Technology

Starbreeze AB (publ) Year-end report 2023

Published

2 years ago

February 15, 2024

STOCKHOLM, Feb. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — “Starbreeze stands strong, with a strong cash position and a balance sheet largely free of debt. Our biggest focus now, and going forward, is PAYDAY 3.”

Fourth quarter 2023

Net sales amounted to SEK 69.2 million (33.6). PAYDAY 2 accounted for SEK 18.3 million (32.4).PAYDAY 3 accounted for SEK 36.2 million (0).EBITDA* amounted to SEK -20.6 million (19.4).Cashflow from operating activities amounted to 62.7 MSEK (10.1).Depreciation, amortization and impairment amounted to SEK 74.4 million (15.0).Profit/loss before taxes amounted to SEK -91.5 million (-12.3).Basic and diluted earnings per share amounted to
SEK -0.06 (-0.02).

Full-year 2023

Net sales amounted to SEK 633.5 million (127.6), PAYDAY 2 accounted for SEK 139.1 million (121.9),PAYDAY 3 accounted for SEK 477.0 million (0).EBITDA* amounted to SEK 439.3 million (66.4).Cashflow from operating activities amounted to 114.6 MSEK (57.8).Depreciation, amortization, and impairment amounted to SEK 249.0 million (59.6).Profit/loss before taxes amounted to SEK 207.7 million (-54.4).Basic and diluted earnings per share amounted to SEK 0.19 (-0.08).Cash and cash equivalents amounted to SEK 347.8 million (108.2).In line with the company’s dividend policy, the Board of Directors proposes that no dividend is paid for the 2023 financial year.

Significant events during and after the quarter

October 26, launch of Turtle vs Turtle, a Fortnite island.November 3, Starbreeze announced that it will publish GodsTV.November 7, Roboquest 1.0 was launched on Steam®, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Game Pass and Epic Games Store.November 10, Chairman of the Board of Directors Torgny Hellström announced that he will not be available for re-election at the 2024 Annual General Meeting.November 30, two free heists were released for PAYDAY 3.December 4, Starbreeze announced that it had licensed the world’s greatest role-playing game – Dungeons & Dragons® for Project Baxter.December 12, launch of first DLC for PAYDAY 3, Syntax Error.January 9, Starbreeze announced changes in Group management.January 10, the Starbreeze Nomination Committee announced the proposal to appoint Jürgen Goeldner as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors at the 2024 Annual General Meeting.January 17, Starbreeze announced the Early Access launch of The Tribe Must Survive on Steam on February 22, 2024.

CEO’s message

Long-term focus on PAYDAY™ 3

PAYDAY 3’s sales and player activity are currently at significantly lower levels than we would like. Our biggest focus and absolute priority, both during and after the quarter, are the efforts needed to ensure that the game lives up to expectations. We are working closely with our co-publishing partner Plaion to identify the changes that we will implement, in both the short- and long-term, that add the most value to the gaming experience. The PAYDAY team will in February announce the changes and improvements that are prioritized for implementation.

There are many examples from the game industry, where a problematic initial time on the market is turned into long-term success. There is no simple recipe available, but a common thread from the positive examples is to take players’ criticism to heart, dare to support your game and keeping an open and honest dialogue with your stakeholders. That is exactly what we are now doing with PAYDAY 3. Few companies are blessed with a brand as strong as PAYDAY. At a time when our most recent game is lagging, PAYDAY 2 has fared slightly better than expected financially and with more than 400,000 active players in single months during the quarter. It shows the strength of the brand, and our potential to convert these to PAYDAY 3 as we deliver on our commitments.

Our long-term strategy is set; to build a strong and diversified Starbreeze. We will do this by developing games on our own IPs, on licensed IPs and as publisher for other studios’ games. In December, we were able to reveal that our next major internal project, Baxter, will be based on Dungeons & Dragons® – the world’s premiere role-playing game. Within our third-party publishing, Roboquest 1.0 was successfully launched with positive impact on both net sales and earnings. We now have more than six million registered users in our portal, Starbreeze Nebula.

