25 February 2016 |website=Polygon |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121125732/https://www.polygon.com/2016/2/25/11117916/report-ubisoft-seeking-investors-to-defend-against-vivendi-takeover |url-status=live }} In accordance with French law, Vivendi started a tender offer to acquire further shares.{{cite web |url= https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/vivendi-ups-stakes-in-gameloft-begins-mandatory-takeover |title=Vivendi ups stakes in Gameloft, begins mandatory takeover |first=Chris |last=Kerr |website=Game Developer |date=19 February 2016 |access-date=22 February 2022 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121125816/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/266243/Vivendi_ups_stakes_in_Gameloft_begins_mandatory_takeover.php |url-status=live }}

Following the announcement, Gameloft's board of directors strongly advised shareholders against selling stock to Vivendi to avoid the hostile takeover.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/gameloft-board-advises-against-selling-stock-to-vivendi |title=Gameloft board advises against selling stock to Vivendi |website=gamesindustry.biz |date=29 February 2016 |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071752/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2016-02-29-gameloft-board-advises-against-selling-stock-to-vivendi |url-status=live }} By May 2016, Vivendi had won over the majority of shareholders, enabling them to move forward in the takeover.{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/5/27/11798268/vivendi-gameloft-ubisoft-takeover |title=Report: Vivendi moving ahead with 'hostile takeover' of Gameloft (update) |first=Allegra |last=Frank |date=27 May 2016 |website=Polygon |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071908/https://www.polygon.com/2016/5/27/11798268/vivendi-gameloft-ubisoft-takeover |url-status=live }}

The acquisition was completed on 1 June 2016, with Vivendi having acquired 56%, an absolute majority over Gameloft's ownership.{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/vivendi-edges-closer-to-ubisoft-with-hostile-gameloft-takeover/ |title=Vivendi edges closer to Ubisoft with hostile Gameloft takeover |website=pcgamer.com |date=June 2016 |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=3 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603175610/http://www.pcgamer.com/vivendi-edges-closer-to-ubisoft-with-hostile-gameloft-takeover/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/vivendi-takes-over-gameloft-eyes-ubisoft-next-1779897240 |title=Vivendi Takes Over Gameloft, Eyes Ubisoft Next |first=Jason |last=Schreier |website=Kotaku |date=June 2016 |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071937/https://kotaku.com/vivendi-takes-over-gameloft-eyes-ubisoft-next-1779897240 |url-status=live }} Employees of Gameloft were presented with an open letter welcoming them to the new parent company's family.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/vivendi-succeeds-in-hostile-gameloft-takeover |title=Vivendi succeeds in hostile Gameloft takeover |first=Chris |last=Kerr |website=Game Developer |date=June 2016 |access-date=22 February 2022 |archive-date=18 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918020759/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/274002/Vivendi_succeeds_in_hostile_Gameloft_takeover.php |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.destructoid.com/vivendi-sends-letter-to-welcome-gameloft-employees-to-their-new-job-365239.phtml |title=Vivendi sends letter to welcome Gameloft employees to their new job |website=destructoid.com |date=June 2016 |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=5 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160705152049/https://www.destructoid.com/vivendi-sends-letter-to-welcome-gameloft-employees-to-their-new-job-365239.phtml |url-status=live }}

