[Last Week in Games] Machine Zone CEO out as AppLovin lays off 97 staff, A Minecraft movie soars past $550m at the box office, and more news!
News in games that caught our eyes in the last week [April 14 - April 20, 2025]
INDUSTRY NEWS
🚀 Duolingo: How the $15B App uses Gaming Principles to Supercharge DAU Growth (deconstructoroffun.com)
DeconstructorOfFun examines how Duolingo employs gaming mechanics — such as streaks, timed challenges, leaderboards, and social features — to increase daily active users and retention, demonstrating the influence of game design principles on education apps.
🚀 Wuhan opens first mini-game incubation base in China (pocketgamer.biz)
The Wuhan Municipal Government has inaugurated China’s first dedicated mini-game incubation base, aimed at nurturing local indie developers. Located in the Optics Valley district, the facility offers free co-working space, mentorship programs, and funding grants for projects in casual mobile gaming. It also includes a user testing lab where developers can gather real-time player feedback to refine prototypes.
🚀 1 in 5 Japanese young adults have budgeted in-game purchases over rent (polygon.com)
A recent survey by Rakuten Insight polled 1,000 Japanese gamers aged 20, uncovering that the average monthly spend on digital games stands at ¥4,500 (≈$33), with mobile accounting for 60% of expenditures. Twenty-year-olds cited gacha mechanics and social features as primary motivators. The study also revealed that 75% play daily, highlighting the enduring appeal of free-to-play models among young adults in Japan.
🚀 UK Games Fund re-opens applications for two funds, offering grants of up to £150,000 (pocketgamer.biz)
The UK Games Fund has reopened application windows for two grant schemes — the Start-Up Fund (up to £25,000) and the Innovation Fund (up to £150,000). Aimed at UK-based indie developers, the grants support prototype development, market research, and team expansion. Applicants must present a business plan, development roadmap, and evidence of a working prototype. Deadline for submissions is June 30, 2025.
🚀 Will Monetization Actually Trump Engagement? (gameeconomistconsulting.com)
Game Economist’s April 18, 2025, blog post examines whether monetization strategies outweigh sustainable player engagement. Using Marvel Rivals and AAA titles like Genshin Impact as case studies, it argues that aggressive initial monetization boosts short-term revenue but fails to alter long-term engagement equilibria. The analysis suggests that new monetization models are needed to support smaller player bases at profitable ARPDAU levels.
🚀 Dragon Age: The Veilguard leads Gayming Awards 2025 nominations (gamesindustry.biz)
BioWare’s action‑RPG Dragon Age: The Veilguard has topped the list of nominees for the 2025 Gayming Awards, receiving nods in categories including Best LGBTQ+ Narrative, Game of the Year, and Diversity Award. The Veilguard led with six nominations, followed by indie titles exploring queer themes. The awards ceremony, set for June 2025, celebrates inclusivity and queer representation across video games and streaming.
🚀 Unity 6 pulled from China in favour of localised engine (pocketgamer.biz)
Unity has pulled the Unity 6 engine installer from Chinese download sites in response to regulatory concerns, opting instead to promote a locally‑developed engine by partner company Huoxun. The decision aims to comply with data localization laws and address security audits required by Chinese authorities, while maintaining support for existing Unity 5 users.
🚀 Sometimes the Butt of F2P Liveops will consume my thoughts for a day. Today is that day. (gameeconomistconsulting.com)
In a candid blog post, Game Economist reflects on how free‑to‑play live‑ops strategies can dominate developer thinking. Featuring examples from major mobile titles, the author examines how daily events, push notifications, and time‑limited offers shape player behavior and internal priorities. He argues for a balanced approach that values long‑term engagement over short‑term monetization spikes.
🚀 Best Practices For Mobile Game Onboarding (adriancrook.com)
Adrian Crook outlines best practices for onboarding new mobile game players, emphasizing the importance of instant feedback, intuitive UI, and a clear tutorial that blends with core gameplay. He recommends progressive difficulty scaling, contextual hints, and early access to social or competitive features to foster sustained engagement and reduce churn in the crucial first seven days.
