[Last Week in Games] AppLovin shares dive 19% after latest short-seller report, Supercell wants to bring top IP to film and TV, and more news!
News in games that caught our eyes in the last week [March 31 - April 6, 2025]
INDUSTRY NEWS
🚀 The Power of Q5 and Retention: Lessons from SciPlay (deconstructoroffun.com)
A detailed analysis of the Q5 period in gaming metrics, with retention strategies derived from SciPlay’s experience. The piece provides actionable insights for optimizing player engagement.
🚀 Performance Advertising: How we drive value and handle data (applovin.com)
A behind-the-scenes look at AppLovin’s data strategies and value creation. The article explains its methodologies for data handling and how these practices support its business model.
🚀 Gamescom strikes deal to remain in Cologne, Germany (venturebeat.com)
Gamescom has secured a new agreement to keep its annual event in Cologne. The report covers details of the deal and its implications for the gaming convention’s future.
🚀 Mastering the ad experience: Three KPIs to track (pocketgamer.biz)
A strategic guide on optimizing mobile advertising, this piece outlines three key performance indicators that developers and marketers should monitor to improve ad performance and user engagement.
🚀 London is now the third-largest global hub for game makers after LA and San Francisco (gamesindustry.biz)
A feature exploring London’s rise as a major hub for game development, now ranked third after Los Angeles and San Francisco, with insights into the city’s dynamic creative ecosystem.
🚀 Why disturbing mobile ads work and how to succeed without them (pocketgamer.biz)
An analytical article that examines the effectiveness of unconventional, disruptive mobile ads and discusses alternative strategies for achieving high engagement without alienating users.
🚀 Analysts weigh in on future "smash hit" Nintendo Switch 2, a $7-8bn opportunity for games content in next two years (pocketgamer.biz)
Industry analysts forecast that Nintendo Switch 2 could unlock a $7–8 billion opportunity in game content over the next two years. The article reviews market projections and anticipated innovations.
🚀 Regulatory issues to keep an eye on in the UK and EU (pocketgamer.biz)
An article summarizing key regulatory challenges affecting the gaming industry in the UK and EU, discussing upcoming changes, compliance tips, and potential impacts on developers and publishers.
🚀 From a hybridcasual hit to an indie PC title: The story of My Little Universe (pocketgamer.biz)
An in-depth feature that chronicles the evolution of My Little Universe, tracing its journey from a successful mobile hybridcasual game to a full-fledged indie PC title, with interviews and behind-the-scenes insights.
INVESTOR
📈 Kameha Ventures launches $27m fund to support game tech startups (pocketgamer.biz)
An in-depth look at Kameha Ventures’ new $27 million fund aimed at supporting startups in gaming technology, detailing the fund’s objectives, targeted innovations, and potential industry impact.
📈 AppLovin shares dive 19% after latest short-seller report (pocketgamer.biz)
A report covering a 19% plunge in AppLovin’s share price following a fresh short seller report. It discusses market reactions, company responses, and potential long-term implications.
📈 HYBE IM raises $21M to boost publishing and IP-based games (venturebeat.com)
Hybe Interactive Media secures $21 million to expand its publishing efforts and leverage its IP portfolio. The article examines the funding’s potential for driving innovation and market expansion.
📈 Gunzilla launches $GUN Web3 gaming token on Binance for Off the Grid (venturebeat.com)
Gunzilla Games introduces the GUN token, a Web3 gaming token available on Binance, to support its upcoming title Off The Grid. The report covers token details and strategic significance.
📈 Lobah on raising $12m and the opportunity for culturalised games in MENA (pocketgamer.biz)
An interview-style article where Lobah discusses securing $12 million in funding and the potential for developing culturally tailored games aimed at audiences in the Middle East and North Africa.
📈 Krafton acquires $14m controlling stake in Indian studio Nautilus Mobile (gamesindustry.biz)
Krafton expands its global footprint by acquiring a controlling stake worth $14 million in Indian studio Nautilus Mobile. The piece reviews the strategic implications for both companies.
📈 QA firm TestFly acquires Brazilian testing company Red Cerberus (gamesindustry.biz)
TestFly strengthens its quality assurance services by acquiring Brazilian testing firm Red Cerberus. The report covers strategic benefits and the integration process for expanded global testing.
MARKET DATA
📊 Mo Co has made its first million – but is Supercell limiting its earning potential? (mobilegamer.biz)
Mo.Co celebrates its first million in revenue while raising questions about whether Supercell’s influence may be capping its full potential. The analysis discusses growth challenges and market strategies.
📊 Death Stranding passes 20m players (gamesindustry.biz)
A brief news update celebrating Death Stranding’s milestone of over 20 million players, examining its enduring appeal and the factors that continue to drive its popularity.