Analysts believed that the takeover was just the first step towards also purchasing Ubisoft, another video game venture founded by Guillemot and his brothers, although Vivendi only held a 17.7% minority in that company at the time.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/06/02/vivendi-could-take-over-ubisoft-after-acquiring-gameloft |title=Vivendi Could Take Over Ubisoft After Acquiring Gameloft |first=Matt |last=Porter |date=2 June 2016 |website=IGN |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121095450/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/06/02/vivendi-could-take-over-ubisoft-after-acquiring-gameloft |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/vivendi-has-seized-control-of-guillemot-brothers-mobile-publisher-gameloft |title=Vivendi has seized control of Guillemot brothers' mobile publisher Gameloft |first=Jeffrey |last=Matulef |date=2 June 2016 |website=eurogamer.net |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071831/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-06-01-vivendi-has-seized-control-of-guillemot-brothers-mobile-publisher-gameloft |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/as-ubisoft-worries-about-a-takeover-gameloft-ceo-a/1100-6440462/ |title=As Ubisoft Worries About a Takeover, Gameloft CEO Addresses His Company's Future |first=Chris |last=Pereira |date=3 June 2016 |website=gamespot.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121125755/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/as-ubisoft-worries-about-a-takeover-gameloft-ceo-a/1100-6440462/ |url-status=live }} In response to Vivendi's actions, Guillemot announced that he would step down from his company and join his brother Yves Guillemot at Ubisoft to prevent it from also being taken over.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/report-gameloft-ceo-stepping-down-after-vivendi-takeover |title=Report: Gameloft CEO stepping down after Vivendi takeover |first=Bryant |last=Francis |website=Game Developer|date=June 2016 |access-date=22 February 2022|archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071748/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/274047/Report_Gameloft_CEO_stepping_down_after_Vivendi_takeover.php |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/06/vivendi-hostile-takeover-gameloft-ubisoft-guillemot-resignation/ |title=Vivendi's Gameloft takeover may spark resignation of Ubisoft co-founder |website=Ars Technica |date=2 June 2016 |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121072329/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/06/vivendi-hostile-takeover-gameloft-ubisoft-guillemot-resignation/ |url-status=live }} Guillemot later clarified that his stepping-down would take effect on 29 June.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2016/06/03/gameloft-ceo-michel-guillemot-defiant-in-email-to-staff-will-step-down-june-29.aspx |title=Gameloft CEO Michel Guillemot Defiant In Email To Staff, Will Step Down June 29 |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121151443/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2016/06/03/gameloft-ceo-michel-guillemot-defiant-in-email-to-staff-will-step-down-june-29.aspx |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/6/1/11834256/gameloft-vivendi-takeover-ceo-resign-report |title=Report: Gameloft CEO to step down following Vivendi takeover (update) |first=Allegra |last=Frank |date=1 June 2016 |website=Polygon |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121125830/https://www.polygon.com/2016/6/1/11834256/gameloft-vivendi-takeover-ceo-resign-report |url-status=live }}

On 8 June, the Guillemot brothers announced that they were regretfully selling their ownership in Gameloft to Vivendi.{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/6/8/11890102/vivendi-takeover-gameloft-ubisoft-guillemot |title=Vivendi completes takeover of Gameloft as Guillemots sell stake |first=Owen S. |last=Good |date=8 June 2016 |website=Polygon |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071711/https://www.polygon.com/2016/6/8/11890102/vivendi-takeover-gameloft-ubisoft-guillemot |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.destructoid.com/ubisoft-founders-to-sell-all-remaining-control-in-gameloft-to-vivendi/ |title=Ubisoft founders to sell all remaining control in Gameloft to Vivendi |website=Destructoid|date=9 June 2016 |access-date=22 February 2022 |archive-date=8 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108133200/https://www.destructoid.com/ubisoft-founders-to-sell-all-remaining-control-in-gameloft-to-vivendi-367069.phtml |url-status=live }} The transaction awarded Vivendi another 21.7% in Gameloft's capital.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/gameloft-ceo-to-step-down-vivendi-issues-letter-to-employees |title=Gameloft CEO to step down, Vivendi issues letter to employees |website=gamesindustry.biz |date=8 June 2016 |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121125807/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2016-06-02-gameloft-ceo-to-step-down-vivendi-issues-letter-to-employees |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/vivendi-to-buy-remaining-control-of-gameloft-as-gu/1100-6440596/ |title=Vivendi to Buy Remaining Control of Gameloft as Guillemots Agree to Sell |first=Mat |last=Paget |date=8 June 2016 |website=gamespot.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=22 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722094618/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/vivendi-to-buy-remaining-control-of-gameloft-as-gu/1100-6440596/ |url-status=live }} After Guillemot departed from Gameloft on 29 June, Vivendi set up a new board of directors for the company, with Vivendi's present chief operating officer (COO), Stéphane Roussel, appointed Gameloft's chairman and CEO, and Gameloft's previous CFO, de Rochefort, additionally taking over the management of the company's 39 subsidiaries.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/vivendi-coo-stephane-roussel-named-gameloft-ceo |title=Vivendi COO Stephane Roussel named Gameloft CEO |website=gamesindustry.biz |date=29 June 2016 |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071726/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2016-06-29-vivendi-coo-stephane-roussel-named-gameloft-ceo |url-status=live }} At that point, Vivendi owned 95.94% of Gameloft's share capital.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-gameloft-m-a-vivendi/gamelofts-board-resigns-names-new-boss-idUSKCN0ZF0GA |title=Gameloft's board resigns, names new boss |date=29 June 2016 |access-date=20 January 2018 |newspaper=Reuters |archive-date=6 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906152624/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-gameloft-m-a-vivendi/gamelofts-board-resigns-names-new-boss-idUSKCN0ZF0GA |url-status=live }}

