Daily Mobile Gaming News

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

News Mon, Jul 20, 2026

Epic and Google Withdraw US Settlement as Pokémon Go Revenue Surges in 2026

Epic Games and Google have stepped back from their US Play Store settlement, marking a notable shift in their ongoing legal negotiations. This decision was highlighted in the 98th episode of the Week in Mobile Games Podcast, where PocketGamer.biz editors Craig Chapple, Paige Cook, and Aaron Astle discussed the broader impacts on the mobile gaming landscape. The withdrawal indicates continued tensions in app marketplace regulations and policies. Meanwhile, Pokémon Go saw a remarkable spike in revenue during its 2026 Go Fest, underscoring the enduring popularity of Niantic's mobile hit. This surge contributes to the evolving trends in mobile game earnings and player engagement. The podcast also covered insights into the Top 30 China Game Makers projected for 2026 and analyzed the leading mobile game genres for the first half of the year. The episode didn’t stop there; it explored a California-led coalition’s attempt to block the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger and presented UKIE’s 2025 UK Games Industry Workforce Demographics Survey. These topics weave a complex picture of the gaming industry's current legal, economic, and workforce dynamics. The takeaway is clear: while big tech companies navigate shifting legal terrain, player-driven events like Pokémon Go’s Go Fest continue to power significant revenue growth. This duality highlights how both regulatory challenges and engaging content shape the mobile gaming market’s future.

News Mon, Jul 20, 2026

Kuro Games unveils Wuthering Waves: Elysium anime series and Kuro Onroad brand

Kuro Games is stretching its creative wings with the reveal of Wuthering Waves: Elysium, an animated series based on its award-winning action RPG. The announcement comes paired with a shiny new reveal trailer and marks the debut of Kuro Onroad, a fresh animation brand set to bring the developer's game worlds to life in animated form. Elysium is the first project to roll out under this new label, promising to give fans a different window into the universe they've been exploring in-game. According to Kuro Games, the Elysium series is a deliberate leap into expanding the Wuthering Waves universe beyond gaming, offering another way to experience its characters, stories, and world. The studio has made it clear that future updates about the series will drop through Kuro Onroad's official regional social channels, so anyone curious about the next chapter should keep an eye on those feeds. Wuthering Waves itself is a free-to-play cross-platform RPG set in a post-cataclysmic sci-fi world, famous for its fast-paced combat and open-world exploration. The game has racked up industry recognition, nabbing the 2025 Player’s Voice award at The Game Awards and Best Audio/Visual Accomplishment at the Pocket Gamer Mobile Games Awards 2024. Clearly, it’s not just the fans who’ve been paying attention. The anime reveal arrives just as the Wuthering Waves Concert Tour: To the New World announces its North American debut. After sold-out shows in Shanghai, Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, and Singapore, the tour will land at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theatre on October 17th, 2026. It’s the first time the live concert experience will hit the US, opening another door for fans to immerse themselves in the world. With Kuro Games branching into animation and live events, the Wuthering Waves universe is steadily growing beyond its digital roots. Fans can look forward to new ways to connect with the story, whether they’re watching, playing, or turning up for the next concert.

Launch Mon, Jul 20, 2026

EA, Hoyoverse, Playrix and More Reveal New Soft Launch Games Across Global Markets

