Gameloft Reports 11 Percent Sales Increase for First Half of 2010

Prolific mobile games publisher Gameloft (Modern Combat, Asphalt) announced its financial results for the first half of 2010, revealing an 11 percent increase in global sales and iTunes App Store revenue growth of 82 percent. Gameloft's financial statements report that 2010's first-half sales revenue, ending June 30th, totals 66.6 million euros ($84.34 million) up from 60.1 million euros ($76.25 million) earned in the first half of 2009. Costs in R&D, marketing, and administration during 2010's first half resulted in a net profit of €5.3 million ($6.72 million), up 140 percent from €2.2 million ($2.79 million) recorded in the same period of 2009. Gameloft attributes its growth to the continuing popularity of its games for Apple's iPhone, where it has consistently placed in the Top 10 for revenue alongside Electronic Arts thanks to its high-budget 3D games. In addition, strength in sales for Google's Android devices, and other smartphones from Nokia and Samsung, among other manufacturers, was also cited. The publisher, which continues to have licensing links with publisher Ubisoft and released titles like Avatar and Prince Of Persia games on mobile systems, also highlights increased market share for Java and Brew phones. The French-headquartered firm describes as "the progressive withdrawal of a large number of competitors" from publishing for traditional mobile phones as an advantage in this case. Gameloft also expects future growth on consoles and handhelds based on the strength of its downloadable offerings for the PlayStation Network, WiiWare, and DSiWare.