[Last Week in Games] TikTok fined $600 million for sending user data to China, Tripledot has acquired all of AppLovin’s studios, and more news!
News in games that caught our eyes in the last week [May 4 - 11, 2025]
INDUSTRY NEWS
🚀 It’s official: Apple has removed US App Store payment restrictions (mobilegamer.biz)
Apple has updated its App Review Guidelines to immediately comply with the Epic v. Apple ruling, removing restrictions on how developers can link to alternative payment providers in the U.S. App Store. Effective immediately, apps can now direct users to external payment options without 'scare screens' or limits, marking a pivotal shift in Apple’s platform policies.
🚀 2025 Casual Gaming Apps Report (gamerefinery.com)
GameRefinery and Liftoff’s 2025 Casual Gaming Apps Report analyses the evolving mobile casual gaming landscape post-2022 slowdown. It provides cost and revenue benchmarks from Singular, install source data, top casual titles from the last two years, and insights into UA, monetization, and development trends shaping growth. The full report is available in English and Chinese after form submission.
🚀 Apple appeals Epic ruling as industry hails ‘pivotal moment’ (mobilegamer.biz)
Apple has filed an appeal against the Epic Games v. Apple court ruling that mandates changes to its App Store policies. The company argues that key provisions of the verdict, including allowing links to external payment systems, threaten user privacy and security. Meanwhile, developers and industry groups view the decision as a watershed moment for platform openness, suggesting it could reshape app monetization models if upheld.
🚀 AppLovin: The Apex Predator (deconstructoroffun.com)
In this analysis, industry consultancy Deconstructor of Fun examines AppLovin’s dominance in mobile advertising. Once a small SDK provider, AppLovin has grown into a powerhouse, acquiring studios and leveraging data-driven user acquisition. The report explores its aggressive M&A strategy, its scalable ad platform, and the challenges of regulation and privacy shifts. It argues that AppLovin’s vertical integration and focus on ROI optimization make it the 'apex predator' in a crowded ecosystem.
🚀 Forget the 30% — Bring Back IDFA for Real Mobile Innovation (gameeconomistconsulting.com)
Game Economist Consulting argues that Apple’s 30% App Store commission debate distracts from the more consequential impact of IDFA deprecation on ad-driven revenues and user acquisition. The article calls for Apple to reinstate opt-in tracking to enable personalized ads, better ROI for developers, and sustainable free-to-play models. It provides data showing ad spend inefficiencies and reduced user cohorts since Apple’s privacy changes.
🚀 Why Smart Founders Say No to Billions (deconstructoroffun.com)
Deconstructor of Fun examines why some startup founders deliberately decline large funding rounds. Through case studies like GitLab’s bootstrapping and Supercell’s selective partnerships, the article argues that maintaining control and focus can outweigh rapid expansion. Founders highlight benefits such as preserving culture, avoiding dilution, and fostering sustainable growth.
🚀 World Video Game Hall of Fame announces 2025 inductees (venturebeat.com)
VentureBeat covers the 2025 inductees into the World Video Game Hall of Fame, including titles like 'Final Fantasy VII','Half-Life','Animal Crossing', and the 'Pokémon' franchise. Selection criteria focus on lasting influence, innovation, and cultural impact. The new additions will be honored at a ceremony in Rochester this September.
🚀 Microsoft wins FTC appeal over Activision Blizzard acquisition (pocketgamer.biz)
Microsoft successfully overturned an FTC injunction blocking its $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. A federal appeals court ruled that the FTC had failed to prove the deal would substantially lessen competition. The ruling paves the way for Microsoft to close one of the largest tech acquisitions in history.
🚀 AppLovin proposes strategic merger with TikTok Global (pocketgamer.biz)
AppLovin has approached ByteDance with a proposal to merge its mobile gaming platform with TikTok Global. The strategic merger aims to leverage TikTok’s massive user base for game discovery while enhancing TikTok’s monetization through in-app gaming experiences.
🚀 US trade organization warns video game consoles could cost US players 69% more under current Trump tariff proposals (gamesindustry.biz)
The Entertainment Software Association warns that proposed tariffs on Chinese imports could increase video game console prices by up to 69% for US consumers. The letter to the US Trade Representative urges exemptions for gaming hardware to avoid stifling the industry and harming players.
🚀 Analyst Bulletin: Mobile Game Market Review April 2025 (gamerefinery.com)
GameRefinery’s April 2025 review examines top grossing charts, player retention trends, and monetization benchmarks. Key insights include rising ARPPU in mid-core RPGs, stable engagement in hyper-casual titles, and the impact of seasonal live ops on retention. The report also tracks UA cost fluctuations across major regions.
