SYBO

One week after the release of Subway Surfers, the freemium running game for iOS had reached three million downloads and become the most downloaded game in 20 countries.{{Citation|title=Vigild, Thomas. "Nyt dansk iPhone-spil surfer sin sejrsgang kloden over". Politiken. Politiken. Retrieved March 18, 2013.|date=2020-01-15|url=https://politiken.dk/tjek/digitalt/spil/ECE1640378/nyt-dansk-iphone-spil-surfer-sin-sejrsgang-kloden-over/|work=Wikipedia|language=en|access-date=2020-03-18}} Consequently, AppAdvice named it the Game of the Week for May 31, 2012.{{Citation|last=Chan|first=Christine|title=AppAdvice Game Of The Week For May 31, 2012. AppAdvice. AppAdvice. Retrieved March 18, 2013.|url=https://appadvice.com/appnn/2012/05/appadvice-game-of-the-week-for-may-31-2012|work=Wikipedia|date=31 May 2012|language=en|access-date=2020-03-18}} Four months later, Subway Surfers was available to Android users and quickly spread.{{Citation|last=Grush|first=Andrew|title=Highly Popular iOS game, Subway Surfers, comes to Android". Mobile Magazine. Mobile Magazine.|date=2013-03-18|url=http://www.mobilemag.com/2012/09/21/highly-popular-ios-game-subway-surfers-comes-to-android/|work=Wikipedia|language=en|access-date=2013-03-19|archive-date=2012-11-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121125234025/http://www.mobilemag.com/2012/09/21/highly-popular-ios-game-subway-surfers-comes-to-android/|url-status=dead}} The following month saw Subway Surfers rise into the top 20 growing Facebook apps by monthly active users.{{Citation|last=Darwell|first=Brittany|title=Farmville 2, Instagram, Zuma Blitz, Subway Surfers and more on this week's top 20 growing Facebook apps by MAU|date=2018-03-18|url=https://www.adweek.com/digital/farmville-2-instagram-zuma-blitz-subway-surfers-and-more-on-this-weeks-top-20-growing-facebook-apps-by-mau/|work=ADweek|language=en}} Eight months after the initial release, Subway Surfers landed 100 million downloads.{{Citation|last=Sacco|first=Dominic|title=Subway Surfers one of the most played apps in the world|date=2020-01-15|url=https://www.licensing.biz/news/10671/Subway-Surfers-one-of-the-most-played-apps-in-the-world|work=Licensing.biz|language=en|access-date=2020-03-18}} By 2017, Subway Surfers was the most downloaded game across the globe.{{Citation|last=Riaz|first=Saleha|title=Netflix app tops revenue ranking|date=2020-01-15|url=https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/apps-home-banner/netflix-app-tops-revenue-ranking/|work=MobileWorldlive.com|language=en|access-date=2020-03-18}} Furthermore, Subway Surfers is the first Android mobile game to cross one billion downloads in Google Play, a milestone reached in March 2018.{{Citation|last=Harris|first=Iain|title=Subway Surfers becomes first game to hit 1 billion downloads on Google Play|date=2020-01-15|url=https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/67771/subway-surfers-becomes-first-game-to-hit-1-billion-downloads-on-google-play/|work=PocketGamer.Biz|language=en|access-date=2020-03-18}}

Today, the Subway Surfers runner game has been downloaded over 2.7 billion times averaging over 100 million active users per month.{{Citation|last=Harris|first=Iain|title=Subway Surfers sails past the two billion download mark|date=2018-04-30|url=https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/68216/subway-surfers-2-billion-downloads/|work=PocketGamer.biz|language=en|access-date=2020-03-18}}

The success of Subway Surfers has also resulted in the creation of Subway Surfers The Animated Series - an 11-episode, short-form cartoon series that follows the adventures of the game’s four main protagonists; Jake, Tricky, Fresh and Yutani. The show also includes some antagonistic characters such as Guard, Dog, and Frank - the mysterious figure who wears a bunny mask. The series premiered on June 1, 2018 and was well-received. The episodes have accumulated over 100 million views and are currently published on SYBO TV (SYBO’s YouTube channel with over 3.3 million subscribers) along with supporting content such as behind-the-scenes and character feature videos. The short-form episodes premiered June 1, 2018, with 11 episodes where you get to know the main characters of the Subway Surfers game. The short-form animated series shows the lives of the main characters Jake, Tricky, Fresh and Yutani and introduces the mysterious Frank, a guy with a bunny mask, among other characters including the Guard and the Dog. The animated series has over 120 million views on their SYBO TV channel.{{Citation|last=Milligan|first=Mercedes|title='Subway Surfers' Series Makes YouTube Debut June 1'|date=2018-04-25|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/top-stories/subway-surfers-series-makes-youtube-debut-june-1/|work=animationmagazine.net|language=en|access-date=2020-03-18}}

SYBO further extended its universe by launching the Snapchat game Subway Surfers Airtime as of late 2019. The multiplayer mobile game allows you to challenge your friends and race with your favorite characters. Skate the tracks and collect coins to unlock new characters. Hold and release to jump and get ahead of your friends to reach the finish line first.