INVESTOR
📈 Storycraft raises $3M for social AI game to turn players into creators (venturebeat.com)
Storycraft — the AI-powered game platform where players create, explore, and share interactive story worlds — has raised a $3M seed round led by Khosla Ventures (following a $2M round led by LVP and Signalfire). The funding will accelerate the global multiplatform mobile game launch built on Google Cloud, combining AI creative tools with social storytelling. Cofounded by Andy Mauro in Montreal, the seed will support team expansion, product development, and preparation for a public beta launch later this year.
📈 Video game M&A activity rises to $6.6 billion in Q1 2025, driven by mobile acquisitions (gamesindustry.biz)
Global video game mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity surged to $66 billion in Q1 2025, up 23% year-on-year, according to industry data. The uptick was largely fueled by major mobile gaming deals, including Scopely’s $3.5 billion acquisition of Niantic’s games business. Investors also showed renewed interest in mid-tier studios and live-ops technology firms, driven by strong revenue visibility in free-to-play mobile titles and strategic bets on emerging markets in Asia and Latin America.
📈 Poolhouse raises $34M for gamified pool from the creators of Topgolf (venturebeat.com)
Poolhouse — founded by the creators of Topgolf — has secured $34M in a seed round led by Sharp Alpha to build tech-enhanced entertainment clubs centered on pool. The concept will combine restaurant-quality dining with augmented reality features to elevate the traditional pool-playing experience.
📈 Infinite Reality will acquire agentic AI firm Touchcast for $500M (venturebeat.com)
Infinite Reality, a startup specializing in immersive social gaming, has agreed to acquire AI-focused firm Touchcast for approximately $500M in cash and stock. Touchcast’s Agentic AI technology, which enables real-time NPC interactions, is expected to power Infinite Reality’s upcoming metaverse titles. The deal is slated to close in Q2 2025, pending regulatory approval.
📈 Motorsport Games secures $2.5m investment from VR firm Pimax (gamesindustry.biz)
Motorsport Games has secured a $2.5 million investment from VR hardware maker Pimax. The funding will accelerate development of the company’s next-gen racing titles and enhance its cash position. The deal underscores Motorsport Games’ strategy to integrate emerging VR technologies into its simulation portfolio.
MARKET DATA
📊 Bleach: Brave Souls hits 100m installs ahead of 10th anniversary (pocketgamer.biz)
KLab’s action gacha title Bleach: Brave Souls has surpassed 100 million global installs shortly before its 10th anniversary. To commemorate, the developers are offering players 10 free summons per day for 10 days and will host a 10th-anniversary livestream on April 19, 2025. KLab also celebrated the six-month milestone of its Bleach Soul Puzzle spin-off.
📊 Data digest: Minecraft rises, Scopely drives M&A, Thronglets, DC Dark Legion, Roblox numbers, spending trends, more (mobilegamer.biz)
This week’s data digest covers Minecraft’s continued revenue growth—up 12% YoY—driving publisher Microsoft’s earnings beat; Scopely’s role in consolidating mobile live-ops, contributing to a 5% uptick in M&A deal value; Thronglets’ surprise launch trending on social channels; DC Dark Legion entering soft launch; and Roblox’s monthly active users surpassing 70M, alongside shifts in in-app spending towards seasonal content.
📊 Supercell's monster-busting Mo.co is a big hit, making $2.5m in revenue in less than a month (pocketgamer.com)
MO.CO, a minimalist idle RPG, has generated $2.5M in revenue within its first month post-launch, driven primarily by cosmetic in-app purchases and ad removal bundles. Developed by indie studio Luminary Games, the title’s smooth progression system and daily challenge rewards have contributed to strong retention rates. The developers attribute success to early user feedback integrated during beta testing and plan to expand to PC platforms later this year.
📊 A Minecraft movie soars past $550m at the box office (pocketgamer.biz)
A Minecraft Movie has surpassed $550 million in global box office revenue, marking a milestone for video game adaptations. The film’s blend of live-action and animation has drawn audiences across major markets, with the sequel in early talks. Industry analysts attribute the success to Minecraft’s multigenerational fanbase and strategic premiere events in key territories.
