Daily Mobile Gaming News

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

News Thu, Jun 4, 2026

Skeletor: Until Next Time Launches as an Endless Runner on Mobile

Skeletor: Until Next Time is now available on mobile platforms, bringing the popular Masters of the Universe meme into a fast-paced endless runner format. Players navigate through the chaotic landscapes of Eternia as Skeletor, dodging traps and obstacles in a continuous race. This game marks the first self-published title by Mattel Digital Studios, developed in collaboration with Amber, and adds to Mattel’s expanding gaming portfolio ahead of the upcoming June 5 release of Masters of the Universe. In Skeletor: Until Next Time, players can expect to encounter iconic characters from the franchise, including Man-At-Arms and Evil-Lyn, each equipped with unique abilities. The gameplay emphasizes quick reflexes and timing as players summon allies like Panthor and harness villain energy to enhance their runs. The game features seasonal content, promising new gameplay experiences and collectible rewards to keep players engaged. The retro visuals combined with modern endless runner mechanics create an appealing experience for both fans of the franchise and new players alike. Skeletor: Until Next Time is available for download on both Android and iOS, making it easily accessible for mobile gamers. Players can find the game in their respective app stores.

Pre-registration Wed, Jun 3, 2026

Lost Twins 2 Launches Pre-Registration for Mobile with Unique Puzzles

Lost Twins 2 is set to bring its innovative world-shifting puzzles to mobile devices, with pre-registration now open on Android. This puzzle-platformer allows players to slide and rearrange the game world to create new paths, adding a unique twist to exploration. Players can enjoy the game solo or join a friend in local co-op mode, exploring a charming world inspired by Studio Ghibli, without the pressure of timers, enemies, or deaths. The mobile version promises to deliver the complete core experience, optimized for smartphones. As development nears completion, Playdew is preparing for a global launch soon. Players will guide twins Abi and Ben on their journey home, solving logical puzzles and overcoming obstacles by rearranging tiles. Each puzzle encourages creative thinking, presenting the whimsical polygonal playground from multiple perspectives. In addition to the core gameplay, players can unlock hidden paths, collect charming curios, and reveal concept art as they progress. Customization options for both twins will also be available, allowing players to personalize their characters with unique designs. With its signature sliding puzzle mechanic, engaging gameplay, and original atmospheric soundtrack, Lost Twins 2 aims to provide an enjoyable experience free from common gaming stressors. Pre-registration for Lost Twins 2 is currently available on the Google Play Store, while iOS users will have to wait for pre-orders on the App Store. More updates about the official release date are anticipated.

News Wed, Jun 3, 2026

Supercell, King, and Sybo CEOs Critique EU's Proposed Regulations

Ilkka Paananen, Todd Green, and Mathias Gredal Nørvig have voiced strong opposition to upcoming EU proposals that they argue could render free-to-play games "unplayable in Europe." Speaking to The Financial Times, the executives from Supercell, King, and Sybo expressed concerns that the proposed regulations governing virtual currency in these games might jeopardize the mobile gaming industry's growth in the region. Paananen previously warned in October 2025 that such measures could effectively "kill" European game development. The EU aims to implement stricter controls on how digital currencies are purchased and utilized within free-to-play games, citing the need to protect children and vulnerable players. These proposals resemble cookie consent pop-ups on websites, intending to introduce notifications every time players engage in spending or purchasing virtual currency. Additionally, developers would be required to disclose the real-world monetary value of in-game items instead of their cost in the game's virtual currency. Paananen remarked to the FT, "Basically, these games would become unplayable in Europe... Mobile games is one of the very few industries where Europe and the Nordics specifically can claim they are the leader, and it is a really scary point if you think about European competitiveness at large." He estimated that under the new regulation, players could encounter EU-mandated pop-ups approximately 40 times during a typical gaming session with Supercell titles. Earlier this week, King released a report highlighting the economic contributions of EU mobile game developers. Todd Green, president of King, added that removing virtual currencies would likely make games like Candy Crush Saga "confusing and less attractive" for European players. Sybo CEO Nørvig expressed skepticism about Brussels' understanding of the mobile gaming sector, suggesting that fears stemming from anecdotes of excessive in-app purchases among children have led to misguided legislation. He stated, "Some of the legislation proposed now looks more frightened from not understanding, rather than wanting to understand the nuances of what gaming can actually do. Because if you play age-appropriately and games that your parents are engaged in, then the science is overwhelmingly positive on the impacts of gaming." The three executives concurred that the EU's regulations would create a more favorable gaming environment in the US and Asia, putting EU players and developers at a disadvantage. Paananen concluded by stating, "It would make Europe a... much smaller market for mobile games."

