[Last Week in Games] Pokémon Go (and other Niantic games) just sold for $3.5B, Tactical Shooter Shutting Down Just A Year After $30 Million Investment, and more news!
News in games that caught our eyes in the last week [March 10 - March 17, 2025]
INDUSTRY NEWS
🚀 The 12 finalists for the World Video Game Hall of Fame (venturebeat.com)
VentureBeat has revealed the 12 finalists for the World Video Game Hall of Fame, honoring games that have made a lasting impact on the industry and inviting votes from the public and industry experts.
🚀 Brazil becomes the latest country to force Apple to allow sideloading (pocketgamer.com)
In a landmark decision, regulators in Brazil have compelled Apple to permit sideloading on its devices, a move that could disrupt traditional app distribution and offer consumers greater flexibility.
🚀 France readies Apple ATT antitrust fine and ban (pocketgamer.biz)
French authorities are reportedly preparing to impose an antitrust fine—and possibly a ban—on Apple and AT&T as they address concerns over market practices and aim to protect consumer competition.
🚀 How Leaderboards Impact Player Retention (adriancrook.com)
Adrian Crook examines how leaderboards can significantly boost player retention by fostering competition and continuous engagement, thereby enhancing overall long-term gameplay satisfaction.
🚀 Utah becomes first state to require app store age verification for minors (pocketgamer.biz)
Utah has become the first U.S. state to require age verification on app stores for minors, a regulatory move intended to improve online safety and protect young users from inappropriate content.
🚀 How Istanbul Became the New Capital of Mobile Gaming – And Where It's Headed Next (deconstructoroffun.com)
An in-depth analysis on Deconstructor of Fun explains how Türkiye has emerged as a major hub for mobile gaming, driven by favorable market conditions, local talent, and substantial investment.
🚀 Mobile game leaders back Project Europe investment group (mobilegamer.biz)
Prominent figures in the mobile gaming industry have united in support of Project Europe Investment Group, an initiative designed to drive growth and innovation across European game studios.
🚀 Best Practices for LiveOps Content Updates (adriancrook.com)
Adrian Crook outlines key strategies for executing successful liveOps content updates, emphasizing continuous engagement, creative innovation, and data-driven decision making.
🚀 10 tips for user acquisition on a budget (applovin.com)
AppLovin’s blog post offers ten actionable tips for achieving effective user acquisition on a limited budget, sharing strategies to maximize marketing ROI and drive growth.
INVESTOR
📈 Female founders in game companies got 12.1% of game VC deals in 2024 (venturebeat.com)
A recent report reveals that female founders in game companies secured only 0.11% of venture capital deals in 2024, highlighting significant gender disparities in investment within the gaming sector.
📈 Indie developer Welevel raises $5.7m in funding (gamesindustry.biz)
Indie developer WeLevel has successfully raised $57 million in funding, a boost that will help expand its portfolio and fuel innovation in its game development projects.
📈 Reality Games raises $4.7M for location-based Monopoly World (venturebeat.com)
Reality Games has secured $4.7 million in funding to develop a location-based version of Monopoly World, blending traditional board game mechanics with real-world interactions for an innovative experience.
📈 Trump tariffs hit Japanese games companies as shares in Nintendo, Sony, DeNA and Capcom fall (pocketgamer.biz)
Tariffs imposed under the Trump administration have adversely affected Japanese game companies, with shares in Nintendo, Sony, DeNA, and Capcom experiencing notable declines.
📈 PvX Partners secures $3.8m seed funding to scale games and consumer apps (pocketgamer.biz)
PVX Partners has raised $38 million in seed funding to accelerate the development and scaling of its games and consumer apps, positioning itself for rapid growth in a competitive market.
📈 Atlant 3D raises $15M to build materials and devices atom by atom (venturebeat.com)
Atlant 3D has secured $15 million to pioneer atom-by-atom manufacturing of materials and devices, a breakthrough that could have far-reaching implications for gaming hardware and technology.
