Snail Inc

Previous wording

Failure to meet NASDAQ’s continued listing requirements could result in the delisting of our common stock, negatively impact the price of our common stock and negatively impact our ability to raise additional capital.

Current wording

Failure to meet NASDAQ’s continued listing requirements could result in the delisting of our Class A common stock, negatively impact the price of our Class A common stock and negatively impact our ability to raise additional capital.

Previous wording

On June 27, 2024, we received a deficiency letter from the Listing Qualifications Department (the “Staff”) of the Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) notifying us that, for the last thirty (30) consecutive business days (From May 10, 2024 to June 26, 2024), the bid price for our common stock had closed below the minimum $1.00 per share requirement for continued inclusion on the Nasdaq Capital Market pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (the “Bid Price Rule”). In accordance with Nasdaq rules, we were provided an initial period of 180 calendar days, or until December 24, 2024 (the “Compliance Date”), to regain compliance with the Bid Price Rule. If, at any time before the Compliance Date, the bid price for the common stock closes at $1.00 or more for a minimum of ten (10) consecutive business days, the Staff will provide written notification to the Company that it complies with the Bid Price Rule and the matter will be closed.

Current wording

On June 27, 2024, we received a deficiency letter from the Listing Qualifications Department (the “Staff”) of the Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) notifying us that, for thirty (30) consecutive business days (from May 10, 2024 to June 26, 2024), the bid price for our Class A common stock had closed below the minimum $1.00 per share requirement for continued inclusion on the Nasdaq Capital Market pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (the “Bid Price Rule”). In accordance with Nasdaq rules, we were provided an initial period of 180 calendar days, or until December 24, 2024 (the “Compliance Date”), to regain compliance with the Bid Price Rule. The Staff informed the Company that if, at any time before the Compliance Date, the bid price for the Class A common stock closed at $1.00 or more for a minimum of ten (10) consecutive business days, the Staff would provide written notification to the Company that it complied with the Bid Price Rule and the matter will be closed.

Previous wording

We intend to actively monitor the closing bid price of our common stock and may, if appropriate, consider available options to regain compliance with the Bid Price Rule, which may include effecting a reverse stock split. While we intend to take definitive steps to comply with all applicable conditions and criteria for continued listing on Nasdaq, there can be no assurances, however, that we will be able to do so. If we do not satisfy the continued listing requirements of the Nasdaq, including compliance with the Bid Price Rule, within the time frame granted by Nasdaq, our common stock will be delisted from the Nasdaq. Any perception that we may not regain compliance or a delisting of our common stock by Nasdaq could adversely affect our ability to attract new investors, decrease the liquidity of the outstanding shares of our common stock, reduce the price at which such shares trade and increase the transaction costs inherent in trading such shares with overall negative effects for our stockholder. In addition, delisting of our common stock from Nasdaq could deter broker-dealers from making a market in or otherwise seeking or generating interest in our common stock, and might deter certain institutions and persons from investing in our common stock. In addition, if our common stock was delisted, our common stock would be subject to rules that impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell our securities. The additional burdens imposed upon broker-dealers by these requirements could discourage broker-dealers from effecting transactions in our common stock. This would adversely affect the ability of investors to trade our common stock and would adversely affect the value of our common stock. These factors could contribute to lower prices and larger spreads in the bid and ask prices for our common stock.

Current wording

If at any time we do not satisfy the continued listing requirements of the Nasdaq, including compliance with the Bid Price Rule, within the time frame granted by Nasdaq, our Class A common stock will be delisted from the Nasdaq. Any perception that we may not regain compliance or a delisting of our Class A common stock by Nasdaq could adversely affect our ability to attract new investors, decrease the liquidity of the outstanding shares of our Class A common stock, reduce the price at which such shares trade and increase the transaction costs inherent in trading such shares with overall negative effects for our stockholder. In addition, delisting of our Class A common stock from Nasdaq could deter broker-dealers from making a market in or otherwise seeking or generating interest in our Class A common stock, and might deter certain institutions and persons from investing in our Class A common stock. In addition, if our Class A common stock was delisted, our Class A common stock would be subject to rules that impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell our securities. The additional burdens imposed upon broker-dealers by these requirements could discourage broker-dealers from effecting transactions in our Class A common stock. This would adversely affect the ability of investors to trade our Class A common stock and would adversely affect the value of our Class A common stock. These factors could contribute to lower prices and larger spreads in the bid and ask prices for our Class A common stock.