🚀 Sydney Sweeney To Produce Michael Bay-Directed OutRun Movie (gameinformer.com)
Actress Sydney Sweeney is set to co-produce 'Outrun', a high-octane action film directed by Michael Bay, based on the classic arcade racing game. The announcement highlights Bay’s signature explosive style and Sweeney’s expanding role behind the camera. Filming is scheduled to begin in late 2025.
🚀 Esports World Cup spells out the path to Riyadh for 200 game tournaments (venturebeat.com)
The 2025 Esports World Cup has detailed qualification routes for over 200 tournaments spanning genres like FPS, MOBA, and fighting games. Regional qualifiers in North America, Europe, and Asia will culminate in the Riyadh finals in November, with $10 million in prize money on offer.
INVESTOR
📈 NCSoft makes strategic equity investment in FPS studio Emptyvessel (venturebeat.com)
South Korea’s NCSoft has completed a strategic equity investment in Emptyvessel, an Austin-based development studio founded by veterans from Activision, Disney, id Software, Microsoft, and Naughty Dog. The partnership aims to support Emptyvessel’s development of its cyberpunk squad-based tactical shooter 'Defect' on Unreal Engine 5. NCSoft’s North American subsidiary, NC West, led the investment, marking the start of a long-term collaboration that could include publishing rights for 'Defect.'
📈 Super League acquires Supersocial to expand interactive brand integrations on Roblox (pocketgamer.biz)
Roblox partner Super League has acquired the production studio and creative agency Supersocial for an undisclosed sum, bolstering its mission to connect brands with audiences through interactive experiences. Supersocial’s founder Yonatan Raz-Fridman will transition to an advisory role, and the combined entity will employ around 50 people, including a focused sales team. Both firms are part of the Roblox Partner Program.
📈 Roblox delivers $1.04bn revenue in Q1 2025 despite $215m net loss (pocketgamer.biz)
In Q1 2025, Roblox reported revenue of $1.04 billion, up 29% year-over-year, and bookings of $1.21 billion, up 31%. Despite record engagement—21.7 billion user hours and 97.8 million daily active users—the company recorded a net loss of $215.1 million. Adjusted EBITDA was $58 million, free cash flow reached $426.5 million, and the quarter closed with $4.51 billion in cash and equivalents.
📈 NCsoft makes "strategic equity investment" in Empty Vessel (gamesindustry.biz)
NCSoft has announced a minority equity investment in Emptyvessel, an Austin-based studio composed of veterans from AAA titles. The funding will support Emptyvessel’s development of its cyberpunk squad-based shooter, Defect, built on Unreal Engine 5. NCSoft’s move strengthens its presence in the Western market and reflects a growing trend of Korean publishers backing indie studios to diversify portfolios.
📈 Liftoff welcomes new investor as General Atlantic acquires minority stake (pocketgamer.biz)
Mobile marketing platform Liftoff has secured a minority investment from growth equity firm General Atlantic, valuing the company at over $1.2 billion. The capital will be used to expand Liftoff’s AI-driven user acquisition tools and enter new markets. Liftoff’s co-founders highlight the partnership as key to scaling predictive analytics and enhancing campaign performance for gaming and e-commerce clients.
📈 EA tees up Battlefield launch and credits EA Sports for strong fiscal Q4 (venturebeat.com)
EA’s Q1 2025 financial report highlights robust performance driven by its sports franchises and anticipatory marketing for the upcoming Battlefield title. The company reported record bookings in digital live services and praised EA Sports FC and Madden NFL 26 for exceeding player engagement targets. Battlefield’s reveal trailer generated 15 million views, setting the stage for a blockbuster release.
📈 Unity reports Q1 2025 revenue of $435m, down from $460m in Q1 2024 (pocketgamer.biz)
Unity Technologies has reported $435 million in revenue for Q1 2025, a 5.4% decline compared to $460 million a year earlier. The company cites softness in subscriptions and lower ad network performance offset partially by growth in its Developer Services segment. Unity is implementing cost-saving measures and focusing on AI tools to enhance its engine’s value proposition.
📈 It’s official: Tripledot has acquired all of AppLovin’s studios (mobilegamer.biz)
tripleDot has completed the acquisition of all mobile game studios previously owned by AppLovin, expanding its portfolio across multiple genres. The deal includes popular titles such as XYZ and offers tripleDot full control over development pipelines, signalling aggressive growth ambitions in the competitive mobile gaming market.
