[Last Week in Games] GDC draws nearly 30K attendees, Discord could go public this year, Tencent invests $1.25bn in new Ubisoft subsidiary, and more news!
News in games that caught our eyes in the last week [March 24 - March 30, 2025]
INDUSTRY NEWS
🚀 United Videogame Workers union launches at GDC 2025 in partnership with CWA (gamesindustry.biz)
This article discusses the launch of a new videogame workers union at GDC 2025 in collaboration with the CWA. It highlights the union’s objectives, potential impact on labor conditions, and the industry’s response.
🚀 GDC 2025: who’s got the biggest booth? (mobilegamer.biz)
This article explores the competitive landscape at GDC 2025 by examining which exhibitors have the biggest booths. It discusses booth design trends and marketing strategies aimed at attracting attendees.
🚀 ESA launches Accessible Games Initiative with support from industry leaders (pocketgamer.biz)
This article outlines ESA’s new accessible games initiative, backed by industry leaders. It explains how the project aims to improve gaming accessibility and the benefits for diverse audiences.
🚀 New EU guidelines demand transparency for in-game purchases (pocketgamer.biz)
This article examines recently announced EU guidelines that call for greater transparency in in-game purchases. It discusses the expected changes for developers, publishers, and players.
🚀 Four Things from GDC – game economist consulting (gameeconomistconsulting.com)
This article summarizes four key takeaways from GDC 2. It provides insights into emerging trends, innovative technologies, and strategic shifts highlighted during the event.
🚀 How Player Identity Shapes Game Engagement (adriancrook.com)
This article investigates the impact of player identity on game engagement. It explores how personal expression and community dynamics influence both user experience and retention.
🚀 GDC draws nearly 30K attendees and returns to SF in early March 2026 (venturebeat.com)
This article reports on GDC’s impressive turnout of nearly 30,000 attendees and its scheduled return to San Francisco in early March 2026, while highlighting notable sessions and industry insights.
INVESTOR
📈 Norwegian central bank invests $8.1m in Nazara (techinasia.com)
This article details the Norwegian central bank’s investment of 8.1 million in Nazara. It examines the strategic reasoning behind the investment and its potential effects on the gaming and tech sectors.
📈 Opus Major raises $10m to develop debut game and expand team (pocketgamer.biz)
This article covers Opus Major’s successful fundraising of 10 million to develop its debut game and expand its team. It outlines the company’s growth strategy and upcoming project plans.
📈 Uthana raises $4.3m with open beta for AI-powered animation platform (pocketgamer.biz)
This article describes Uthana’s fundraising milestone of 43 million coinciding with its open beta launch for an AI-powered animation platform. It discusses how the initiative could disrupt traditional animation methods.
📈 Planetarium Labs secures $3m funding to expand Immortal Rising 2 (pocketgamer.biz)
This article details how Planetarium Labs secured 3 million in funding to further develop and expand the sequel, Immortal Rising 2. It touches on future development plans and market expectations.
📈 Gunzilla Games acquires, resurrects Game Informer (venturebeat.com)
This article reports on Gunzilla Games’ acquisition of Game Informer. It examines the strategic motivations behind the move and its potential impact on gaming media and communications.
📈 5 Of 8 Japanese AAA Game Stocks Just Hit All-Time Highs (serkantoto.com)
This article discusses current trends in Japan’s gaming stock market. It provides insights into investment patterns and the overall performance of the industry in the region.
📈 DoubleU completes $30m Paxie Games acquisition (pocketgamer.biz)
This article covers Doubleu’s completion of a 30 million acquisition of Paxie Games. It details the transaction’s significance and its expected impact on the broader gaming market.
📈 Discord could go public this year as IPO plans take shape (pocketgamer.biz)
This article speculates on Discord’s potential move to go public within the year. It reviews evolving IPO plans and discusses what such a step could mean for investors and users.
📈 Tencent invests $1.25bn in new Ubisoft subsidiary focused on Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six (gamesindustry.biz)
This article examines Tencent’s 125 billion investment in a new Ubisoft subsidiary dedicated to franchises like Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six. It discusses how the move may reshape global gaming investments.
📈 US video game retailer GameStop jumps 12% on bitcoin investment (techinasia.com)
This article explores the surge in Gamestop’s stock by 12% following its Bitcoin investment. It analyzes the interplay between cryptocurrency and the evolving video game retail landscape.
MARKET DATA
📊 Assassin's Creed Shadows passes 1m players on launch day (gamesindustry.biz)
This article briefly reports that Assassin’s Creed Shadows passed 1 million players on launch day, offering key metrics and early reactions from the gaming community.
📊 Assassin's Creed Shadows reaches 2m players (gamesindustry.biz)
This article gives a quick update that Assassin’s Creed Shadows has reached 2 million players, emphasizing continued momentum and strong user engagement post-launch.
📊 Double-digit games industry growth labelled "a fantasy" as revenue forecast to hit $237bn in 2025 (pocketgamer.biz)
This article questions the optimism surrounding projections that the gaming industry’s revenue will hit 237 billion in 2025, labeling such double-digit growth forecasts as potentially unrealistic.