News Wed, Jun 3, 2026

Nordic Game Makers Shine in 2026

The Nordic games industry continues to impress with a wealth of talent in game development and publishing. A forthcoming report will highlight the Top 30 Nordic Game Makers, showcasing the region's significant contributions to the global gaming landscape. This includes renowned franchises such as Candy Crush Saga, Clash of Clans, Angry Birds, and Battlefield, alongside newer successes like Arc Raiders and Helldivers 2. Upcoming titles like Control Resonant also promise to add to the region's rich gaming culture. Sweden leads the charge with a thriving games hub, producing a series of blockbusters while maintaining established hits. Denmark contributes with notable studios launching or preparing to release hit games, while Finland's Supercell reports strong revenue despite challenges faced by some local companies. Norway and Iceland, though smaller, are home to significant players like Funcom and Fenris Creations. The Nordic region remains a beacon for creativity in the European gaming industry. The upcoming report will detail which companies are excelling in this competitive environment. Despite facing the same challenges as the global market, the future looks bright for Nordic developers, with opportunities to explore at the Pocket Gamer Connects Nordics conference in Helsinki on October 20th and 21st, 2026. Midjiwan’s The Battle of Polytopia, celebrating its 10th anniversary, has evolved into a cross-platform success with over 25 million downloads and an esports World Championship featuring a $10,000 prize pool. Toca Boca, owned by Spin Master, ranks as the top global publisher of children's games, generating approximately $133 million last year through its Toca Boca World platform. Snowprint Studios has made a mark with titles like Warhammer 40,000: Tacticus, which has grossed $172 million since its launch in 2022. The studio was acquired by Modern Times Group in 2023 and focuses on midcore games that blend traditional and modern elements. Triband stands out for its comedic games, securing awards for titles like What The Clash? and What The Golf?, especially on Apple Arcade. Rovio, the creator of Angry Birds, remains a major player with Angry Birds 2 grossing over $900 million. Following its acquisition by Sega for approximately $776 million in 2023, Rovio is pivoting with new titles and a third Angry Birds movie slated for release by the end of the year. Raw Fury has established itself as a leading publisher with titles such as Blue Prince, which has garnered critical acclaim and multiple awards. Remedy Entertainment, known for its storytelling and unique gameplay, continues to build on its legacy with games like Alan Wake 2 and Control.

Launch Wed, Jun 3, 2026

Mattel Digital Studios Launches Skeletor: Until Next Time Mobile Game

Mattel Digital Studios has officially released its first self-published mobile title, Skeletor: Until Next Time. This endless runner allows players to embody Skeletor as he navigates the treacherous landscapes of Eternia, with gameplay focused on fast-paced action and quick reflexes. The game features intuitive swipe-based controls for dashing, jumping over obstacles, and evading hazards. Players can activate special abilities, summon Panthor, and utilize villain-themed powers to enhance their gameplay experience. Skeletor: Until Next Time launched on iOS today, with an Android version set to arrive next week. This release aligns with the upcoming June 5th premiere of the Masters of the Universe film. The development of this game comes after Mattel's acquisition of full ownership of the mobile games studio Mattel163. The title draws inspiration from the classic Masters of the Universe era, blending retro visuals with modern endless-runner mechanics, and joins Mattel's expanding digital game portfolio, which includes Masters of the Universe: Legends Unite and He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Dragon Pearl of Destruction.