📊 Twitch has its usual March viewership slump (venturebeat.com)
StreamElements’ State of the Stream report for March highlights Twitch’s habitual viewership decline in the month, with hours watched dipping 12% to 1.8 billion. Brazilian streamer Gaules overtook KaiCenat to claim the top creator spot at 16.3 million hours. The report notes that battle royale titles saw the largest share of watch time, despite category-specific slumps.
📊 Games industry projected to go up to $186B in 2026 (venturebeat.com)
Konvoy’s Q1 2025 Gaming Industry Report forecasts the market will grow to $186 billion by 2026, a 4.7% YoY increase. The report details 43 M&A deals in Q1, led by Scopely’s $3.5B Niantic acquisition, and $373M in VC funding, up 35% QoQ. It also examines US-China investment tensions and regional capital distributions, projecting sustained growth despite geopolitical headwinds.
📊 Dwarf Fortress hits 1 million sales on Steam (gamesindustry.biz)
Roguelike sim Dwarf Fortress has sold over one million copies on Steam since its commercial release in December 2022. Originally a free, text‑based open‑world simulation launched in 2006, the Steam edition introduced a new graphical tileset and quality‑of‑life improvements. The milestone underscores the title’s enduring appeal and the strong support from an active modding community.
📊 Niko Partners Pre-Earnings Analysis: Q1 2025 (nikopartners.com)
Market research firm Niko Partners published its pre‑earnings analysis for Q1 2025, forecasting a 9% YoY increase in Asia‑Pacific mobile game revenues. The report highlights China and Southeast Asia as primary growth drivers, notes potential regulatory headwinds in key markets, and anticipates increased M&A activity among mid‑tier developers seeking expansion capital.
NEW GAMES
🎮 New game digest: Sonic Rumble, Black Mirror, Peppa Pig, Apple Arcade updates, more (mobilegamer.biz)
This weekly digest by Tom Ivan highlights the latest global mobile and console releases, soft launches, and industry news, including Sonic Rumble, Black Mirror’s game adaptation, Peppa Pig titles, and Apple Arcade updates. Sponsored by Supercell’s Spark incubation program, it reminds founders in programming and art fields that the next round of the initiative opens in August.
🎮 Where Winds Meet opens sign-ups for 2nd Closed Beta Test in select regions (pocketgamer.com)
Everstone Studio’s open-world aRPG Where Winds Meet has opened sign-ups for its 2nd Closed Beta Test, running until May 15 and kicking off May 16 across PC and PS5 in multiple languages. Interested players in select regions can register ahead of the official launch slated for later this year.
🎮 Crystal of Atlan kicks off iOS technical test in select regions - and you too can join in (pocketgamer.com)
Nuverse’s upcoming MMORPG Crystal of Atlan has launched an iOS Technical Test in select regions (Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the Philippines) until April 16. Interested players can join via TestFlight by obtaining invite codes through Discord, with a full launch expected June 5, 2025.
🎮 Chonky Town lets you breed and raise chonky dragons to fill up your town, coming soon (pocketgamer.com)
Chonky Town’s developers have announced an upcoming technical test for the cozy town-building sim across PC, mobile, and console platforms. Participants can register via the official website to preview city customization, pet interactions, and seasonal events before the full launch. The test is expected to run throughout May, offering players a chance to provide feedback on gameplay mechanics and performance.
🎮 The Star Named EOS is an evocative point-and-click puzzler with Ghibli-esque visuals, out now on Crunchyroll Game Vault (pocketgamer.com)
Pixel Federation has released The Star Named Eos, a new space-themed city-builder currently available on Android and iOS. Players manage an interstellar colony, harvesting resources, constructing unique buildings, and exploring neighboring planets. The launch includes limited-time events offering special skins and boosts, and Pixel Federation plans regular content updates and community tournaments to sustain player engagement.
🎮 New game digest: Habby, Halfbrick and Miniclip titles incoming, Squad Busters hits China, Epic freebies, Rebel Moon, more (mobilegamer.biz)
This week’s New Game Digest covers upcoming releases and soft launches from Habby, Halfbrick, and Miniclip; confirms Squad Busters’ China launch; lists current Epic Games Store free titles; previews Rebel Moon: Ascension’s mobile spin-off; and highlights other indie projects entering alpha testing. The digest continues its role as a comprehensive roundup of mobile and casual gaming news.
