Why we invested in Return Entertainment, a cloud-native gaming company
Technological advancements in augmented reality and virtual reality, coupled with the rise of home consoles, PC gaming, and mobile devices are reshaping gameplay experiences. At the same time, diverse gaming genres, esports, and social streaming have positioned gaming as a vibrant and culturally influential medium. But one frontier remains largely a puzzle in democratizing gaming channels: cloud gaming.
Though game streaming has emerged as a paradigm shift, it has yet to fully emerge as a dominant approach to gaming. For cloud gaming to succeed on a broad scale, striking a balance between data usage and quality will be crucial, while ensuring device compatibility and offering a diverse library of games. Imagine a gaming experience that transcends hardware limitations, opening the doors to an inclusive gaming world accessible to everyone. Enter Return Entertainment, the company that aims to create a cloud-native gaming experience that erases the barriers between gamers and the games they love.
Return Entertainment’s primary focus is on entry-level cloud gaming experiences tailored for TV users without traditional gaming consoles. By targeting this audience, Return Entertainment aims to bridge the gap between TV viewership and cloud gaming enthusiasts. But their ambition doesn’t stop there. The company also collaborates with existing IP holders and gaming giants, helping them tap into the vast potential of cloud gaming to acquire new users and expand their reach.
The driving force behind Return Entertainment is a team of industry veterans who have not only mastered cloud gaming technology but also have a deep understanding of gaming dynamics and content creation. It’s a rare blend of expertise that gives Return Entertainment a distinct advantage. We were drawn to Return Entertainment because of their founding team, and their ability to tackle five key hurdles that have traditionally plagued the acceleration of cloud gaming.
First, Return creates instant high-fidelity games with latency-friendly streaming to any TV. Second, Return has capitalized on partnerships to reskin cloud-native games with popular IPs. Third, the team recognizes the importance of third-party developer relations. Its browser-based tech requires no third-party app integration, and emerging generative AI technology automates character and environment creation. Next, Return has created a solution for controller compatibility: smartphones to minimize friction. Finally, Return is actively looking to find innovative ways to reduce hosting costs.
Return Entertainment’s cloud-native gaming solution is poised to revolutionize the way we experience games and entertainment. With an innovative team, an unwavering commitment to addressing game streaming’s challenges, and a tailor-made approach for entry-level users, we believe Return Entertainment is on its way to reshape the gaming landscape.
Samsung Next's investment strategy is limited to its own views and does not reflect the vision or strategy of any other Samsung business unit, including, but not limited to, Samsung Electronics.