2024-12-10
In our latest Make Green Tuesday Moves (MGTM) Studio Partner Q&A, we’re thrilled to spotlight Axlebolt, the dynamic studio behind the global hit Standoff 2.
Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Cyprus, Axlebolt has quickly risen to prominence in the mobile gaming industry, with over 300 million downloads of their flagship game.
In this exclusive interview, Axlebolt shares insights into their journey, community-driven approach, and dedication to sustainability through the MGTM campaign…
Can you share a brief overview of Axlebolt's history and its journey to becoming a key player in the games industry?
Axlebolt was founded in 2015 by a group of passionate gamers with a shared vision of creating immersive and engaging gaming experiences. While our early projects helped lay the foundation for our growth, the release of Standoff 2 in 2017 marked a significant turning point. This mobile FPS game quickly gained popularity, and today it has achieved over 300 million downloads worldwide, securing Axlebolt’s place as a notable contributor to the mobile gaming landscape.
Our HQ in Cyprus has enabled us to build a dynamic and diverse team. Our studio now counts over 300 employees, combining global and local expertise to create outstanding gaming experiences. We are actively expanding our Community Team to provide localized support for our players. For example, we have Brazilian specialists dedicated to serving our community in Brazil, one of our major markets, as we firmly believe in the principle of ‘think globally, act locally’ to meet the unique needs and wishes of players in every region.
Beyond our games, we actively contribute to the local gaming ecosystem, including supporting local conferences and the growth of the developer community in Cyprus.
What differentiates Axlebolt from other gaming studios, both in Cyprus and globally?
Axlebolt stands out through our commitment to fully in-house development. This approach allows us to maintain complete control over our products, ensuring the highest quality and responsiveness to player feedback.
Globally, our focus on community-driven development and competitive gameplay sets us apart, while locally, we are proud to be part of Cyprus’ growing gaming ecosystem, contributing to its development through knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
Tell us about your hit mobile game Standoff 2.
Standoff 2 is a dynamic FPS built on Unity, celebrated for its competitive gameplay and exceptional animation quality. The animations in Standoff 2 are created using cutting-edge motion capture technology, allowing us to replicate realistic character movements and bring an unparalleled level of immersion to the game. This attention to detail ensures that every action, from weapon handling to character interactions, feels authentic and lifelike.
Since its release in 2017, the game has become a global phenomenon, surpassing 300 million downloads worldwide. It is available on major platforms, including Google Play, App Store, and Huawei’s AppGallery, with plans to further expand its reach.
The game enjoys immense popularity in numerous regions, including European countries like Germany and Turkey, as well as Brazil, where its engaging gameplay and high-quality features strongly resonate with players.
At Axlebolt, we are deeply committed to delivering a top-notch product, combining advanced technology and player-driven innovation to create a game that continues to captivate millions worldwide. Standoff 2 has firmly established itself as one of the most beloved FPS games in the mobile gaming market.
For instance, during the Halloween event, Axlebolt introduced exclusive in-game content, including themed skins, special missions, and unique challenges. These updates significantly boosted player engagement and retention, showcasing the effectiveness of creative, community-focused updates.
This event was featured in a TikTok Business case study, which highlighted its success in captivating the gaming community. The Branded Mission generated over 8.6 million engaged video views and 1,500 creator-produced videos, along with almost 73 million views for the hashtag.
What unique opportunities does Cyprus offer for game developers, and how has being based there influenced Axlebolt’s growth?
Cyprus provides a supportive and dynamic environment for game developers. Its welcoming business climate, growing focus on technology, and active community create meaningful opportunities for collaboration and innovation. The strategic location also offers excellent access to global markets, allowing companies to connect with talent and resources worldwide.
While Cyprus is still developing the infrastructure to support large-scale game development, its evolving ecosystem presents unique opportunities for creativity and collaboration. At Axlebolt, we’ve embraced these opportunities by engaging with the local gaming community, participating in initiatives like the GDCy conference, and fostering knowledge-sharing opportunities. We are proud to have supported GDCy as a key sponsor for several years, contributing to the exchange of ideas and collaboration among developers.
The supportive environment in Cyprus has significantly influenced our growth, shaping our approach to development and inspiring our team’s creativity. By leveraging our global network and working closely with the local community, we’ve built a foundation for success on a global scale while contributing to the continued emergence of Cyprus as a growing hub for gaming innovation.
What inspired Axlebolt to join the PlanetPlay initiative and support the Making Green Tuesday Moves campaign?
At Axlebolt, our initial focus was on creating and delivering high-quality gaming experiences. But as we grew, so did our sense of responsibility – not only to our players but to the broader world around us. We began to feel a strong desire to give back, to find ways to make a positive impact beyond gaming.
When we learned about PlanetPlay and its amazing initiatives, it felt like a perfect match! We were inspired by their mission and our top management embraced the idea immediately, and we’re proud to partner with PlanetPlay. This collaboration reflects our shared belief that gaming can be a force for good – not just within the industry, but for the planet as a whole.
How does Axlebolt integrate sustainability into its operations, and what specific actions are you taking as part of this campaign?
While sustainability is an evolving focus for us, we’ve already begun integrating meaningful initiatives into our operations. Internally, our HR team organizes sustainability-themed events, which are enthusiastically embraced by our employees, fostering a sense of responsibility and awareness.
Looking ahead to 2025, we are committed to expanding our involvement in sustainability and CSR projects. We’re excited to share that we’ve recently signed a contract to become an official sponsor of the OPAP Limassol Marathon next March. This is an incredible event with immense significance for the entire island, bringing together a wide range of inspiring CSR initiatives. Supporting such a meaningful project aligns with our values and reflects our dedication to giving back to the community.
Through initiatives like these, we aim to contribute to a more sustainable future while fostering a positive impact both locally and globally.
What role do you believe games studios have in promoting environmental awareness among players and the industry at large?
Gaming studios have a unique platform to reach and influence millions of players worldwide. By incorporating sustainability themes into our games and campaigns, we can inspire players to adopt environmentally conscious behaviors.
Additionally, studios can lead by example, integrating sustainable practices into their operations and collaborating with organizations dedicated to environmental preservation. This dual approach has the potential to drive meaningful change within the gaming industry and beyond.
What impact do you hope Axlebolt's involvement in the campaign will have on the gaming community and beyond?
We hope our participation in the campaign inspires players to take small but meaningful steps toward sustainability. By leveraging our platform, we aim to amplify the message of environmental responsibility and encourage the gaming community to join us in making a positive impact.
Through our involvement, we aim to raise awareness and encourage collective responsibility in the gaming industry, inspiring positive change beyond our own community!
To get your studio involved in Make Green Tuesday Moves, contact the PlanetPlay team today!