Daily Mobile Gaming News

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

News Mon, Jul 13, 2026

MIMESIS surpasses 2 million sales as KRAFTON invests in long-term IP

KRAFTON, INC. announced that its studio ReLU Games has achieved over 2 million global sales for the cooperative horror game MIMESIS. The company intends to allocate more resources to develop MIMESIS into a long-lasting game IP, emphasizing its potential for sustained growth and player engagement. MIMESIS, a four-player cooperative horror title, integrates AI technology to create NPC monsters known as "Mimesis," which can imitate players' actions and sounds, enhancing the game's tension. Since launching in early access last October, MIMESIS reached over 1 million sales within just 50 days and has now exceeded 2 million following a significant update last month. Player feedback following this update has positively influenced sales growth, reinforcing the game's appeal. The recent update improved the AI-driven NPCs' judgment and behavior logic while optimizing gameplay flow and difficulty. Currently, MIMESIS holds an "Extremely Positive" rating on Steam, with players praising the psychological tension created by AI NPCs mimicking player actions, which fosters collaboration and suspicion among teammates. MIMESIS has also garnered industry recognition, recently winning a distinguished award in the game design category at the CEDEC Awards 2026 in Japan. This achievement marks a significant milestone as it is the first Korean game to receive this honor, highlighting the innovative role of AI in game design. ReLU Games CEO Min-jung Kim noted that player support has been crucial to this success, underscoring that AI is becoming an integral component of game enjoyment. MIMESIS is currently ongoing in early access, with plans for further updates and improvements as KRAFTON aims to solidify its position as a major player in the gaming landscape.

News Mon, Jul 13, 2026

OCTOPinbs adds free DLC 'COSTUME4' featuring 'Face Octopus'

Aniplex Inc has released the free DLC "COSTUME4" for the online multiplayer action game OCTOPinbs, introducing a new helmet and air tank set that allows players to transform into the "Face Octopus" (a jellyfish-shaped octopus). This DLC is part of the game's unique social deduction mechanics where players, acting as firefighters, must identify an arsonist hidden among them while extinguishing fires on the map. The gameplay centers around the premise of persistent firefighting efforts overshadowed by a hidden saboteur. Players must remain vigilant, observing their surroundings and the behavior of nearby characters to uncover the artist among the firefighters. When suspicious players are identified, they can be apprehended and placed into the Octojar for identity verification. In a twist, the artist can reveal themselves and turn the tide of the game through direct confrontation. OCTOPinbs supports online multiplayer for 3 to 10 players and is currently available on Steam for NT$216, with a limited-time discount bringing the price down to NT$151 until July 24, 2026. The game is available in multiple languages, including Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, Portuguese, German, Korean, Spanish, and French. As a special promotion for participating in the Steam Social Deduction Festival, players can enjoy a 30% discount on the game. With the introduction of the "COSTUME4" DLC, players can expect enhanced gameplay dynamics that blend action with social deduction, adding a fresh layer of strategy and deception to their firefighting missions.

News Mon, Jul 13, 2026

Pokémon Go celebrates 10 years with 800 million players and a trillion Pokémon caught

Pokémon Go has reached a significant milestone, marking its 10th anniversary with over 800 million players and more than one trillion Pokémon caught since its launch on July 6, 2016. The game continues to be a top mobile title, generating over $1 billion in revenue during 2025 while attracting players across more than 150 countries and regions. In celebration, Pokémon Go transformed New York's Times Square into a nostalgic scene reminiscent of its original 2015 reveal trailer. The event featured one of the largest in-person raid battles in the game's history, where over 1,000 players collaborated to defeat Mega Mewtwo Y. This anniversary also included a live performance by the dance music duo Loud Luxury. Pokémon Go Fest 2026: Global took place on July 11 and 12, offering a free experience instead of the usual paid entry. During this event, players who logged in received exclusive Special Research tasks leading to an encounter with the Mythical Pokémon Zeraora, as well as increased Shiny Pokémon encounter rates and event bonuses. The festivities also included numerous community events across Asia, Europe, Oceania, and North America, featuring giveaways and in-game rewards. As the community continues to grow with Pokémon Go, Scopely's president of games, Ed Wu, highlighted the game's ability to connect players across cultures and locations. The commitment to evolving the game remains strong, with plans to enhance opportunities for discovery and connection in everyday environments.

