Daily Mobile Gaming News

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

News Wed, Jul 8, 2026

Love and Deepspace Cancels Bilibili World 2026 Appearance Over Valko Controversy

Infold Games has announced the cancellation of Love and Deepspace's participation at Bilibili World 2026 amid significant backlash over the character Valko. This decision follows the removal of Valko, who was intended to be a new love interest in the game, after players in China expressed strong disapproval. A statement posted on the game's Xiaohongshu account acknowledged the criticism and included an apology to the player community. In light of the cancellation, Infold Games will reimburse fans for any losses associated with Bilibili World, including ticket costs, airfare, and hotel cancellations for those who were set to attend the now-canceled panel. The studio also committed to conducting internal training and continuing to address the controversy while respecting Chinese culture and history. The uproar surrounding Valko began with concerns about his introduction as a new love interest, as players voiced worries regarding the development of existing romance options and a controversial placeholder file associated with the character. This outcry led to the decision to remove Valko prior to his official release and prompted the cancellation of planned interactive activities involving a cosplayer of the character during the Anime Expo panel. A fan petition demanding the reinstatement of Valko has gained traction, amassing over 230,000 signatures with a target of 250,000. In response to the backlash, Infold has stated it will focus on enhancing the stories of the five existing romance options rather than introducing new ones.

News Wed, Jul 8, 2026

Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse Set for Android Release

Pocketpair Publishing and Frontside 180 Studio have announced that their 2D roguelike action game, Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse, will soon be available on Android. While a specific release date has yet to be disclosed, players can currently pre-register for the game on Google Play. Never Grave initially launched on March 5, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. This title combines elements of Metroidvania and roguelite gameplay, allowing players to progress using a unique cursed hat. Players can wield various forms of magic or even possess their enemies to reach deeper levels of the game's dungeons. The game includes a village-building aspect, where players can return with loot, clear debris, and construct new facilities to enhance their capabilities for future battles. Never Grave supports up to four-player multiplayer, enabling friends to join forces and explore dungeons together. The game features authentic 2D action, where players must identify enemy attacks and leverage magic, alongside environmental advantages. Dungeons are procedurally generated, ensuring a fresh experience with each playthrough, while also incorporating obstacles and puzzles. Key features include a possession system that allows players to take on the abilities of enemies, creating diverse gameplay opportunities. The game showcases traditional Japanese hand-drawn animations and richly painted backgrounds, contributing to its immersive aesthetic. Players will encounter intense boss battles that require more than just memorizing patterns to succeed. With the ability to explore ever-changing terrain and the promise of cooperative multiplayer, Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse aims to offer a compelling gaming experience.

News Wed, Jul 8, 2026

Tokyo Game Show 2026 Exhibitors List Revealed

The Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association has unveiled the exhibitors list and main visual for the Tokyo Game Show 2026, scheduled to take place from September 17 to 21 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. This year’s main visual is crafted by Warashi, marking its second consecutive year in this role. Currently, the event has attracted 759 exhibitors, comprising 484 from Japan and 275 from international origins, which collectively occupy a total of 3,946 booths. Notably, exhibitors hail from 51 countries and regions, exceeding the 46 seen in 2025. Attendees can expect a wide variety of game genres and several highly anticipated new releases across platforms, including home consoles, smartphones, and PCs. The event will showcase prominent e-sports titles alongside advanced augmented reality and virtual reality experiences, as well as innovative indie games. Beyond games, the exhibition will also feature gaming hardware and furniture designed for optimal play environments, along with cutting-edge business solutions. The Tokyo Game Show 2026 aims to serve as a comprehensive platform for both business-to-business and business-to-consumer interactions, allowing participants to engage with the latest trends in the gaming industry. The confirmed exhibitors list includes major players such as Capcom, Koei Tecmo, LEVEL-5, SEGA/ATLAS, Sony Interactive Entertainment, and Square Enix, among many others.

