Daily Mobile Gaming News

A cleaner daily brief on mobile game launches, updates, and pre-registration moves worth watching.

Launch Fri, Jun 26, 2026

MIRESI: Invisible Future Reveals Gameplay Ahead of Anime Expo 2026 Demo

Smilegate has unveiled a new promotional video for MIRESI: Invisible Future during Anime Expo 2026, showcasing brief gameplay footage that fans have been eager to see. This video highlights the game’s presence at the expo while also recapping MIRESI's previous showings at notable events such as the Tokyo Game Show and Korea’s Animation X Game Festival. The North American demo debut of MIRESI is set to take place at Anime Expo 2026, where attendees will have access to exclusive merchandise, cosplay activities, and various booth events linked to the ongoing pre-registration campaign. Developed by Control9, a studio comprised of former developers from Goddess of Victory: NIKKE and Seven Knights 2, MIRESI: Invisible Future is currently being designed for both PC and mobile devices, though a specific release date has yet to be announced. The game’s narrative revolves around the character known as the “Councilor,” who embarks on a journey with companions like Ende, Tieria, and Itsuka, navigating a storyline centered on time travel and the disintegration of an era. Combat in the game blends real-time and turn-based mechanics, emphasizing character positioning and movement as crucial elements in battles. The new promotional video for MIRESI: Invisible Future is now available for viewing, offering fans a sneak peek into what to expect from this upcoming RPG.

News Fri, Jun 26, 2026

Chinese Developers Challenge Apple Over App Store Fees

A coalition of 48 Chinese iOS developers has lodged an antitrust complaint against Apple, targeting the company's App Store commission rates and market dominance. The developers are urging China's State Administration for Market Regulation to investigate Apple, claiming the tech giant has not fulfilled its promise to offer the lowest commission rates in the Chinese market. Despite Apple's recent reduction of standard App Store commissions in China from 30% to 25%, the developers argue that these rates remain excessive and limit their distribution and payment options. The complaint, delivered via an open letter, highlights ongoing frustrations with Apple’s practices, alleging that local creators continue to bear high costs. This latest complaint follows a history of legal challenges against Apple in China, including a 2017 case regarding app removals and the 30% commission on in-app transactions. A separate lawsuit initiated by a Chinese consumer in 2021 concerning App Store fees was dismissed by a Shanghai court in 2024. Apple has faced similar scrutiny in other markets as well. The recent complaint arrives on the heels of the company's decision to lower App Store commissions in Brazil and to support alternative app marketplaces. While Apple has made adjustments in China, such as reducing subscription renewal fees and rates for eligible developers under its Small Business and Mini Apps Partner programmes from 15% to 12%, the developers contend that these changes do not go far enough. They are advocating for the allowance of alternative app marketplaces and payment methods that could potentially lower commissions to as little as 5%.

News Thu, Jun 25, 2026

Sensor Tower Report Reveals Ad Monetization Trends in Mobile Gaming

Sensor Tower's latest report, "Gaming Deep Dive: Ad Monetization," analyzes advertising trends, network demand, and hybrid monetization strategies across 19 global markets. The findings highlight that mobile ad monetization has cemented itself as a primary business model in the gaming industry, with ad-supported games leading in downloads. This shift redefines ad strategy from a secondary monetization feature to a core framework for player discovery and engagement. The report underscores the concentration of mobile ad revenue within specific genres, networks, and product strategies. Puzzle games are identified as the main drivers of the ad economy, and the choice of ad network significantly impacts a genre's access to its target audience. For hybrid-casual titles, determining whether to prioritize ads or in-app purchases (IAP) is a crucial business decision that influences potential revenue. Currently, the ad monetization ecosystem is valued at over $12 billion, and success within it relies on an intricate alignment of game design, regional targeting, and overall strategy. The report emphasizes that ad-monetized games continue to dominate the download funnel, despite a slight decline from historical peaks. This durability showcases that ad-supported titles maintain their stronghold even as IAP growth slows and the competitive landscape evolves with new puzzle and hybrid-casual mechanics. In terms of download volumes, games that integrate ad mechanics into their gameplay loop and progression systems from the outset perform best. Puzzle games alone account for over half of all ad revenue generated by the largest ad networks, with other genres like arcade, simulation, and tabletop making up the remainder. This trend persists regardless of whether a network specializes in high-frequency interstitials and rewarded video ads or caters to a broader audience. The hybrid-casual segment has bifurcated into ads-first and IAP-first models. Ads-first titles primarily generate revenue from advertising, providing a consistent monetization baseline, whereas IAP-first titles operate full purchase economies alongside ads, often resulting in higher total earnings. This distinction illustrates a performance gap, where IAP-driven titles generally earn more than their ad-centric counterparts. Publishers must decide early on their preferred growth engine, whether it be fostering high-value player purchases or focusing on impression volume. Overall, ad monetization has evolved into a critical component of mobile gaming, influencing player discovery and the scalability of hybrid-casual titles. To explore the complete breakdown by market, network, genre, and title, download the full "Gaming Deep Dive: Ad Monetization" report from Sensor Tower.