Several of mobile gaming’s biggest names have been quietly testing a batch of new titles across various regions, ranging from cozy life sims to action-packed shooters. This latest round of soft launches includes projects from EA, Hoyoverse, Playrix, Zynga, and others, each carving out their own testing grounds before broader releases. The details are constantly shifting as games enter and exit these early phases, so here’s a clear look at what’s currently in the pipeline. Bit Odd, a fresh Finnish studio with veterans from Clash of Clans and Clash Royale, has debuted Field Day, a hybrid MOBA and extraction shooter. It’s currently in early access in Canada, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, with plans to expand soon. Meanwhile, Blizzard is quietly developing Overwatch Rush, a mobile-exclusive top-down hero shooter set in the Overwatch universe. Though still early, the iOS version has already seen over 10,000 downloads in the Philippines, hinting at a growing interest ahead of Blizzard’s formal testing announcements. In the casual and merge game space, several titles are moving through soft launch phases. Century Games’ Just Desserts combines merge mechanics with narrative storytelling and is available on Android in Australia, Canada, the Philippines, and the UK. Family Farm Merge offers a pastoral farming experience and has started picking up traction in the UK, France, Canada, and Germany during early testing. Farlight's Totally Mall: Merge & Gossip takes players back to the ’80s with a merge puzzle twist, while Reality Bay invites players to direct their own film set in a merge 2 format, soft launched in India, Brazil, and the UK. EA’s Plants vs. Zombies 3: Evolved has already launched in the Philippines, UK, Malaysia, and Singapore, with the publisher promising updates on a wider rollout soon. Fingersoft’s Hill Climb Racing 3 is testing real-time multiplayer for the first time in the UK, Norway, Sweden, and Finland, marking a notable evolution for this physics-based racing series. Garena is experimenting with Garena Free City, a GTA-like title that’s moved beyond its initial soft launch in Argentina to register downloads in the Philippines, Algeria, and Egypt. Hoyoverse, known for Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, has opened pre-registration for Petit Planet, a cozy life simulation game following several beta rounds, though its release date remains unannounced. King and Mojang briefly soft launched Minecraft Blast, a new puzzle game, in Malaysia and Canada before pulling it back; Minecraft.net describes the project as still in very early stages. Capcom and Tencent continue beta testing Monster Hunter Outlanders with a global launch expected later this year, while Level Infinite is rolling out Gangstar Mirage City. In more eclectic offerings, Miniclip’s Hoverboard Party, a Subway Surfers-themed party game, is soft launched in the UK, Italy, and Portugal, featuring mini-games like Cage Football and Snowball Fight. Miniclip’s Derby studio is also testing Pure Crime: Gangster Shooting, an open-world crime game, in the UK and Philippines. Paint Brawl, a Splatoon-like shooter recently rebranded to include Subway Surfers characters, is seeing downloads in the UK and Philippines. Rival Nations, a multiplayer war game, is in soft launch across several European countries including Hungary and France. The list goes on with Moon Active’s Family Bay, a follow-up to Family Island, soft launching in India, Kazakhstan, and Poland; Hole Stars, a Voodoo Hole.io variant available in markets like India and the US; and Jelly Busters, which mixes pixel art with skateboarding jelly cubes, showing traction across Germany, the UK, and the US. Other notable soft launches include Playrix’s squad battler Questbound, Scopely’s WWE Generations: Eras Collide turn-based RPG, and Rovio’s Angry Birds Match World, a match 3 luck battle game in collaboration with French developer OhBiBi. This broad array of tests across genres and markets shows how top mobile developers are fine-tuning diverse gameplay experiences and monetization strategies before committing to global launches. Players in these test regions get early access to innovative features and settings, while publishers collect valuable data to shape final versions. The soft launch phase remains an essential proving ground, especially as developers experiment with multiplayer modes, narrative merges, and cross-genre blends that might define mobile gaming’s next wave. Key points from this round of soft launches include EA’s Plants vs. Zombies 3 live in four markets, Blizzard’s Overwatch Rush surpassing 10k iOS downloads in the Philippines, and Fingersoft’s Hill Climb Racing 3 introducing real-time multiplayer in Nordic and UK regions. Meanwhile, Hoyoverse has opened pre-registration for Petit Planet, marking a notable step for their expansion beyond Genshin and Honkai properties. All in all, this snapshot of ongoing soft launches underscores how major studios are quietly shaping the next generation of mobile games, balancing fan expectations with experimental gameplay and carefully staged regional rollouts.