Gameloft is headquartered in the 9th arrondissement of Paris and operates 17 game development studios worldwide.{{cite web |title=World Presence |url=https://www.gameloft.com/corporate/en/company/world-presence/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327091435/http://www.gameloft.com/corporate/en/company/world-presence/ |archive-date=27 March 2019 |access-date=27 March 2019 |website=Gameloft}}

In July 2011, Glenn Watson, lead programmer of Gameloft's Auckland offshoot, stated that the company's management created a "constant sense of urgency" at its studio, having employees regularly work 12- to 14-hour days.{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011-07-19-former-gameloft-auckland-head-studio-programmer-calls-working-co.html |title=Former Gameloft Auckland head studio programmer calls working conditions 'dangerous' |website=Engadget |access-date=22 February 2022|archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071608/https://www.engadget.com/2011/07/19/former-gameloft-auckland-head-studio-programmer-calls-working-co/ |url-status=live }} A new studio in New Orleans was opened in August 2011, taking advantage of tax breaks granted by the government of Louisiana in July 2009 to establish 150 new jobs.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/gameloft-creates-150-jobs-with-new-orleans-studio |title=Gameloft creates 150 jobs with New Orleans studio |website=gamesindustry.biz |date=15 August 2011 |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120235956/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2011-08-15-gameloft-creates-150-jobs-with-new-orleans-studio |url-status=live }}

