Ziff Davis, the powerhouse behind GamesIndustry.biz and IGN Entertainment, has announced a significant partnership with European media group eMense, marking a strategic move in their international licensing expansion. This collaboration signifies a pivotal moment for the company as it ventures into the French market, a highly competitive arena, with a renewed focus on value creation for audiences and advertisers alike.
The partnership comes with a twist: IGN France, a site that has been a staple in the French gaming community since 2015, is now under the wing of eMense, a company already familiar with Ziff Davis' IGN brands. This transition is a testament to the trust and synergy between the two parties, as evidenced by the continued leadership of Editor-in-Chief Erwan Lafleuriel and his team, who have been instrumental in IGN France's success.
Adam Doree, SVP of Global Partners at Ziff Davis, expressed his enthusiasm for this expansion, highlighting the competitive nature of European markets and the importance of creating value for audiences and advertisers. He praised eMense's ability to drive a dynamic local strategy for IGN, suggesting a deep understanding of the region's nuances.
Camiel Slingerland, CEO of eMense, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the popularity of games, entertainment, and fan culture in France. He views this partnership as a natural progression in their growth strategy, aiming to take IGN France to new heights.
The deal is a strategic move that not only strengthens eMense's multi-platform reach but also solidifies Ziff Davis' global presence. With approximately 16 million users across four IGN brands, the partnership is a significant milestone, especially when considering IGN's global multi-platform reach of 366 million users across 30 international editions.
This expansion is not an isolated move. Ziff Davis is also in the process of launching a French version of CNET, another one of its prominent brands, as part of a broader strategy to license its stable of brands globally. This dual approach underscores the company's commitment to diversifying its international footprint and creating localized content that resonates with audiences worldwide.
In conclusion, the partnership between Ziff Davis and eMense is a strategic and forward-thinking move, leveraging the strengths of both parties to create a more robust and engaging presence in the European market. As the partnership unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how IGN France and the French edition of CNET evolve, shaping the landscape of gaming and technology media in France and beyond.