News Mon, Jul 20, 2026

PUBG Mobile launches first MUSINSA collab with skins and real clothes on July 20

PUBG Mobile is teaming up with Korean fashion store MUSINSA and brand 999Humanity for its first-ever collaboration, blending gaming and streetwear in a fresh way. Officially named "PUBG Mobile x MUSINSA First Drop! 999Humanity," this partnership brings a unique community message alongside exclusive in-game skins and physical apparel. Starting July 20 at 9 a.m., players can find ten themed items in PUBG Mobile that capture 999Humanity's distinctive style. The lineup includes a Tommy Gun, Chicken Dinner T-shirt, Battle Map hoodie, two cargo pants in black and wine colors, backpack, helmet, frying pan, and parachute. These pieces let players show off street fashion vibes right on the battleground. Meanwhile, fans can shop the collaboration's real-world clothing on MUSINSA's online store, as well as at PUBG's Seongsu Root Store and 999Humanity's Seongsu flagship store. To celebrate, PUBG Mobile is running two in-game events. The first runs from July 20 at 11 a.m. to July 27 at 10:59 a.m., and the second from July 29 at 11 a.m. to August 10 at 10:59 a.m. Up to 100,000 players can earn MUSINSA money points worth as much as 990,000 KRW through these events. There's also a roulette offering collaboration apparel and other rewards. On MUSINSA's side, those who buy collaboration clothes may receive limited-edition sacoche bags and exclusive PUBG Mobile skins randomly, plus participate in quizzes and random farming events. This collaboration stands out by merging virtual and physical fashion, offering players a chance to express their style both in-game and offline. The dual launch of skins and streetwear reflects a new way for games and fashion to connect communities. For those curious about details, PUBG Mobile's official cafe and MUSINSA's online store provide full information. Bringing a real-world fashion brand into PUBG Mobile alongside in-game skins opens doors for fresh player engagement and cross-industry partnerships. This dual approach broadens the collaboration's appeal beyond just gameplay, inviting players to embody the collaboration's streetwear aesthetic on multiple fronts.

News Mon, Jul 20, 2026

PUBG MOBILE launches ‘999Humanity’ collab with MUSINSA on July 20

PUBG MOBILE is teaming up with South Korea's leading fashion and beauty platform MUSINSA and the streetwear brand 999Humanity for their first-ever collaboration, set to launch on July 20. This partnership, officially called “PUBGM x MUSINSA First Drop! 999Humanity,” brings a fresh blend of gaming and fashion under the message “Better Together: no weapon is stronger than your team.” It’s an intriguing step that merges PUBG MOBILE’s battle-ready style with contemporary streetwear vibes. The collaboration stands out by offering both in-game items and real-world apparel simultaneously. Players can grab a set of 10 themed in-game items inspired by 999Humanity’s aesthetic starting at 9 a.m. KST on July 20. The lineup includes the 999Humanity Tommy Gun, Chicken Dinner T-shirt, BATTLE MAP hooded zip-up, a full outfit set, cargo pants in black and wine colors, a backpack, helmet, frying pan, and parachute. This way, players can flex the unique street fashion mood right inside the battleground. Meanwhile, fashion enthusiasts can shop the physical collection on MUSINSA’s online store. For those who prefer offline shopping, the collaborative merchandise will also be available at PUBG’s Seongsu Root Store and the 999Humanity flagship store in Seongsu. This dual release blurs the line between virtual and physical wardrobes, giving fans a tangible connection to the game’s style. To celebrate, PUBG MOBILE is rolling out several events alongside the launch. One highlight is a giveaway offering up to 990,000 KRW in MUSINSA Money points, benefiting 100,000 users. There’s also a lucky roulette event featuring real apparel and other rewards. MUSINSA joins the festivities with exclusive perks for PUBG MOBILE players and streetwear fans alike, including limited-edition PUBGM sacoche bags and random in-game skins for anyone who buys the collaboration gear. Additional interactive events like quizzes and random farming challenges will keep the community engaged. The in-game events are split into two phases: the first runs from July 20 at 11 a.m. to July 27 at 10:59 a.m., and the second from July 29 at 11 a.m. through August 10 at 10:59 a.m. Players can participate through event banners and dedicated pages to unlock various rewards. This collaboration marks a notable fusion of gaming culture with fashion retail, offering players a new way to express their identity both inside and outside the game. By blending 999Humanity’s streetwear flair with PUBG MOBILE’s competitive edge, the partnership expands the game’s lifestyle appeal beyond the screen.