News Thu, Jun 25, 2026

UK's Proposed Social Media Ban Sparks Debate Among Mobile Experts

The UK government's proposal for a social media ban for users under 16 has ignited a debate about online safety and the responsibility of platforms. Industry experts, dubbed 'Mobile Mavens', weigh in on the implications of such measures. Rebecca Liao argues that bans are often unenforceable, suggesting that many children will find ways to bypass restrictions. She warns that the resulting extra costs for platforms may lead to a reduced focus on the UK market, ultimately harming revenue from a key demographic. Liao emphasizes that a blanket ban overlooks the potential benefits of social media and gaming for children, such as creative development and social interaction. Instead of a ban, she advocates for better controls on stranger outreach and parental oversight. Oscar Clark echoes this sentiment, pointing out that it’s the companies behind these platforms that should be held accountable for their algorithms and their impact on young users. He critiques the regressive nature of the proposed regulatory measures, asserting that they often lead to unintended consequences that could make children more vulnerable. Kate O'Loughlin adds that while the intention to protect children is commendable, the approach should focus on implementing effective safeguards rather than punitive measures. She notes that the regulatory burden falls disproportionately on smaller developers, stifling innovation and increasing user acquisition costs. O'Loughlin emphasizes the need for age-appropriate features and moderation to ensure safer digital experiences for young users. The shifting landscape of UK regulations, highlighted by the government's recent announcements, indicates a growing focus on platform accountability and the regulation of high-risk features in gaming. Louise Wooldridge warns that a social media ban could hinder game discoverability, as many developers rely on these platforms not only for marketing but also for community engagement. With the crowded app store environment, social platforms remain crucial for reaching new audiences. The overarching concern is whether regulations will ultimately support developers in creating an inclusive digital space for future generations.

News Thu, Jun 25, 2026

Chinese Genre Specialists Challenge Global Mobile Gaming Charts

Recent data reveals that six of the top ten highest-grossing mobile games globally are published by Chinese companies, with the number rising to nearly four out of ten when including offshore Chinese-founded studios. Tencent retains its position at the pinnacle of mobile gaming revenue with Honor of Kings, although most of its earnings are derived from domestic players. In contrast, Century Games has emerged as a significant player in global markets, boasting three titles in the global top 30. According to AppMagic estimates, the top-grossing mobile games are now increasingly diversified. While Tencent's Honor of Kings leads globally with approximately $230 million in gross player spending, nearly all of that revenue is domestic, reflecting Tencent’s reliance on the Chinese market. Century Games’ Whiteout Survival ranks second worldwide, generating $156.5 million, with roughly 71% of its revenue sourced from overseas. Another title from Century Games, Kingshot, follows closely at eighth place, earning $130.8 million, predominantly from international players. Additionally, Tasty Travels, with earnings of $35.3 million, adds to Century Games’ impressive portfolio, highlighting the growing influence of Chinese publishers in the mobile gaming export market. The classification of successful Chinese titles reveals three primary genre clusters that dominate: survival/4X strategy, merge games, and gacha/RPGs. Survival and 4X strategy games lead the way, illustrated by titles like Last War, Puzzles & Survival, and Age of Origins. Merge games are gaining traction, with Microfun's Gossip Harbor earning around 99% of its revenue from international markets. Meanwhile, gacha and RPGs remain significant, featuring popular titles such as miHoYo’s Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail. Interestingly, the preferences of Chinese players diverge from global trends. The Chinese App Store's top earners predominantly include Tencent's Honor of Kings and PUBG Mobile, while the global charts reflect a broader array of genres, emphasizing survival, merge, and romance-driven games. Notably, four titles—Honor of Kings, PUBG Mobile, Delta Force, and Whiteout Survival—appear in both the Chinese and global top eight, while others like Gossip Harbor and Kingshot do not rank among China’s top earners. The shifting landscape indicates that the narrative of Chinese dominance being limited to Tencent and NetEase is evolving. A growing cohort of genre specialists is now capturing significant market shares globally, even surpassing NetEase in revenue. This transition raises questions about which developers will join this expanding pack and what insights Western studios might glean from China's strategies in creating successful mobile games. This topic will be addressed at the upcoming Pocket Gamer Connects Summit in Shanghai on July 19th, where industry leaders will engage with investors to discuss the next wave of mobile gaming innovations.