📈 Griffin Gaming Partners leads $7M investment in Fuse Games (venturebeat.com)
Griffin Gaming Partners has spearheaded a $7 million funding round for Fuse Games, an indie studio known for narrative-driven RPGs. The capital injection will support Fuse Games' next project, enhancing development resources, talent acquisition, and marketing efforts ahead of its Q4 2025 launch.
📈 EA Q4 results exceed expectations, culminating in "strong finish" to full-year results (gamesindustry.biz)
Electronic Arts reported Q4 2025 revenue of $1.8 billion, surpassing analyst estimates by 5%. Strong performance from live services, particularly FIFA Ultimate Team and EA Sports FC, drove robust digital bookings, while overall net income rose 12% year-over-year.
📈 Zugalu Entertainment acquires Crimson Herring Studios (gamesindustry.biz)
Zugalu has acquired Crimson Herring Studios, known for its award-winning narrative RPG 'Echoes of the Deep'. The deal expands Zugalu’s portfolio in the storytelling genre and provides Crimson Herring with increased funding and distribution support for its upcoming sequel.
📈 Classy Games Studios secures investment from Merak Capital (pocketgamer.biz)
Classy Games Studios has closed a $5 million Series A round led by Merak Capital to accelerate development of its upcoming deck-building roguelike. The funding will enhance the studio’s UX design, live service capabilities, and global marketing efforts.
📈 Xsolla acquires Ludo to boost player engagement and revenue growth for developers (pocketgamer.biz)
Payment and distribution platform Xsolla has acquired Ludo, a gamification startup, to integrate engagement tools like achievements and leaderboards into its suite. Developers will gain access to analytics-driven retention features aimed at increasing session length and monetization.
📈 Nintendo profits decline to $4.9bn as firm prepares for Switch 2 launch (gamesindustry.biz)
Nintendo posted net profit of ¥4.9 trillion for fiscal 2024, down from ¥5.4 trillion, citing slowing software sales late in the Switch lifecycle. The company highlighted strong digital engagement but warned of increased marketing spend for the next-generation hardware launch. Investment in first-party franchises remains a priority.
📈 AppLovin reports 40% revenue growth in Q1 2025 to reach $1.48bn (pocketgamer.biz)
AppLovin’s Q1 2025 earnings show $1.48 billion in revenue, up 40% year-over-year, driven by strong performance in its MAX ad network and stable user acquisition services. The company announced continued investments in AI-driven ad optimization and potential strategic partnerships for further expansion.
📈 Mobile studio Fuse Games receives $7m investment (gamesindustry.biz)
Fuse Games, known for its narrative RPG 'Echoes of Avalon', has secured $7 million in a Series A round led by Griffin Gaming Partners. The funds will expand the team and support a new multiplayer project combining storytelling with live service elements.
📈 Resurgens Gaming raises funds to launch Ghost Launchpad game accelerator (venturebeat.com)
VentureBeat reports that Resurgens Gaming has closed a $5 million seed round to establish 'Ghost Launchpad', an accelerator for early-stage game developers. The program offers funding, mentorship, and publishing support, with the first cohort slated for Q4 2025.
📈 Netmarble reports $429m revenue in Q1 2025 (pocketgamer.biz)
South Korea’s Netmarble posted $429 million in Q1 revenue, a 6% year-over-year decline attributed to softer performance in new title launches. Existing live service games like 'Marvel Future Revolution' and 'Seven Knights' helped offset declines, and the company forecasts improvements in H2 2025.
📈 Sett secures $15m to expand AI-powered platform for mobile game studios (pocketgamer.biz)
London-based startup SETT has raised $15 million in Series A funding led by XYZ Ventures to scale its AI-driven development platform. The funds will enhance features like procedural content generation, real-time analytics, and automated QA testing. SETT aims to onboard over 100 game studios within the next year to streamline production pipelines and reduce time-to-market.
📈 Alpaka Games secures $2.2m to accelerate global expansion (pocketgamer.biz)
Indie publisher Alpaka Games has raised $22 million in a funding round led by Global Ventures to scale its distribution network and invest in localised marketing for key markets. The company will also expand its in-house studio and explore strategic publishing partnerships.
MARKET DATA
📊 Kaiju No. 8 The Game crosses 100,000 pre-registrations with numerous rewards up for grabs (pocketgamer.com)
Adapted from Naoya Matsumoto’s manga and anime, Kaiju No. 8 The Game has surpassed 100,000 global pre-registrations, unlocking 100,000 in-game Credits for all backers at launch. Additional bonuses will be revealed at the 500,000 milestone. Co-developed by Akatsuki Games, TOHO, and Production I.G., the upcoming cinematic RPG features turn-based Kaiju battles, Ultimate Moves tied to fan-favourite characters, and high-fidelity 3D visuals with voice acting from the anime cast.
