Introduction
The video game industry has seen immense growth in recent years, generating up to 9.3 billion in revenue in 2020. With such a promising market size and growth potential, it’s no wonder that many entrepreneurs aspire to invest in this business. However, determining the appropriate value of a video game business is not an easy task. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the essential factors to consider when valuing a video game business, as well as some of the most popular valuation methods used in the industry.
Key Considerations
Before starting the process of evaluating a video game company, there are some essential factors to consider:
- Market size and growth potential: The video game industry has continued to expand, with the mobile game revenue segment growing steadily.
- Strong Intellectual Property Portfolio: A video game company with a robust portfolio of popular game franchises will attract higher valuation.
- Recurring revenue streaks: Valuing a video game business based on its potential to generate reliable revenue from monthly memberships or subscription services can be advantageous.
- Competition and Market Share: Understand a video game company’s competition and what percentage of the market they control. This information makes it possible to accurately determine the valuation of the company.
Assessment methods
There are several valuation methods used to value a business of video game companies, including:
- Discounted Cash Flow Method: Considers future cash flows and the time value of money to value a business.
- Market Multiple Method: Compares target company’s financial ratios with their industry peers.
- Asset-Based Method: Determines how much the company’s assets are worth.
- Comparable Company Analysis: Compares the target company to similar public companies with publicly available financial data.
- Multiple EBITDA method: Considers a company’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is essential to consider the unique characteristics of the business to determine which method best suits the situation.
Comparison of valuation methods
Valuing a video game business involves various strategies and methods to arrive at a fair value. The gambling industry has developed rapidly and its evaluation methods are complex. It is essential to understand the valuation methods as it affects the company’s investment decision making.
| Assessment methods | Benefits | The inconvenients |
| Discounted cash flow method |
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| Market Multiple Method |
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| Asset-based method |
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| Comparable business analysis |
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| Multiple EBITDA method |
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Considerations
Market size and growth potential
Valuing a video game business is a complex process that requires careful attention to various factors. One of the most important factors to consider when determining the value of a video game business is market size and growth potential. The video game industry has seen substantial growth over the past few years, with an estimated value of over 2 billion in 2019.
However, this market has seen significant fluctuations in growth over the years, with some years seeing an increase in growth, while some are relatively low. Therefore, it is essential to analyze the market size and predict the future growth potential of a video game business before pricing it.
A few tips to consider
- Research recent industry trends and patterns to gain insight into the size and growth potential of the gaming industry.
- Examine the company’s product cycle and the unique features that can give them a competitive advantage in the market.
- Analyze the company’s financial statements to determine its growth potential by studying revenue, profit and cash flow trends.
Methods to evaluate a video game company
Valuing a video game business involves using several methods to arrive at a fair price. Earnings multiples, discounted cash flow, and market capitalization are common methods used to value a video game studio.
Earnings Multiples: Also known as the Price to Earnings ratio (P/E ratio), compares a video game company’s share price to its earnings per share (EPS). This method is useful for publicly traded video game companies.
Discounted Cash Flow: Also known as DCF, this method involves estimating a company’s future cash flows discounted to present value. It considers the time value of money and the risk of cash flow.
Market capitalization: This method involves multiplying the number of shares outstanding by the current market price per share to calculate the total value of the company.
A few tips to consider
- Use a combination of methods to get a more accurate valuation of a video game company
- Analyze recent merger and acquisition transactions in the video game industry to gain insight into the valuation of video game companies.
- Consult industry experts to get a more holistic understanding of the market value of a video game business.
Factors to consider when valuing a video game business
Valuing a video game business involves considering various factors that impact the company’s profitability and market potential. Some of the factors to consider include:
- Product portfolio and development pipeline
- Market share and competition
- Brand recognition and reputation
- Intellectual property rights
- Market trends and growth potential
- Revenues, profits and cash flow
Considering these factors can help provide a more comprehensive assessment of a video game company.
A few tips to consider
- Understand the company’s business model, how it generates revenue and how it intends to maintain profitability.
- Analyze the company’s intellectual property portfolio, including patent and trademark information.
- Assess the company’s growth potential by identifying new markets or untapped opportunities in the gaming industry.
Solid intellectual property portfolio
One of the important factors to consider when valuing a video game company is its strong IP portfolio . Intellectual properties such as trademarks, copyrights, and patents are assets that can increase the value of a video game business.
In the video game industry, a strong intellectual property portfolio could mean a well-known and well-loved game franchise. For example, the Super Mario and Sonic franchises are well known and loved by video game enthusiasts around the world. The game company that owns these franchises has strong bargaining power in the industry, thus commanding a premium for their products.
Tips to consider:
- Assess the strength of the company’s intellectual property portfolio before valuing the company.
- Make sure intellectual property is legally protected and not at risk of infringement.
- Consider the value of intellectual property when determining the overall value of the video game business.
Video game companies with a strong IP portfolio have the advantage of creating sequels, prequels, and spin-offs and developing merchandise or licensing their IP, which can significantly contribute to overall value of the company.
