CEO and founder of Supercell, Ilkka Paananen, relates that his long-time dream has been to make the game developer into a global company. A worldwide reach requires a firm foothold in Europe and America, but also in the important Asian markets in Japan, Korea and China.
"No games company has achieved that," Paananen points out.
Supercell opened an office in Japan during the summer.
"People thought we were crazy when we headed to Japan. We've done well," he remarks.
Since then, Supercell has had a game in the top five most sold in Japan - the only western developer to do so.
"This partnership gives us the opportunity to move ahead more quickly in those markets."
No change in daily routines
Paananen told Yle that Supercell will continue to operate completely independently.
"The head office will remain in Finland. Taxes will be paid to Finland."
Supercell was not actively seeking a partner for expansion, rather the initiative for the deal announced on Tuesday came from Japan. Asked where the money from the deal will be going, Paananen said that this is a matter for each of the owners to personally decide.
"Myself, I am going to invest it in Finnish growth companies. The Helsinki region can be made into a serious competitor to Silicon Valley," believes Ilkka Paananen.