RESULTS & FINANCIAL POSITION

Net sales during the quarter amounted to SEK 69.2 million, primarily driven by PAYDAY 3 and revenues linked to the launch of Roboquest 1.0. The results are partly weighed down by depreciation of the PAYDAY 3 asset in accordance with plan, and by significantly higher costs for external services related to game servers during the first part of the quarter. At the end of the quarter, these services were at a significantly better cost level, but we still see opportunities for further efficiencies. During the quarter we invested approximately SEK 41 million in our own game and technology development, mainly PAYDAY 3 and Project Baxter. At the end of the quarter, cash and short-term receivables totaled over SEK 500 million.

PAYDAY 3

In November, we launched a free DLC with two popular heists from PAYDAY 2 along with improvements and new functionality. Early December, the first premium DLC was launched, “Syntax Error”, with a new heist, new enemies and new content among other things. The entire development team will now pivot to deliver on the initiatives to improve the game.

PROJECT ‘BAXTER’

In early December, we were finally able to reveal that we licensed Dungeons & Dragons® for use in our next game title. It is a brand that was always on the top of our lists of potential licenses to develop an action-adventure-game on. The Baxter team is currently in full pre-production and on track to launch in 2026.

THIRD PARTY PUBLISHING

Our business as a publisher of other studios’ games continues to grow in a controlled manner, in line with our strategy. We will continue to leverage the experience, skills and capabilities we have at Starbreeze to help others bring their games to market. The portfolio currently consists of four projects, with Roboquest launched during the quarter to very warm reception from both players and industry media.

ORGANIZATION

During the quarter, the number of employees increased by nine, primarily new recruitment of specific skills for the development of Project Baxter. At the end of the year, the number of employees amounted to 196 people.

CLOSING WORDS

As a company, Starbreeze stands strong, with a strong cash position and a balance sheet largely free of debt. Our biggest focus now, and going forward, is PAYDAY 3. We know what needs to be done for the game to be a success over time, and we have the financial muscles, the community and brand in PAYDAY and the skills required to execute our plan. We continue to work towards our long-term strategy to have two Games as a Service games on the market by 2026 – PAYDAY 3 and Project Baxter – and a portfolio of projects within our third-party publishing.

TOBIAS SJÖGREN, VD

Webcast

Time: 10.00 CET
Participation: To connect to the webcast- click here.

For more information, please contact:

Tobias Sjögren, CEO
Mats Juhl, CFO
Tel: +46 0(8) – 209 229
Email: ir@starbreeze.com

This information is information that Starbreeze AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, via the contact persons set out above, at 6:45 am CET on February 15, 2024.

About Starbreeze

Starbreeze is an independent developer, publisher, and distributor of PC and consoles targeting the global market, with studios in Stockholm, Barcelona, Paris and London. Housing the smash hit IP PAYDAYTM, Starbreeze develops games based on proprietary and third-party rights, both in- house and in partnership with external game developers. Starbreeze shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm under the tickers STAR A and STAR B.

Read more at www.starbreeze.com and corporate.starbreeze.com.

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/14632/3928979/2606306.pdf

Starbreeze Interim report Q4 2023

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/starbreeze-ab-publ-year-end-report-2023-302062645.html

SOURCE Starbreeze AB

Technology

Meridian Singapore Immigration Launches New Website to Simplify the PR Application Journey for Foreigners in Singapore

Published

3 hours ago

April 30, 2026

New online platform provides clear, structured guidance for Employment Pass and S Pass holders navigating Singapore’s residency and Permanent Residency pathways

SINGAPORE, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd. has officially launched its new website at meridianimmigration.sg, a resource built specifically for foreigners living and working in Singapore who are exploring Permanent Residency or long-term residency options.

The platform arrives at a time when Singapore’s expatriate and foreign professional community is growing rapidly, yet many EP and S Pass holders report struggling to find clear, reliable information on the PR application process. Singapore’s immigration framework is among the most structured in Southeast Asia, with eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and submission windows that change frequently. For individuals navigating this process without professional guidance, the stakes are high and the margin for error is narrow.