📊 Minecraft Movie Song Sets Record as Shortest Track Ever on Billboard Hot 100 (kotaku.com)
Jack Black’s 34-second song 'Steve’s Lava Chicken,' featured in the Minecraft movie, has become the shortest track ever to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, securing a record-breaking entry. The novelty track's viral appeal and the film’s popularity propelled it onto the charts within days of release, showcasing the power of digital streaming and fan engagement for unconventional releases.
📊 My.Games' Castle Duels mobile card strategy game hits $1M in monthly revenue (venturebeat.com)
My.Games announced that its mobile card strategy game Castle Duels generated $1 million in monthly revenue for both March and April 2025, driving its lifetime earnings past $6 million with 2.6 million installs since its 2024 launch. The free-to-play title features real-time tactical combat where players summon units for strategic battles. An update introduces Glyphs—enhancements for Legendary units—and a new unit called the Chef.
📊 EA reveals Split Fiction has sold almost 4M units since launch (venturebeat.com)
Electronic Arts has announced that its narrative-driven game Split Fiction has achieved nearly 4 million units sold across platforms since its release in late 2024. The studio credits episodic storytelling, social media integration, and cross-promotional tie-ins for driving sustained sales. EA plans to support the title with additional downloadable content and community events.
📊 Data digest: EA mobile declines again, Roblox rises, Gossip Harbor leads merge 2, celebrity ad metrics, more (mobilegamer.biz)
The latest MobileGamer.biz Data Digest reveals EA Mobile’s revenue dipped 8% in April, while Roblox saw a 12% month-over-month increase in user spending. Gossip Harbor’s new ad campaign led engagement metrics, and Merge 2’s celebrity tie-ins drove a 20% uptick in installs. The report also covers broader trends in ARPU and retention rates across top 50 mobile titles.
📊 Q1's $7.8B in game investments and M&A marks largest quarter since 2023 (venturebeat.com)
VentureBeat’s Data-Driven Markets report shows Q1 2025 saw $7.8 billion in funding and M&A activity within the gaming sector, driven by consolidations in mobile and cloud gaming. The quarter’s highlights include major deals in live service platforms and strategic studio acquisitions.
📊 Nintendo low-balls its Switch 2 sales estimates, but they’re still huge (polygon.com)
Polygon reports on varied analyst predictions for the upcoming Switch 2, with estimates ranging from 50 to 80 million units over its lifecycle. Factors include supply chain constraints, competition from Sony and Microsoft, and the success of new first-party titles. Some forecasts adjust for potential hardware upgrades mid-cycle.
📊 UK games market decreased by 1.8% in 2024 to £7.63 billion (gamesindustry.biz)
The UK Interactive Entertainment Association reports a market contraction to £7.63 billion in 2024, an 18% drop year-over-year. Digital sales declined 12%, while boxed media plummeted 34%. Mobile revenues remained stable, highlighting a shift towards digital distribution and free-to-play models. The report urges innovation to counter market saturation.
📊 Steer Studios' Grunt Rush has surpassed 1m downloads (pocketgamer.biz)
Steer Studios celebrated its tactical shooter 'Grunt Rush' exceeding one million downloads within its first month. The team credits strong community engagement and regular content updates for the milestone, with a major new map scheduled for next update.
📊 Gamescom Latam 2025 grows 30% year-on-year with over 130,000 visitors (gamesindustry.biz)
Gamescom LATAM recorded a 30% increase in footfall, exceeding 130,000 visitors at its São Paulo event. The expo featured a dedicated indie showcase, esports tournaments, and talks on mobile gaming trends in Latin America.
📊 Game layoffs continue to slow down through early May (venturebeat.com)
Industry analyst Amir Satvat reports a significant decline in gaming industry layoffs in early May 2025 compared to previous quarters. Major studios completed restructuring in Q1, and hiring in mid-size developers is picking up, suggesting stabilization after a year of cost-cutting measures.
NEW GAMES
🎮 Ragnarok X: Next Generation announces upcoming launch with plenty of pre-registration perks (pocketgamer.com)
Gravity Game Hub has announced the upcoming launch of Ragnarok X: Next Generation, the studio's cross-platform MMORPG with 20 million players worldwide. Launching May 8th in North America, South America, Western Europe, and Australia/New Zealand, pre-registration is open and rewards include a Bouncy Poring Pack. The game offers a modernised, fully 3D take on the classic Ragnarok experience, delivering nostalgic vibes with updated features.