News Thu, Jun 25, 2026

Ouaz Games Adapts to Market Shifts with Browser Focus

Ouaz Games, a Moroccan studio, is navigating the hypercasual gaming landscape's decline while embracing the rise of browser games. Founded in 2017, the team of ten initially found success with hypercasual titles through partnerships with Voodoo and TapNation. However, changes like Apple's App Tracking Transparency (ATT) significantly impacted their revenue model, prompting a shift in strategy. The studio is now focusing on browser and instant games, aiming for a library of 50 titles by the end of 2026. Founder and CEO Yasser Ouaziz explained that the pivot was not planned but a necessary reaction to a shifting market. The hypercasual model became unviable for smaller studios as the cost per install rose and the market began favoring hybridcasual formats, which require extensive prototyping and have low success rates. Ouaz Games has recently returned to Google Play, but the primary goal is maintaining a portfolio presence rather than generating significant revenue. In contrast, browser games allow for easier traffic flow and monetization strategies. Their current portfolio includes titles such as Ant Kingdom Rush, which has garnered impressive play counts on platforms like CrazyGames, YouTube, and TikTok. The studio's website, ouazgames.com, attracts around 90,000 monthly active users. Despite being based in Morocco, Ouaziz targets Tier-1 countries for monetization, as revenue per mille (RPM) is considerably higher there than in the MENA region. He expressed concern over emerging studios in Morocco that are pursuing console or Steam projects without understanding the lucrative potential of hypercasual and hybridcasual games. Ouaziz believes that a better connection with the global market and industry trends would benefit new developers. The studio's success is attributed to its ability to foresee market trends early. With growing publishers in browser gaming and platforms like Poki and CrazyGames gaining traction, Ouaz Games is positioning itself to capitalize on these developments. Regarding the African gaming market, Ouaziz emphasizes the importance of targeting languages over specific countries to reach a broader audience. He noted that many studios in Africa are still focused on survival rather than creating games with a distinct identity, which may come later as they stabilize financially.