Meridian’s website was built to address that gap directly. The platform offers detailed explanations of available immigration pathways, structured consultation options, and educational resources developed by the firm’s team of immigration specialists. Rather than presenting a services catalogue, the site walks users through the considerations relevant to their specific situation, whether they hold an Employment Pass, S Pass, or are planning for their family’s long-term residency in Singapore.

“We built this platform because we saw how overwhelming and confusing the immigration process can be for people who genuinely want to build their lives here,” said a spokesperson for Meridian Singapore Immigration. “Our goal is to be the trusted partner that walks them through every step with clarity and integrity.”

Singapore’s continued attractiveness as a regional hub for multinational corporations, financial institutions, and technology firms means the pipeline of foreigners seeking long-term residency options remains substantial. At the same time, the ICA’s PR application framework has grown more nuanced, with factors such as economic contributions, family ties, and community integration weighed during assessment. Applicants who proceed without a clear understanding of these criteria often submit applications that are either premature or structurally incomplete.

Meridian’s approach centres on preparation and transparency, helping applicants understand where they stand before they apply and what supporting documentation strengthens their case.

Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd. is a professional immigration consultancy dedicated to guiding individuals and families through Singapore’s immigration process. Specialising in Permanent Residency (PR) applications, residency pathways, and compliance support, Meridian offers clear, structured solutions tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. Founded on the values of Guidance, Integrity, and Success, Meridian is committed to making immigration simple, transparent, and accessible for everyone. For more information, visit meridianimmigration.sg or contact info@meridianimmigration.sg / +65 8873 1113.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/meridian-singapore-immigration-launches-new-website-to-simplify-the-pr-application-journey-for-foreigners-in-singapore-302757392.html

SOURCE Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd.

Technology

Socomec, Daitron team up to meet Japan’s growing power demands

Published

3 hours ago

April 30, 2026

TOKYO, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Socomec, a century-old electrical group specialising in mission-critical energy, and Japan’s Daitron, an electronics components distributor, have signed a partnership to deliver power conversion solutions and service backup power and electrical-switching systems across Japan.

The deal combines Socomec’s equipment with Daitron’s on-the-ground engineering team, which has more than 74 years of experience in the Japanese market. The two companies will handle everything from project delivery to ongoing maintenance and spare parts.

The partnership covers three product areas: uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), which keep facilities running during outages; power conversion systems, which ensure the availability and continuity of high-quality energy; and static transfer switches, which automatically reroute power loads between sources without interruption.

Beyond equipment sales, the agreement includes training, spare parts, long-term service contracts and a full range of expert services covering prevention, measurement and analysis, consultancy, deployment and optimisation. Socomec will provide product and technical training to Daitron’s team, while Daitron handles installation, servicing and day-to-day client support in Japan.

The target market spans data centres, semiconductor plants, industrial facilities, hospitals and green buildings, all areas where even brief power interruptions can prove costly. Data center demand in particular is surging, driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure, with colocation and enterprise facilities among the primary targets.

“Daitron knows the Japanese market inside and out. They have the people, the relationships, and the hands-on experience, and we bring the technology to match,” said Socomec Asia-Pacific CEO O’Niel Dissanayake. “It’s a natural fit, and together we can offer something neither company could deliver alone.”

“Japan’s data centres, chip factories and industrial plants all require power systems they can count on,” said Masaharu Kato, corporate officer of Daitron. “Socomec’s technology is exactly what these customers need, and our job is to make sure it’s installed, maintained and supported properly. That’s what we do best.”

The partnership comes as Japan faces a step change in power demand. Electricity consumption is expected to grow 5.3% over the next decade, driven by data centres and semiconductor factories, according to the country’s grid operator. Industrial energy demand alone is forecast to rise 18.3% over the same period.

That growth is creating strong demand for reliable power infrastructure. Data centres, for example, run around the clock and cannot afford downtime, making backup power and efficient energy management essential. Socomec’s systems are designed to reduce power consumption without sacrificing reliability, a balance that is becoming increasingly important as operators look to manage both costs and environmental commitments.

Both companies say project planning and bids are already underway, with a long-term goal of expanding the partnership’s reach across Japan as demand grows.

