Daily Mobile Gaming News

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

AI + Mobile Wed, May 13, 2026

Game Execs Seek Flexibility Amid AI Challenges at DevGamm Summit

At last week's DevGamm Madeira Summit, a gathering of game executives from big names like Epic Games, Bethesda, and Krafton turned into a brainstorming session aimed at tackling the industry’s most pressing issues. The mantra? Pragmatism and flexibility. This boutique conference wasn't just about exchanging pleasantries; it also served as a pitch for local investment in Madeira, where tax breaks are designed to position the region as a competitor to popular business hubs like Malta and Luxembourg. Among the attendees, a significant presence of work-for-hire and consultancy firms highlighted the mobile gaming industry's shift towards a Hollywood-esque model, relying on short-term contractors and outsourcing. The mobile sector has already absorbed lessons that PC and console developers are still grappling with: keep your operations lean, avoid overcommitment, specialize in what you do best, and—let's not forget—remember that you’re running a business. The discussions went beyond the usual talking points to tackle a pressing new challenge: how to make games defensible against AI imitators. In a panel led by Starting Point Games CEO Jeff Hilbert, industry veterans including Agora’s Lili Zang and Krafton’s Victor Lee emphasized that game developers need to infuse their creations with a human touch, something that AI simply can’t replicate. As Hilbert and Lee half-joked, we might soon find ourselves in a world where any studio can churn out a PUBG or Fortnite clone in mere weeks, raising the stakes for discoverability and community engagement. With competition heating up, studios must master the art of attracting and nurturing player communities, as pitches lacking clear strategies for targeting and fandom-building are likely to flop. Finding the balance between creating the game you’re passionate about and one that investors find appealing is no small feat. Lee advised, "You’ve got to find the right investor who believes in your vision, but don’t stray too far from what you originally set out to create." Hilbert echoed this sentiment, urging developers to take feedback seriously while maintaining the core essence of their projects. In a spirited exchange featuring GSC Game World’s Agostino Simonetta, Bossa founder Henrique Olifiers, and consultant Rami Ismail, the panel discussed the pitfalls of overambitious expansions by smaller studios after securing funding during the post-COVID frenzy. They criticized teams that emerged from larger studios, aiming for the stars without the necessary experience to back it up. Ismail suggested that developers look to build teams in regions like South America, India, and Indonesia to keep costs manageable, rather than getting tangled up in the expensive European and North American markets. The consensus? Understanding what your studio does best and focusing on unique projects can set you apart in a crowded marketplace. The panelists agreed that nimbleness is key: studios should avoid the baggage of maintaining large live games or cumbersome development processes. Stay small, stay agile, and who knows? Maybe it’ll all work out in the end. Disclosure: DevGamm covered travel and accommodation for this event. Read on.

News Wed, May 13, 2026

LVL Zero Launches Mentor Network for Indian Game Studios

LVL Zero is stepping onto the stage with a game-changing initiative: a global mentor network designed to empower the first cohort of its gaming incubator, aimed squarely at ambitious Indian game studios. This isn’t just a feel-good story; it’s a strategic move backed by heavyweights like MIXI Global Investments, Nazara Technologies, and Chimera VC. Over the next 100 days, ten selected startups will dive into a hands-on incubation program that’s all about building, testing, and launching their games. The mentor lineup reads like a who’s who of the gaming industry, featuring experts from Google, Microsoft (yes, the Xbox folks), and NCSoft. These mentors will not just sit on the sidelines; they’ll be embedded in the development process, rolling up their sleeves during bi-weekly sprint reviews, product feedback sessions, and playtesting analysis. This approach ensures that the support goes beyond mere advice—it's about execution at every step of the journey. Sagar Nair, head of incubation at LVL Zero, sums it up perfectly: "Access to capital is important, but early-stage game studios in India have lacked real, hands-on expertise. With this mentor network, we're bringing in operators who have built, shipped, and scaled games globally, embedding them directly into the founders’ journey." So, forget about traditional advisory roles; this is about getting practical help from those who've been in the trenches. The program is structured around a build-test-ship framework, guiding startups to create playable builds, validate their product loops, and prepare pitches that could impress investors and publishers. Nair emphasizes that the goal over the next 100 days is straightforward: help these teams build better products, faster, and ready to compete on a global scale. With such a robust support system in place, it looks like the Indian gaming scene is gearing up for a thrilling ride. Buckle up!

