Critical Ops is not always the first name that comes to mind when considering mobile esports, but it’s certainly gaining traction around the world. Critical Force, the game developer has revealed that its mobile esports title has now reached the 22 million download landmark and has opened a South Korean office as it sets its sights firmly on the Asian market.
For those unaware, Critical Ops is a mobile competitive first person shooter (FPS). The developer remains confident that it can breakthrough into the wonderful world of esports. It’s been soft launched on Android and iOS and statistics such as 22 million downloads and 800,000 daily users are most definitely impressive.
“22 million downloads is a fantastic thing for us especially because this has been achieved completely without paid user acquisition”, said CEO of Critical Force Veli-Pekka Piirainen. He continued: “This achievement is highly unusual in the modern mobile games industry where paid user acquisition is the norm. We have achieved our scale and virality through active community management and by having a high-quality game.”
Now, the Finnish game developer has set its sights on the Asian market. In partnership with investor NHN Entertainment, Critical Force has opened an office in South Korea as it aims to establish a foothold in Asia, and will work on developing games well suited to the Asian market. There will also be three game developers moving swapping the hustle and bustle of Seoul for tranquil Kajaani.
“We have a vastly different work culture here in Finland than in Asia. It is a positive challenge for us”, said CEO of Critical Force Veli-Pekka Piirainen. “In addition to the different work culture the biggest difference is the very different living environment. The quietness of Kajaani is in stark contrast to the bustling Seoul. Busy streets, bright lights and something cool on every street corner versus the quietness, forests, lakes and clean air of Kajaani are very striking differences. Also the much praised Finnish education system is important for the families moving to Kajaani.”
Esports Insider says: The Asian mobile market is Critical Force’s next target. It’ll be interesting to see how the opening of the South Korean office goes and the expansion into an intriguing market works out. Congratulations as well on the 22 million landmark as mobile esports continues to grow.