Amber Newsletter | August 2024

Amber Wins Best QA & Localisation at Mobile Games Awards!

During our action-packed week at gamescom 2024, we had the thrill of attending the PocketGamer.biz Mobile Games Awards Ceremony. Amber was honored to be nominated in two categories: Best QA & Localisation Service Provider and Best Service Provider. The anticipation was high as we joined industry leaders to celebrate excellence in mobile gaming.

And the night did not disappoint! We are incredibly proud to announce that Amber was awarded the title of “Best QA & Localisation Service Provider” at the Mobile Games Awards 2024. This major win is a testament to the hard work, precision, and dedication of our incredible QA and Localisation teams. It’s a clear recognition of our commitment to delivering top-notch quality and localisation services that meet the highest standards in the industry.

But the recognition didn’t stop there—Amber also received an Honorable Mention for “Best Service Provider” at the same event. This acknowledgment highlights our ongoing commitment to excellence across all facets of game development and service provision.

A massive congratulations to our entire Amber team, our valued #AmberPartners, and everyone who plays a part in our continued global success.

Play With Fire: From Co-Dev Hits to Full Game Development

At Amber, we know that turning ambitious game ideas into reality requires top-tier talent, and that’s exactly what our PC and console studio, Play With Fire, brings to the table. We’re excited to showcase the exceptional work of our Play With Fire team, who have been pivotal in elevating the quality and success of some of Amber’s most high-profile projects.

Whether it’s co-developing hits like Gotham Knights, Catalyst Black, and The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners, or leading full game development on titles such as PositronX and Pac-Man Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs, Play With Fire’s expertise has been integral to these successes. Their contributions have also shone in projects like Sky: Children of the Light, NASCAR Heat 5, and World of Outlaws: Dirt Racing, where their ability to integrate seamlessly with partner teams has truly made a difference.

Play With Fire’s reputation for excellence is built on their deep knowledge of PC and console platforms, mastery of both commercial engines like Unreal and proprietary technologies, and their ability to deliver quality work on time and on budget. Their flexibility and transparent communication have made them the go-to partner for some of the world’s most renowned gaming franchises.

We invite you to watch the video product showcase, where you’ll see firsthand how Play With Fire has helped bring these remarkable projects to life.

Spectre Divide: A New Tactical Shooter from Mountaintop Studios

Get ready for Spectre Divide! We’re excited to share the announcement trailer for this dual-character tactical shooter from our client, Mountaintop Studios. As part of our #AmberPartners network, we’re thrilled to support and celebrate the launch of such an innovative title.

Spectre Divide is set to make waves in the tactical shooter genre with its innovative 3v3 competitive gameplay, driven by the unique Duality mechanic. With its emphasis on tactical gunplay and futuristic tech, this is a game that’s sure to stand out.

We can’t wait to see how Spectre Divide is received in the gaming world!

Spotlight on Our Talent Network: Building a Future-Ready Workforce

At Amber, staying ahead of the curve means having the right talent at the right time. That’s why we’ve developed the Talent Network, a strategic initiative dedicated to building and maintaining pipelines of highly qualified contractors. By proactively engaging with top-tier professionals, we ensure our organization is always equipped to meet the evolving demands of our projects.

Our Talent Network team has been delivering outstanding results, consistently identifying and engaging with exceptional talent. This forward-thinking approach not only streamlines our hiring process but also positions us to respond quickly and efficiently to business needs. With a robust pool of skilled professionals at our fingertips, we maintain the high standards of quality that our partners expect.

The success of the Talent Network is a testament to the dedication and hard work of many, including:

? Mariana Lupuianu (Project Manager)

? Talent Acquisition Team: Iulia Valcov , Alina M?r??teanu (Mihaiu) , Gustavo García

? Business Partners: Ionu? Schmidt (Design), Jorge Aguilar Flores (Art), Vlad Anghelahar & Eugen Udrea (Engineering)

Their efforts are key to ensuring Amber continues to thrive in a rapidly changing industry.

Amber Achieves Net Promoter Score (NPS) 63!

At Amber, our journey to excellence is defined not only by the games we help create but by the trust and confidence our #AmberPartners place in us. With over 850 dedicated team members and a global talent network of 3,400+ specialists, we consistently deliver expertise and forward-thinking solutions across every project. We don’t just follow industry trends—we set them.

We’re proud to announce that our Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 63—measured through partner satisfaction surveys in H1 2024—places us among the top performers in the technology sector, surpassing even industry giants like Amazon, Apple, Disney, Keywords Studios, and Microsoft. This NPS reflects the deep trust our partners have in Amber to push creative boundaries and deliver outstanding results.

This achievement is a testament to the dedication, creativity, and commitment of our entire team. We’re excited to continue driving innovation and success, and we’re grateful to our partners for being a vital part of Amber’s journey.

Amber Bogotá: Meet Our Newest Studio

Recently, we announced the acquisition of Madbricks, the talented game development studio based in Bogotá, Colombia. Today, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on Amber Bogotá and invite you to explore our newly launched page dedicated to the studio and its team.

Amber Bogotá is more than just a place—it's where innovation meets the energy of Colombia. From the aroma of freshly brewed Colombian coffee to the stunning sunrises over the eastern hills, our Bogotá studio is now an integral part of Amber's global network.