📈 Zen Match maker Good Job Games raises $23m (mobilegamer.biz)
Good Job Games has raised $23 million to further develop Zen Match Maker, a title that blends relaxing puzzle mechanics with strategic gameplay to offer a unique, meditative experience.
📈 Supercell invests in app distribution firm Applivery (mobilegamer.biz)Supercell has made a strategic investment in Applivery, an app distribution firm, to enhance its content delivery and support its expansive mobile gaming ecosystem.
📈 Integrated Reality Labs raises $1.5m to launch real-world multiplayer game Slap IRL (mobilegamer.biz)
Integrated Reality Labs has raised $1.5 million to develop "Slap IRL," a game that merges real-world physical interactions with digital multiplayer gameplay for a novel, immersive experience.
📈 Pragma raises $12.75M for backend game engine for live services games (venturebeat.com)
Pragma has secured $12.75 million to build a robust backend game engine tailored for live services, enhancing scalability and real-time engagement in modern games.
📈 Liminal Experiences raises $5.8M for UGC and AI gaming (venturebeat.com)
Liminal Experiences has raised $5.8 million to drive advancements in user-generated content and AI-powered gaming, aiming to create more dynamic and interactive player experiences.
📈 Pokémon Go (and other Niantic games) just sold for $3.5B (polygon.com)
Polygon reports on emerging rumors that Niantic Games might be sold or acquired by Scopely, a move that could significantly impact the future of Pokémon GO and the mobile gaming industry.
📈 Nunu.ai raises $6M for AI agents dubbed 'unembodied minds' for game testing (venturebeat.com)
Nunu AI has raised $6 million to develop advanced AI agents—termed "Unembodied Minds"—aimed at revolutionizing game testing by automating complex quality assurance processes.
📈 M10 raises $3M for Web3 competitive multiplayer games (venturebeat.com)
M10 has raised $3 million to develop web3-based competitive multiplayer games, integrating blockchain technology to enhance in-game economies and player ownership.
📈 Opus Major raises $10M to bring people together through music and games (venturebeat.com)
Opus Major has secured $10 million to develop innovative experiences that blend music and gaming, aiming to create platforms that foster community and creative collaboration.
📈 Felicity Games raises $3m to boost Indian game publishing and global expansion (pocketgamer.biz)
Felicity Games has raised $3 million to expand its publishing operations in India and abroad, focusing on global market penetration and the promotion of local gaming talent.
📈 Human Computer raises $5.7M in seed funding to build indie portfolio (venturebeat.com)
Human Computer has secured $5.7 million in seed funding to expand its portfolio of indie games, supporting creative talent and innovative development projects.
MARKET DATA
📊 Split Fiction Is A Smash Hit By Every Metric And A Lesson To EA And Others (kotaku.com)
Kotaku examines the success of Split Fiction, noting its impressive Metacritic score of 90 and strong Steam player base, alongside recent updates from EA that underscore innovative design and robust community support.
📊 Omeda Studios launches update for Predecessor MOBA as players surpass 2 million (venturebeat.com)
Omeda Studios has rolled out a major update for its predecessor MOBA, celebrating a milestone of over 2 million players while introducing new features and balance improvements to enrich the gaming experience.
📊 Split Fiction tops 1 million units sold in just 48 hours (gamesindustry.biz)
Split Fiction has surpassed 1 million units sold within 48 hours of its release, showcasing strong market demand and the effectiveness of its launch strategy.
📊 Moon Studios' Ori series tops 15m sales (gamesindustry.biz)
Moon Studios' Ori series has surpassed $15 million in sales, underscoring its enduring appeal and the critical acclaim for its art, storytelling, and gameplay.
📊 Pokémon Go has 20m weekly active players nearly nine years after its global launch (pocketgamer.biz)
Nearly nine years after its global debut, Pokémon GO continues to thrive with 20 million weekly active players, demonstrating the game's lasting appeal and vibrant community engagement.