A video game company’s intellectual property can also be a sign of the company’s competitive position in the market. Companies with high intellectual property can be fierce competition for smaller companies with fewer resources.
Tips to consider:
- Research the video game company’s competitive position based on its intellectual property portfolio.
- Establish the company’s position in the market based on the strength of its intellectual property portfolio and its competing companies.
Recurring Revenue Strots: A Factor to Consider When Valuing the Video Game Company
Valuing a video game company can be tricky, especially for those unfamiliar with the video game industry. However, several factors can help determine the value of a video game business. One such factor is recurring revenue streams.
Recurring revenue streams refer to revenue generated by a business through its ongoing operations. In the video game industry, this includes revenue from in-game purchases, subscriptions, and downloadable content. Businesses that have a strong recurring revenue stream may be more attractive to investors and potential buyers because it provides a consistent revenue stream.
Advice:
- Identify the types and frequency of recurring revenue streams in the video game company’s portfolio.
- Assess the growth rate and sustainability of these revenue streams over time.
- Compare the company’s recurring revenue streams to its competitors in the industry.
In addition to recurring revenue streams, there are several other factors to consider when valuing a video game business. Some of them include company intellectual property, development pipeline, and market share.
Intellectual property (IP) can include trademarks, copyrights, and patents for a video game company’s games, characters, and storylines. A strong IP portfolio can add significant value to a business because it can provide a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Advice:
- Understand the strength and breadth of a gaming company’s IP portfolio.
- Assess the risks associated with the company’s IP, including any ongoing litigation or litigation.
- Determine the value of the company’s intellectual property by examining licensing agreements or past sales of similar IP.
The company’s development pipeline refers to upcoming video games and projects that are in various stages of development. The value of a company’s development pipeline can be difficult to determine, but can be an important factor in the overall valuation of the company.
Advice:
- Identify video games in the development pipeline that are likely to succeed.
- Determine the risks associated with the development pipeline, such as game delays or cancellations.
- Consider the competition in the market and how upcoming games in the pipeline compare.
Market share refers to the percentage of the video game market that a company has for a specific genre or category. Market share is an important factor to consider when valuing a business, as it reflects the success of the business relative to its competitors.
Advice:
- Assess the market share for the specific genre or category in which the business operates.
- Consider the growth opportunities in the market and the company’s potential to increase its market share.
- Compare the company’s market share to its competitors and how it ranks in the industry.
Valuing a video game business can be complex, but evaluating recurring revenue streams, intellectual property, development pipeline, and market share can provide a solid foundation for determining the value of the business. business.
Competition and market share
When looking to evaluate a video game company, it is crucial to consider the competition and their market share. Some of the top competitors in the industry include Electronic Arts, Activision Blizzard and Take-Two Interactive. Each of these companies has a substantial market share and should be considered when assessing the value of a video game business.
A few tips to consider:
- Research the competition in detail to understand the video game industry evaluation techniques used
- Look at each competitor’s market share to determine the market value of a video game developer
- Compare the pricing strategies of similar games produced by the competition
Factors to consider when valuing a video game business
The valuation of a video game company is much like the valuation of any other company, and several factors play a significant role. Consider these factors when assessing the value of a video game business.
A few tips to consider:
- Look at the company’s financial statements to understand its profitability and cash flow
- Analyze the company’s intellectual property, including its patents, trademarks and copyrights
- Assess the strength of the company’s leadership team and workforce
- Seek corporate reputation and brand recognition
Methods to evaluate a video game company
There are several methods for valuing a video game business, and each comes with its pros and cons. Some of the more popular methods include the asset approach, the income approach, and the market approach.
A few tips to consider:
- Use the asset approach if the company has a substantial asset base and there is little or no revenue stream.
- The revenue approach is most appropriate if the business has a track record of profitability and a reliable revenue stream.
- If the business does not have reliable earnings, use the market-based approach.
- Consider using a combination of methods to get a more accurate assessment.
Assessment methods
Valuing a Video Game Business: Discounted Cash Flow Method
One of the most effective methods for valuing a video game business is the reduced cash flow (DCF) method. This technique is widely recognized and used in the corporate finance world, providing a complete and accurate assessment of a company’s value.
Advantages of using the discounted cash flow method:
- Incorporates future cash flow projections, which can provide a more accurate valuation than other methods that rely solely on past performance
- Considers the time value of money, recognizing that money today is worth more than the same amount of money in the future
- Provides the flexibility to adjust inputs such as projected cash flows, discount rates, and terminal valuations for an accurate estimate of market value
Disadvantages of using the discounted cash flow method:
- Relies on accurate financial projections which may be difficult to obtain and may be subject to uncertainty or variability
- Assume that future cash flows will increase over time, which may not be the case in a changing competitive environment or an economic downturn
- It depends on the accuracy of the discount rate, which is subject to assumptions about risk, inflation and interest rates
Using the DCF method for valuing video game companies involves projecting future cash flows and discounting them at a rate that reflects the company’s cost of capital. This requires an understanding of the company’s financial performance, competitive landscape, and growth prospects.