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⚡ QUICK BITE Wed, Jul 8, 2026 • taptap.io

Riot Games is set to offer early access for VALORANT Mobile on both Android and iOS platforms. This upcoming mobile version of the popular first-person shooter will feature a new story theme that integrates characters with diverse skill sets. Notably, well-known leaker PlayerIGN has hinted that the announcement for VALORANT Mobile could occur at E3 2021, scheduled for mid-June. As anticipation builds, players can expect more detailed information about the game's release throughout 2021. Original source ↗

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⚡ QUICK BITE Tue, Jul 7, 2026 • taptap.io

Tower of Fantasy, the shared open-world MMORPG developed by Hotta Studio and published by Perfect World Games, is now available globally on PC and mobile platforms. This anime-infused sci-fi adventure is set hundreds of years in the future on the distant planet Aida, where humanity has migrated due to dwindling resources on Earth. Players will immerse themselves in a post-apocalyptic world characterized by an anime-inspired art style, freeform character development, and dynamic combat. The narrative unfolds as mankind discovers an energy source called 'Omnium' from the comet Mara, leading to the construction of the Omnium Tower. However, the energy's radiation caused a catastrophic disaster on Aida. The game offers a vast alien landscape filled with stunning vistas and towering futuristic structures for players to explore. Character customization is a key feature, allowing players to wield unique weapons that cater to various gameplay styles while uncovering each character's backstory. Players can team up with friends to embark on adventures in this shared world, engaging in epic battles against a variety of foes. Combat is designed to be fluid, enabling players to switch between weapons and styles, crafting a personal fighting approach. For more information about Tower of Fantasy, players can visit the official channels including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Discord. Original source ↗

News Tue, Jul 7, 2026

Astrolabe Games to Publish OMEGA PHENEX COMMENCED PROJECT SIX

Astrolabe Games has announced its partnership with Surume Game Koubou to publish OMEGA PHENEX COMMENCED PROJECT SIX, a high-speed 3D mecha action game. While specific consoles for the launch are yet to be disclosed, the game will also be available on PC via Steam. As of now, a release date has not been provided. Developed over eight years and powered by Unreal Engine 5, OMEGA PHENEX showcases a high level of dedication and craftsmanship. Its unique approach to mecha action has already garnered attention from players and fans. Astrolabe Games aims to collaborate closely with the developers and engage with the growing community around the game. Currently, an Open Beta Test is live on Steam, allowing players to experience the dynamic mecha action gameplay in multiple languages, including English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese. In OMEGA PHENEX, players control Icarus, a nimble mecha designed for high-speed combat across both sea and sky. The gameplay emphasizes speed and mobility, as players navigate through intense battles with significant enemy forces and formidable rivals. The combat system is tailored to deliver exhilarating mech action while remaining accessible to a wide audience. With unrestricted turning speed and a boost gauge, players can engage in aerial combat seamlessly. The design of enemy fire enhances the sense of speed, making it exciting without being overly punishing. The aim controls are aligned with familiar first-person and third-person shooter mechanics, making it easier for players who are new to the genre. OMEGA PHENEX also features a diverse arsenal, allowing players to equip their mecha with various weapons that cater to different combat styles. Options range from auto-lock missile barrages to powerful melee attacks, enabling players to adapt their strategies based on mission requirements and enemy types. The customization system is extensive, affecting both the appearance and performance of the mecha. Players can modify parts, paint schemes, and fine-tune attributes through the game’s Tune system, which allows for personalized adjustments in durability, mobility, and weapon efficacy. The game comprises over 30 missions with varying objectives, including extermination, exploration, boss battles, and escort missions. Additionally, players can engage in Arena Mode for one-on-one combat. A new trailer has been released, showcasing the game's features.

News Tue, Jul 7, 2026

Sponge Break: New Co-op Rafting Adventure Game Announced for PC

Publisher Balor Games and developer Goose Byte have unveiled Sponge Break, a cooperative rafting adventure designed for one to four players, set to launch on PC via Steam. While a specific release date remains unannounced, players can currently sign up for playtests. Sponge Break places players in the roles of sponges attempting to escape the oppressive environment of a kitchen sink, navigating treacherous rapids on a raft constructed with little more than hope. The game emphasizes chaotic drop-in cooperative gameplay, allowing players to join or leave the action seamlessly. It also features full solo support, ensuring that players can enjoy the adventure alone if they prefer. The game includes proximity voice chat, enabling players to communicate in real-time, with sponges that lip-sync to their voices, adding an entertaining layer to teamwork. The physics-driven raft mechanics mean that a single misstep can result in disaster, flipping the raft, scattering equipment, inflicting damage, and potentially foiling the escape attempt. Players will need to collaborate to steer their raft through perilous environments while solving puzzles, avoiding hazards, and engaging in battles against enemies, including beavers. Sponge Break offers over 100 unlockable cosmetic options for players to customize their sponge characters, including various eyes, mouths, hats, and even inflatable buoys. Additionally, players can utilize a plunger that acts as a grappling hook to interact with their surroundings and access a shared raft stash for collected loot. The journey will take players through diverse biomes such as sewers and rivers, with safehouses available between levels for repairs, restocking, and regrouping before setting off again. An announcement trailer is available for viewing, along with the first screenshots of the game.

