Supercell ft Ilkka Paananen - How an Early Pivot Led to ‘Clash of Clans’ and ‘Brawl Stars’
Founder and CEO Ilkka Paananen set out to build a different type of game company—one where development teams, not executives, made the key decisions. His vision allowed creativity and responsibility to stay at the core of Supercell’s culture.
From Early Failure to Mobile Success
Paananen recalls the decisive moment when Supercell scrapped its first title and pivoted entirely toward mobile gaming. This bold change sparked one of the most impressive success stories in gaming history, proving that quality obsession and learning from failure can drive long-term achievements.
Empowering Small Teams
By reversing traditional corporate hierarchy and granting small, independent teams full creative control, Supercell became one of the most valuable gaming companies ever formed. The company’s flat structure powered innovation and accountability.
Adapting After Slowdown
Even after a period of stagnation, Supercell managed to reinvent itself. The company’s willingness to evolve and reimagine its approach led to renewed growth and influence across the mobile gaming market.
Fail Early, Fail Smart
“Fail early, fail smart.”
This principle guided Supercell’s decisions. The company shut down Gunshine shortly after its Series A funding and halted other projects like Orcs and Squad Busters, even after major financial success. Each shutdown was an opportunity to learn and improve, not a defeat.
Lessons from Supercell’s Journey
- Encourage small, empowered teams to own their projects.
- View failure as a valuable source of insight.
- Continuously adapt company structure to sustain innovation.
Author’s summary: Supercell’s rise shows how giving teams creative freedom and embracing smart failure can redefine success in gaming.