News Wed, May 13, 2026

Google Play Dumps Chargeback Costs on Developers in 2026

Big news from Google Play: starting in 2026, the financial burden of chargebacks will no longer sit on the tech giant’s shoulders. Instead, it’s Android developers who will be left holding the bag. This shift means that developers will need to provide compelling evidence of gameplay and transactions when disputes arise. No more letting Google absorb those costs; if players dispute their purchases, developers will have to cough up the disputed amounts (minus Google’s service fee) and any additional chargeback fees slapped on by banks. But wait, there’s more! To help developers navigate this new financial minefield, Google will roll out a shiny new review refund API in July 2026. This tool will allow developers to submit transaction-level data, including delivery status, item usage, and order state. Google claims this data will bolster developers’ cases against illegitimate chargebacks, particularly in scenarios where players dispute purchases after gobbling up in-game items. This operational shift isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s expected to place a hefty responsibility on publishers, especially those nimble mobile game studios that thrive on in-app purchases. According to insights from Appcharge, developers lacking structured dispute management processes typically win only about 20% to 30% of chargeback cases. Meanwhile, those with robust evidence systems can boost recovery rates to over 80%. It’s a stark reminder that developers will need to step up their game in payment operations and fraud management expertise to stay afloat in this evolving landscape. So, as we look ahead to 2026, developers will need to brace themselves for the financial implications of this change and sharpen their dispute management skills. The mobile gaming sector is about to get a lot more complex, and only the savvy will survive!

Launch Tue, May 12, 2026

New Angry Birds Game Set to Launch Before March 2027, Says SEGA Sammy

SEGA Sammy just dropped a bombshell for Angry Birds fans, revealing plans for a new game in the franchise before the end of their fiscal year in March 2027. This nugget of information made its way into the public sphere during SEGA Sammy's FY2026/3 financial results presentation, as reported by our friends at GamingonPhoneBiz. However, it's worth noting that the acquisition of Rovio hasn't exactly been a golden egg for SEGA Sammy, as their financial performance has been less than stellar so far. Despite this, the Angry Birds franchise isn't going anywhere. SEGA Sammy is reportedly restructuring Rovio internally while focusing on the areas that still show promise for long-term growth. A glimmer of hope for fans is the stabilizing performance of Angry Birds 2, which remains one of Rovio's most successful live-service titles. In fact, there's a plan for continuous updates to Angry Birds 2, which is also set to launch in mainland China soon. The game is currently enjoying a crossover collaboration with Subway Surfers, bringing themed events that blend both universes. Rovio is also hinting at exploring new gameplay styles beyond the traditional slingshot mechanics. Over the past year, the company has been quietly reawakening its portfolio with some intriguing projects. Just last month, Angry Birds Rush made a surprise early access return in Mexico, while back in March, Angry Birds Friends expanded to web browsers. Rovio is clearly dipping its toes into different genres again, having soft-launched Angry Birds Match World on iOS in Finland last year. Although SEGA Sammy's financial outlook sounds a bit cautious, the Angry Birds brand itself is buzzing with activity. The next big leap includes a transmedia expansion, with The Angry Birds Movie 3 set to hit theaters on December 23, 2026. The film is expected to boost licensing revenue and enhance player engagement across live games with movie-themed events. As for the upcoming Angry Birds title, details about its gameplay or genre remain under wraps, leaving fans to speculate about the possibilities. With Rovio's recent genre experimentation, the new game could take many forms. Regardless of its direction, excitement is in the air for this fresh addition to the Angry Birds universe.

