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Simon Hade
Co-founder of Space Ape -makers of BEATSTAR and CHROME VALLEY CUSTOMS - The top grossing music and car games globally
Professional Background
Simon Hade is a dynamic and innovative entrepreneur currently serving as a co-founder of Space Ape Games, a pioneering game development company based in London. As part of the Supercell group, Space Ape Games has gained worldwide acclaim for creating top-grossing mobile games such as BEATSTAR, CHROME VALLEY CUSTOMS, and TRANSFORMERS: EARTH WARS. These games not only showcase cutting-edge technology and engaging gameplay but also have significantly shaped the mobile gaming landscape, marking Simon's substantial contribution to the industry.
Simon's versatile career has seen him assume various high-level positions that leverage his extensive expertise in product development, gaming, and law. Before co-founding Space Ape Games, Simon made a name for himself as a Product Director at Playfish/Electronic Arts, where he was instrumental in driving the development of successful gaming titles that captivated audiences around the globe. His impressive track record in leadership roles includes serving as CxO at Space Ape Games, where he played a crucial role in overseeing operations, strategy, and growth initiatives.
Simon’s entrepreneurial journey also includes being an investor in several notable startups such as 2UP Games, Voisey, and Gumbug, showcasing his keen eye for promising ventures in the tech and gaming sectors.
Education and Achievements
Simon Hade's educational background lays a strong foundation for his career achievements. He holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) and a Bachelor of Laws with Honors (LLB Hons) from The University of Queensland, where he studied Information Technology and Law. This diverse academic experience has not only provided him with a robust understanding of technology but also equipped him with critical legal insights that are essential in today’s rapidly evolving tech environment.
Further enhancing his skill set, Simon is a certified Scrum Product Owner through Agile training, which reflects his commitment to effective product management and development methodologies. This certification is particularly relevant in the fast-paced gaming industry, where agile methodologies are critical for success.
Notable Achievements
Simon's achievements extend beyond casual game development; he has successfully navigated the complexities of managing cross-functional teams, launching intricate gaming products, and establishing a company culture that fosters creativity and innovation. His leadership at Space Ape Games has seen the company grow from a startup to a significant player in the gaming market, reaching millions of players and generating substantial revenue from its top-tier games.
As an accomplished former Consultant and Solicitor specializing in Commercial Litigation at Hopgood Ganim Lawyers, Simon’s legal background has provided him with the experience necessary to navigate complex business environments. Additionally, his role as a Computer Science Teacher at the University of Queensland illustrates his dedication to knowledge-sharing and mentorship, emphasizing the importance of education in technology and gaming.
Simon's multifaceted career, from legal practice to product management and executive roles, highlights his exceptional ability to adapt and thrive in various sectors. His deep-seated passion for gaming and technology continues to drive his efforts at Space Ape Games, where he and his team are dedicated to creating engaging and innovative gaming experiences that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Highlights
ngl, when I listened to the first few episodes of two & a half gamers a year or two ago I was skeptical. I knew of course that 🦩 Matej Lancaric, Jakub Remiar and Felix Braberg were individually brilliant but the format was all a bit too rough around the edges and didn't connect with me at the time. Hundreds of episodes later with some investment into boom mics and production values and a sensor tower subscription and this has become one of my regular listens. It's been great to watch them evolve the show into the ultimate insider's perspective into a side of game development - the frontline of UA, ad monetization, data etc - that is impenetrable to most and easily misunderstood by those who are not exposed to it day to day.
So it was an honor to have our latest game subjected to their Brutally Honest analysis in this episode. Props to Space Ape Games UA lead Dmitry Gubanenkov for taking one for the team.
Check it out if you're interested in hearing about the marketing strategies and creative approach behind Chrome Valley Customs. The game has grossed over $55m, the team has cranked out thousands of innovative creatives including an amazing partnership with rapper and Pimp My Ride host Xzibit.
📺 Watch on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/dZznAvVS 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://lnkd.in/diPzxbfT
Excellent interview between Mat Ombler and Jessica Ashton from Space Ape about our music business covering such topics as
📈 The significance of these games managing to reach over 70m players and generate over $150m in a few short years
💰 How artists are paid for use of the music in the games
🤝 Details of the marketing partnerships that are the growth engine for the games; from The Killers curating playlists in the game to Post Malone getting up in our socials to the Linkin Park discord harassing Mike Shinoda until his team got Numb in the game.
🎸 How Beatstar and Country Star act as music dicovery platforms for new players - for both new releases and catalog tracks
Full interview available here (starting at 26m 26s) https://lnkd.in/eBZPq2xc