On 29 January 2013, Gameloft's India studio in Hyderabad was closed midway through the workday, leaving 250 people unemployed.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/250-out-of-work-as-gameloft-suddenly-shuts-down-its-india-studio-strong-updated-strong- |title=250 out of work as Gameloft suddenly shuts down its India studio [Updated] |first=Frank |last=Cifaldi |website=Game Developer |date=29 January 2013 |access-date=22 February 2022 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071339/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/185669/250_out_of_work_as_Gameloft_suddenly_shuts_down_its_India_studio_Updated.php |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2013/1/30/3931970/gameloft-shuts-down-india-based-studio-at-a-loss-of-200-jobs |title=Gameloft shuts down India-based studio at a loss of 200 jobs |last=emilygera |date=30 January 2013 |website=Polygon |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=28 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828102352/https://www.polygon.com/2013/1/30/3931970/gameloft-shuts-down-india-based-studio-at-a-loss-of-200-jobs |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://mcvuk.com/business-news/200-jobs-lost-as-gameloft-closes-indian-studio/ |title=200 jobs lost as Gameloft closes Indian studio – MCV UK |date=30 January 2013 |website=mcvuk.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=22 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722094625/https://www.mcvuk.com/business-news/200-jobs-lost-as-gameloft-closes-indian-studio/ |url-status=live }} Between June and August 2015, Gameloft's Tokyo location laid off roughly 80 people, effectively closing the studio.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/report-gameloft-lays-off-tokyo-devs-weeks-after-debut-game-launch|title=Report: Gameloft lays off Tokyo devs weeks after debut game launch |first=Alex |last=Wawro |website=Game Developer |date=4 September 2015 |access-date=22 February 2022 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071259/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/252956/Report_Gameloft_lays_off_Tokyo_devs_weeks_after_debut_game_launch.php |url-status=live }} Additionally, on 8 July 2015, all operations at the company's New York City office were halted, and as many as 100 employees were laid off.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/report-gameloft-lays-off-staff-shutters-new-york-studio |title=Report: Gameloft lays off staff, shutters New York studio |first=Alex |last=Wawro |website=Game Developer |date=8 July 2015 |access-date=22 February 2022 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071303/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/248096/Report_Gameloft_lays_off_staff_shutters_New_York_studio.php |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://toucharcade.com/2015/07/09/gameloft-closes-nyc-studio/ |title=Gameloft Closes Their NYC Studio, Lays Off All Development Staff – TouchArcade |website=toucharcade.com |date=9 July 2015 |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121000032/http://toucharcade.com/2015/07/09/gameloft-closes-nyc-studio/ |url-status=live }} Shortly after, in September 2015, Gameloft's Seattle studio was closed down and its 15 employees were let go.{{cite web |url=https://mcvuk.com/business-news/publishing/report-gameloft-closes-seattle-studio/ |title=Report: Gameloft closes Seattle studio |website=develop-online.net |date=24 September 2015 |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=27 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127113414/http://www.develop-online.net/news/report-gameloft-closes-seattle-studio/0211618 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/gameloft-shutters-another-studio-this-time-in-seattle |title=Gameloft shutters another studio, this time in Seattle |first=Alex |last=Wawro |website=Game Developer|date=23 September 2015 |access-date=22 February 2022 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071225/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/254438/Gameloft_shutters_another_studio_this_time_in_Seattle.php |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/gameloft-shutters-seattle-studio-report |title=Gameloft shutters Seattle studio |website=gamesindustry.biz |date=24 September 2015 |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120235945/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2015-09-24-gameloft-shutters-seattle-studio-report |url-status=live }} The studio was opened just a year prior to its closure.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/new-seattle-studio-for-gameloft |title=New Seattle studio for Gameloft |website=gamesindustry.biz |date=17 November 2014 |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071229/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2014-11-17-new-seattle-studio-for-gameloft |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://mcvuk.com/business-news/publishing/gameloft-opens-new-seattle-studio/ |title=Gameloft opens new Seattle studio |website=develop-online.net |date=18 November 2014 |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=4 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104224029/http://www.develop-online.net/news/gameloft-opens-new-seattle-studio/0200154 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.mcvuk.com/development-news/another-gameloft-studio-shuts-down-report/ |title=Another Gameloft studio shuts down - report - MCV UK |date=24 September 2015 |website=MCV|access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=22 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722094604/https://www.mcvuk.com/development-news/another-gameloft-studio-shuts-down-report/ |url-status=live }} Seven studios were closed in total in 2015.{{cite web |url=https://www.mcvuk.com/business-news/gameloft-has-closed-seven-unprofitable-studios-in-2015/ |title=Gameloft has closed seven unprofitable studios in 2015 - MCV UK |date=11 September 2015 |website=MCV |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=22 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722094604/https://www.mcvuk.com/business-news/gameloft-has-closed-seven-unprofitable-studios-in-2015/ |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |url=https://mcvuk.com/development-news/gameloft-has-closed-seven-studios-so-far-in-2015/ |title=Gameloft has closed seven studios so far in 2015 |website=develop-online.net |date=11 September 2015 |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=23 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423205810/http://www.develop-online.net/news/gameloft-has-closed-seven-studios-so-far-in-2015/0211160 |url-status=live }} Guillemot stated that these actions were taken to accommodate its "ambitious cost reduction program", instantiated after the company saw a net loss of {{€|16.6 million|link=yes}} in the fiscal year that ended on 30 June 2015.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/-disappointing-revenues-account-for-gameloft-shuttering-7-studios |title='Disappointing' revenues account for Gameloft shuttering 7 studios |first=Alex |last=Wawro |website=Game Developer |date=10 September 2015 |access-date=22 February 2022|archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071301/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/253366/Disappointing_revenues_account_for_Gameloft_shuttering_7_studios.php |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/gameloft-has-closed-seven-studios-in-2015 |title=Gameloft has closed seven studios in 2015 |website=gamesindustry.biz |date=10 September 2015 |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121000022/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2015-09-10-gameloft-has-closed-seven-studios-in-2015 |url-status=live }}

