Dieter Schoeller remarked that Headup may have been somewhat too unconventional for Thunderful

At the beginning of this year, Thunderful finalized the sale of Headup for €500,000, following a three-year period after initially acquiring the developer and publisher based in Germany. This move was part of Thunderful's ongoing restructuring, announced earlier in January. Dieter Schoeller, the company's founder and CEO, shared with GamesIndustry.biz that the sale was influenced by shifting priorities within the organization.

Schoeller pointed out that over time, Thunderful's strategic vision diverged, with the company expanding its publishing operations in the UK. This development led to a scenario where the indie-focused efforts led by Schoeller and larger scale projects managed from the British division appeared to be operating under different labels.

The company experienced frequent leadership changes and numerous strategic shifts. Schoeller himself moved through various roles from Vice President of Publishing to Vice President of Production, engaging in multiple prototype developments that he described as "quirky."

Schoeller reflected that Headup's approach may have been too unconventional for Thunderful, a corporation seeking streamlined operations. The discussions about Headup's departure from Thunderful extended over seven months, ultimately concluding amicably.

Schoeller still holds a small stake in Thunderful and maintains a positive relationship with the team. He explained that there were multiple options considered, including shutting down, finding another buyer, and buying the company back. Eventually, a suitable offer led to the repurchase.

Following the separation from Thunderful, Schoeller shared that Headup is doing well. The company recently established a new independent studio named Goon Squad and has multiple projects in development, notably the early access racing game Screw Drivers.

Schoeller noted that the motivation to sell was influenced by market conditions, not financial distress, as it was a favorable time for sellers. His priority remained on what was best for his team, concerned that limited indie budgets might cause key team members to leave.

He realized the appeal of smaller projects often outweighs larger endeavors. Working on smaller teams allows for more flexibility, which might be lost in larger production environments.

Passion remains a driving force for Headup, with a focus on nurturing talent and showcasing developers. Schoeller emphasized that he prefers to keep Headup out of the spotlight, allowing the created projects and their teams to shine.