📊 German games market drops 6% to €9.4bn in 2024 (gamesindustry.biz)
This article reports that the German games market dropped by 6% to a valuation of 94 billion in 2024. It explores the reasons behind the decline and the future outlook.
📊 Supercell’s Mo.co hits 2.5m downloads and $570k in first week (pocketgamer.biz)
This article details how Supercells’ Moco achieved 2.5 million downloads and generated 570,000 in revenue during its first week. It discusses the early indicators of the game’s success.
📊 Honkai: Star Rail rockets past $2bn on mobile in under two years (pocketgamer.biz)
This article covers the remarkable achievement of Honkai Star Rail surpassing 2 billion downloads on mobile in less than two years, highlighting the factors behind its rapid growth.
📊 Scopely has spent over $1bn marketing Monopoly Go (mobilegamer.biz)
This article examines Scopely’s marketing investment of over 1 billion for Monopoly Go. It reviews the company’s advertising strategies and the expected return on such a high expenditure.
📊 Data digest: Monopoly Go, Township, Family Island lead testing charts, record Merge Mansion revenue, more (mobilegamer.biz)
This article provides a data digest covering performance metrics for titles like Monopoly Go, Township, Family Island, and Merge Mansion. It reviews test charts, revenue figures, and market trends.
📊 German games market declined to €9.4bn in 2024 as in-app purchase and hardware sales fell (pocketgamer.biz)
This article reviews the decline in the German games market to 94 billion in 2024, emphasizing falling in-app purchase revenues and hardware sales as key factors.
📊 Assassin's Creed Shadows exceeds 3m players (gamesindustry.biz)
This article briefly reports that Assassin’s Creed Shadows has exceeded 3 million players, providing an update on the game’s growing audience.
📊 PowerWash Simulator tops 17m players (gamesindustry.biz)
This article gives a quick update on Powerwash Simulator’s success, noting that it has topped 17 million players and underscoring its growing popularity.
NEW GAMES
🎮 New game digest: Mo co, Resident Evil 3, Delta Force, Matchcreek Motors, Avatar and more (mobilegamer.biz)
This article is a digest that covers multiple game updates including Resident Evil 3, Delta Force, Matchcreek Motors, Avatar, Diamon Dreams, and more. It summarizes key news across several titles.
🎮 Pocket Hockey Stars brings fast-paced 3v3 hockey action to the palm of your hand, out now (pocketgamer.com)
This article announces the release of Pocket Hockey Stars, describing its gameplay features and sharing early reception from fans.
🎮 VolleyBall King brings fast-paced arcade volleyball to iOS and Android, out now (pocketgamer.com)
This article announces that Volleyball King is now available, outlining its gameplay mechanics and early user feedback.
🎮 Set a Watch challenges you to keep the home fires burning, coming to Android and iOS (pocketgamer.com)
This article informs readers that the game Set A Watch will soon be available on both iOS and Android, detailing anticipated features and release timelines.
🎮 Birds Camp is an adorable tower defence that is now available on Android and iOS (pocketgamer.com)
This article covers the official launch of Birds Camp on Android and iOS platforms, highlighting its key features and initial market reception.
🎮 Reclaimers is an auto-battler that challenges you to survive in a virus-plagued world, now in open beta on Android and iOS (pocketgamer.com)
This article announces the open beta phase for Reclaimers, providing details on how interested players can participate and what new features to expect.
🎮 Once Human now has a mobile release date, and it's coming next month! (pocketgamer.com)
This article announces that the game Once Human is scheduled for release next month, discussing its anticipated features and the excitement building in its community.
🎮 Mino is a challenging balancing act in this new match-three release, out now (pocketgamer.com)
This article announces that Match Three by Mino 78801 is now available. It briefly outlines the game’s core mechanics and shares early player impressions.
🎮 Banijay Rights and Tactile Games partner to launch Simon’s Cat Match on mobile (pocketgamer.biz)
This article details the partnership between Banijay Rights and Tactile Games to launch Simon’s Cat Match on mobile. It discusses collaboration benefits and the potential for the new title in the market.
🎮 NumWorlds is the debut, fully-3D puzzler from Black Pug Studios (pocketgamer.com)
This article announces the release of Numworlds, describing its gameplay features and what players can expect from the new title.
🎮 Dreamhaven's Moonshot Games unveils Wildgate, a crew-based FPS with tactical spaceship combat (venturebeat.com)
This article introduces Wildgate, a crew-based first-person shooter featuring tactical spaceship combat, unveiled by Dreamhavens Moonshot Games. It details the game’s innovative mechanics and its potential appeal to competitive gamers.
🎮 Minion Rumble lets you summon cats and capybaras to war, now in Android pre-registration from Com2uS (pocketgamer.com)
This article invites players to pre-register for Minion Rumble on Android. It highlights key features of the game and offers details on the upcoming release.