Launch Wed, Jun 3, 2026

Pokemon Champions Launches on Mobile June 17

The free-to-play Pokemon battle game, Pokemon Champions, is set to launch for iOS and Android on June 17, as announced by The Pokemon Company and developer The Pokemon Works. This mobile version follows its initial release on the Nintendo Switch on April 8. Notably, Pokemon Champions will feature cross-platform play, enabling seamless battles between players on Switch and mobile devices. To celebrate the mobile launch, players can claim Raichu, Raichunite X, and Raichunite Y by checking their in-game mailbox from June 17 to September 2, available in both mobile and Switch versions. Raichu can also be acquired through other methods, while the Mega Stones will be introduced in the in-game shop and through additional features at a later date. Pokemon Champions provides players with the opportunity to engage in battles against Trainers globally, offering both Ranked Battles for serious competition and Casual Battles for a more relaxed experience. Players can also enjoy Private Battles with friends and family. New players will find it easy to join in, as the game allows them to battle alongside Pokemon that can be linked from Pokemon HOME, enhancing their team-building experience.

News Wed, Jun 3, 2026

Europe's Mobile Game Market Hits €6bn, Playstack Sold, April Revenue Insights

A recent report commissioned by King, the developer behind Candy Crush Saga, reveals that over 1,000 mobile game studios in Europe contributed nearly €6 billion to the economy in 2025. The study, conducted by King and Nordicity, also notes that these developers supported more than 63,000 jobs and generated €7.53 billion in revenue from global audiences last year, with expectations to exceed €8 billion by 2028. Mobile games now account for 55% of global video game revenue, with the average player being 31 years old. This report appears to target EU regulators, as King president Todd Green emphasizes the importance of balanced regulation that supports the mobile gaming sector while addressing player protection. In corporate news, TruFin has agreed to sell its 84.5% stake in UK indie publisher Playstack to VantageCo for approximately £112.4 million ($151.3 million). The deal values Playstack at around £125 million ($168 million) and is pending shareholder approval. Playstack is known for titles like Abiotic Factor and Mortal Shell, and for 2025, it reported a pre-tax profit of £12.2 million ($16.28 million). Playstack founder and CEO Harvey Elliott reassured that the change in ownership will not alter the company's identity or strategic direction. Mobile game investments are also on the rise, as Akin Babayigit and Makers Fund have launched AMF Capital, a new UA financing firm. The fund's first investment is a significant $28 million in Bear Hug Entertainment. April saw mobile games revenue reach $4.51 billion, according to Sensor Tower data. While this marks a 1.4% decline year-over-year and a 3.7% drop from March, Honor of Kings topped the charts with $123.8 million in revenue, followed closely by Last War Survival and Whiteout Survival. Downloads for mobile games totaled 3.58 billion, down 13% year-over-year, with Block Blast leading the pack with 30.15 million downloads. Golf Rival now boasts 65 million registered users, as reported by Zynga, along with the announcement of a new feature for players to collect stickers for rewards. Zynga acquired the Golf Rival franchise for approximately $525 million in October 2021, celebrating over 30 million downloads by March 2022. In financial news, NetEase reported a 6.1% year-over-year increase in net revenue for Q1 2026, totaling RMB 30.6 billion ($4.4 billion). Games and related services accounted for 84% of this revenue, reflecting a 6.9% increase, with online titles being the primary source of income. Notably, the Chinese NPPA approved 158 games in May, including 137 mobile titles, bringing the total for 2026 to 779 games approved so far. HoYoverse, the publisher of Honkai: Star Rail and Genshin Impact, is reportedly planning to invest up to $14.6 billion in AI over the next three years. This investment aims to develop an internal AI ecosystem to enhance game development and player interactions. Lastly, UAE-based startup Sparq Worlds has raised $8.5 million for its AI-native game engine, aiming to empower creators to build 3D games with minimal programming expertise. With 6,000 creators already on the beta access waitlist, Sparq positions itself as a bridge between complex game engines and accessible game creation.

