Frontier Developments PLC (AIM:FDEV) rocketed 25% as the video games developer posted a big swing back into profits in its latest half-year
Sales in the key Christmas period were also strong, it added, with revenues better than at any period bar the two years during Covid lockdowns.
“Steam winter sale and other price promotion events delivered Frontier's third-highest festive sales performance, surpassed only by the stay-at-home boosted years of 2020 and 2021,“ said the statement.
Revenue in the six months to 30 November 2024 was slightly lower at £47.3 million but Frontier Developments posted a profit of £4.5 million against a loss of £33.3 million while boosting its cash balance by £10 million £27.2 million.
New release Planet Coaster 2 provided the momentum hitting the top sport in rankings with 400,000 sales across all platforms and generating 22% of revenues in the period.
Stalwarts Planet Zoo and Jurassic World Evolution 2 also did well alongside the original Planet Coaster, which was deeply discounted to encourage new players.
Frontier Developments added it is confident of meeting expectations for sales and profits this year following the first seven months' performance.
Jonny Watts, Frontier's CEO, added: "It was great to see Planet Coaster 2 release in November, the first of three CMS games we scheduled through our strategic reset last year.
“We are working hard to support and nurture the game as its player community grows.
“Our established portfolio of CMS games continues to deliver and, as we begin 2025, I look ahead with excitement to our third Jurassic World game, coming in FY26.”
Shares rose 46p to 232p.