News Tue, May 12, 2026

Katsuhiro Harada Launches New SNK VS Studio in Tokyo

Katsuhiro Harada, the mastermind behind the Tekken series, is back in action with a brand-new venture: SNK VS Studio. After parting ways with Bandai Namco, Harada has set up shop in Shinagawa, Tokyo, where he’ll take the helm as CEO. The studio’s name, SNK VS, is packed with meaning, symbolizing ‘Video game Soft (VS Development Division)’ and embodying a spirit of Versus that challenges the status quo. The guiding mantra of the studio is ‘Beyond tradition, crafted to perfection,’ underscoring a commitment to blending technology and creativity within a more open development landscape. While specific projects remain under wraps, this partnership merges Harada’s legendary expertise with SNK’s rich legacy known for franchises like The King of Fighters, Fatal Fury, and Samurai Shodown. Yasuyuki Oda, an SNK designer and Harada’s longtime friend and rival, chimed in, noting that their discussions about collaboration had been brewing for years before finally coming to fruition. It looks like gaming aficionados may soon witness some exciting new creations from this powerhouse duo. Big thanks to VGC for bringing this electrifying news to light.

News Tue, May 12, 2026

Roblox Taps Mohamed El Sheakh to Boost MENA and Türkiye Expansion

Roblox is shaking things up in the MENA and Türkiye regions by appointing Mohamed El Sheakh as its new general manager. El Sheakh, a seasoned pro with a résumé that includes stints at tech giants like Apple, Microsoft, and Nokia, is stepping into this pivotal role to spearhead Roblox’s regional expansion strategy, partnerships, and initiatives to nurture the developer ecosystem. His mission? To make Roblox a household name across the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye. This strategic move comes at a time when governments in these regions are flooding investments into gaming infrastructure, esports, and digital entertainment. El Sheakh, who also founded Games Ventures and Games Majlis, sees a bright horizon. "Roblox has built a global interactive gaming platform, and the MENA region is a key pillar for our future growth," he stated, underscoring the vibrant pool of creative youngsters eager to dive into the digital realm. El Sheakh emphasized the burgeoning investments from both public and private sectors, which he believes will unlock vast opportunities for Roblox to grow and expand. As Roblox’s VP of international affairs Zen Fang pointed out, this region is not just a box to check on a map; it's essential for supporting Roblox’s international growth and the creative economy. In short, with El Sheakh at the helm, Roblox is poised to tap into the region's potential, offering a safe educational platform for gamers, creators, and families alike, while stimulating the local games ecosystem. Buckle up, MENA and Türkiye; Roblox is ready to play!

News Tue, May 12, 2026

Tokyo Game Show 2026 Unveils Teaser and Influencer Lineup

The Tokyo Game Show 2026 is gearing up for an exciting five-day extravaganza from September 17 to 21 at the Makuhari Messe, marking the first time the show stretches its legs for a full five days. The organizers have released the event’s first teaser video, showcasing main visuals crafted by the talented illustrator Zashikiwarashi. You can check out the eye-catching teaser on Tokyo Game Show’s official YouTube and social media channels, where the enthusiasm is palpable and the graphics are stunning. In a delightful twist, the show is also welcoming back the official “TGS BOOSTERZ” influencer program, which aims to amplify the event’s buzz across the globe through livestreams, social media, and video content. This year’s influencer lineup is set to feature a total of 30 participants, celebrating the event’s anniversary in style. Among the first confirmed names are gaming luminaries like Ella Freya, Kayane, Junpei Zaki, Taizo Zaki, and Shao Dow, ensuring a mix of talent that’s both entertaining and engaging. For those eyeing a spot on the exhibition floor, applications for exhibitors are still open until May 22, but if you’re thinking of a booth larger than 42 spaces, you’ll need to hustle, as those applications closed on May 8. The organizers are also tweaking hall layouts and booth placements to make room for an influx of participating companies, making sure that this year’s show is as crowded and exciting as ever. So mark your calendars and prepare for a gaming spectacle that promises to be unforgettable!