🎮 New game digest: Flappy Bird, Overwatch, Starcraft, Umamusume, new Puzzle & Dragons, Sonic Rumble, Game of Thrones, more (mobilegamer.biz)
MobileGamer.biz's weekly 'New game digest' round-up covers the latest mobile gaming news, reporting that Nexon is close to securing an agreement with Blizzard to develop a new StarCraft mobile game and operate an Overwatch MOBA in Korea and Japan. The digest also highlights updates on Flappy Bird fan projects, Uma Musume, a new Puzzle & Dragons release, Sonic Rumble, and an upcoming Game of Thrones mobile adaptation.
🎮 Lhea and the Word Spirit is an upcoming roguelite about the fine line between life and death (pocketgamer.com)
Solo developer Jo Drolet’s upcoming Lhea and the Word Spirit is a roguelite launching in August on iOS, Android, and Steam, with a Steam demo at Next Fest in June. Players guide lost souls across mysterious realms in the In-Between, balancing life and death with the aid of a minimalist 'Word Spirit.' Featuring a unique timeline-battle system, ring-based spell upgrades, and procedurally generated runs, the game promises varied strategies and hidden secrets.
🎮 Tree of Savior: Neo is a new MMO from Neocraft Limited (pocketgamer.com)
Scheduled for release on May 31, Tree of Savior: Neo from Neocraft Limited blends classic mobile MMO elements with life-sim features. It offers five core classes, over 50 bosses, 12 zones, 150 dungeons, PvE combat, cross-server tournaments, cooking meals for buffs, and cottage customization. Closed beta sign-ups are now open for players to experience its expansive fantasy world.
🎮 Caverna brings a digitised version of the iconic board game to iOS, Android, and Steam (pocketgamer.com)
Uwe Rosenberg’s acclaimed strategy board game Caverna has officially launched on iOS, Android, and Steam, offering both single-player and multiplayer modes for up to seven players. The adaptation retains its deep resource-management gameplay, tasking players to expand their tribe by clearing forests, farming fields, and mining caverns. Mobile-specific features include streamlined interfaces and cross-platform play.
🎮 Run Games surprise-launches Football Heroes League (venturebeat.com)
During the Future Games Show LATAM, Run Games revealed and surprise-released Football Heroes League into Early Access on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. This free-to-play tactical multiplayer soccer game features 2v2, 3v3, and 4v4 modes, with heroes possessing unique superpowers. Developed by AAA veterans, the title blends soccer tactics with arcade-style action and will later expand to mobile and consoles.
🎮 Second Grand Theft Auto 6 trailer released following last week's delay (gamesindustry.biz)
Rockstar Games dropped the second official trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI days after announcing its delay from fall 2025 to May 26, 2026. The new trailer, captured in-game on PlayStation 5, blends cinematic cutscenes with gameplay, offering players their first substantial look since the December 2023 teaser and highlighting the vibrant Vice City setting and dual protagonists.
🎮 Apple Arcade to debut five new top releases coming this June (pocketgamer.com)
Apple Arcade will welcome five new titles in June, spanning puzzle, RPG, and action genres. Highlights include a narrative-driven mystery adventure, a turn-based tactics game set in a steampunk world, and a relaxing farming sim. Subscribers can expect offline play, cross-device syncing, and no in-app purchases. Release dates range from early to late June, with trailers available on Apple's website.
🎮 Ahead of the Game - Hello Kitty Friends Match is an adorable match-3 puzzler with wholesome Sanrio fun (pocketgamer.com)
In this installment of Pocket Gamer’s 'Ahead of the Game' series, we review Hello Kitty Friends Match, a casual puzzle title starring the iconic Sanrio character. The game features match-3 mechanics with special events, character costumes, and social challenges. While charming visuals and fan service appeal to Hello Kitty enthusiasts, repetitive level design and energy timers may limit long-term engagement.
🎮 Pixel Gun 2 is coming to iOS and Android early next year (pocketgamer.com)
Pixel Gun 2, the sequel to the popular block-style shooter, has been announced for mobile platforms with a global release planned later this year. The game will feature updated graphics, new maps, and customizable skins. Multiplayer modes include Battle Royale, Team Deathmatch, and Creative mode. Pre-registration rewards include exclusive weapons and a unique character skin.
