// startup autopsy
Pokelabo
Japan's feature-phone gaming star swallowed by the smartphone wave
platform dependencyAcqui-hire
Fatal mistake: Built its entire game portfolio on feature-phone platforms without pivoting to smartphones before the market shifted irreversibly.
Key Events Timeline
FOUNDING
Pokelabo founded in Japan to develop social games for the thriving domestic mobile market.
FUNDING
Raised $12M to expand game development and team as social gaming in Japan peaked.
PIVOT
Attempted partial pivot to smartphone platforms but core competency remained on feature-phone titles.
SHUTDOWN
Pokelabo acquired and ceased independent operations as smartphone transition made its feature-phone portfolio obsolete.
MEDIA_MENTION
# Japan’s GREE Acquires Game Developer Pokelabo For $173M. Bolstering its arsenal of first-party games for the Japanese market, GREE acquired developer Pokelabo for $173 million in an all-cash deal. Founded five years ago, Pokelabo has released titles like Sangoku Infinity and Clan Battle of Fate th