AI + Mobile Tue, Jul 7, 2026

Meta Soft Launches Pocket, an AI-Driven App for Game Creation

Meta has introduced a new application named Pocket, which allows users to create and share short-form interactive apps and games utilizing AI prompts. This software emerged from Meta's acquisition of Gizmo earlier this year, incorporating many similar features. Pocket functions as a TikTok-inspired platform where users can develop brief “experiences” through text, photos, touch, and sound, generating a dynamic feed of “gizmos.” The app, which has not been officially announced, was spotted by mobile developer Alessandro Paluzzi, who shared screenshots of its Play Store page. Reports indicate that Pocket has been soft-launched in Brazil, despite the original Gizmo app remaining available for download. Currently, Pocket holds an impressive 4.9 rating based on over 13,000 user reviews. Meta acquired the Gizmo team in March 2026, although financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. A 2025 SEC filing, reported by Business Insider, revealed that the New York-based startup raised approximately $5.48 million from investors. Throughout its history on Apple and Google stores, the Gizmo app achieved nearly 700,000 installs, with 55 percent of these coming from the US. The concept of a ‘TikTok for games’ has seen various attempts in the past, including initiatives from Supercell-backed HypeHype, US startup Smirk, and more recently, Minit. In 2023, TikTok also experimented with playable in-feed games but later confirmed that it was a test that has since been discontinued.

News Tue, Jul 7, 2026

KRAFTON explains $0.99 iOS verification charge for purchases

KRAFTON has clarified that iOS users may notice an additional $0.99 charge when making purchases. This charge serves as a temporary authorization to verify the user's credit card account and will automatically be canceled after a short period. The $0.99 authorization fee is not an actual purchase but a standard procedure for account verification on iOS. Users can expect this charge to disappear shortly after the verification process is complete. For further information, KRAFTON directs users to Apple's support article that details the nature of this authorization charge. Understanding this process can help alleviate concerns regarding unexpected charges during in-game purchases.

News Tue, Jul 7, 2026

China's Mini-Games Market Surges with Key Growth Metrics

China's Mini-Games market is experiencing rapid growth, with significant metrics reported for March 2026. This sector attracted 1.021 billion monthly active users, with WeChat Mini-Programs alone accounting for 973 million users, marking a 5.8% increase year-over-year. The market generated approximately $7.65 billion in revenue in 2025, reflecting a substantial 34.39% year-over-year growth, and is projected to reach around $9.72 billion in 2026. In-app purchases (IAPs) comprised 68.11% of total revenue, while advertising made up 31.89%. WeChat, with its 1.43 billion monthly active users, serves as the primary driver of this market, but it faces competition from platforms such as Douyin, Kuaishou, Alipay, Meituan, and Bilibili. WeChat Mini-Games recorded an industry-wide monthly active user count of 571 million, while Douyin had 171 million, representing penetration rates of 51.5% and 18.4%, respectively. The Mini-Games advertising landscape is also expanding, with 51,000 games utilizing ads across various platforms—up 54% year-over-year—compared to 22,000 ad-running titles in traditional mobile games, which saw a modest 5.2% increase. This indicates a highly competitive environment. Among the top titles, Whiteout Survival led the pack with an average of 41.79 million monthly active users in Q3 2025, followed by BigBang Survivor at 30.25 million and Do Not Fall Flat at 23.82 million. Whiteout Survival's user base grew by 38.7% during the first three quarters of the year. In terms of business terms, WeChat employs a revenue-sharing model that varies by game type. For in-game ads, publishers and the platform share revenue equally, while for IAPs, publishers retain 60% of revenue with WeChat taking 40%. Additionally, WeChat offers an annual incentive policy for publishers that includes ad credits and a 5% bonus for reaching $2 million in gross revenue within 30 days. The comprehensive China WeChat Mini-Games Industry Report 2026, compiled by Meridian Play and Jinke, provides further insights into audience demographics, gameplay sessions, and game performance. Notably, the game Seek Dao Qian Da Qian (Nobody’s Adventure: Chop-Chop) peaked at a monthly revenue of around ¥700 million with over 35 million MAUs, and after its international launch, it began generating over $10 million in daily revenue globally.