News Thu, Jun 25, 2026

Monopoly Go Chat Surpasses 25M Messages and 6.5M Groups

Monopoly Go Chat, the dedicated social companion app for the popular mobile game Monopoly Go, has achieved impressive engagement metrics, with players sending over 25 million messages and creating more than 6.5 million groups since its global launch on March 31, 2026. Scopely’s senior director of product management, Michael Angrisani, emphasized that the app has exceeded expectations, showcasing the demand for a tailored communication platform among the game's players. Monopoly Go, which has generated over $6 billion in player spending in three years, has benefited from seasonal updates and community engagement, making the launch of Monopoly Go Chat a strategic addition to enhance player interaction. The app initially launched in France as a limited test in October 2025, before expanding globally. Angrisani noted that one of the key insights from the app's testing phase was the critical role of communication during cooperative events in Monopoly Go. For instance, the introduction of Racers Chat in February allowed players to coordinate seamlessly, validating the need for an integrated communication tool. This led to significant usability and performance improvements before the broader rollout. Monopoly Go Chat serves as a separate platform designed to facilitate communication among players without complicating the core game experience. While players have utilized existing messaging services like WhatsApp and Discord, Monopoly Go Chat provides context-specific interactions tailored to the game's mechanics. The concept for Monopoly Go Chat arose from direct player feedback, reflecting a demand for a dedicated communication method. Angrisani expressed enthusiasm for the app's rapid adoption, as it quickly became the top free app in the US, Canada, France, Germany, the UK, and Italy shortly after launch. He highlighted that the primary goal of this initiative is to better serve existing players by providing a long-requested feature. Engagement and retention are central to the app's strategy, with the belief that enhancing communication among players will lead to stronger connections to Monopoly Go. Angrisani pointed out that users with active social networks gain the most value from the app, as communication enhances the gameplay experience during social and cooperative events. Additionally, Monopoly Go Chat is built to complement Discord, which remains a platform for larger community discussions. Angrisani noted that while Discord has over a million followers, Monopoly Go Chat focuses on personal interactions and in-game coordination. While Monopoly Go Chat is not currently a direct communication channel between Scopely and players, the company is continuously exploring ways to enhance the overall player experience. The app includes moderation and reporting tools to ensure a safe communication environment. Looking ahead, Scopely plans to make accessing Monopoly Go Chat even more seamless within the main game, further integrating player feedback and community engagement into the Monopoly Go ecosystem.

News Thu, Jun 25, 2026

Rush Royale Surpasses $500 Million in Lifetime Revenue

My.Games has announced that its mobile strategy tower defense game, Rush Royale, has surpassed $500 million in lifetime revenue since its launch in 2020. The game has achieved over 105 million downloads globally, bolstered by ongoing content updates, live events, and new competitive features that enhance player engagement. The development team has dedicated the past six months to expanding the game's content and improving player retention. This includes reworking key unit mechanics and introducing large-scale live events. Rush Royale combines strategy tower defense gameplay with collectible card game elements, enabling players to build and upgrade hero-based decks for both player versus environment (PvE) and player versus player (PvP) battles. Earlier this year, Rush Royale celebrated its fifth anniversary with a limited-time PAC-MAN: Arcade crossover event. This collaboration brought new gameplay mechanics and a retro arcade theme to the game's co-op experience. My.Games CEO Elena Grigorian expressed pride in reaching this revenue milestone, highlighting the strong connection players have established with Rush Royale. She noted the team's significant achievements in deepening game content and enhancing player retention through various initiatives. Grigorian emphasized that these efforts have not only strengthened player engagement but have also contributed to the game's sustained growth.

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⚡ QUICK BITE Thu, Jun 25, 2026 • taptap.io

The latest update for Pokémon Champions, version 1.1.3, is now available for Android and iOS users. This mobile game from The Pokémon Company allows players to engage in Pokémon battles with ease, featuring multiple modes to suit different playstyles. Players can participate in Ranked Battles for competitive gameplay against trainers worldwide, or opt for more relaxed Casual Battles. Additionally, Private Battles enable users to challenge friends and family directly. New players will find it easy to join in, as Pokémon Champions provides opportunities to battle alongside Pokémon, even for those who are new to the series. The game also supports linking to Pokémon HOME, allowing players to incorporate previously befriended Pokémon into their teams. For more information, players can visit the official webpage and review the terms of use. Original source ↗

News Wed, Jun 24, 2026

Pokémon TCG Pocket Unveils Everyday Wonders Booster Pack and July Events

The Pokémon Company has announced the release of the Everyday Wonders booster pack for Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, which will be available starting June 29, 2026. A newly released trailer showcases cards featuring popular Pokémon including Pikachu, Piplup, and Snorlax. In addition to the new cards, several limited-time events are scheduled for July. The first event, the Everyday Wonders Emblem Event, will take place from early to mid-July, allowing players to engage in battles to earn exclusive emblems, Shinedust, and other rewards. Following this, Community Week will promote trading and sharing among players, with participants able to earn trade hourglasses, accessories, and additional in-game items. Later in the month, the Hisuian Zorua Drop Event will offer players the chance to complete special solo battles for a shot at obtaining the B Series Promo Pack Vol. 10. Finally, the Wonder Pick Event will highlight promotional cards featuring Growlithe and Emolga, with special missions awarding shop tickets that can be exchanged for promotional cards and other items. Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket is available on mobile devices through iOS and Android.