Sybo Games is a mobile game development company based in Copenhagen, Denmark. The company was founded in 2010 by Sylvester Rishøj Jensen and Bodie Jahn-Mulliner. Sybo Games is best known as the developer of the hugely popular mobile game Subway Surfers.
Founding of Sybo Games
Prior to founding Sybo Games, Sylvester Rishøj Jensen and Bodie Jahn-Mulliner worked together at another Danish game studio called IO Interactive. IO Interactive is known for developing the popular Hitman video game franchise. Jensen and Jahn-Mulliner decided to branch out on their own and start their own mobile game development company.
The two founders put up their own money initially to fund the launch of Sybo Games in 2010. The “Sybo” name is derived from the first two letters of founder Sylvester’s first name. The company started off with just the two co-founders doing all the game design, programming, and business operations.
Release of Subway Surfers
After initially releasing some small experimental titles, Sybo Games struck gold in 2012 with the release of Subway Surfers. The game was an immediate hit, quickly rising to the top of mobile game download charts. Here are some key facts about the development and success of Subway Surfers:
- Subway Surfers was designed by Sybo Games developers Sylvester Jensen, Bodie Jahn-Mulliner, and Sebastian Thøgersen.
- The game is an “endless running” type where the player controls a hooligan who is fleeing from a security guard through various subway and train environments.
- It was initially released on Android and iOS mobile platforms in May 2012.
- Within the first month, Subway Surfers had over 10 million downloads and reached #1 on the App Store.
- As of 2022, Subway Surfers had over 3.5 billion total downloads across all platforms.
- It has consistently ranked in the top 10 most downloaded mobile games globally each year since release.
The incredible success of Subway Surfers cemented Sybo Games’ status as a major player in the mobile gaming industry. The company saw rapid growth in the following years thanks to the continued popularity of Subway Surfers.
Later Games
While Subway Surfers has remained Sybo Games’ most successful title, the company has released several other games in the years since:
- Blades of Brim – An endless runner game released in 2014 featuring dynamic obstacles and multiplayer gameplay.
- Super Slime Simulator – A simulation game allowing players to gather resources and build a slime kingdom.
- Jetpack Joyride – A popular side-scrolling action game acquired by Sybo in 2018.
- Twisty Road – A minimalist arcade-style game requiring players to navigate turns and obstacles.
Though none have matched the viral success of Subway Surfers, these and other Sybo titles have attracted sizable player bases and downloads in the millions.
Ownership and Corporate Structure
Sybo Games continues to be privately owned by co-founders Sylvester Jensen and Bodie Jahn-Mulliner. Each founder is believed to hold close to a 50% ownership stake in the company.
In 2013, media conglomerate Miniclip acquired a minority share in Sybo Games. The value of Miniclip’s investment was not disclosed. Miniclip specializes in online and mobile games and likely saw Sybo as a hot up-and-coming company to invest in.
Aside from the Miniclip minority investment, Sybo Games has not raised any major outside funding. The company has maintained independence and control in the hands of its two founders.
| Owner | Ownership Stake |
|---|---|
| Sylvester Jensen | ~50% |
| Bodie Jahn-Mulliner | ~50% |
| Miniclip | Minority Shareholder |
Leadership
Sybo Games remains under the leadership of its co-founders Sylvester Jensen and Bodie Jahn-Mulliner. Jensen serves as CEO and Jahn-Mulliner serves as CTO. They have built out an executive team over the years to support Sybo’s growth:
- Mikkel Svarre Jørgensen – COO
- Kim Drejer – CPO
- Morten Rønberg – CRO
- Daniel Persson – Studio Director
With headquarters in Copenhagen, Sybo Games has also opened additional offices in Bucharest, Romania and Beijing, China to access talent. The company now employs over 150 people across its studios.
Recent Developments
In recent years, Sybo Games has focused on expanding the brand power of Subway Surfers through partnerships, merchandise, and collaborations.
Key developments include:
- Launch of animated Subway Surfers series on Netflix in 2022
- Partnerships with major brands like National Geographic, OnePlus, and LEGO for in-game integrations and promotions
- Continued regular updates to Subway Surfers with new characters, locations, and seasonal themed content
- Expanded merchandising with toys, apparel, and other products
Sybo also continues developing new game titles, though none have matched Subway Surfers’ breakout success yet. The company aims to leverage its expertise in mobile gaming to release future hit games.
Financial Performance
As a private company, Sybo Games does not disclose detailed revenue or profit figures. However, analysts estimate the company generates over $100 million in annual revenue from Subway Surfers in-game ads and in-app purchases. With development costs minimal compared to revenue, Sybo likely realizes strong profit margins.
Between Subway Surfers’ continued popularity and its smaller titles, Sybo likely generates well over $100 million in yearly revenue. The company has remained financially stable and successful under the steady leadership of its founders.
Conclusion
Sybo Games has become one of the leading mobile game developers thanks to the runaway success of Subway Surfers. Founded in 2010 by Sylvester Jensen and Bodie Jahn-Mulliner, the company remains privately owned by these two founders over a decade later.
While Subway Surfers continues bringing in a steady revenue stream through in-game ads and purchases, Sybo is working to expand the brand’s reach. Partnerships, merchandising, and media adaptations aim to make Subway Surfers a cross-platform entertainment franchise.
With its continued focus on mobile gaming, Sybo Games is poised for further success under the leadership of its founders. Both Jensen and Jahn-Mulliner seem intent on keeping the company independent and based in Denmark. While Subway Surfers’ popularity will inevitably fade over time, Sybo has the expertise and resources to develop new hit games for the future.