Previous wording

The National Securities Markets Improvement Act of 1996, which is a federal statute, prevents or preempts the states from regulating the sale of certain securities, which are referred to as “covered securities.” Because our common stock is listed on Nasdaq, our common stock is covered securities. Although the states are preempted from regulating the sale of covered securities, the federal statute does allow the states to investigate companies if there is a suspicion of fraud, and, if there is a finding of fraudulent activity, then the states can regulate or bar the sale of covered securities in a particular case. Further, if we were to be delisted from Nasdaq, our common stock would cease to be recognized as covered securities and we would be subject to regulation in each state in which we offer our securities.

Current wording

The National Securities Markets Improvement Act of 1996, which is a federal statute, prevents or preempts the states from regulating the sale of certain securities, which are referred to as “covered securities.” Because our Class A common stock is listed on Nasdaq, our shares of Class A common stock are “covered securities”. Although the states are preempted from regulating the sale of covered securities, the federal statute does allow the states to investigate companies if there is a suspicion of fraud, and, if there is a finding of fraudulent activity, then the states can regulate or bar the sale of covered securities in a particular case. Further, if we were to be delisted from Nasdaq, our shares of Class A common stock would cease to be recognized as covered securities and we would be subject to regulation in each state in which we offer our securities.

Previous wording

As mentioned above, in the event of a delisting, we would take actions to restore our compliance with the Nasdaq listing requirements, but we can provide no assurance that any such action taken by us would allow our common stock to become listed again, stabilize the market price or improve the liquidity of our common stock or prevent our common stock from meeting the mandatory Nasdaq listing requirements.

Current wording

As mentioned above, in the event of a delisting, we would take actions to restore our compliance with the Nasdaq listing requirements, but we can provide no assurance that any such action taken by us would allow our Class A common stock to become listed again, stabilize the market price or improve the liquidity of our Class A common stock or prevent our Class A common stock from meeting the mandatory Nasdaq listing requirements.

Previous wording

ARKis a “hit” product and has historically accounted for a substantial portion of our revenue. TheARK franchise contributed 77.7% of our net revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2024, and our five best-selling franchises (includingARK), which may change year over year, in the aggregate accounted for 90.4% of our net revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2024. If we fail to continue to develop and sell new commercially successful “hit” titles or sequels to such “hit” titles or experience any delays in product releases or disruptions following the commercial release of our “hit” titles or their sequels, our revenue and profits may decrease substantially, and we may incur losses. In addition, competition in our industry is intense and a relatively small number of hit titles account for a large portion of total revenue in our industry. Hit products offered by our competitors may take a larger share of consumer spending than we anticipate, which could cause revenue generated from our products to fall below our expectations. If our competitors develop more successful products or services at lower price points or based on payment models perceived as offering better value, or if we do not continue to develop consistently high-quality and well-received products and services, our revenue and profitability may decline.

Current wording

ARKis a “hit” product and has historically accounted for a substantial portion of our revenue. TheARK franchise contributed 82.0% of our net revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and our five best-selling franchises (includingARK), which may change year over year, in the aggregate accounted for 92.2% of our net revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. If we fail to continue to develop and sell new commercially successful “hit” titles or sequels to such “hit” titles or experience any delays in product releases or disruptions following the commercial release of our “hit” titles or their sequels, our revenue and profits may decrease substantially, and we may incur losses. In addition, competition in our industry is intense and a relatively small number of hit titles account for a large portion of total revenue in our industry. Hit products offered by our competitors may take a larger share of consumer spending than we anticipate, which could cause revenue generated from our products to fall below our expectations. If our competitors develop more successful products or services at lower price points or based on payment models perceived as offering better value, or if we do not continue to develop consistently high-quality and well-received products and services, our revenue and profitability may decline.

