[Last Week in Games] Ubisoft restructuring sparks international strike as 1,200 staff walk out, Private equity firm Haveli to acquire Budge Studios, and more news!
News in games that caught our eyes in the last week [February 9 - 15, 2026]
INDUSTRY NEWS
🚀 AI in Game Art: Art Director’s Perspective | deconstructoroffun.com
The article explores how AI tools are reshaping game design workflows, from ideation to content generation. It argues AI can accelerate production but requires strong creative direction to avoid generic outcomes. The piece emphasizes new roles for designers, ethical considerations, and the need for human-led vision.
🚀 Creators and developer studios are approaching the business of UGC in very different ways | gamesbeat.com
The article examines how creators and studios monetize user-generated content. It highlights contrasting strategies between platforms, studios, and creators, discussing revenue sharing, platform control, and sustainability challenges in UGC-driven ecosystems.
🚀 Trends That Will Define Gaming in 2026 (And 1 Nobody Wants to Talk About) | gamemakers.com
The article outlines major industry trends such as AI-driven development, UGC growth, platform convergence, and evolving monetization models. It argues studios must adapt to faster production cycles and player-driven ecosystems.
🚀 Subscription Models for Mobile Games - Mobile Freemium Game Design & Product Management | adriancrook.com
The article analyzes subscription monetization in mobile games, covering hybrid models, battle passes, platform subscriptions, and retention effects. It argues subscriptions can stabilize revenue but require strong content cadence.
🚀 Global Games Show Riyadh 2026 returns to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 games ambitions | pocketgamer.biz
The Global Games Show Riyadh will return in 2026 to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions. The event aims to attract developers, publishers, and investors to the region’s growing gaming ecosystem.
🚀 Australian government calls for action from Roblox on “untenable” child safety concerns | gamesindustry.biz
The Australian government called on Roblox to address child safety issues, citing harmful content and inadequate moderation. The case highlights increasing regulatory pressure on UGC platforms.
🚀 Why the gaming industry is insulated from a potential AI crash | gamesbeat.com
The article argues the games industry is relatively insulated from an AI market downturn due to long production cycles, diversified revenue streams, and strong demand for interactive content. AI is seen as a productivity tool rather than a speculative bubble driver.
🚀 Egypt blocks Roblox over concerns about child safety and harmful online content | pocketgamer.biz
Egypt blocked Roblox due to concerns about harmful content and child safety. The decision reflects increasing global regulatory scrutiny of UGC platforms and youth protection policies.
🚀 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 picks up another Game of the Year | gamesbeat.com
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 won another Game of the Year award at the DICE Awards, highlighting strong critical reception and momentum in premium game launches.
🚀 Pixel Flow: The Publisher’s Dream | deconstructoroffun.com
The article discusses “Pixel Flow,” a concept describing scalable content pipelines optimized for publishers. It explores how AI and procedural systems could enable faster production, better portfolio testing, and reduced creative risk.
INVESTOR
📈 Private equity firm Haveli to acquire Budge Studios | pocketgamer.biz
Private equity firm Haveli Investments announced plans to acquire Budge Studios, a children’s mobile game developer known for licensed IP titles. The deal signals continued consolidation in mobile gaming and investor interest in evergreen kids’ franchises. Budge will continue operating with its current leadership and focus on expanding its portfolio and global reach.
📈 Roblox hypes AI content generation and older player potential after strong financials | mobilegamer.biz
Roblox highlighted AI-generated content tools and expansion into older demographics following strong financial results. The company sees AI as a way to scale content creation and attract more mature players, increasing engagement and monetization beyond its traditional younger audience.
📈 Pacific Drive maker Ironwood Studios raises $4M for next game | gamesbeat.com
Pacific Drive developer Ironwood Studios raised $4M in funding to expand its team and support future projects. The investment aims to scale production and explore new IP while building on the success of its debut title.
📈 Liftoff Mobile delays IPO amid tech stocks sell-off | pocketgamer.biz
Mobile marketing company Liftoff postponed its IPO due to a broader tech stock sell-off. Market volatility and valuation concerns influenced the decision, reflecting cautious investor sentiment in tech and ad-tech sectors.
📈 Levellr secures $2.5m funding to scale community intelligence platform for game studios and brands | pocketgamer.biz
Levellr secured $25M to scale its community analytics platform for game studios and brands. The company aims to help developers better understand player communities, sentiment, and engagement through AI-driven insights.
📈 Krafton surpasses $2bn in revenue for the first time in its history | gamesindustry.biz
Krafton reported more than $2B in annual revenue for the first time, driven by PUBG and ongoing live-service performance. The company continues to diversify its portfolio with new IP, acquisitions, and global expansion.
📈 Square Enix revenues continue to decline over past nine months to $1.3bn | gamesindustry.biz
Square Enix reported declining revenues over the past nine months, attributed to weaker releases and portfolio transitions. The publisher is restructuring projects and focusing on quality and fewer but bigger releases to improve profitability.