News Mon, Jul 13, 2026

BanG Dream! Our Notes launches in 2026 with 700K pre-registrations

BanG Dream! Our Notes is set to release in 2026, with the exact date yet to be announced. This rhythm game expands the BanG Dream! universe, allowing players to enjoy music and stories from multiple bands, including MyGO!!!!!, Ave Mujica, and the new groups millsage and 家族Dumb Rock!. Pre-registration for BanG Dream! Our Notes began on June 26 and has already surpassed 700,000 sign-ups. Players who register will receive a guaranteed "SR or higher gacha ticket" as a reward. If pre-registrations reach 1 million, all players will receive a free "Mission Pass" Season 1 at launch, enhancing the incentives for early registration. The game introduces a new rhythm system called "Gekisou Live," featuring thrilling gameplay that tests players' skills through combos, timing, and luck. Up to five players can join in cooperative play, creating a party game atmosphere. Additionally, the game includes an "Assist Mode" to help new players enjoy the rhythm experience while honing their skills over time. BanG Dream! Our Notes will feature a wide array of songs, including original tracks and popular covers, allowing fans to engage with their favorite music from the BanG Dream! anime. Notably, new songs from MyGO!!!!! and Ave Mujica will be available exclusively in this game, promising an exciting experience for fans. With its innovative features and significant pre-registration numbers, BanG Dream! Our Notes is poised to capture the interest of rhythm game enthusiasts when it launches in 2026, offering a fresh take on the beloved franchise.

News Mon, Jul 13, 2026

Cadence: Musical Playgrounds launches on iOS and PC after 13 years

Cadence: Musical Playgrounds, a minimalist puzzle game developed by South African indie developer Peter Cardwell-Gardner, has officially launched on iOS and PC after 13 years of development. The game allows players to wire circuits and create music, blending logic and melody without requiring any musical expertise. This title has attracted over 60,000 downloads on iOS since its release in February 2023. Each level challenges players to connect increasingly complex circuits to awaken a cat named Ren, with five zones and 60 levels designed to be completed in two to four hours. Cardwell-Gardner emphasizes that while the gameplay is fundamental, the audio experience and visual presentation are crucial in a competitive market. Cadence has evolved significantly since its inception, originally featuring ambient synth tones and infinite loops before shifting to a more straightforward circuit-building mechanic. Cardwell-Gardner's commitment to a premium gaming experience allows him to remain independent from the free-to-play model, which he finds costly and complex. He is considering expanding the game to platforms like Google Play and Nintendo Switch, depending on its performance. As a heartfelt homage to traditional gaming, Cadence aims to bridge the gap between logical gameplay and creative musical expression, making it a unique offering in a mobile landscape often dominated by monetization pressures. The game stands as a testament to the potential of indie titles to deliver engaging experiences without the constraints of free-to-play mechanics.

News Mon, Jul 13, 2026

Touken Ranbu Puzzle RPG launches in 2026 with pre-registration now open

Touken Ranbu Puzzle, a new puzzle RPG based on the popular Touken Ranbu franchise, is set to launch sometime in 2026. While a specific release date has not been announced, players can anticipate further updates as the launch approaches. Pre-registration for Touken Ranbu Puzzle began on July 12, 2026, across various app stores. The game will reward players with up to 30 exclusive summon tickets based on the number of registered participants, enhancing the incentive for early sign-ups. Interested players are encouraged to register soon to maximize their rewards upon the game's official launch. This title features beloved characters from the Touken Ranbu series, engaging players with a combination of puzzle gameplay and RPG elements. Players will connect matching colored entities on the screen to unleash powerful attacks against enemies. The more connections made, the stronger the attacks become, ensuring a satisfying combat experience. With a variety of stylized characters, each possessing unique skills, players can create customized teams to tackle challenges. The game also includes a record-keeping system that allows players to revisit their progress and memories shared with characters throughout their journey. The launch of Touken Ranbu Puzzle represents an exciting addition to the franchise, catering to both puzzle enthusiasts and fans of the original series. The rewards for pre-registration highlight the developers' commitment to enhancing player engagement right from the start.

News Mon, Jul 13, 2026

Brook Gaming launches Sniper 2, a next-gen mouse and keyboard adapter

Brook Gaming has officially launched the Sniper 2, its next-generation flagship keyboard and mouse adapter, on July 13, 2026. This product aims to address the long-standing issue of inconsistent control experienced by cross-platform players, allowing for a mouse-like precision in gameplay across various console platforms. The Sniper 2 boasts extensive cross-platform compatibility, supporting major devices including PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, mobile devices (iOS/Android), and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 (NS2). It is compatible with wired and wireless keyboards and mice from leading brands like Razer, Logitech, ZOWIE, and ROG, providing a plug-and-play experience. Designed with modern esports aesthetics, the Sniper 2 features a compact form factor that saves desktop space. It includes a full-color status display screen that shows system settings in real-time, along with customizable RGB lighting, allowing players to showcase their individual style. To cater to hardcore gamers' customization needs, the Sniper 2 introduces a "personal control center" concept. Players can easily make adjustments to sensitivity, button mapping, and complex macro commands through the dedicated Brook Sniper 2 App, available for iOS and Android. This seamless integration of hardware performance with software tuning makes Sniper 2 more than just an adapter but a personalized control system that evolves with player preferences. Having over 20 years of experience in gaming hardware development, Brook Gaming's launch of the Sniper 2 signifies its commitment to enhancing cross-platform compatibility. This device offers players greater flexibility and precision in their gaming experiences, aligning with the brand's promise of "Your Game, Our Play."