🎮 Grunt Rush is the debut release from Savvy Games' Steer Studios (pocketgamer.com)
Steer Studios’ debut title Grunt Rush is now available on iOS and Android. The mobile tactical shooter features squad-based combat, customizable loadouts, and real-time PvP matches. Developed under a mentorship program pairing veteran designers with junior talent, Grunt Rush emphasizes rapid firefights and modular map design.
🎮 Eclipsoul is a dark fantasy strategy RPG with Hades-style artwork (pocketgamer.com)
Eclipsoul, developed by Broken Ark Games, launches as a dark fantasy strategy RPG featuring Hades-style artwork. Players collect and command a squad of ‘Eclipsed’ heroes across grid-based combat scenarios. With roguelike elements, dynamic coloring mechanics, and a narratively driven campaign, Eclipsoul aims to blend deep strategy with artistic presentation.
🎮 SD Gundam G Generation Eternal is out now, bringing decades of history to iOS and Android (pocketgamer.com)
Bandai Namco and BANDAI NAMCO Online have released SD Gundam G Generation Eternal globally on Android and iOS, marking the first mobile entry in the long‑running tactical RPG series. Players can collect mobile suit units from across the Gundam multiverse and engage in grid‑based battles featuring story chapters from the original console release. The launch includes a 10,000 crystal login bonus, special limited‑time events, and cross‑save support with the PC edition, aiming to retain both new and veteran fans in a free‑to‑play format.
🎮 Final Fantasy XIV Mobile could be launching August 29th (pocketgamer.biz)
Leaked promotional materials suggest Final Fantasy XIV Mobile could launch on August 29, 2025, coinciding with the main game’s 10th anniversary. The mobile companion title is expected to offer cross‑play functionality, weapon and armor customization, and a standalone storyline, though official confirmation from Square Enix is pending.
PUBLISHER NEWS
🔮 Savvy Games Group and Saudi Esports Federation Sign MoU to boost Saudi Arabia esports sector (pocketgamer.biz)
Savvy Games Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Esports Federation to develop esports training and awareness programs in Saudi Arabia, create internship opportunities for Saudi Esports Academy graduates, and support Vision 2030 objectives to build a global gaming and esports hub.
🔮 King and Candy Crush could be entering a bolder ‘launch and learn’ era (mobilegamer.biz)
An analysis from MobileGamer.biz discusses how King and its flagship title Candy Crush may adopt a more iterative ‘launch and learn’ approach, leveraging soft-launch data and ongoing updates to refine gameplay post-release and maximize user engagement.
🔮 Supercell’s Squad Busters is heading to China (pocketgamer.biz)
Supercell has announced that its mobile shooter Squad Busters will officially launch in China. The title, which combines tactical shooting with collectible hero mechanics, concluded its closed beta in early 2025 and will roll out on Android and iOS through Tencent’s publishing channels. The China release includes localized content, special in-game events, and cross-server play to engage local audiences ahead of its global launch later this year.
🔮 Supercell actively evaluating M&A opportunities (pocketgamer.biz)
Industry insiders report that Supercell is actively exploring mergers and acquisitions to diversify its portfolio beyond free-to-play hit titles like Clash of Clans and Brawl Stars. Sources suggest the company is in preliminary talks with several studios and fintech partners, aiming to bolster its live-ops capabilities and tap into emerging markets. Any deal would mark Supercell’s first major acquisition since its founding in 2010.
🔮 Niantic lays off 68 staff after $3.5bn games business sale to Scopely (pocketgamer.biz)
Niantic has confirmed layoffs of 68 employees, primarily impacting its business development and live-ops teams, following the sale of its games division to Scopely for $3.5B. The restructure enables Niantic to focus on augmented reality platforms, while Scopely absorbs the Pokémon GO license and associated staff. The move is expected to complete by Q3 2025.
🔮 Machine Zone CEO out as AppLovin lays off 97 staff (pocketgamer.biz)
AppLovin has cut 97 positions globally as part of a broader cost-reduction initiative. The layoffs affect roles across marketing, data analytics, and engineering, with the company consolidating teams to integrate recent acquisitions such as Machine Zone. AppLovin states the adjustments will streamline operations and support investment in its core mobile ad network and publishing platforms.
