Scopely launches Star Trek: Fleet Command on PC

Scopely is using its hit mobile game Star Trek: Fleet Command on PC as part of a new cross-platform strategy.

This is a big deal for Scopely, which has reached a multi-billion dollar valuation thanks to the strength of its mobile games, as it is Scopely’s first PC game. It will be available for direct download.

This is a strategy that more and more mobile game companies are pursuing as targeted advertising on iOS becomes uncertain due to Apple’s emphasis on privacy, as well as increasing fan demands for their favorite games. are available on more than one platform they use.

This is the reason why Scopely recognizes for its first PC game, but rival Zynga also made a similar move to acquire a PC games company as it overtook mobile for the first time in years. Zynga also said its profits have become more uncertain thanks to Apple’s move.

This is a new strategy, as Scopely took over the assets from Fox Next Games in 2020, but decided not to purchase Cold Iron Studios from Fox Next, the maker of the co-op game Aliens: Fireteam Elite, a game. PC which has just been launched. .

Scopely claims the Massively Multiplayer Online 4X Strategy (MMO) game is Star Trek’s # 1 gaming experience today. Home to a community of passionate and loyal gamers who spend an average of five hours a day exploring and conquering the multiverse together in-game, Star Trek: Fleet Command has seen over 14 billion battles and over 500 million hours played. nowadays.

Kelvin timeline

Originally based on the “Kelvin Timeline” of the Star Trek Cinematic Universe, players have since been introduced to content from the past and present of Star Trek, including arcs based on the hit CBS series. Star Trek: Discovery as well as fan favorites like The next generation and The original series.

The PC launch of Star Trek: Fleet Command gives fans even more ways to personalize the adventure through a true cross-platform experience, said Javier Ferreira, co-CEO of Scopely, in an interview with GamesBeat.

He said the game will feature smooth cross-progression, making it easy for players to switch between devices and play from the palm of their hand or home PC.

“This is an exciting launch for us as Star Trek has been an incredibly successful product with hundreds of thousands of players engaging in the game every day,” said Ferreira. “One of the things we heard from the community was that they wanted to be able to use this product on multiple devices.

On top of that, Ferreira said the company will be able to deliver new social experiences through the PC launch.

“We’re also excited to potentially reach a new type of player who could be very PC-focused,” said Ferreira. “This will allow us to expand our audience. We see platforms becoming less relevant in the future. Our goal as a company is to serve our players wherever they want to play and enable them to build truly deep communities. “

Popular social features like Alliances and the Battlepass will benefit from cross-play, bringing PC and mobile gamers together.

“I think the idea of ​​mobile players, PC players and console players is outdated,” he said. “Our data now shows that over 65% of gamers will actually engage in games across multiple platforms. Our strategy is to be gamer first, rather than focusing on one particular platform. . “

PC gamers who download the game will receive a cross-platform resource bundle, meaning new players and existing mobile gamers who link their account on PC will gain a variety of in-game resources when they log into PC.

They can also get unique cosmetic avatars and frames, exclusive offers, and entry into a raffle event.

But overall, the mobile and PC versions will have feature parity, Ferreira said.

Scopely’s growth

Founded in 2011, Scopely has generated over $ 1 billion in revenue to date with major mobile game hits like Scrabble Go, Marvel Strike Force, Star Trek: Fleet Command, Looney Tunes: World of Mayhem, WWE Champions and Yahtzee With Buddies.

Even with all of its resources, Scopely’s challenge in launching the PC version was not trivial, Ferreira said. He said it took months to deliver the right experience. The company used Unity to make the transition to the PC, as the mobile game is based on Unity.

During the pandemic, Ferreira noted that the game has seen tremendous growth and more massive market adoption.

“Overall, the game is becoming more and more visible to everyone,” he said. “So we’re very excited about the category right now and excited about the future of the business. “