Previous wording

We license certain intellectual property rights from third parties, including related parties, and in the future, we may enter into additional agreements that provide us with licenses to valuable intellectual property rights or technology. In particular, we license intellectual property rights related to ourARK franchise from SDE, the parent company of Studio Wildcard, which is also an entity that is owned and controlled by the spouse of our Founder, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Chief Strategy Officer and Chairman, Mr. Shi. We entered into an original exclusive software license agreement with SDE in November 2015, for the rights toARK: Survival Evolved, and subsequently entered into the amended and restated ARK1 License Agreement. In December 2022 and October 2023, we amended the ARK1 License Agreement. The terms of our license agreements with SDE may differ from those terms which would be negotiated with independent parties. In addition, we may have disputes with SDE that may impact our business, results of operations, financial condition and/or prospects. TheARK franchise contributed 77.7% of our net revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2024. Even if our games that are dependent on third-party license agreements remain popular, any of our licensors could decide not to renew our existing license agreements or not to license additional intellectual property rights to us and instead license to our competitors or develop and publish its own games or other applications, competing with us in the marketplace. Moreover, many of our licensors develop games for other platforms and may have significant experience and development resources available to them should they decide to compete with us rather than license to us. For additional information concerning our license arrangements, including licensing agreements with affiliated third parties, see Item 1 of Part I, “Business — Intellectual Property,” included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

Current wording

We license certain intellectual property rights from third parties, including related parties, and in the future, we may enter into additional agreements that provide us with licenses to valuable intellectual property rights or technology. In particular, we license intellectual property rights related to ourARK franchise from SDE, the parent company of Studio Wildcard, which is also an entity that is owned and controlled by the spouse of our Founder, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Chief Strategy Officer and Chairman, Mr. Shi. We entered into an original exclusive software license agreement with SDE in November 2015, for the rights toARK: Survival Evolved, and subsequently entered into the amended and restated ARK1 License Agreement. In December 2022 and October 2023, we amended the ARK1 License Agreement. The terms of our license agreements with SDE may differ from those terms which would be negotiated with independent parties. In addition, we may have disputes with SDE that may impact our business, results of operations, financial condition and/or prospects. TheARK franchise contributed 82.0% of our net revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. Even if our games that are dependent on third-party license agreements remain popular, any of our licensors could decide not to renew our existing license agreements or not to license additional intellectual property rights to us and instead license to our competitors or develop and publish its own games or other applications, competing with us in the marketplace. Moreover, many of our licensors develop games for other platforms and may have significant experience and development resources available to them should they decide to compete with us rather than license to us. For additional information concerning our license arrangements, including licensing agreements with affiliated third parties, see Item 1 of Part I, “Business — Intellectual Property,” included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

Previous wording

Our games are primarily purchased, accessed and operated through Xbox Live and Game Pass, PlayStation Network, Steam, Epic Games Store, My Nintendo Store, and in the case of our mobile games, the Apple App Store, the Google Play Store and the Amazon Appstore. Substantially all of the games, DLC and in-game virtual items that we sell are purchased using the payment processing systems of these platforms and, for the six months ended June 30, 2024, 92.6% of our revenues were generated through Xbox Live and Game Pass, PlayStation Network, Steam, Epic Games Store, My Nintendo Store, the Apple App Store, the Google Play Store, and the Amazon Appstore. Consequently, our expansion and prospects depend on our continued relationships with these providers, and any other emerging platform providers that are widely adopted by our target players. In addition, having such a large portion of our total net revenues concentrated in a few counterparties reduces our negotiating leverage. We are subject to the standard terms and conditions that these platform providers have for game developers, which govern the content, promotion, distribution, operation of games and other applications on their platforms, as well as the terms of the payment processing services provided by the platforms, and which the platform providers can change unilaterally on short notice or without notice. As such, our business would be harmed if:

Current wording

Our games are primarily purchased, accessed and operated through Xbox Live and Game Pass, PlayStation Network, Steam, Epic Games Store, My Nintendo Store, and in the case of our mobile games, the Apple App Store, the Google Play Store and the Amazon Appstore. Substantially all of the games, DLC and in-game virtual items that we sell are purchased using the payment processing systems of these platforms and, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, 94.0% of our revenues were generated through Xbox Live and Game Pass, PlayStation Network, Steam, Epic Games Store, My Nintendo Store, the Apple App Store, the Google Play Store, and the Amazon Appstore. Consequently, our expansion and prospects depend on our continued relationships with these providers, and any other emerging platform providers that are widely adopted by our target players. In addition, having such a large portion of our total net revenues concentrated in a few counterparties reduces our negotiating leverage. We are subject to the standard terms and conditions that these platform providers have for game developers, which govern the content, promotion, distribution, operation of games and other applications on their platforms, as well as the terms of the payment processing services provided by the platforms, and which the platform providers can change unilaterally on short notice or without notice. As such, our business would be harmed if:

Previous wording

We derive most of our revenue from publishing video games on third-party platform providers, such as Xbox Live and Game Pass, PlayStation Network, Steam, Epic Games Store, the Apple App Store, the Google Play Store, My Nintendo Store and the Amazon Appstore, which, in the aggregate, comprised 92.6% of our net revenue by product platform for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The success of our business is subject to the continued popularity of these platforms and our ability to develop commercially successful products for these platforms.

Current wording

We derive most of our revenue from publishing video games on third-party platform providers, such as Xbox Live and Game Pass, PlayStation Network, Steam, Epic Games Store, the Apple App Store, the Google Play Store, My Nintendo Store and the Amazon Appstore, which, in the aggregate, comprised 94.0% of our net revenue by product platform for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The success of our business is subject to the continued popularity of these platforms and our ability to develop commercially successful products for these platforms.

Previous wording

Our effective tax rate was 19% and 21% for six month periods ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. In general, changes in applicable U.S. federal and state and foreign tax laws and regulations, or their interpretation and application, including the possibility of retroactive effect, could affect our tax expense. In addition, taxing authorities in many jurisdictions in which we operate may propose changes to their tax laws and regulations. These potential changes could have a material impact on our effective tax rate, long-term tax planning and financial results.

Current wording

Our effective tax rate was 28% and 21% for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. In general, changes in applicable U.S. federal and state and foreign tax laws and regulations, or their interpretation and application, including the possibility of retroactive effect, could affect our tax expense. In addition, taxing authorities in many jurisdictions in which we operate may propose changes to their tax laws and regulations. These potential changes could have a material impact on our effective tax rate, long-term tax planning and financial results.

Previous wording

Our management identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting involving the failure to properly design and implement controls related to the accounting for income taxes and disclosure controls related to deferred taxes in the consolidated financial statements; failure to properly classify certain operating expenses and games server costs as cost of revenues in the consolidated financial statements; failure to identify and allocate the consideration received from a settlement between the settlement gain and revenues generating activities; failure to properly determine the stand-alone selling prices of each performance obligation for certain digital revenue contracts; and, failure to design and implement information technology general controls related to segregation of duties within an information system relevant to the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Due to the size and nature of our organization and the implementation timing of our new cloud-based ERP system, we had limited personnel and system capabilities for adequate segregation of duties during the six months ended June 30, 2024. See Part I, Item 4, “Controls and Procedures,” in this Quarterly Report for information regarding the identified material weaknesses and our actions to date to remediate the material weaknesses. In addition, during the quarter ended June 30, 2024, a disclosure misstatement was identified related to the amount of revenue recognized over time and point in time. The lack of review procedures over this disclosure gives rise to a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. As a result of the material weaknesses, our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting were not effective as of June 30, 2024.

Current wording

Our management identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting involving the failure to properly design and implement controls related to the accounting for income taxes and disclosure controls related to deferred taxes in the consolidated financial statements; failure to properly classify certain operating expenses and games server costs as cost of revenues in the consolidated financial statements; failure to identify and allocate the consideration received from a settlement between the settlement gain and revenues generating activities; failure to properly determine the stand-alone selling prices of each performance obligation for certain digital revenue contracts; and, failure to design and implement information technology general controls related to segregation of duties within an information system relevant to the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Due to the size and nature of our organization and the implementation timing of our new cloud-based ERP system, we had limited personnel and system capabilities for adequate segregation of duties during the nine months ended September 30, 2024. See Part I, Item 4, “Controls and Procedures,” in this Quarterly Report for information regarding the identified material weaknesses and our actions to date to remediate the material weaknesses. In addition, during the quarter ended June 30, 2024, a disclosure misstatement was identified related to the amount of revenue recognized over time and point in time. The lack of review procedures over this disclosure gives rise to a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. As a result of the material weaknesses, our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting were not effective as of September 30, 2024.