📊 Data digest: Tencent’s $1.25bn Ubisoft deal, Mo Co hits $1m, Krafton’s new $14m studio, France fines Apple $162m, more (mobilegamer.biz)
A comprehensive digest covering multiple headlines: Tencent’s $1.25bn deal with Ubisoft, Mo.Co hitting the $1m milestone, Krafton’s new $14m studio, and France fining Apple $162m, among other news.
📊 Atomfall tops 1.5m players (gamesindustry.biz)
A news brief noting that Atomfall has surpassed 15 million players. The update touches on the game’s growing popularity and the milestones it has reached within the competitive mobile market.
📊 Immutable RavenQuest becomes most-streamed Web3 game with 1M-plus streams (venturebeat.com)
Immutable’s RavenQuest breaks records by becoming the most streamed Web3 game, amassing over 1 million streams. The article examines the factors behind its viral success and the significance for blockchain gaming.
📊 March’s top grossing mobile games (mobilegamer.biz)
A report detailing the highest-grossing mobile games for March, analyzing revenue trends, standout titles, and the factors driving financial success in the mobile gaming market.
📊 March’s top mobile game downloads (mobilegamer.biz)
An analytical summary highlighting the mobile games with the highest download numbers for March, discussing consumer behavior and the influence of marketing trends.
NEW GAMES
🎮 Prince of Persia: Lost Crown is coming to iOS and Android next month (pocketgamer.com)
Ubisoft teases a new installment in the Prince of Persia series. The piece discusses release expectations, potential gameplay innovations, and hints at the storyline that will drive the next chapter of the franchise.
🎮 New game digest: Nintendo Today, a CD Projekt-Scopely collab, Street Fighter, Disney Solitaire and more (mobilegamer.biz)
A roundup of gaming news featuring a collaboration between Nintendo, CD Projekt, and Scopely, covering titles such as Street Fighter and Disney Solitaire, with insights into trends and upcoming releases.
🎮 Mixmob: Racer 1 is the debut card battling racer from ex Halo, FIFA and Battlefield devs (pocketgamer.com)
The debut of MixMob Racer 1 is explored, highlighting its unique blend of racing and card-battling mechanics, gameplay features, and the potential appeal to both strategy and racing game enthusiasts.
🎮 Etheria: Restart opens pre-registrations on Android and iOS with numerous rewards up for grabs (pocketgamer.com)
The article announces that pre-registration is now open for Etheria: Restart on Android and iOS, outlining key gameplay features, expected launch dates, and what players can look forward to.
🎮 Shambles: Sons of Apocalypse is a deckbuilding roguelike RPG that puts the fate of the world in your hands (pocketgamer.com)
An announcement that Shambles: Sons of Apocalypse is now officially available on Android and iOS, with a focus on gameplay mechanics, storyline, and the game’s unique post-apocalyptic setting.
🎮 City Life Game with Friends is EA's sneaky trial of Project Rene, the new Sims spinoff (pocketgamer.com)
The article invites players to join the playtest for City Life: Game with Friends, describing the gameplay, community features, and what testers can expect.
🎮 Hungry Horrors is coming to mobile, so help others eat before you get eaten (pocketgamer.com)
An overview of Hungry Horrors, a new mobile title with a horror theme. The article previews gameplay elements, release expectations, and the overall atmosphere of the game.
🎮 Cats & Soup: Magic Recipe is a brand new spin-off of the hit casual cat collector, coming soon (pocketgamer.com)
This announcement previews the upcoming mobile game Cats & Soup: Magic Recipe, highlighting its blend of culinary fun and charming cat characters set to launch soon.
🎮 Alcyone: The Last City is out now on iOS and Android, challenging you with tough choices (pocketgamer.com)
Alcyone: The Last City is now available on both iOS and Android. The article covers the game’s sci-fi narrative, its open-world mechanics, and what players can expect from this new title.
🎮 Feed the Pup is an upcoming match-3 puzzler with a heart-warming narrative to go with it (pocketgamer.com)
An introductory announcement for Feed the Pup, a mobile game centered on pet care and management, outlining core gameplay features and the upcoming release timeline.
🎮 Pup Champs offers adorable football puzzler action, coming soon to iOS and Android (pocketgamer.com)
A teaser for Pup Champs, a competitive mobile game focused on dog training and shows. The article hints at gameplay mechanics, style, and an anticipated launch date.
🎮 Astral Takers is out now on iOS and Android, bringing multiversal action to iOS and Android (pocketgamer.com)
An announcement that Astral Takers is available for play, featuring an overview of its gameplay, strategic elements, and the innovative mechanics that set it apart in its genre.