In January 2016, Gameloft opened a Nigerian marketing office for regional expansions,{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/gameloft-opens-nigerian-office-for-regional-expansion |title=Gameloft opens Nigerian office for regional expansion |first=Chris |last=Kerr |website=Game Developer |date=22 January 2016 |access-date=22 February 2022 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071222/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/264149/Gameloft_opens_Nigerian_office_for_regional_expansion.php |url-status=live }} and shut down its Auckland studio, firing roughly 160 employees.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/gameloft-shuts-down-new-zealand-studio |title=Gameloft shuts down New Zealand studio |first=Christian |last=Nutt |website=Game Developer |date=27 January 2016 |access-date=22 February 2022|archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071305/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/264520/Gameloft_shuts_down_New_Zealand_studio.php |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/160-jobs-cut-as-gameloft-closes-new-zealand-studio |title=160 jobs cut as Gameloft closes New Zealand studio |website=gamesindustry.biz |date=28 January 2016 |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121000014/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2016-01-28-160-jobs-cut-as-gameloft-closes-new-zealand-studio |url-status=live }} At the time, Gameloft Auckland was New Zealand's largest video game studio.{{cite magazine |url=https://mcvuk.com/development-news/gameloft-closure-see-new-zealand-lose-its-largest-studio/ |title=Gameloft closure see New Zealand lose its largest studio |website=develop-online.net |date=28 January 2016 |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=30 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330030535/http://www.develop-online.net/news/gameloft-closure-see-new-zealand-lose-its-largest-studio/0215957 |url-status=live }} Gameloft's Valencia, Spain, location was shuttered in April 2016.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/report-gameloft-shuts-down-another-studio-this-time-in-spain |title=Report: Gameloft shuts down another studio, this time in Spain |first=Alex |last=Wawro |website=Game Developer|date=22 April 2016 |access-date=22 February 2022|archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071229/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/271173/Report_Gameloft_shuts_down_another_studio_this_time_in_Spain.php |url-status=live }} In July 2017, Gameloft appointed John-Paul Burke as country manager for its subsidiaries in the United Kingdom and Ireland.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/gameloft-appoints-new-uk-and-ireland-country-manager |title=Gameloft appoints new UK and Ireland country manager |website=gamesindustry.biz |date=12 July 2017 |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120182243/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2017-07-12-gameloft-appoints-new-uk-and-ireland-country-manager |url-status=live }} Gameloft UK later closed in December 2019.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-12-05-gameloft-uk-shuts-down |title=Gameloft UK shuts down |first=James |last=Batchelor |date=5 December 2019 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |access-date=5 December 2019 |archive-date=5 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205171947/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-12-05-gameloft-uk-shuts-down |url-status=live }} Gameloft Budapest (founded 2012) was closed in March 2023.{{Cite web |last=Zrt |first=HVG Kiadó |date=7 March 2023 |title=Megkaptuk a hivatalos választ és indoklást a 90+ főt foglalkoztató Gameloft Budapest bezárásáról |url=https://hvg.hu/tudomany/20230307_gameloft_budapest_studio_bezaras_hivatalos_valasz_kozlemeny |access-date=7 October 2023 |website=hvg.hu |language=hu}}

On 22 February 2024, Gameloft cut 38 jobs from its Lviv office in Ukraine and an unknown number of employees from its Toronto office.{{Cite web |last=Griffiths |first=Daniel |date=22 February 2024 |title=Global layoffs at Gameloft as staff in Ukraine and Canada confirm redundancies |url=https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/83479/global-layoffs-at-gameloft-as-staff-in-ukraine-and-toronto-confirm-redundancies/ |access-date=5 March 2024 |website=pocketgamer.biz}} On 10 July 2024, the Cluj office was closed and its 136 employees were laid off.{{Cite web |date=21 October 2024 |title=Planul francezilor de la Gameloft s-a concretizat: biroul din Cluj a fost închis şi 136 de angajaţi au fost concediaţi colectiv în iulie |url=https://www.economica.net/planul-francezilor-de-la-gameloft-s-a-concretizat-biroul-din-cluj-a-fost-inchis-si-136-de-angajati-au-fost-concediati-colectiv-in-iulie_781502.html |access-date=21 October 2024 |website=Economica.net |language=ro}}

In October 2019, Gameloft announced a partnership with mobile operator Gruppo TIM to open TIM I Love Games, a games subscription service for Android and iOS, exclusive to Italy and TIM customers.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-10-24-gameloft-partners-with-tim-italy-for-new-mobile-subscription-service |title=Gameloft partners with TIM Italy for new mobile subscription service |first=Rebekah |last=Valentine |date=24 October 2019 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |access-date=30 October 2019 |archive-date=30 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030104758/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-10-24-gameloft-partners-with-tim-italy-for-new-mobile-subscription-service |url-status=live }}

{{Main|List of Gameloft games}}

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