News Tue, May 12, 2026

DIGIMON ALYSION Set for 2026 with TCG Battles and New Digimon

Bandai Namco Entertainment is gearing up to unleash DIGIMON ALYSION, a new mobile title that promises to deliver online TCG battles set in the same universe as the DIGIMON LIBERATOR. This isn’t just a rehash of old battles; players can look forward to training fresh Digimon like Gemmon, alongside a novel digivolution path system that spices up evolution like never before. While the game has been announced for both Android and iOS, it’s worth noting that it hasn’t yet made its debut on the App Store or Google Play Store, so don’t go hunting just yet for a download button. Originally teased back in 2023, DIGIMON ALYSION finally took center stage at DIGIMON CON 2025, where it was fully unveiled after a closed beta test in August of the same year. This upcoming card game, inspired by the classic DIGIMON Card Game, invites players to build their dream decks with beloved Digimon. The excitement here is palpable, especially with the promise of new characters like Kanata Hondo, Future, and Valner Dragnogh adding depth to the original storyline. But let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: the game boasts a unique gadget called the D-STORAGE, which serves as a deck case for your cards. This, paired with the innovative Digivolution Paths system, means players can experiment with their Digimon in ways that keep battles fresh and engaging. The visuals are adorable, and the character designs are nothing short of charming, making it a treat for both long-time fans and newcomers alike. As for the launch, DIGIMON ALYSION is set to hit the mobile scene in 2026. However, don’t expect to find it on the app stores just yet; details around the release are still under wraps. Until then, keep an eye on the horizon for updates and perhaps check out other exciting mobile titles on our upcoming games list. With so much promise on the table, the anticipation for DIGIMON ALYSION is already reaching fever pitch!

News Tue, May 12, 2026

Veroplay Snags Moving Eye Games and Swamp Attack Franchise

In a move that's sure to make some waves in the mobile gaming scene, NCSoft subsidiary Veroplay has officially acquired Moving Eye Games along with the beloved Swamp Attack franchise. Blaz Porenta, the co-founder and CEO of Moving Eye, took to LinkedIn to share the news, celebrating what he describes as a major milestone after a decade of hard work. Porenta reflected, "After more than 10 years of grinding, stressing, and celebrating, we’ve reached a huge milestone. Moving Eye and the Swamp Attack games have officially been acquired by Veroplay Limited, a subsidiary of NCSoft. What started as a small project turned into a journey with hundreds of millions of players around the world." The Swamp Attack franchise has certainly made a splash, boasting hundreds of millions of players who have embraced its quirky charm. While the financial specifics of the acquisition remain under wraps, this deal brings the popular franchise into the ever-expanding portfolio of NCSoft. Moving Eye Games, founded in 2012, is a small indie studio led by a tight-knit four-person team, collectively packing over 65 years of industry experience. They’ve managed to crank out two titles that have amassed a staggering 300 million downloads, solidifying a vast global community of players around their creations. With a development philosophy focused on crafting games that they themselves would love to play, the future looks bright for Moving Eye under Veroplay's banner. This acquisition marks not just a new chapter for the studio but also a promising expansion for NCSoft in the mobile gaming market.

News Tue, May 12, 2026

Guerrilla Games Co-Founder Launches AI-Driven European Game Engine

In a bold move shaking up the game development landscape, Arjan Brussee, co-founder of Guerrilla Games, is on a mission to create a European alternative to the dominant game engines like Unreal and Unity. His new project, The Immense Engine, promises to be a fully European-hosted and built platform, designed to comply with local regulations and standards. Brussee, who previously held the position of global director of product management for Unreal Engine at Epic Games, made this announcement during a candid chat on the Dutch podcast De Technoloog. He pointed out that current engines are stuck in the past, built around outdated workflows that lean heavily on manual processes. The Immense Engine aims to change that by integrating AI at its core. Brussee believes that leveraging AI agents could enable developers to achieve results that would typically require a team ten times larger. Talk about working smarter, not harder! But it’s not just about gaming; Brussee envisions this engine expanding its horizons into sectors like defense, logistics, and 3D simulation. In his words, “No one is currently making an engine that is fully European-hosted, built by Europeans, and complies with European rules and guidelines.” With a career that spans programming classics like Jazz Jackrabbit to leadership roles in various studios, Brussee's experience is hard to ignore. He’s convinced that AI’s rise demands a complete shift in how we approach game engine development. “As an old hand with a vision of how things should work, I see opportunities there,” he stated. If you know how to effectively harness AI, you could potentially do the work of ten or fifteen people. Now that’s a game-changer! As the world of gaming evolves, The Immense Engine could very well be the tool that brings a fresh perspective and innovation to both developers and players alike. #Game Engine #The Immense Engine