News Wed, Jun 3, 2026

Asia and MENA Video Game Revenue to Exceed $100 Billion by 2030

According to a recent report from Niko Partners, video game revenue in Asia and the MENA regions is on track to surpass $100 billion by 2030. The combined revenue reached $88.9 billion in 2025, marking an increase of nearly 3% year-on-year. This growth trajectory is expected to continue, with projections indicating revenue will rise to $91.8 billion in 2026 and ultimately reach $103.6 billion by 2030, reflecting a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3%. India is emerging as the fastest-growing market, boasting over 500 million players and an impressive 11% CAGR, with mobile player spending anticipated to exceed $1 billion by 2027. While established markets like China, Japan, and Korea are projected to account for 89% of total revenue by 2030—estimated at $91.7 billion—the most significant growth is occurring in India, MENA, and Southeast Asia. The MENA-3 countries, which include Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, are projected to reach $3 billion in player spending by 2030, making them the second fastest-growing region after India. Southeast Asia is also showing promise, with Thailand forecasted to hit the $2 billion mark in 2026 and Indonesia expected to reach $1.5 billion by 2030. Additionally, Vietnam is set to grow its player base to 68 million by 2030, while Indonesia is projected to reach 144 million players. Furthermore, China's mini games now account for nearly 20% of mobile game spending. The increase in India's mobile player spending is being driven by genre diversification beyond traditional battle royale games. Notably, female players now represent 42% of the player base across Asia and MENA, a rise from approximately 40% in the previous year, shifting from an 80% male demographic five years ago. In terms of technological advancements, Niko Partners noted that player sentiment toward generative AI in Asia is significantly more favorable than in Western markets. Game studios are reporting development efficiencies due to AI, although players prefer AI to assist workflows rather than replace core art or marketing assets. The full report can be accessed through the provided link.

Launch Wed, Jun 3, 2026

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun Boom Set for Mobile Release in 2026

Nitro Games has announced that Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun Boom will be launching on mobile devices in 2026. This title will allow players to step into the shoes of a Space Marine, battling through campaigns set within the expansive Warhammer 40,000 universe. The game is designed as a mobile adaptation of the shooter series originally developed by Auroch Digital for PC and console, featuring retro-inspired first-person shooter gameplay optimized for mobile devices. Pre-registration is currently open on both the Apple App Store and Google Play, paving the way for its anticipated release. Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun Boom promises to deliver an engaging experience that combines fast-paced combat with mobile-friendly controls while preserving the gothic atmosphere characteristic of the Warhammer 40,000 setting. Players can expect to fight against various adversaries, including Chaos forces, cultists, traitors, daemons, and formidable war machines. The game will encompass multiple chapters from the Boltgun series, offering extensive single-player campaigns across various worlds. Nitro Games emphasizes that players will have access to a wide array of weapons from the Warhammer 40,000 universe as they explore hidden paths and engage in intense firefights. Jussi Tähtinen, CEO of Nitro Games, stated, "This game is a fantastic match for our skills and experience in bringing shooter brands to mobile. We look forward to introducing the perfected Boltgun experience to a global mobile gamer audience."

News Wed, Jun 3, 2026

Stillfront Sells OFM Studios and Settles Gameberry Payment for $26.5M

Stillfront has divested OFM Studios, the developer behind Online Football Manager, back to its founder through a management buyout valued at €2.1 million ($2.4 million). This decision is part of the company's ongoing strategic review aimed at focusing on its key franchises. Stillfront initially acquired a 51% stake in the German developer in 2017 for $735,000 (€639,000). The management buyout was finalized in May. In addition, Stillfront reached an agreement with Gameberry Labs to settle all outstanding payment obligations resulting from an existing settlement related to Ludo Games and its associated titles. Instead of continuing these obligations until 2030, Gameberry has made a one-time upfront payment of $26.5 million to Moonfrog, settling all current and future payment duties. These strategic moves are intended to simplify Stillfront's portfolio and enhance the quality of its revenue streams. The combined financial impact of the divestment and settlement is projected to decrease net revenue in the 'Other games' category by approximately SEK 110 million ($11.7 million) over the next year. Overall, these transactions have generated around $28.6 million for the company. Alexis Bonte, president and CEO of Stillfront Group, emphasized that these actions support the company's ambition to streamline operations and thanked the OFM team for their collaboration.