Berlin-based social developer Wooga has announced its employee roster has just hit 200, with the company having grown from a base of just four when it was founded little over three years ago.

Such a milestone doesn't signify the end of the company's growth, however.

Founder and CEO Jens Begemann has gone on record to explain that, when competing in the social gaming scene, it's grow or die.

The growing game

"We are part of a competitive market which requires fast growth," said Begemann.

"With a growth rate of two new employees per week, we've been lucky enough to find that balance between growth and sustainability that has enabled us to keep our relaxed company culture intact."

When the company's headcount was approaching the 150 mark back in February, Wooga unveiled its intention to hire 100 people by the end of 2013.

Now, the studio claims it's receiving almost 2,000 job applications a month.

Mobile matters

"The great amount speaks for the quality of our work," said head of HR Gitta Blatt.

"It is quite remarkable that a third of our applications come from women, a good ratio for the gaming and tech industry.

"We are confident that Wooga will meet its expected growth plans - to grow to 250 employees - by the end of the year."

Looking ahead, Begemann has confirmed mobile will be Wooga's priority, with the firm loosening Facebook's hold over its business moving forward.

"I am excited to say that currently half of the company is working on new games, with a clear focus on bringing the Wooga experience to new mobile titles," Begemann concluded.

The firm's shift away from the social network mirrors similar moves made by rivals such as Zynga, with the industry reacting to declining DAUs on the platform.

[source: Wooga]