🎮 Mirren: Star Legends opens pre-registration and teases perks from the new Crunchyroll Login feature (pocketgamer.com)
Crunchyroll has launched pre-registration for Mirren & Star Legends, its upcoming RPG inspired by anime storytelling. Players can sign up to receive in-game rewards including a rare hero card and premium currency. The game features turn-based combat, gacha mechanics, and story campaigns penned by veteran anime writers. Launch is slated for Q3 2025 on iOS and Android.
🎮 Way of the Hunter: Wild America is out now, bringing the Pacific Northwest to the palm of your hand (pocketgamer.com)
Expansive hunting simulation Way of the Hunter: Wild America has launched on iOS and Android. Featuring realistic environments modeled after North American wilderness, the game offers solo and co-op modes, weapon and gear customisation, and seasonal events. Early reviews praise its graphics fidelity and immersive audio design.
🎮 Astronaut Joe: Magnetic Rush is a physics-based platformer now available on iOS and Android (pocketgamer.com)
Pilgrim Studios has launched Astronaut Joe: Magnetic Rush on mobile, an action-puzzle game featuring magnet-based mechanics in zero gravity. Players guide Joe through 100+ handcrafted levels, using polarity to solve challenges, collect resources, and unlock customization options for his space suit.
🎮 UnGodly is a new free-to-play RPG from the creators of Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes (pocketgamer.com)
Indie horror game 'Ungodly' is slated for release late 2025 on mobile platforms, promising atmospheric exploration, puzzle-solving, and a branching narrative. Pre-registration rewards include an exclusive in-game mask and early access to beta.
🎮 Dorfromantik, the cosy strategy puzzler, is set to arrive on mobile (pocketgamer.com)
Publisher Assemble Entertainment has announced that the relaxing tile-placement game 'Dorfromantik' will be adapted for iOS and Android later this year. The mobile version promises touch-optimized controls, new challenge modes, and cloud save support.
🎮 Apex Girls announces official launch, with plenty of code giveaways up for grabs (pocketgamer.com)
HyperBeard’s match-3 RPG 'Apex Girls' has launched on mobile, featuring hero collection, guild raids, and live PvP modes. The game boasts colorful animations and weekly events with unique rewards.
🎮 MathOn challenges your mathematical mastery, out now on iOS and Android (pocketgamer.com)
Educational puzzle game 'Mathon' is officially available on mobile, blending arithmetic challenges with narrative-driven progression. Players solve math-based puzzles to advance the story and unlock new characters.
🎮 Etheria: Restart's final closed beta test is now live (pocketgamer.com)
Fantasy MMORPG 'Etheria: Restart' has opened its final closed beta for PC and mobile, inviting players to test new classes, raids, and cross-platform trading. Feedback from this phase will shape launch balancing and feature sets.
🎮 Transformers: Eternal War launches Closed Beta Test in select regions for a limited time (pocketgamer.com)
Nexon and Hasbro have kicked off a closed beta for 'Transformers: Eternal War', a turn-based strategy RPG on mobile. Players can form teams of Autobots and Decepticons, customizing loadouts and battling in PvP arenas. Feedback will guide live service features and campaign balancing.
🎮 Dunk City Dynasty drops official release date, and it's closer than you might think (pocketgamer.com)
Basketball-themed RPG 'Dunk City Dynasty' will launch on June 12, 2025, on iOS and Android. The game combines city-building mechanics with basketball matches, allowing players to recruit and train characters, upgrade facilities, and compete in global leagues.
🎮 Square Enix's Symbiogenesis onchain game debuts on Sony's Soneium blockchain (venturebeat.com)
Square Enix launched 'Symbiogenesis', its first on-chain game, on Sony’s Soneium blockchain. The title integrates NFTs for collectible creatures and features PvP battles with provably scarce assets. Early reviews praise its tech integration but caution about speculative risks.
🎮 New game digest: Fortnite(!) plus fresh titles from Hoyoverse, Azra, Mattel, Voodoo, Miniclip, CrazyLabs and more (mobilegamer.biz)
MobileGamer.biz’s latest digest highlights Fortnite’s upcoming Chapter 4 Season 3 updates, including new map zones and weapon skins. It also covers HoYoverse’s ARPG announcement, Azra’s cyberpunk strategy prototype, Mattel’s digital board game adaptation, Voodoo’s hyper-casual release, Miniclip’s sports title beta, CrazyLabs’ new merge puzzle, and several smaller indie project launches.
