Smilegate's Harold Kim on Building Long-Lasting IP

Smilegate’s investment strategy centers on fostering long-term IP development and world-building rather than pursuing short-term quarterly gains. As a private entity, the company prioritizes partnerships with studios like That’s No Moon and Absurd Ventures that demonstrate strong creative vision, team cohesion, and the ability to execute ambitious projects. Harold Kim, SVP of Business Development, highlights that the evaluation process focuses on a team's capacity to build immersive universes and maintain clear communication, often valuing these qualitative factors over initial playable software or rigid financial models. By providing strategic support and resources, Smilegate aims to cultivate enduring gaming experiences that resonate across generations. This approach underscores a commitment to quality and strategic alignment, ensuring that funded studios have the necessary stability to realize their creative goals while expanding the company’s global footprint in the interactive entertainment industry.