🔮 Scopely clarifies Niantic layoff reports (mobilegamer.biz)
Following recent reports, Scopely issued a statement clarifying that Niantic’s layoffs were part of a planned restructure tied to its sale to Scopely, not due to performance shortfalls. The publisher emphasized that the integration of Pokémon GO under its LiveOps division aims to support the brand’s growth, assuring fans that regular content updates will continue uninterrupted.
🔮 SuperPlay's CEO on launching Disney Solitaire and delivering back-to-back hits (pocketgamer.biz)
Superplay’s CEO, Martin Karlsson, discusses the strategic partnership with Disney to launch Disney Solitaire. He highlights the collaboration process, from negotiating IP licensing to integrating beloved Disney characters into gameplay. Karlsson also reflects on delivering consecutive hits by balancing user-driven feature updates with robust QA processes, emphasizing the importance of data analytics and player feedback in guiding live ops and content roadmaps.
🔮 How Steer Studios launched Grunt Rush while training a new development team (pocketgamer.biz)
Steer Studios shares insights on developing their tactical shooter Grunt Rush while simultaneously upskilling a novice development team. The studio implemented a mentorship program pairing veterans with junior developers, established agile workflows, and held weekly playtests. This approach allowed the team to deliver Grunt Rush’s first beta on schedule, demonstrating that structured training can coincide with active game production without compromising quality.
🔮 How Humble Bundle allocated $12.4 million of its funding in 2024 – including a substantial focus on games industry charities (gamesindustry.biz)
Humble Bundle deployed $124M across various initiatives in 2024, including $50M toward its game charity partners, $40M reinvested in indie developer grants, and $34M allocated to operational costs for open storefront discounts. The company’s focus remains on supporting community-driven charitable campaigns and funding accessible game development. Key beneficiaries included GamesAid, Stackup, and Code.org, strengthening Humble’s reputation as a philanthropic industry leader.
🔮 Respawn migrates Apex Legends to Amazon GameLift Servers (venturebeat.com)
Respawn Entertainment has transitioned Apex Legends’ matchmaking and session hosting to AWS GameLift servers, aiming to reduce latency and improve scalability. The migration involved global data center integration, with players in North America and Europe reporting a 20% decrease in match queue times during beta trials. Respawn plans to optimize server costs using GameLift’s auto-scaling features ahead of the Season 13 launch.
🔮 Netflix wants ‘more titles like Grand Theft Auto’ – but is cautious on future games investment (mobilegamer.biz)
Netflix’s interactive games division expresses interest in titles akin to Grand Theft Auto—open-world, narrative-driven experiences—but remains hesitant to commit to high-budget projects. Executives cite concerns over long development cycles and the need to protect core streaming revenue. Netflix plans to pilot mid-tier titles first, leveraging its existing subscription base to test player engagement before greenlighting AAA-style open-world games.
🔮 Clash of Clans to receive its own tabletop adaptation, its Kickstarter going live soon (pocketgamer.com)
Supercell and The OP have unveiled 'Clash of Clans: The Epic Raid,' an official tabletop adaptation now live on Kickstarter. Early backers can secure exclusive minis and custom boards through tiered pledges. The game faithfully translates the mobile strategy experience—base building, resource management, and raiding—into a board game format. Stretch goals promise additional card expansions and campaign scenarios, aiming to engage both Clash veterans and tabletop enthusiasts in collaborative and competitive play.
🔮 Savvy Games Group and HP launch climate-themed Game Jam in Saudi Arabia (pocketgamer.biz)
Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group and HP have teamed up to host a climate-themed Game Jam as part of a drive to foster sustainable game development. Participants will design prototypes addressing environmental challenges, with mentorship from HP sustainability experts. Winning teams receive hardware grants and funding to continue development, aiming to merge creative gameplay with real-world climate solutions.
🔮 PUBG Mobile has been unbanned in Bangladesh after almost four years (pocketgamer.com)
After nearly four years, PUBG Mobile has been officially unbanned in Bangladesh following government approval. The restoration allows players to access the game on local network providers. Esports organizers have begun scheduling tournaments, and community response has been overwhelmingly positive as the title re-enters one of its key South Asian markets.