Newzoo: More than Half of PC Revenue Comes From Games Outside the Top 20

Why It Matters

Norman’s operational track record positions CodeDev to scale its Unreal Engine services, while Goldberger’s PR pedigree equips DDA to capture a larger share of gaming‑related communications spend.

Key Takeaways

• Andy Norman brings Unreal Engine co‑development expertise to CodeDev
• Norman previously oversaw $96 million Keywords Studios acquisition
• CodeDev aims to scale culture and partner focus under new COO
• Tom Goldberger joins DDA, bringing PR experience from Square Enix and EA

Pulse Analysis

The appointment of Andy Norman as COO underscores a broader industry trend: specialized development studios are seeking seasoned operators to manage rapid growth. Norman’s background—steering a multi‑million‑dollar acquisition and leading large‑scale studio teams—provides CodeDev with the governance needed to handle increasing demand for Unreal Engine customizations. As game developers push for higher fidelity and cross‑platform performance, studios that can deliver reliable, scalable solutions become strategic partners, and strong operational leadership is essential to sustain that momentum.

CodeDev’s emphasis on culture and partner‑first philosophy reflects a shift from margin‑centric models to relationship‑driven growth. By prioritizing staff development and client success, the studio aims to differentiate itself in a crowded market where many firms compete on price alone. This approach can attract larger publishers seeking long‑term collaboration, potentially expanding CodeDev’s revenue beyond its current niche and positioning it as a go‑to provider for complex Unreal Engine projects.

Meanwhile, DDA’s recruitment of Tom Goldberger highlights the rising importance of dedicated gaming communications within the broader advertising ecosystem. Goldberger’s experience across major publishers equips DDA to offer integrated campaign strategies that span console, PC, mobile, and hardware launches. As gaming budgets continue to outpace traditional media spend, agencies that can blend creative storytelling with deep industry insight will capture a larger slice of the market, driving both brand visibility for game titles and revenue growth for the agencies themselves.