🎮 Duck Town is an upcoming mix of virtual pet simulator and rhythm game from Mobirix (pocketgamer.com)
This article announces that Duck Town is coming soon. It provides early details on gameplay, design, and anticipated release dates.
🎮 Steel Paws, the highly-anticipated Netflix exclusive from Yu Suzuki, is out now (pocketgamer.com)
This article announces the launch of Steel Paws, summarizing its gameplay mechanics and sharing initial user reactions.
🎮 Gordian Quest officially launches to bring the roguelite deckbuilder to iOS and Android (pocketgamer.com)
This article announces that Gordian Quest is now available. It provides a brief overview of its gameplay elements and early reviews from players.
🎮 Your House teaches you about the perils of first-time buying, out now on iOS, pre-registration on Android (pocketgamer.com)
This article announces the release of Your House on iOS. It highlights the game’s features and provides early download statistics.
🎮 King's League II is out now on iOS and Android (pocketgamer.com)
This article reports that Kings League II is now available on both iOS and Android. It outlines the game’s key features and initial user feedback.
PUBLISHER NEWS
🔮 Apple Arcade "likely wouldn’t be profitable" without Apple One bundle, report claims (pocketgamer.biz)
This article discusses a report which claims that Apple Arcade might not be profitable without bundling with Apple One. It examines market strategies and the financial challenges faced by subscription gaming services.
🔮 Netflix wants its answer to Fortnite – and insists it has the “grit” for the long game (mobilegamer.biz)
This article examines Netflix’s ambition to create a competitive alternative to Fortnite. It explores the company’s long-term strategic plans and the challenges involved in entering the gaming market.
🔮 Savvy Games Group plots PC and console M&A (pocketgamer.biz)
This article outlines Savvy Games Group’s plans to expand into PC and console markets with its title ‘Manda’. It discusses potential strategies and the challenges of broadening platform reach.
🔮 Immutable declares win for Web3 gaming as SEC ends investigation (venturebeat.com)
This article reports that Immutable has declared a win for Web3 gaming following the end of an SEC investigation. It outlines the regulatory context and what the decision means for the broader web3 ecosystem.
🔮 Scopely to make game based on CD Projekt IP (pocketgamer.biz)
This article details Scopely’s announcement to develop a game based on a well-known CD Projekt IP. It discusses fan expectations and potential impacts on the gaming market.
🔮 Million Victories' big year and ambitions for a billion dollar future (pocketgamer.biz)
This article profiles Million Victories, highlighting its big year achievements and its ambitions to reach a billion-dollar valuation. It examines the company’s growth strategy and market positioning.
🔮 The Space Apes behind Chrome Valley Customs spin out as Offroad Games (mobilegamer.biz)
This article discusses how The Space Apes, known for Chrome Valley Customs, have spun out as Offroad Games. It reviews the strategic motivations behind the move and potential market impact.
🔮 Nintendo reinvents digital games as swappable, lendable Virtual Game Cards (polygon.com)
This article reports on Nintendo Switch’s new virtual game cards. It explains their features, potential benefits, and how they might affect digital game purchases.
🔮 Subway Surfers and Crossy Road collide in first-ever crossover event (pocketgamer.biz)
This article covers a unique crossover event between Subway Surfers and Crossy Road. It details the collaboration, event features, and expected reactions from fans.
🔮 Anzu and Claritas partner to offer improved attribution metrics for in-game ads (pocketgamer.biz)
This article explains the new partnership between Anzu and Claritas aimed at improving attribution metrics for in-game advertisements. It outlines the potential benefits for both advertisers and developers.
🔮 Fall Guys, Subway Surfers and Merge Dragons veteran returns with TTFN Games (mobilegamer.biz)
This article reports on the return of a veteran figure linked to Fall Guys, Subway Surfers, and Merge Dragons, now joining forces with TTFN Games. It discusses the potential industry impact of this collaboration.
🔮 INCYMO launches AI-powered mobile gaming creative ad platform (venturebeat.com)
This article introduces Incymo’s innovative AI-powered creative ad platform for mobile gaming. It highlights the platform’s features and discusses how it may transform mobile ad creation.
🔮 Crystal Dynamics lays off 17 employees (gamesindustry.biz)
This article reports on Crystal Dynamics’ decision to lay off 17 employees. It provides context for the layoffs and discusses potential impacts on the company’s future operations.
🔮 User research workers at Activision unionize (gamesindustry.biz)
This article covers the unionization of user research workers at Activision. It examines the reasons behind the movement and its possible effects on labor practices within the gaming industry.
🔮 Skystone Games takes US publishing rights for Mobile Legends as TikTok ban looms (pocketgamer.biz)
This article discusses Skystone Games acquiring US publishing rights for Mobile Legends in light of a potential TikTok ban. It explores strategic implications and market reactions.
🔮 Nintendo is launching a news app (theverge.com)
This article introduces Nintendo’s new Today News App. It details the app’s features, target audience, and its potential to change how news is consumed in the gaming industry.