Previous wording

On April 15, 2024, Jim S. Tsai notified the Company of his decision to resign from his position as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and all of the Company’s subsidiaries, including, Snail Games USA, Inc., with such resignation effective April 15, 2024; however, Mr. Tsai will remain with the Company for a 30-day transition period. In conjunction with Mr. Tsai’s resignation as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, the Company appointed Hai Shi and Xuedong (Tony) Tian to serve as the Company’s new Co-Chief Executive Officers, effective April 15, 2024. We are highly dependent on the expertise, skill and knowledge of Mr. Shi, our Founder, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Chief Strategy Officer and Chairman, Mr. Tian, our other Co-Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Peter Kang, our Chief Operating Officer. The loss of the services of any or all of these executive officers, or certain key product development personnel, including those employed by studio partners, such as Studio Wildcard, could significantly harm our business. In addition, if one or more key employees were to join a competitor or form a competing company, we may lose additional personnel, experience material interruptions in product development, delays in bringing products to market and difficulties in our relationships with licensors, suppliers and customers, which would significantly harm our business. Failure to continue to attract and retain qualified management and creative personnel could adversely affect our business and prospects.

Current wording

On April 15, 2024, Jim S. Tsai notified the Company of his decision to resign from his position as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and all of the Company’s subsidiaries, including, Snail Games USA, Inc., with such resignation effective April 15, 2024; however, Mr. Tsai remained with the Company for a 30-day transition period. In conjunction with Mr. Tsai’s resignation as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, the Company appointed Hai Shi and Xuedong (Tony) Tian to serve as the Company’s new Co-Chief Executive Officers, effective April 15, 2024. We are highly dependent on the expertise, skill and knowledge of Mr. Shi, our Founder, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Chief Strategy Officer and Chairman, Mr. Tian, our other Co-Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Peter Kang, our Vice President and Director of Business Development and Operations. The loss of the services of any or all of these executive officers, or certain key product development personnel, including those employed by studio partners, such as Studio Wildcard, could significantly harm our business. In addition, if one or more key employees were to join a competitor or form a competing company, we may lose additional personnel, experience material interruptions in product development, delays in bringing products to market and difficulties in our relationships with licensors, suppliers and customers, which would significantly harm our business. Failure to continue to attract and retain qualified management and creative personnel could adversely affect our business and prospects.

Previous wording

The Company did not issue any securities that were not registered under the Securities Act during the six months ended June 30, 2024.

Current wording

The Company did not issue any securities that were not registered under the Securities Act during the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

Previous wording

On November 10, 2022, our board of directors authorized a Share Repurchase Program under which we may repurchase up to $5 million in outstanding shares of our Class A common stock, subject to ongoing compliance with Nasdaq listing rules. The program does not have a fixed expiration date. The share repurchases may be made from time to time through open market transactions, block trades, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise and are subject to market and business conditions, levels of available liquidity, cash requirements for other purposes, regulatory, and other relevant factors. There were no share repurchases settled in the six months ended June 30, 2024. As of June 30, 2024, 1,350,275 shares of Class A common stock were repurchased pursuant to the Share Repurchase Program for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $3.7 million. The average price paid per share was $2.72 and approximately $1.3 million aggregate amount of shares of Class A common stock remain available for repurchase under the Share Repurchase Program. For more information regarding the Share Repurchase Program refer to Note 2 -Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report.

Current wording

On November 10, 2022, our board of directors authorized a Share Repurchase Program under which we may repurchase up to $5 million in outstanding shares of our Class A common stock, subject to ongoing compliance with Nasdaq listing rules. The program does not have a fixed expiration date. The share repurchases may be made from time to time through open market transactions, block trades, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise and are subject to market and business conditions, levels of available liquidity, cash requirements for other purposes, regulatory, and other relevant factors. There were no share repurchases settled in the nine months ended September 30, 2024. As of September 30, 2024, 1,350,275 shares of Class A common stock were repurchased pursuant to the Share Repurchase Program for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $3.7 million. The average price paid per share was $2.72 and approximately $1.3 million aggregate amount of shares of Class A common stock remain available for repurchase under the Share Repurchase Program. For more information regarding the Share Repurchase Program refer to Note 2 -Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report.