SYBO's second endless runner game was Blades of BrimArchived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211210/iIH2VOMP6Cg Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20190110011401/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIH2VOMP6Cg&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIH2VOMP6Cg| title = Blades of Brim Boss trailer | website=YouTube}}{{cbignore}} (BoB) released in 2015. Blades of Brim became the editor's choice in the Apple app store as of 2016. The player runs through levels to save the world of Brim by fighting the Goon Lord’s minion army. The BoB endless runner is free-to-play, includes magic creatures and inspiring surroundings.

Knowing each other from the leading animation institution in Denmark, the Animation Workshop, Creative Director Sylvester Rishøj Jensen and CEO Bodie Jahn-Mulliner founded SYBO Games in 2010 as a consequence of winning 1st prize for best animation movie at Hamburg Animation Award 2009.{{Citation|last=Arfs|first=Jörn|title="Hamburg Animation Award 2009 geht an Trickfilmnachwuchs aus Dänemark"|date=2020-01-15|url=https://www.hk24.de/produktmarken/branchen-cluster-netzwerke/branchen/medienwirtschaft-kreativwirtschaft/themen/hamburg-animation-conference/3907316/de/einzelansicht/news/xuid1-lorum-testnews/|work=Hamburg Animation award 2009|language=en|access-date=2020-03-18}}{{Citation|last=Arfs|first=Jörn|title=All winners of the 6th Hamburg animation awards 2009|date=2020-01-15|url=http://www.hamburg-animation-award.de/en/gewinner2009/|work=Hamburg animation award|language=en|access-date=2020-03-18|archive-date=2011-08-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815002714/http://www.hamburg-animation-award.de/en/gewinner2009/|url-status=dead}}

Their short film featured a graffiti troublemaker who had to run away from the dog and the guard as they chased him around in the subway. Pitching the game idea for Danish Film Institute, New Danish Screen sponsored SYBO Games initiative for the game{{Citation|last=Løvind|first=Simon|title=New Danish Screen – Spilordningen støtter ni danske computerspil til børn og unge|date=2020-01-15|url=http://www.dfi.dk/nyheder/nyhederfradfi/2009/new-danish-screen---spilordningen-stoetter-ni-danske-computerspil-til-boern-og-unge.aspx|work=Danish film institute|language=en|access-date=2020-03-18}} resulting in a release three years later.

Before they launched Subway Surfers, they also created the game apps Powerflow{{Citation|last=Whitfield|first=Aaron|title=SYBO Games launches 'PowerFlow'|date=2020-01-15|url=http://pocketfullofapps.com/2011/12/12/powerflow-released.html|work=Pocket full of apps|language=en|access-date=2020-03-18}} and Cosmic Cab.{{Citation|last=Whitfield|first=Aaron|title="'Cosmic Cab' from Sybo Games Released"|date=2020-01-15|url=https://pocketfullofapps.com/2011/11/09/cosmic-cab-released.html|work=Pocket full of Apps|language=en|access-date=2020-03-18}}

Today, the game studio is completely self-owned and continues to develop regular updates for Subway Surfers,{{Citation|last=Calimlim|first=Aldrin|title="Surf And Sprint Through The New York City Subway In Subway Surfers".|date=2020-01-15|url=http://appadvice.com/appnn/2013/01/surf-and-sprint-through-the-new-york-city-subway-in-subway-surfers|work=AppAdvice|language=en|access-date=2020-03-18}}{{Citation|last=Calimlim|first=Aldrin|title="All Train Tracks Lead To Rome In Subway Surfers' New Content Update"|date=2020-01-15|url=http://appadvice.com/appnn/2013/02/all-train-tracks-lead-to-rome-in-subway-surfers-new-content-update|work=Appadvice|language=en|access-date=2020-03-18}} while also creating other games for mobile devices.

On June 1, 2018, the first of a series of animated shorts debuted on SYBO Games YouTube channel. At the beginning of 2020, the series hit 170 million views. The 10 x 4-minute episodic series is scripted by Brent Friedman and Francesca Marie Smith and produced by Daytime Emmy award-winning producer Sander Schwartz. Chris Bartleman is supervising director and Michael Hegner is the director.