📊 Ludus: Merge Arena surpasses 5m players and races past $3m monthly revenue (pocketgamer.biz)
Ludus Merge Arena has achieved a major milestone with over 5 million players and monthly revenue exceeding $3 million, showcasing its strong market performance and monetization success.
📊 Wuthering Waves rides the wave to $250m after Version 2.0’s major comeback (pocketgamer.biz)
After a significant update in version 20, Wuthering Waves has surged to $250 million in revenue, marking a remarkable comeback and reaffirming its leadership in its genre.
📊 Half of mobile gamers in the US and UK are earning money playing games, survey claims (pocketgamer.biz)
A new report reveals that nearly 50% of mobile gamers in the US and UK generate income through gaming, highlighting the growing trend of monetization in casual and competitive play.
📊 Lifetime Netflix game downloads close in on 300m, GTA: San Andreas nears 40m (mobilegamer.biz)
Lifetime downloads for Netflix games are approaching 300 million, while GTA San Andreas nears 40 million downloads, underscoring the enduring appeal of these titles.
📊 Data digest: Sensor Tower’s State of Mobile, puzzle genre analysis and yet more funding news (mobilegamer.biz)
This digest examines Sensor Tower’s insights into the mobile puzzle genre and provides updates on recent funding rounds and trends shaping the market.
📊 Tribe Nine pulls in over ten million downloads worldwide since launch (pocketgamer.com)
Tribe Nine has achieved a major milestone by surpassing 10 million downloads, highlighting its widespread appeal and the effectiveness of its engaging gameplay and marketing efforts.
NEW GAMES
🎮 Battle Cars is a PvP racer that delivers a wallop of high octane action for iOS and Android (pocketgamer.com)
Battle Cars is now available on iOS and Android, offering fast-paced vehicular combat, dynamic multiplayer modes, and engaging graphics that deliver an adrenaline-fueled mobile gaming experience.
🎮 New game digest: Boat Game, Guitar Hero, Call of Duty, Crash Bandicoot, Suikoden, more (mobilegamer.biz)
This digest highlights several new game announcements and updates—from a fresh boat game to news on Guitar Hero, Call of Duty, Crash Bandicoot, and a new Suikoden title—offering a snapshot of current trends in gaming.
🎮 Astral Takers is a new Kemco-published JRPG now in pre-registration for Android (pocketgamer.com)
Pre-registration for Astral Takers on Android is now open. The game promises a unique blend of fantasy and strategy, and early sign-ups will receive exclusive rewards and early access benefits.
🎮 A Little to the Left releases both its standalone expansions on iOS (pocketgamer.com)
New downloadable content for A Little to the Left has been released on iOS, offering fans additional levels and fresh gameplay challenges that extend the life of the beloved puzzle title.
🎮 Runes is a reimagining of an iOS puzzler, now revamped and rereleased (pocketgamer.com)
Runes Puzzle is now available on iOS, offering players a challenging mix of strategy and logic puzzles that promise to test their skills and keep them engaged.
🎮 Endless Grades: Pixel Saga is a retro-inspired take on the JRPG genre, out now on Android (pocketgamer.com)
Endless Grades: Pixel Saga is available on Android with an iOS release imminent. The game offers retro-inspired pixel art and challenging puzzles for nostalgic gamers.
🎮 TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge will bring back the iconic 80s action to Android and iOS soon (pocketgamer.com)
Pre-registration for TMNT Shredders' Revenge is now open on both Android and iOS, offering fans exclusive rewards and early access opportunities before launch.
🎮 The New Denpa Men is out now on Android and iOS, bringing bizarre AR weirdness to mobile (pocketgamer.com)
The New Denpa Men is now available on both Android and iOS, delivering its signature quirky narrative and engaging gameplay to a global audience.
🎮 Quilts and Cats of Calico is out now on Android and iOS (pocketgamer.com)
Quilts and Cats of Calico has launched on iOS and Android, offering a unique blend of creative puzzle-solving and charming storytelling designed to captivate players.