🎮 TownsFolk will have you juggling natural disasters, wild animals, and taxes for the King, out now (pocketgamer.com)
A brief release announcement that Townsfolk is now available, highlighting its core gameplay elements, artistic style, and what players can expect from this new title.
🎮 Pixel Civilization: Idle Game lets you progress from the Stone Age to outer space, coming soon (pocketgamer.com)
A preview of the upcoming Pixel Civilization Idle Game, which promises a blend of retro aesthetics with modern idle gameplay mechanics, appealing to both nostalgic and new gamers.
🎮 New game digest: Prince of Persia, Disney Magic Match, HypeHype, Doodle Kingdom, Golf Clash, more (mobilegamer.biz)
This digest covers multiple game announcements including a new Prince of Persia installment, Disney Magic Match, and other titles, offering insights into diverse upcoming projects.
🎮 Odin: Valhalla Rising arriving at the end of the month, pre-registration now open (pocketgamer.com)
The article reveals the official launch date for Odin Valhalla Rising, along with details on pre-order availability and expected gameplay features that blend mythology with modern action.
🎮 Oceanhorn: Chronos Dungeon set to come to Android and iOS later this year (pocketgamer.com)
An announcement that Oceanhorn Chronos Dungeon will be making its mobile debut later in the year, with highlights on its gameplay adaptations and what mobile players can look forward to.
PUBLISHER NEWS
🔮 Supercell steps up investment arm push (pocketgamer.biz)
An article detailing how Supercell is expanding its investment arm to back emerging developers and innovative gaming projects, reinforcing its commitment to diversifying revenue streams and market influence.
🔮 AppLovin hits back at third short seller report as shares drop again (mobilegamer.biz)
AppLovin responds to a new short seller report amid another drop in its share price. The article reviews the claims made, the company’s counterarguments, and its broader impact on investor confidence.
🔮 AppLovin reassures markets again as it lawyers up against short sellers (mobilegamer.biz)
This piece explains how AppLovin is legally addressing short seller allegations to reassure investors. It highlights key legal strategies and the company’s ongoing efforts to stabilize its market position.
🔮 Roblox Users Can Now Watch Google's Immersive Ads In Exchange for In-Game Perks (adweek.com)
The article outlines how Roblox is integrating Google’s immersive ads, allowing users to earn in-game perks in exchange for ad views. It reviews the partnership’s benefits and potential user reception.
🔮 Eidos-Montreal lays off staff, citing inability to transfer them to new projects (venturebeat.com)
Eidos Montreal announces staff reductions due to challenges in reallocating employees to new projects. The article delves into the reasons behind the layoffs and industry implications.
🔮 Pokémon TCG Pocket releases new premium pass and trade tokens reward (pocketgamer.com)
Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket rolls out trade tokens and a new premium pass, enhancing gameplay and monetization strategies while aiming to deepen player engagement.
🔮 Nintendo Switch 2 Launches In June For $449.99 (gameinformer.com)
Nintendo reveals the upcoming Switch 2, set to launch in June at a price of $449.99. The piece highlights key hardware improvements and anticipated market reception.
🔮 GameCube Games Are Coming To Switch 2 (gameinformer.com)
An announcement that classic GameCube titles will be available on the new Nintendo Switch 2, offering nostalgic experiences alongside modern gaming features.
🔮 AppLovin eyeing up possible TikTok bid, says report (mobilegamer.biz)
According to industry reports, AppLovin is exploring the possibility of bidding for TikTok. The article discusses the potential motivations and strategic outcomes of such a move.
🔮 a16z speedrun opens applications for fifth event with up to $1m on offer (pocketgamer.biz)
Andreessen Horowitz’s Speedrun accelerator is now accepting applications for its fifth edition, offering up to $1 million in funding to promising gaming startups. The article outlines eligibility and benefits.
🔮 "Australia's largest studio" PlaySide announces restructure and job cuts (gamesindustry.biz)
PlaySide, the largest studio in Australia, outlines its plans to restructure operations and implement job cuts in response to evolving market demands and internal challenges.
🔮 Clash of Clans developer Supercell wants to bring top IP to film and TV (pocketgamer.biz)
Supercell announces plans to expand its popular gaming IPs into film and television, exploring the creative and commercial possibilities of multimedia adaptations.
🔮 Ubisoft Leamington has now closed (gamesindustry.biz)
A brief industry update reporting the closure of Ubisoft Leamington, with context about the studio’s role and the broader industry restructuring that led to this decision.
🔮 Netflix Stories cancelled, previous content will remain available (pocketgamer.com)
A report on the cancellation of Netflix Stories, discussing the factors that led to the decision, its implications for the company’s content strategy, and reactions from the creative community.