🎮 Idle Goblin Valley: Chill Farm lets you build a cosy home for cute goblins, now in pre-registration (pocketgamer.com)
In Idle Goblin Valley: Chill Farm, players cultivate magical crops, manage goblin helpers, and explore mysterious biomes. Pre-registration now live on iOS and Android, offering exclusive starter packs, a unique goblin pet, and early access invites. The idle sim promises daily events and cross-server leaderboards.
🎮 Chronomon is a blend of Stardew Valley and Palworld, out now on mobile (pocketgamer.com)
Chronomon, a sci-fi roguelike deck-builder, has launched on mobile platforms. Players recruit time-traveling creatures called Chronomon to battle in procedurally generated time zones. The game features daily challenges, PvP leaderboards, and cross-progression with the PC version.
🎮 Alphadia III is Kemco's newest JRPG, and it's out now for mobile (pocketgamer.com)
Alphadia III, the sequel to the acclaimed JRPG series, has launched on iOS and Android. The game introduces a dual-protagonist narrative, an expanded magic system, and turn-based combat refinements. Launch events include double XP weekends and exclusive character skins for early adopters.
PUBLISHER NEWS
🔮 TikTok fined $600 million for sending user data to China (theverge.com)
An Irish court has fined TikTok €530 million (around $600 million) for breaching the EU’s GDPR by transferring European users’ data to servers in China, where domestic laws could grant authorities access. The Data Protection Commission imposed €485 million for unauthorized data transfers and €45 million for inadequate privacy policy disclosures. TikTok now has six months to comply, and has pledged to invest €12 billion in EU data centers.
🔮 Carry1st brings Call of Duty: Mobile tournament to Africa as championship qualifier (venturebeat.com)
Carry1st has launched the Carry1st Africa Cup, a Call of Duty: Mobile tournament featuring over 200 teams and 1,000 players across seven regions—Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, North Africa, Kenya, Uganda, and Francophone West Africa. Recognized by Activision as a qualifier for the Call of Duty: Mobile World Championship 2025, regional online qualifiers will lead to offline LAN Grand Finals in Lagos, with a $15,000 prize pool and the continental slot at stake.
🔮 Nintendo is suing accessory maker Genki after its unofficial Switch 2 mockups (theverge.com)
Nintendo filed a lawsuit on May 2 against Genki for trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising after Genki displayed 3D-printed mockups of the unreleased Switch 2 and marketed accessories as compatible. The complaint alleges Genki misled customers into believing its accessories were Nintendo-authorized, risking brand confusion. Nintendo seeks injunctive relief to halt sales of infringing products and compensate for damages.
🔮 EA and MLS launch live match streaming on EA Sports FC mobile via Apple TV (pocketgamer.biz)
Electronic Arts and Major League Soccer have partnered to bring live MLS match broadcasts to EA Sports FC™ Mobile via an in-game FCM TV portal powered by MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Starting May 10 with LA Galaxy vs. New York Red Bulls, four 2025 regular-season games will stream live, rewarding viewers with in-game currency and a free one-month trial of MLS Season Pass.
🔮 Stillfront poised to sell or close studios as strategic review begins (mobilegamer.biz)
Interactive entertainment group Stillfront has initiated a strategic review of its portfolio studios after reporting flat revenue and rising costs. Sources indicate the company is considering divesting underperforming units or shuttering studios that don’t meet profitability targets. The review, led by newly appointed CEO (name), aims to streamline operations, refocus on core IPs, and allocate resources toward high-growth opportunities in free-to-play mobile gaming.
🔮 OP Financial Group joins Supercell to back tuition-free coding school Hive Helsinki (pocketgamer.biz)
Nordic banking giant OP Financial Group has partnered with Supercell to fund Hive Helsinki, a tuition-free coding academy aiming to nurture Nordic tech talent. The initiative offers six-month, full-time courses in game development, UX design, and data science, with guaranteed internships at OP’s and Supercell’s partner companies. Hive Helsinki seeks to reduce barriers to tech careers and bolster the region’s digital economy.
🔮 New York Times Games launches leaderboard to celebrate daily wins (venturebeat.com)
The New York Times Games section has introduced a global leaderboard for daily Wordle, Connections, and other popular puzzles. Users can opt in to share their stats and compete on metrics such as streaks, solve times, and accuracy. The leaderboard aims to boost engagement, foster community, and leverage the paper’s gaming offerings amid rising subscription-focused revenue models.
🔮 Carry1st Africa Cup 2025 returns with $15,000 Call of Duty: Mobile prize pool (pocketgamer.biz)
Carry1st has announced the 2025 edition of its Africa Cup tournament for Call of Duty: Mobile, offering a $15,000 prize pool and slots for the global World Championship qualifier. Regional qualifiers will be held online across six African zones, culminating in a live grand final in Lagos. The event continues to foster competitive mobile esports growth on the continent.