For example, when calculating the value of a video game studio using DCF, the appraiser could forecast the studio’s future income and expenses, taking into account factors such as the planned release of new games. , market trends and competition. The appraiser would then discount these future cash flows to determine their present value, adjusting for inflation and the studio’s cost of capital.
Overall, the discounted cash flow method is a robust and flexible technique for valuing a video game business. Although it requires close attention to detail and relies on assumptions that are subject to change, it can provide a complete and accurate estimate of a business’s value.
Market Multiple Method
One of the most common methods for valuing video game companies is the multiple market method. This method involves assessing the value of a video game company by comparing it to other similar companies in the industry that have recently been sold or listed on the stock exchange.
Benefits:
- This method is relatively easy to understand and can be quickly applied to the evaluation process.
- The multiple market method explains the current market trends and industry performance.
The inconvenients:
- This method relies heavily on the availability and accuracy of comparable company data, which can be difficult to obtain.
- Not all video game companies are created equal, and the video game industry is constantly changing, which may result in unrepresentative comparisons.
For example, if Company A is a video game development studio specializing in role-playing games and has 0 million in revenue, and Company B is a similar company that recently sold for 0 million. dollars, the market multiple method suggests that Company A may also be worth around 0 million.
It is essential to note that this method is only one of many used to evaluate a video game business. Careful consideration should be given to the metrics used for comparison, timing of sales, and potential data bias.
Asset-based method
One of the many methods of valuing a video game business is the asset-based method. This approach values the company based on the assets it owns, such as intellectual property, physical property, and equipment. In the asset-based method, the value of the company is equal to the fair market value of the company’s assets less its liabilities.
Advantages of the asset-based method:
- Provides a clear and objective assessment of the business.
- Useful for businesses with substantial assets such as real estate or equipment.
- Useful in bankruptcy situations or liquidations.
Disadvantages of the asset-based method:
- Not useful for companies with intangible assets such as copyrights and patents.
- Does not take into account the earning potential of the business.
- The fair market value of assets can be difficult to determine accurately.
For example, a video game company with million in assets and million in liabilities would be worth million using the asset-based method. However, the asset-based method alone may undervalue the business because it does not include the business’ earning potential, reputation, goodwill, and other hard-to-quantify intangible assets.
Ultimately, the asset-based method might be useful for a video game company with a significant amount of concrete assets to liquidate, but it shouldn’t be the only method used to determine the overall value of the asset. business.
Comparable business analysis
An effective method for valuing a video game company’s business is through a company comparable analysis, also known as a trading multiple analysis or an industry multiple analysis. This method basically involves comparing the financial and market data of the video game company in question to that of other similar companies in the industry.Benefits:
- Relatively easy and simple method to use
- Uses existing data and metrics from similar companies
- Can provide valuable information on market trends and industry outlook
- Can help identify potential areas for growth and improvement based on comparison with more successful companies
The inconvenients:
- Relies on the availability and accuracy of comparable company data
- Assumes the chosen comparable companies are truly similar and accurately represent the video game industry
- Does not take into account company-specific factors or unique qualities that affect the rating
For example, suppose we want to like a video game developer specializing in mobile games. We can start by researching financial and market data for similar companies operating in the same or similar markets. We can compare, for example, the revenue, profit margin, growth rate and market capitalization of these companies to the target company. If the target company has, for example, a higher growth rate and profit margin than its peers, it may suggest that the company has a competitive advantage or a unique selling point that generates higher returns. Conversely, if the target company is performing poorly relative to its peers, we may want to investigate why and identify potential improvements or red flags. Overall, a comparable company analysis can be a useful tool in evaluating a video game business. However, it is only one of many methods available to us and should be used in conjunction with other assessment techniques for a more comprehensive assessment.
Multiple EBITDA method
The multiple EBITDA method is a common technique used to value video game companies. EBITDA represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. This method involves determining the company’s EBITDA and then multiplying it by an appropriate multiplier to arrive at a valuation.
Benefits:
- Simple and simple method
- Allows for quick evaluation assessment
The inconvenients:
- Does not take into account all the factors that can affect the value of a company
- May not be accurate in cases where company debt structure differs from industry averages
For example, if a video game company has an EBITDA of million and the industry average multiplier is 6 years, the company would be valued at million (EBITDA multiplier X = valuation).
However, it is important to consider other factors that may affect the valuation such as the company’s growth potential, intellectual property and market position. The multiple EBITDA method should be used in conjunction with other methods to arrive at a complete valuation.
Additionally, it is important to use appropriate industry averages when selecting a multiplier. Multiples can vary significantly depending on industry trends and market conditions.
Overall, the multiple EBITDA method is a useful tool for quickly assessing the value of a video game business. However, it should be used in conjunction with other methods and industry expertise to ensure a complete and accurate assessment is obtained.
Conclusion
Valuing a video game business can be a complex process, but considering key factors like market size, intellectual property portfolio, and recurring revenue streams is a good place to start. By using one or more of the different valuation methods available, entrepreneurs looking to invest in this industry can determine a fair price for a video game business. Ultimately, the accurate valuation of a video game business can help buyers and sellers make informed decisions for their future endeavours.