About Daitron

Daitron Co., Ltd. is a Japanese engineering and trading company founded in 1952 and headquartered in Osaka. Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TYO: 7609), Daitron sells and manufactures electronic components, semiconductor processing equipment and power supply systems. The company has more than seven decades of experience serving Japan’s electronics and manufacturing industries.

SOCOMEC: When energy matters

Founded in 1922, SOCOMEC is an independent industrial group of more than 4,800 experts spread across the world in 30 subsidiaries. Our vocation: design, manufacture and sale of electrical equipment, with a strong expertize in critical power applications. In 2025, SOCOMEC achieved a turnover of 997 million euros (not yet audited).

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/socomec-daitron-team-up-to-meet-japans-growing-power-demands-302755570.html

SOURCE Socomec

Technology

Multi-Destination Travel Surges Across Asia-Pacific This Labour Day, Trip.com Group Data Shows

Published

3 hours ago

April 30, 2026

Multi-city travel across Asia-Pacific grew 35% year-on-yearMulti-city travel outpaces single-destination growth by more than 2xSoutheast Asia sees strong double-digit growth, with Thailand up to 52% YoY

SINGAPORE, April 29, 2026 /CNW/ — Multi-city travel across Asia-Pacific grew 35% year-on-year this Labour Day period, according to data from Trip.com Group. Several Asia-Pacific markets including Japan, South Korea, parts of Southeast Asia and Mainland China celebrate Labour Day, driving strong cross-border and domestic travel flows across the region.

Over 30% of international trips now span multiple destinations, highlighting a continued shift towards more complex, itinerary-led travel. This shift reflects a growing preference to maximise time and value with multiple destinations within a single trip rather than a single location.

Multi-destination trips become a defining travel pattern

While single-destination travel continues to account for most bookings, growth is increasingly driven by more complex itineraries. Multi-destination bookings are growing at more than twice the pace of single-destination travel, reflecting stronger demand for flexibility and deeper exploration.

Travellers are increasingly structuring trips across multiple cities to maximise both time and value, with popular combinations including:

Tokyo – Osaka – Kyoto (Japan)Seoul – Busan (South Korea)Bangkok – Phuket (Thailand)

These itineraries reflect a growing preference for multi-stop journeys that blend urban experiences with leisure destinations.

Southeast Asia sees fast growth in multi-destination travel

Across Southeast Asia, demand for multi-destination travel is rising steadily, with strong growth across key markets of Thailand: 52%, Malaysia: 40%, and Singapore: 17%, according to Trip.com Group data.

Top outbound destinations across Southeast Asian markets include Japan (Tokyo, Osaka), South Korea (Seoul), China (Shanghai, Beijing), Thailand (Bangkok), Indonesia (Bali).

In other parts of Asia such as Hong Kong SAR, multi-destination travel also grew by over 50% year-on-year, highlighting growing preference for more complex itineraries over traditional single-destination trips, particularly in well-connected urban markets.

In Mainland China, domestic travel remains a strong base, while overseas journeys are increasingly shaped by multi-destination itineraries, with over 40% of outbound trips spanning multiple destinations and continuing to grow.

This suggests that travellers in this region are increasingly combining multiple cities within a single trip, supported by strong regional connectivity.

Japan’s domestic travel momentum on the rise

Japan is also seeing shifts in domestic travel behaviour, even as outbound demand continues to grow.

In Japan, domestic travel is growing rapidly, indicating rising interest in travelling within the country, accounting for one-quarter of all flight bookings, and to cities such as Tokyo, Sapporo and Okinawa.

Intra-Asia travel dominates Labour Day demand

The Labour Day holiday period continues to be driven by regional travel within Asia-Pacific, with travellers favouring destinations that offer ease of access, diverse experiences, and flexible itineraries.

The Group’s data highlights the continued strength of short-haul travel, supported by strong connectivity and shorter flight durations.

More broadly, the way people travel across Asia-Pacific is evolving. Travellers taking a more deliberate approach to how they plan their trips. While cross-border journeys are increasingly shaped by multi-city itineraries, domestic travel remains a strong and steady part of the landscape. Together, these patterns point to a more flexible and value-conscious mindset, as travellers look to make the most of both time and budget.

About Trip.com Group

Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world”. Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com.