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Nobilis (company)

From Alfawiki
Nobilis
Company typePublic limited company
IndustryVideo game publishing and distribution
Founded2001
FounderArnaud Blacher, Pierre de Laporte, Eric Pernelle
Defunct2013
FateJudicial liquidation
SuccessorSubsonic (brand separated as independent entity)
Headquarters
Limonest (last known headquarters)
,
France
Area served
France, Spain, Belgium, Italy
Key people
Arnaud Blacher, Pierre de Laporte, Eric Pernelle
ProductsVideo games, console accessories (under Subsonic label)
Number of employees
65 (peak before layoffs) (2009)

Nobilis was a French company specializing in video game publishing and distribution, established in 2001 within the Lyon metropolitan region and ceasing operations in 2013. The company also manufactured and marketed console accessories under the Subsonic label, which remained operational following Nobilis' closure.

Founding and growth

Nobilis was created in 2001 by former Infogrames executives Arnaud Blacher, Pierre de Laporte, and Eric Pernelle. The company initially set up its headquarters in Champagne-au-Mont-d'Or, before moving to Dardilly and subsequently Limonest. Operating as a public limited company, Nobilis published and distributed video games across various platforms including PC, Xbox, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, Nintendo Wii, PSP, GameCube, Nintendo DS, and Game Boy Advance. Additionally, it developed accessories under the Subsonic brand compatible with Xbox 360, PlayStation 2 and 3, Nintendo Wii, GameCube, PSP, and Nintendo DS.

The company experienced swift expansion during its initial years, achieving a turnover of €3.5 million in its inaugural year. By 2003, Nobilis employed 30 staff members and recorded revenues of €16 million. This growth continued with a turnover of €20 million in 2005, reportedly maintaining profitability since its inception. The firm broadened its reach internationally by establishing subsidiaries located in Madrid, Brussels, and Rome.

Economic challenges and closure

In 2009, Nobilis faced financial setbacks amid a shrinking French video game market, particularly impacting Nintendo DS distribution. Between late 2008 and mid-2009, the company canceled six publishing projects and reduced its workforce by approximately 15–20% of its 65 employees. Some former employees went on to create the publishing firm Zallag.

By early 2011, Nobilis redirected its efforts towards distributing console accessories and publishing digital browser games. The Subsonic accessory division proved profitable, delivering a pre-tax profit of €426,000 during the 2010–2011 fiscal year.

Despite this strategic shift, Nobilis entered receivership in September 2011. After failing to find a buyer, judicial liquidation was ordered on 8 March 2013. The Subsonic brand was separated as an independent entity with the original founders continuing to oversee its management following the liquidation.

Published and distributed games

JeuxVideo.fr reports that between 2001 and 2010, Nobilis published or distributed a total of 206 video game titles. Notable releases include:

References

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