On September 23, 2019, SYBO joined Playing for the Planet{{cite web|url=http://playing4theplanet.org/ |title=Home - Playing for the Planet |publisher=Playing4theplanet.org |date= |accessdate=2023-03-23}} together with UN Environment. By joining, SYBO and 19 other game development companies made several commitments to deliver games in environmentally sustainable ways. Playing for the Planet aims to reduce emissions by 30 million tonnes {{CO2}} by 2030, plant millions of trees, advance energy conservation, increase consumer awareness via in-game menus and game design, reduce plastics and toxics in packaging, steer towards a circular economy in plastic and electronic device (e-waste) management, and catalyze a global scale ally in planetary problem-solving.{{cite press release | url=https://www.newswire.com/news/subway-surfers-joins-playing-for-the-planet-effort-at-un-climate-21002254 | title=Subway Surfers Joins Playing for the Planet Effort at UN Climate Conference in NYC }}

Prior to joining Playing for the Planet SYBO changed to an organic and mostly vegetarian canteen and installed solar panels on their office building's roof. SYBO also invested in solar projects in India and waste management in Chile.

• SYBO Games winning Best Pitch at Growing Games 2011 {{cite web|last=Askholm|first=Kirstine|title=Pitchkonkurrence - Øvelse gør mester|url=http://interactivedenmark.dk/artikel/pitchkonkurrence-%C3%B8velse-g%C3%B8r-mester|work=Interactive Denmark|access-date=May 27, 2014}}
• Subway Surfers declared AppAdvice's Game of the Week for May 31, 2012 {{cite web|last=Chan|first=Christine|title=AppAdvice Game Of The Week For May 31, 2012|url=http://appadvice.com/appnn/2012/05/appadvice-game-of-the-week-for-may-31-2012|work=AppAdvice|date=31 May 2012 |access-date=March 18, 2013}}
• Subway Surfers nominated in the Community Choice-category by Unity Awards 2012 for games that takes the best advantage of the Unity 3D game engine {{cite magazine|last=Chapple|first=Craig|title=Unity Awards 2012 finalists named|url=http://www.develop-online.net/news/unity-awards-2012-finalists-named/0112608|magazine= Develop |date=27 July 2012 |publisher= Develop |access-date=May 27, 2014}}
• Winner of Best Danish Game at Mobil Awards 2012 by Danish newspaper B.T. and Magasinet Mobil {{cite web|title=Se alle vinderne fra Mobil Awards 2012|url=http://mobil.nu/artikel/se-alle-vinderne-fra-mobil-awards-2012-3773|work= Magasinet Mobil |date=15 November 2012 |access-date=May 27, 2014}}
• Among top 10 non-stop running game apps for iOS and Android by NDTV Gadgets {{cite web|last=Iyer|first=Sandhya|title=Top 10 non-stop running game apps for iOS and Android|url=http://gadgets.ndtv.com/apps/features/top-10-non-stop-running-game-apps-for-ios-and-android-341845|work=NDTV Gadgets |date=13 March 2013 |access-date=May 27, 2014}}
• Winner of Best Bathroom Break Casual Game 2013 by Best Mobile App Awards {{cite web|title=Winner of 2013 Overall Awards - Best Bathroom - Break Casual Game|url=http://www.bestmobileappawards.com/app-submission/subway-surfers|publisher=Best Mobile App Awards |access-date=May 27, 2014}}
• Subway Surfers nominated for Best Nordic Handheld Game 2013 by Nordic Game Awards

{{cite web|title=Nominees revealed for Nordic Game Awards 2014|url=http://nordicgame.com/?id=31|publisher=Nordic Game Awards |access-date=May 27, 2014}}

• Subway Surfers nominated by Producentforeningen for Game Of the Year in Denmark, Spilprisen, 2013 {{cite web|title=Nominerede til Spilprisen 2013|url=http://pro-f.dk/nominerede-til-spilprisen-2013|publisher=Producentforeningen |access-date=May 27, 2014}}
• 5th Annual Awards Winner for Best Entertainment App by BestAppEver for Android {{cite web|title=5th Annual Awards Winner for Best Entertainment App|url=http://www.bestappever.com/android/awards/2013/winner/ente|publisher=Best App Ever Awards|access-date=May 27, 2014}}

{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

• [http://www.sybogames.com/ SYBO Games website]
• [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvyN-kMH-IrXzWNeZaQ_XaQ SYBO TV]

Category:Mobile game companies

Category:Software companies of Denmark

Category:Software companies based in Copenhagen

Category:Companies based in Copenhagen

Category:Danish companies established in 2010

Category:Video game companies established in 2010

Category:2022 mergers and acquisitions

Category:Video game companies based in Copenhagen

Category:Video game companies of Denmark

Category:Video game development companies

Category:Companies based in Copenhagen Municipality