🎮 Ahead of the Game - Elysia: The Astral Fall is a cosy idle RPG with easy progression and chill grinding (pocketgamer.com)
Elysia: The Astral Fall is featured as a standout upcoming title, noted for its immersive world, deep narrative, and innovative gameplay mechanics that set it apart in mobile gaming.
🎮 Meow Rangers is an upcoming auto-battler that looks similar to Capybara Go - but with furious felines instead (pocketgamer.com)
Pre-registration for Meow Rangers is now available, inviting players to join a whimsical adventure featuring feline heroes and action-packed gameplay.
🎮 E.T.E. Chronicle is an upcoming 3D mech adventure, launching tomorrow (pocketgamer.com)
E.T.E Chronicle is set to launch tomorrow, promising an immersive narrative experience combined with strategic gameplay and visually stunning design.
🎮 Be Brave, Barb is a gravity-bending new platformer from the creator of Dadish (pocketgamer.com)
Be Brave Barb is now live on iOS and Android, delivering an action-packed adventure with vibrant graphics and engaging gameplay that captivates players.
🎮 Songs of Conquest brings HOMM-like strategy to iOS and Android (pocketgamer.com)
Songs of Conquest has launched its mobile version, bringing its rich tactical gameplay and immersive world-building experience to a broader audience on the go.
PUBLISHER NEWS
🔮 Blizzard grants NetEase greater decision-making power over its games in China (pocketgamer.biz)
Blizzard has granted NetEase increased authority over its games in China as part of a strategic effort to localize decision-making, enhance market responsiveness, and tailor its offerings to regional tastes.
🔮 Fortnite maker Epic Games sued over ‘deceptive’ Item Shop timers (polygon.com)
Polygon delves into the ongoing lawsuit concerning Fortnite’s Epic Games Item Shop, outlining the legal issues involved and discussing potential ramifications for the game’s revenue model.
🔮 Hidden Variable sues Skullgirls publisher Autumn Games for $1.2m in unpaid payments (gamesindustry.biz)
Hidden Variable has initiated legal action against Skullgirls publisher Autumn Games, seeking $12 million in unpaid payments, which has sparked a broader discussion on financial practices in game publishing.
🔮 Epic’s iOS Games Store is coming to Brazil (mobilegamer.biz)
Epic Games is expanding its reach by launching its iOS Games Store in Brazil, opening up new opportunities for app distribution and offering a fresh platform for developers in the region.
🔮 Tilting Point launches $150m UA fund to support game developers (pocketgamer.biz)
Tilting Point has introduced a $150 million user acquisition fund aimed at empowering game developers to scale their marketing efforts and expand their user base effectively.
🔮 Virtuos opens new studio in Seoul (pocketgamer.biz)
Virtuos has opened a new development studio in Seoul, reinforcing its global expansion strategy and enhancing its capacity to produce high-quality games.
🔮 Tactical Shooter Promoted By Shroud Shutting Down Just A Year After $30 Million Investment (kotaku.com)
Kotaku reports that Spectre Divide has begun refunding players and is shutting down its Season 1 operations amid strategic and operational challenges.
🔮 Aethir drives stronger gaming user acquisition for SuperScale (venturebeat.com)
VentureBeat details how Aethir’s innovative strategies have bolstered user acquisition for Superscale, leveraging data insights and targeted marketing to drive robust growth.
🔮 Clash Royale heads back to the past with new (yet old) Retro Royale mode (pocketgamer.com)
Clash Royale introduces Retro Royale Mode, a nostalgic twist on its classic gameplay that blends old-school elements with modern strategy, now available for players to enjoy.
🔮 Inside the Skillz Developer Accelerator: Why $75M is Up for Grabs for Game Studios (deconstructoroffun.com)
Deconstructor of Fun examines the Skillz Developer Accelerator, explaining how the $75 million fund is designed to support game studios and foster innovation through strategic investments.