News Sun, Jul 19, 2026

Astrae Oratio opens test recruitment in August under NCSoft

NCSoft’s subculture RPG Astrae Oratio is gearing up to recruit testers this August, as revealed on its official X account. The game, developed by Dynamis One, has been drawing eyes since its teaser debut in April, steadily sharing character details and gameplay footage to keep anticipation humming. Set in 1889 Tokyo, Astrae Oratio weaves magic and bureaucracy into a unique ‘new era’ genre, centering on an ordinary protagonist abruptly assigned to a department specializing in magical affairs. That’s not your everyday job transfer, unless your office is hiding a spellbook somewhere. Test recruitment is scheduled for August, not the test itself—so no need to dust off your arcane skills just yet. NCSoft has clarified that details on how to participate and the exact timeline will arrive later, keeping the suspense alive for those eyeing an early peek. The game was previously known as Project AT, before its official unveiling brought its world-building ambitions out of the shadows. If you’re curious about how magic blends with municipal paperwork, Astrae Oratio’s premise promises a fresh twist on familiar tropes. The rollout of new information has been steady. In May, NCSoft and Dynamis One showcased the game’s world and roster of characters, giving fans a glimpse of its narrative depth. June brought a teaser video featuring in-game scenes, offering a taste of the title’s visual style and gameplay direction. While a launch date is still under wraps, the development team seems committed to keeping players in the loop with regular updates. For players following Astrae Oratio, August’s tester recruitment signals the game’s transition from concept to hands-on experience. With a distinct setting and an unconventional protagonist, it’s shaping up to be a notable addition to NCSoft’s lineup—though the real magic will be seeing how it plays when testers finally get their hands on it.

News Sat, Jul 18, 2026

BLEACH Mirrors High unveils first gameplay trailer revealing combat and customization

Bandai Namco Entertainment has released the first gameplay overview trailer for BLEACH Mirrors High, the upcoming mobile action RPG continuing the story after the BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War anime. The game invites players to create their own Soul Reaper who awakens in Karakura Town, teaming up with familiar characters from the series. This fresh narrative thread adds new faces and challenges to the BLEACH universe. Players can dive deep into customization with extensive options for their Soul Reaper’s appearance, including hairstyles, facial features, body type, and eye color. The customization extends to Zanpakutō weapons, allowing players to tweak blades, guards, hilts, decorations, and visual effects to craft a unique look. Combat uses a card-based system where teams of three characters execute attacks, specials, and the Soul Drive team-up moves. Chain Attacks can be linked to trigger powerful Link Attacks, adding a strategic layer to battles. The trailer also highlights three original Soul Reapers designed by BLEACH creator Tite Kubo: Naru Jurinna (voiced by Fuka Izumi), Giro Hando (Shogo Batori), and Maiko Tokishima (Yu Sasahara). BLEACH Mirrors High is set to launch on iOS and Android devices, promising fans a blend of familiar and new elements in its gameplay. With its detailed customization and card-based combat, BLEACH Mirrors High looks ready to offer a personalized and tactical mobile experience for BLEACH fans and RPG players alike.

News Fri, Jul 17, 2026

Astrae Oratio Closed Beta Applications Open August 2026, Comiket 108 Presence Confirmed

NC has officially announced that applications for the closed beta test of Astrae Oratio, the upcoming anime RPG developed by Dynamis One, will begin in August 2026. The publisher shared the update on July 17, confirming that more information about the beta schedule and the application process will be detailed at a later date. Players eager to keep up with the latest news can visit the game’s official website for ongoing updates. This announcement arrives less than a month after NC revealed its publishing partnership with Dynamis One, signaling a new direction for NC as it expands beyond its traditional MMORPG catalog. Astrae Oratio stands out as a character-focused anime RPG, and the developer has been steadily teasing its cast and setting since early this year. Recent weeks have brought a steady stream of character reveals, teaser artwork, comics, and additional world-building details, all building anticipation ahead of launch. Set in a fantasy version of Tokyo where magic is integrated into government administration, Astrae Oratio offers a premise that’s more bureaucratic than bombastic. Instead of casting players as legendary mages, the game centers on the "Shunin," an ordinary civil servant who manages the administrative side of the magical community. The story explores wizard-controlled territories governed by bureaucratic systems, giving Astrae Oratio a distinct narrative flavor compared to most fantasy RPGs. This unusual approach has been a recurring highlight in the game’s promotional materials, with both the developer and publisher emphasizing the unique blend of magic and municipal management. NC also confirmed Astrae Oratio will feature prominently at Comic Market 108 (Comiket 108) in August. The company’s booth will debut the official art book for the game and offer a range of merchandise. Attendees can participate in a special event at the booth, and NC has stated that Comiket 108 marks the start of wider plans to showcase Astrae Oratio at additional events. To celebrate the Comiket appearance, NC is running a campaign that includes the reveal of the art book’s cover image and a giveaway for the teaser art book, adding a sweet touch for fans looking to collect exclusive items. For players tracking Astrae Oratio’s progress, August is shaping up as a pivotal month: beta applications go live, and the game makes its event debut with new reveals and exclusive merchandise. With NC moving beyond its MMORPG roots and Dynamis One continuing to build out the game’s world and cast, Astrae Oratio’s closed beta is set to offer a first look at this magic-meets-municipal RPG, and Comiket 108 will give fans a chance to connect with the team and snag early collectibles.