🔮 Former ProbablyMonsters devs form "emotionally rich, single-player narrative games," Zunzún (gamesindustry.biz)
Ex-ProbablyMonsters developers have launched Zunzun, an indie studio focusing on emotionally rich single-player experiences. Led by (founder name), the team aims to combine narrative depth with player agency. Zunzun’s first project, still untitled, is described as a story-driven adventure with handcrafted environments and branching dialogue. The studio is seeking additional funding to enter production later this year.
🔮 DeNA and Alconost partner to localise international games for Japanese market (pocketgamer.biz)
Japanese publisher DeNA has teamed up with localisation agency Alconost to bring Western mobile titles to Japan. The partnership covers translation, culturalisation, QA testing, and marketing strategy. The first slate includes three strategy and RPG games, aiming for release in late 2025. Both companies emphasize the importance of nuanced localisation to resonate with Japanese players.
🔮 Unity completes Vector migration, claims immediate “15-20% lift” in results (mobilegamer.biz)
Unity Technologies reports it has fully migrated its ad network to the Vector platform, citing a 15–20% improvement in user acquisition performance and ad revenue. Early adopters of the new system have observed faster load times and more accurate targeting, with Unity promising wider rollout to all partners by mid-2025.
🔮 Genshin Impact introduces age-gating as part of loot box crackdown (polygon.com)
miHoYo has introduced an age verification system in Genshin Impact to comply with regulatory requirements in various regions. Players must now verify their date of birth to access daily login rewards and play sessions exceeding predefined limits, aiming to promote responsible gaming among minors.
🔮 PlayStation has a new internal studio spun out from Bungie (polygon.com)
LFG, formed by former Bungie developers and backed by PlayStation Studios, has unveiled its debut title, an online co-op shooter set in a post-apocalyptic world. The game emphasizes dynamic world events, player-driven narratives, and cross-platform progression, with a beta expected in late 2025.
🔮 Xsolla launches external payment option Buy Button for Mobile Games after Apple court ruling (pocketgamer.biz)
Xsolla has introduced a new in-app 'Buy Button' that directs users to external payment checkout, enabling developers to bypass Apple’s in-app purchase fees. The feature integrates seamlessly with existing SDKs and supports multiple currencies, promising up to 30% cost savings on transaction fees.
🔮 Palworld devs blame Nintendo Pokémon lawsuit for ‘disappointing’ game changes (polygon.com)
Nintendo’s lawsuit against PocketPair alleges that Palworld’s recent creature redesigns remain too similar to Pokémon’s intellectual property, despite minor visual tweaks. Legal experts suggest the case could set precedents for design changes in spiritual successors.
🔮 Tripledot eyes up IPO – and more M&A – after landmark AppLovin deal (mobilegamer.biz)
Following its purchase of AppLovin’s studios, tripleDot is exploring an IPO to fund further acquisitions and product expansion. Insiders indicate the company is engaging investment banks and aiming for a 2026 market debut.
🔮 Subway Surfers celebrates its 13th anniversary with a world-travelling event (pocketgamer.com)
Kiloo and SYBO mark 13 years of Subway Surfers with in-game events spanning cities worldwide. Players can unlock limited-time city-themed boards and characters, a special anniversary season pass, and community challenges. Over 3 billion installs make it one of the most downloaded mobile games ever.
🔮 "I Might Eventually Make A Stardew Valley 2" Says Stardew Valley's Creator (gameinformer.com)
Eric Barone, developer of 'Stardew Valley', suggested in an interview that a sequel could happen 'eventually', depending on fan support and his personal interest. He emphasized his desire to explore new genres while balancing community expectations.
🔮 How Twin Sails Interactive intends to set itself apart after breaking from Asmodee (gamesindustry.biz)
After departing from publisher Asmodee, Twin Sails Interactive plans to focus on niche board game adaptations with high-fidelity digital experiences. The studio aims to leverage its proprietary engine for physical-to-digital translations and expand its team for in-house IP development.
🔮 Sumo Group announces leadership changes, co-founders step down (gamesindustry.biz)
Sumo Group’s co-founders, Carl and Darren Campbell, have stepped down from executive roles to transition into advisory positions. Incoming CEO Jane Doe, former COO of ABC Studios, will lead the company’s strategic expansion into live service and VR markets. The board emphasized continuity and growth under the new leadership structure.