Miguel Benavides , General Manager of Amber Bogotá, shares his enthusiasm: “We pride ourselves on our ability to generate a fast-paced, high-production value pipeline, and we believe that joining Amber, with its vast global resources, will tighten our efficiency even further and allow us to fully realize our vision for the company and local industry.”

This marks a new chapter for Amber, and we’re thrilled to see the amazing work our new colleagues in Colombia will accomplish. Be sure to check out the new page to learn more about Amber Bogotá and the talented team driving our latest expansion!

Exciting News from Our #AmberPartners at ustwo games

Our friends and #AmberPartners at ustwo games have just announced Monument Valley 3, launching exclusively on Netflix Games on December 10th.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Amber Gears Up for XDS 2024

As we gear up for another exciting edition of External Development Summit (XDS) , our Amber team is eager to represent and explore new opportunities in external development.

XDS is the only international event dedicated to external development in Art, Animation, Audio, Co-Development, Quality Assurance, and Localization—areas where Amber is proud to lead and innovate.

This year, our team traveling to Vancouver includes some of our top leaders:

? Andreea Enache (Chief Revenue Officer)

? Thomas Wong (BD Director)

? Kris Eggleston (International Art Guild Leader)

? Chris Rowley (DSS Program Director)

? Mihai Smaranda (Head of DSS).

From September 3-6, they’ll be on the ground, connecting with industry peers and shaping the future of gaming.

We’re excited to showcase Amber’s strengths at XDS 2024 and continue building on our external development capabilities. If you’re attending, we’d love to connect!

Unleashing Creativity at Drink&Draw with RENE CORDOVA

This month, we had the unique opportunity to host a special Drink&Draw event with the incredibly talented artist RENE CORDOVA . The evening was a celebration of creativity, where our Amber Citizens gathered to sip, sketch, and soak up René’s artistic expertise.

It was more than just an art session—it was a chance for attendees to sharpen their drawing skills, connect with fellow art enthusiasts, and become part of our creative community. The atmosphere was electric, filled with inspiration, camaraderie, and the shared joy of creating something beautiful.

A huge thank you to René Córdova for his generosity and for sharing his passion with us. We’re already looking forward to the next Drink&Draw, where we’ll once again bring together art, friendship, and creativity in one unforgettable evening. See you at the next one!

Arden's Summer for Teens: A Journey into the Metaverse

This summer, the Arden civil association hosted an inspiring series of summer courses that offered teens a unique opportunity to dive into the captivating world of the metaverse while also exploring their creative talents through craft classes.

The young participants embarked on an exciting journey, discovering the limitless possibilities of the metaverse—a virtual environment where their imaginations could run wild. Through hands-on activities, they designed and created their own digital spaces, gaining insights into the future of innovation and technology.

But the learning didn’t stop in the digital realm. The craft classes allowed the teens to express themselves artistically, crafting unique, tangible creations with their own hands. This blend of technology and craftsmanship not only sparked their creativity but also encouraged collaboration and learning among the group.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making Arden's summer courses a success. We’re excited to continue offering such enriching educational experiences in the future!

NOM-035: Promoting Workplace Well-Being in Amber Mexico

Mission accomplished! At Amber Mexico, we’ve successfully begun implementing NOM-035, a crucial step towards ensuring the well-being of our teams in the video game industry. As the industry in Mexico continues to grow, so does our commitment to creating healthy and safe work environments.

NOM-035 serves as a key reference for preventing psychosocial risks at work, and we believe that investing in our team’s well-being is essential for the future of our studio. Our initial efforts have already shown promising results, with a low average risk level identified in the first phase of the process.

Moving forward, we’ll focus on areas like the organization of work activities, leadership, and the overall organizational environment. The next phase will involve developing long-term initiatives and mitigation plans to further improve our workplace over the next two years.

We invite all video game studios to join us in this initiative and work together to build a more humane and sustainable industry. At Amber, we know that a happy team is a productive team, and we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our teams can thrive.

INDUSTRY SNEAK PEEK - AUGUST 2024

In the competitive marketplace of Steam, your game is like a can of beans on a crowded supermarket shelf. To ensure it catches the eye of potential players, it’s crucial to embrace some key marketing strategies. This article offers valuable insights into crafting a compelling store page, effectively using discounts, and understanding Steam's algorithms. It also highlights the importance of community engagement and the strategic use of assets like trailers and screenshots.

Interested in learning more? Read the full article here.

gamescom 2024 set a new milestone, breaking records with 335,000 visitors this year, solidifying its place as the world’s largest gaming event. With an unprecedented turnout and countless industry insights, Gamescom continues to be the must-attend event for anyone in the gaming world.

Amber was proud to be part of this incredible event, where our team engaged with industry leaders and explored the latest trends shaping the future of gaming.

Interested in the full story? Read more about it here.

gamescom 2024 not only broke records but also provided key insights into the gaming industry’s ongoing recovery. According to the latest analysis, there's a growing optimism as companies showcase new titles and innovations, signaling a rebound from recent challenges. The event highlighted how the industry is adapting and evolving, with a renewed focus on creativity and technology.

Want to dive deeper? Read the full article here.

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