📈 Supercell revenue declines 4% to €2.65bn in 2025 | pocketgamer.biz
Supercell reported a 4% year-over-year revenue decline to roughly €2.65B–€3B for 2025, despite increased profitability and user growth. The company highlighted Clash Royale’s resurgence and continued heavy investment in new game development as it seeks the next breakout hit after Brawl Stars. (pocketgamer.biz)
📈 Remedy revenues continue to rise in 2025, reaching €59.5m | gamesindustry.biz
Remedy Entertainment reported revenue growth to €595M for 2025, driven by strong game sales and licensing deals. The company continues to expand its portfolio and partnerships.
📈 Mattel acquires full ownership of Mattel163 from NetEase for $159m | pocketgamer.biz
Mattel acquired NetEase’s stake in Mattel163 for $159M, gaining full ownership of the mobile publishing joint venture. The move consolidates Mattel’s digital gaming strategy and allows greater control over its IP-driven mobile portfolio.
📈 Hogo Games lands fresh investment at a $10m valuation to scale its production pipeline | pocketgamer.biz
HOGO Games raised new funding at a $10M valuation to scale its production pipeline. The investment will help the studio expand its development capacity and accelerate live-ops and new game releases.
📈 Nexon revenue rises 6.5% to $3.1bn in 2025, driven by ongoing success of Arc Raiders | gamesindustry.biz
Nexon reported revenue growth driven by Arc Raiders and live-service titles. The company highlighted strong Western market performance and ongoing portfolio diversification.
📈 Sega records $200m impairment write-down for Rovio during Q3 | gamesindustry.biz
Sega reported a €200M impairment loss related to Rovio, reflecting reduced asset valuations after its acquisition. The write-down underscores volatility in mobile M&A valuations.
📈 Ubisoft Q3 net bookings rise 12% to €338m, primarily driven by Assassin’s Creed franchise | gamesindustry.biz
Ubisoft reported a 12% increase in Q3 net bookings, driven largely by Assassin’s Creed. The franchise continues to anchor Ubisoft’s financial performance while other titles underperform.
MARKET DATA
📊 Socialpoint hits a billion lifetime downloads for its mobile games | gamesbeat.com
Mobile developer Socialpoint surpassed one billion lifetime downloads across its mobile portfolio. The milestone reflects the success of franchises like Dragon City and Monster Legends and highlights the studio’s long-term focus on live ops and community-driven content.
📊 Supercell revenue declines 4% to €2.65bn in 2025 | gamesindustry.biz
GamesIndustry also reported Supercell’s revenue drop but noted EBITDA growth, strong engagement, and increased hiring. The company doubled investment in new game development to pursue future hits. (pocketgamer.biz)
📊 Mobile leads as Africa’s games industry generated $2.29bn in 2025 | pocketgamer.biz
The African games industry generated $229B in 2025, with mobile as the dominant platform. Growth is driven by smartphone adoption, local studios, and regional esports expansion.
📊 Data digest: NetEase sells stake in Mattel163, Unity results, Socialpoint’s 1bn installs, Liftoff IPO stalls, more | mobilegamer.biz
A roundup covering NetEase’s Mattel163 sale, Unity financial results, Socialpoint’s milestone installs, and Liftoff’s delayed IPO. It summarizes key business signals across the mobile ecosystem.
NEW GAMES
🎮 Sea of Remnants unveils a new look at one of its core characters and launches closed alpha test | pocketgamer.com
The upcoming title Sea of Remnants released a character trailer and launched a closed alpha test. The update showcases key characters, gameplay mechanics, and world-building elements. Players can sign up for early access to test the game and provide feedback before broader release.
🎮 King’s Gambit puts you in the shoes of a lone piece against the horde in this chess-themed roguelike | pocketgamer.com
King’s Gambit launched globally, offering strategy-driven gameplay with RPG elements. Players manage units, progress through campaigns, and compete in tactical battles. The launch aims to attract strategy and fantasy fans with progression systems and competitive modes.
🎮 Dave the Diver makes its mobile debut with its Chinese release ahead of global launch | pocketgamer.com
Dave the Diver launched in China, expanding the game’s global reach. The release reflects growing demand for premium indie-style titles in Asian markets and highlights regional publishing partnerships to navigate local regulations and distribution.
🎮 Shiren: Serpentcoil Island brings roguelike JRPG action to the palm of your hand as it hits mobile | pocketgamer.com
Shiren the Wanderer: Serpentcoil Island launched on mobile, bringing roguelike dungeon-crawling gameplay to new platforms. The release introduces classic mechanics with modern UI improvements, appealing to fans of procedural RPGs.
🎮 Star Sailors is an anime-styled turn-based RPG now open for pre-registration on Android | pocketgamer.com
Star Sailors launched iOS pre-registration, giving players early access to sign up ahead of release. The game features sci-fi themes and progression systems designed to retain players through live-service updates.
🎮 Armored Frontline: Warzone launches heavy metal arcade action today on mobile | pocketgamer.com
Armored Frontline Warzone launched globally, offering modern military shooter gameplay with vehicles and competitive modes. The release targets fans of tactical PvP experiences on mobile platforms.