News Fri, Jul 17, 2026

GRAFT Story Trailer Reveals Survival Horror RPG with Classic Resident Evil Vibes

Harebrained unveiled a new story trailer for GRAFT during the Convergence Games Showcase 2026, offering the most detailed glimpse yet into this upcoming survival horror RPG. Set within the decaying megastructure called the Arc, the game blends methodical survival horror with RPG elements and an evolving body modification system. Known primarily for the Shadowrun Trilogy, Harebrained is shifting gears here, leaning into a darker, more atmospheric experience. The trailer dives deep into GRAFT’s eerie atmosphere, showcasing mutated creatures stalking abandoned industrial corridors and a combat system that demands careful resource management. The pacing and tension clearly nod to classic Resident Evil, with limited ammunition and deliberate encounters. The protagonist’s story unfolds through disturbing visions and gradual transformation, driven by harvesting biological Grafts from enemies. These Grafts aren’t just power-ups; they come with narrative weight, affecting personality, memories, and relationships with other survivors, which in turn influence how the story plays out. Exploration in the Arc is tightly wound with survival, as players navigate hostile AI, failed experiments, and sprawling environments ranging from techno-catacombs to self-replicating labyrinths. Scavenging for technology and supplies is essential, but so is choosing battles wisely to conserve limited resources. The trailer marks the first in-depth look at how GRAFT’s RPG systems are woven into its survival horror foundation, setting it apart with a unique progression mechanic centered on body modification rather than traditional gear. For players who enjoy survival horror with a strong narrative and strategic customization, GRAFT offers a fresh take on the genre’s staples. Currently in development for PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, the game has yet to announce a release date, but this trailer makes it clear that Harebrained is aiming for something both familiar and intriguingly new.

AI + Mobile Fri, Jul 17, 2026

Roblox launches mobile-first AI Build tool with public alpha in New Zealand

Roblox has introduced Build, a new mobile-first AI-powered game creation tool designed to let users generate playable games from simple text prompts right within the Roblox app. This feature aims to make game development more accessible by allowing creators to describe game ideas—like settings or gameplay concepts—and instantly receive a playable starting point they can refine, test, share, or publish. Build integrates seamlessly with Roblox Studio by sharing backend systems, AI models, and chat history, so projects can shift fluidly between mobile and desktop while AI supports everything from environments to audio. In addition to Build, Roblox is rolling out a fresh suite of AI-powered tools within Roblox Studio. Testing for the first of these agentic AI tools, which will assist with playtesting, analytics, and game experiments, begins on July 28th. Future updates promise to expand these capabilities to include more robust scene generation. Build’s public alpha will also launch on July 28th exclusively in New Zealand, initially allowing age-verified users 9 and older to publish their games. The rollout is planned to grow into new regions and to more creators in the coming months. Roblox emphasized that while AI-generated content is a step forward, its discovery system remains focused on quality and player retention. Games that don’t engage players won’t rise in visibility, keeping the platform’s homepage curated for lasting experiences. The company stated, “If no one plays it – no one can find it,” underscoring that these AI tools are meant to accelerate creation for all skill levels without compromising the standard for what gets spotlighted. This move by Roblox highlights a significant stride toward democratizing game development on mobile, blending AI assistance with existing creative workflows. By introducing AI agents for testing and analytics alongside a mobile-first game builder, Roblox is shaping a future where creating and refining games is more intuitive and inclusive, while still holding onto the quality that players expect.