News Mon, Jul 13, 2026

BILIBILI GAME launches Romance of the Three Kingdoms: Conquest on July 2

BILIBILI GAME officially released its strategy game, Romance of the Three Kingdoms: Conquest, on July 2 across Google Play, Apple App Store, and PC platforms. The game generated significant buzz prior to launch, surpassing 1 million pre-registrations, making it one of the highly anticipated titles of 2026. Following its release in China, it has maintained strong performance, achieving the second-highest revenue rank in app marketplaces in June. Romance of the Three Kingdoms: Conquest differentiates itself with a multi-class system featuring six distinct professions, alongside a user-friendly business model that eliminates resource and equipment sales, allowing players to focus on strategic gameplay without financial pressure. Players can choose from roles such as Heavenly Command, Tactical Headquarters, and others to craft their unique strategies, enhancing their combat experiences through character combinations and role assignments. All players who participated in the pre-registration will receive rewards, including the legendary character Xu Sheng and various in-game items. Additionally, a launch event allows players to secure legendary generals Sun Ce, Diao Chan, and Chen Gong simply by logging in. BILIBILI GAME has actively engaged with players, incorporating feedback from the closed beta testing period to refine the game, which has received favorable reviews. The company expressed gratitude for the community's support and emphasized their commitment to delivering a gaming experience enriched by the innovative six-class system and large-scale alliance warfare. More details about Romance of the Three Kingdoms: Conquest can be found on the official website and community forum.

News Mon, Jul 13, 2026

Kingnet's Jin Peng Drives WeMade Acquisition with 3.6x Market Bid

Kingnet's acquisition of a 39.33% stake in WeMade for approximately 920 billion won, 3.6 times the market price, highlights the strategic maneuvering of Kingnet Chairman Jin Peng. In this second part, we delve into Jin's background and the rationale behind this significant acquisition. Born in 1988, Jin Peng began his career with Zhejiang Shenghe Network, progressing from product manager to CEO. He gained recognition in the Chinese gaming industry with the release of "Lamwoljeongi" in 2016. This game broke the traditional three-class system and introduced a single-class system that allowed players to utilize skills from different roles, enhancing accessibility and fairness in PvP combat. The rapid attack speed and removal of loading screens created a more engaging gameplay experience. Jin's strategic focus on reinforcing successful IPs has proven effective, as evidenced by Kingnet's acquisition of a 51% stake in Zhejiang Shenghe in 2017, which transitioned to a wholly-owned subsidiary by 2023. His approach contrasts with the industry's trend of creating new IPs, as he capitalizes on established successes. Jin has also launched the "996 Engine" and the "996 Game Box" to streamline game development and consolidate existing games. The timeline of Jin's rise illustrates a pattern of opportunistic acquisition during crises. After Kingnet's founder Wang Wei was arrested in 2019, Jin seized the moment to secure control, gradually increasing his stake through market purchases and court auctions. Following a similar path, he is now targeting WeMade, capitalizing on the company's vulnerability to establish dominance in the market. As Kingnet prepares to finalize the WeMade acquisition, the implications for both companies are significant. Jin's history of leveraging established IPs and his aggressive acquisition strategy may reshape the competitive landscape in the mobile gaming sector, emphasizing the importance of timing and strategic foresight in corporate maneuvers.

News Mon, Jul 13, 2026

Hunter's Growth: Gameberry Studio Surpasses 30 Billion Won in Revenue

Gameberry Studio's mobile idle RPG, Hunter, has crossed 30 billion won in cumulative revenue since its launch in April 2023. This milestone was achieved nearly three years after the game's debut, with the title generating 10 billion won in its first year and hitting 20 billion won in the second year, demonstrating consistent annual growth of 10 billion won. The studio attributes this success to regular updates, user-centered business model design, and the operational capabilities of its parent company, Aimd's in-house user acquisition team. Their strategy focuses on long-term lifetime value (LTV) rather than short-term returns, which has driven revenue growth even three years post-launch. Additionally, a shift in revenue structure occurred with the introduction of the dedicated in-game item web shop platform, NewPlay. This change significantly reduced store commissions, resulting in an increase in operating profits. In the first quarter after implementation, monthly revenue grew by 30%, and operating profit doubled, leading to record-high monthly revenue and operating profit at the three-year mark. Gameberry Studio is also transferring the live operations, user acquisition, and business model design expertise gained from managing Hunter to other teams within the company while concurrently developing new titles. Aimd’s CEO, Hyungcheol Lim, emphasized that the knowledge built from deeply engaging with a single genre creates a competitive edge that is difficult to replicate by simply following trends. He noted that the 30 billion won achievement reflects the effectiveness of their strategies, particularly with a revenue structure boasting a 50% operating profit margin in a highly competitive genre. Looking ahead, the focus will remain on enhancing player satisfaction and growth through refined system, balance, and business model design.