🎮 Tomb Raider (2013) makes its way to mobile and brings the hit reboot to iOS and Android today | pocketgamer.com
Tomb Raider (2013) launched on mobile platforms, bringing the rebooted action-adventure classic to handheld devices with adapted controls and performance optimizations.
🎮 CookieRun: Ovensmash brings fast-paced multiplayer action to the hit confectionery franchise | pocketgamer.com
CookieRun: OvenSmash opened pre-registration ahead of launch, featuring competitive gameplay and established IP appeal to drive early demand.
🎮 Oceanhorn 3: Legend of the Shadow Sea sees the latest entry in the popular RPG arrive next month | pocketgamer.com
Oceanhorn 3: Legend of the Shadow Sea was announced as an upcoming entry in the series, promising expanded exploration, RPG mechanics, and console-quality visuals on mobile and PC.
🎮 New game digest: Tomb Raider, EA Sports FC Tactical, Paranormasight, Oceanhorn, more | mobilegamer.biz
A roundup covering recent mobile releases and updates, including Tomb Raider, EA Sports FC Tactical, Paranormasight, Oceanhorn, and Baseball Hits. The digest highlights genre diversity, IP-driven launches, and ongoing attempts to bring premium franchises to mobile.
🎮 Divine Edge is a duo-switching idle RPG now available on mobile | pocketgamer.com
Divine Edge launched on mobile, offering action-RPG gameplay with progression systems and story-driven content aimed at mid-core audiences.
🎮 Dear me, I was... brings watercolour visuals and silent storytelling to iOS and Android | pocketgamer.com
Dear Me, I Was launched on Android and iOS, delivering narrative-driven gameplay focused on emotional storytelling and character exploration.
🎮 We’re getting a real John Wick game and it looks awesome | polygon.com
A new John Wick game showcased real gameplay footage on PS5, highlighting cinematic action mechanics inspired by the film franchise. The reveal suggests ongoing cross-media IP expansion into interactive entertainment.
PUBLISHER NEWS
🔮 Discord will soon require ID verification to use all of its features | polygon.com
Discord plans to introduce global age verification that may require users to submit government ID or facial scans to unlock adult features. Accounts will default to a teen-safe mode unless verified. The move aims to improve child safety and comply with regulations but has sparked privacy concerns, especially after past data breaches. Critics worry about biometric data handling, while Discord claims images are deleted and face scans processed on-device.
🔮 Supercell boss laments “coasting” mobile industry as Clash Royale stars in 2025 results | mobilegamer.biz
Supercell’s CEO commented on slow innovation in mobile gaming while highlighting strong Clash Royale performance in 2025. He emphasized the need for bold experimentation and increased investment in new IP.
🔮 Savvy Games Group signs MoU with NMBRS to boost Saudi Arabia’s games and esports creative capabilities | pocketgamer.biz
Savvy Games Group signed a memorandum of understanding with NMBrs to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s games and esports creative ecosystem. The partnership focuses on talent development, data insights, and industry growth aligned with Vision 2030.
🔮 Riot Games downsizes 2XKO team, about 80 employees affected | gamesindustry.biz
Riot Games reduced staff on its 2XKO fighting game project, impacting around 80 employees. The move reflects restructuring efforts and shifting resource allocation amid broader industry layoffs.
🔮 Appcharge launches new Checkout aimed at boosting mobile D2C revenue | pocketgamer.biz
Appcharge launched a new checkout solution to help studios increase direct-to-consumer revenue. The tool aims to reduce platform fees and improve conversion through streamlined payment flows.
🔮 Ubisoft allegedly stops production on Assassin’s Creed multiplayer | gamesindustry.biz
Reports suggest Ubisoft stopped production on an Assassin’s Creed multiplayer project, reflecting internal restructuring and shifting franchise priorities toward core releases.
🔮 Supercell is under fire for apparently ignoring Jynxzi’s role in Clash Royale’s comeback | mobilegamer.biz
Supercell faced criticism for allegedly not acknowledging influencer Jynxzi’s role in Clash Royale’s resurgence. The controversy highlights the growing influence of creators in live-service game success and marketing narratives.
🔮 Ubisoft restructuring sparks international strike as 1,200 staff walk out | pocketgamer.biz
Ubisoft restructuring led to a strike involving roughly 1,200 employees across multiple countries. Workers protested job security concerns and organizational changes, highlighting labor tensions in AAA studios.
🔮 Highguard developer Wildlight Entertainment hit by layoffs two weeks after release | polygon.com
Wildlight Entertainment reportedly laid off most of its staff shortly after launching Highguard, retaining only a core team for support. The cuts came amid declining player interest and broader industry layoffs. (Gematsu)
🔮 Santa Monica Studio Is Remaking The Original God Of War Trilogy | gameinformer.com
Reports suggest Santa Monica Studio is remaking the original God of War trilogy, potentially modernizing gameplay and visuals for current platforms.
🔮 Honor of Kings celebrates the Year of the Horse with a new collaboration with...my Little Pony? | pocketgamer.com
Honor of Kings Global launched a collaboration with My Little Pony alongside Lunar New Year content. The crossover includes themed skins and events to drive engagement and seasonal monetization.