Who Owns Subway Surfers?
Subway Surfers is owned by SYBO Games, an independent Danish mobile game development studio founded by Sylvester Rishøj Jensen and Bodie Jahn-Mulliner in 2010. Subway Surfers was developed by SYBO Games and launched in 2012. SYBO Games is privately owned and operated by its founders, headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Parent Company
SYBO Games
Founded
2012
Status
Private
Headquarters
Copenhagen, Denmark
Who Owns Subway Surfers?
- Parent Company: SYBO Games
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Subway Surfers | SYBO Games | Wholly owned |
History of Subway Surfers
- Founded: 2012
- Founders: SYBO Games (internal development)
Subway Surfers was developed by SYBO Games and initially released on May 24, 2012, for iOS devices. The game was created by Sylvester Rishøj Jensen and Bodie Jahn-Mulliner, who founded SYBO Games with the vision of creating accessible and engaging mobile games with broad appeal.
The game was launched in partnership with Kiloo, another Danish mobile game studio, with SYBO Games handling development and Kiloo managing publishing and marketing. Subway Surfers quickly gained popularity due to its simple yet addictive gameplay, colorful graphics, and accessibility across different age groups.
Throughout 2012 and 2013, Subway Surfers expanded to Android devices and other mobile platforms, significantly increasing its player base. The game's success was driven by regular content updates, seasonal events, and the introduction of new characters and locations based on real-world cities.
By the mid-2010s, Subway Surfers had become one of the most downloaded mobile games globally, with hundreds of millions of downloads. In 2020, SYBO Games took over full development and publishing responsibilities from Kiloo, consolidating control over their flagship franchise and continuing to support the game with regular updates.
About SYBO Games
SYBO Games operates as a specialized mobile game development studio with approximately 50 employees. The company's business model focuses on creating and maintaining successful mobile games with long-term player engagement through regular content updates and live events.
The company's primary revenue comes from Subway Surfers through in-game purchases, advertising, and brand partnerships. SYBO Games has maintained a player-friendly approach to monetization, focusing on optional cosmetic items and convenience features rather than pay-to-win mechanics.
Despite their small size, SYBO Games has achieved remarkable success with Subway Surfers becoming one of the most successful mobile games ever made. The company has used this success to expand their team gradually while maintaining their indie studio culture and focus on mobile gaming excellence.
- Founded: 2010
- Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
Where Is Subway Surfers Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Manufacturing / Operations: Denmark, Global (distributed development)
Subway Surfers Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Simple, accessible gameplay suitable for all ages and skill levels
- +Regular content updates with new cities and seasonal events
- +Free-to-play model with optional cosmetic purchases
- +Lightweight game size runs well on most mobile devices
- +Strong global brand recognition with billions of downloads
Considerations
- -Repetitive gameplay loop may become predictable over time
- -Pressure to make in-app purchases for faster progression
- -Limited depth compared to more complex mobile games
- -Screen time concerns particularly for younger players
- -Dependency on internet connection for full functionality
Frequently Asked Questions About Subway Surfers
Where to Buy
Disclosure: We may earn commission from purchasesCompetitors to Subway Surfers
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Innersloth | USA | 2018 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders |
Learn More About Competitors
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Subway Surfers competes with 1 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
Jobs at SYBO Games
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