Founded in 2010 by Stephane Herve, Playtouch is a French HTML5 Games Development Studio that opened a production subsidiary in Mauritius in 2015.

Following the launch of their latest game – Bobanza Blast, we spoke with founder and CEO, Stephane Herve on the company’s sustained prominence.

Apart from Gameloft, who are the big players in the HTML5 space and how does Playtouch stack up against them?

In the HTML5 space, Playtouch is one of the sole player to develop games but also self-publish and distribute them. Most of the companies are focusing in one or the other task. There are many players in this industry and you probably know the biggest distribution websites like Poki, Crazy Games or Lagged for instance. You have also many studios developing games and PLAYTOUCH distinguishes itself through a diverse portfolio of casual games that are accessible across a wide range of devices, emphasizing user experience and engagement. Our approach has always been to innovate within the HTML5 framework, ensuring that our games are not just technically proficient but also fun and engaging. This focus has allowed us to remain competitive, even as the landscape evolves and new players emerge.

With almost 15 years of running Playtouch behind you, did you ever give any thought into basing the company in any country apart from Mauritius?

Mauritius was chosen for its strategic advantages, including a favorable business environment, quality of life, and the ability to build a talented, multicultural team. While the move to Mauritius has been beneficial, we’ve always remained open to exploring other locations that could offer similar or complementary advantages. However, our successful integration into the Mauritian ecosystem, combined with the growth and stability it has provided, reaffirms our decision. Our base in Mauritius does not limit our global outreach; instead, it strengthens our position by offering a unique perspectives.

Why was HTML the platform of choice for a company out of Mauritius looking to gain a foothold in the games industry?

HTML5 was chosen for its versatility and the ability to reach a wide audience without the constraints of device-specific development. This platform aligns with our vision of creating games that are universally accessible, breaking down barriers between different user devices and platforms. HTML5 allows for rapid development and deployment across web and mobile platforms, ensuring that our games can reach users on any device, anywhere. This flexibility allows us to compete on a global scale without significant limitations.

In an ever-evolving industry, what challenges have you faced in keeping Playtouch ahead of the curve in a competitive HTML5 space?

The first challenge as a self-funded company was of course to become profitable as soon as possible (A hard task when you start a business from scratch…).

Another challenge was to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry that requires constant innovation and adaptation. Some of the challenges we’ve faced include keeping up with technological advancements, meeting the changing preferences of gamers, and navigating the competitive landscape. We’ve addressed these challenges by fostering a culture of continuous learning and experimentation within our team, encouraging them to explore new ideas and technologies. Additionally, we closely monitor industry trends and user feedback to guide our development process, ensuring that our games remain relevant and engaging.

How big is the current Playtouch team and what challenges did you face?

The Playtouch team has grown significantly to 20 persons over the years, adapting to the needs of our projects and the expansion of our game portfolio. As we integrated locally sourced talent, we faced challenges related to training and skill development. Beyond the technical aspects, cultivating a cohesive company culture that bridges cultural and ideological differences was crucial. We addressed these challenges by implementing comprehensive training programs and fostering an inclusive, collaborative work environment that respects and values the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of our team members.

What is the relationship between Playtouch and Playzool, and how has that helped the company establish itself in the HTML5 space?

http://playzool.com  is owned by Playtouch. It’s the B2C website to distribute our HTML games to players.

Have you explored other platforms for your games and if so, which ones and why?

HTML5 is our core platform to develop games and due to its broad compatibility and accessibility, we’ve also been able to explored other platforms to diversify our reach and meet users where they are. This includes deploying games on mobile app stores like Google Play and the Apple App Store, as well as considering opportunities on PC, consoles, cloud gaming, Smart TV,… for our whole catalog or for specific titles that could benefit from those ecosystems. Our goal is to make our games as accessible as possible, ensuring that users can enjoy them regardless of their preferred platform.

What lessons would you pass on to other developers from the continent looking to develop games within this space?

The key lessons I’d share include the importance of flexibility and openness to learning. The gaming industry is tough, dynamic, and success requires adaptability and a willingness to embrace change. Dream big but keep your feet on the floor as you are running a business company… not a toy !