Daily Mobile Gaming News

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

News Mon, Jul 13, 2026

Burny Games shares four key lessons from 65 million downloads

Burny Games, a Ukrainian mobile gaming company known for its puzzle titles, recently celebrated reaching 65 million downloads in just four years. The company, which has developed popular games like Colorwood Sort and Playdoku, emphasizes the importance of knowing when to halt development on projects that fail to show promising metrics. Their approach has evolved to favor hands-on partnerships in publishing rather than a high-volume testing strategy. CEO Anatolii Henis highlighted that one crucial lesson learned is the courage to say "no" when necessary. Over the years, Burny Games has discontinued several projects, including Super Cooker and Block Brush, when data indicated they were unlikely to achieve scalability. The team learned that excessive focus on perfection could hinder timely player feedback, which is essential for ensuring a game's success. Another significant insight is the value of structured autonomy within teams. Burny Games has shifted towards autonomous teams acting as independent business units, each with a producer at the helm. This structure fosters cohesion and allows teams to prioritize their goals without needing to escalate decisions, enabling faster development cycles. Lastly, Burny Games emphasizes the importance of technology as a growth lever. The company believes that the right tools empower small teams to produce complex projects efficiently, contrasting sharply with larger firms that may struggle with bureaucracy. This strategic focus on technology has been pivotal in their operations, allowing them to maximize talent and maintain competitive advantages in the mobile gaming landscape. In summary, Burny Games' experience underlines the necessity of setting clear metrics before project initiation, recognizing when to pivot or discontinue efforts, and leveraging technology effectively. These lessons are integral to their ongoing success as they continue to innovate in the puzzle game genre.

News Mon, Jul 13, 2026

Shanghai Games Week 2026: Events from July 29 to August 1

Shanghai Games Week 2026 kicks off with a series of events from July 29 to August 1. Highlights include the PG Connects Summit and various networking opportunities in China’s largest city during the world’s biggest games and digital entertainment expo. The PG Connects Summit returns on July 29, featuring a robust lineup of 40 expert speakers and a variety of networking activities. Last year's summit attracted over 630 attendees from 315 companies across 31 countries. The event will run from 08:30 to 18:00, followed by the Pocket Gamer 20th Anniversary Party at 19:30, which offers a chance to unwind and connect with industry peers. On July 30, the Game Developers RoadShow will occur, focusing on small and medium-sized game startups. This year’s Future Forward - ChinaJoy 2026 After Party promises to provide an engaging atmosphere against the backdrop of Shanghai's night skyline. Additionally, the Pocket Gamer Mixer in association with EnJoyPay will be held from 19:00 to 22:00, fostering connections among developers and publishers. ChinaJoy, the 23rd China Digital Entertainment Expo & Conference, takes place from July 31 to August 3, themed 'Level Up With AI.’ The event is expected to draw over 500 exhibitors and 410,000 attendees, featuring a dedicated B2B Negotiation Zone. The Indie Game Gacha Party on July 31 aims to create an interactive platform for developers, investors, and players. Finally, the DFO ChinaJoy Party will be held on August 1 at Cream Club, catering to key players in Asia's performance marketing landscape. As Shanghai welcomes industry professionals, these events provide ample opportunities for networking and collaboration, making it a must-attend for anyone in the gaming sector.

News Mon, Jul 13, 2026

Zenless Zone Zero surpasses $600M in mobile revenue in two years

Zenless Zone Zero has achieved over $600 million in gross player spending on mobile since its global launch on July 4, 2024. According to estimates from AppMagic, the urban fantasy action RPG generated $603.9 million across Google Play and the App Store within its first two years. The game features a web shop and is available on multiple platforms, suggesting its total earnings could be even higher. However, these figures do not account for revenue from alternative Android stores in China. Despite this impressive milestone, the game's revenue has seen a significant decline in its second year, dropping 51% to $198.9 million compared to the first year. Japan has emerged as the most lucrative market for Zenless Zone Zero, accounting for 42% of total player spending, with China following at 27% and the United States at 10%. This contrasts with previous HoYoverse titles, which primarily drew their largest audiences from China. The game distinguishes itself from HoYoverse's earlier RPGs through its urban setting and action-oriented gameplay, where players assume the role of Proxies battling interdimensional foes. This unique premise helped Zenless Zone Zero achieve a remarkable 40 million pre-registrations prior to launch. Recently, the version 3.0 update launched on June 17, introducing time-limited events, new rewards, and a main story chapter set in the sky island of Roscaelifer. The update also added the Wind attribute and introduced new gacha banners featuring Velina and returning character Ye Shunguang. Despite its success, Zenless Zone Zero's earnings represent just 17% of what Genshin Impact generated in its first two years, which totaled $3.6 billion. However, it has outperformed Honkai Impact 3rd during its initial two years, achieving an 87% increase from that title's $322.7 million from 2016 to 2018. As of 2026, Zenless Zone Zero continues to generate more than $10 million in monthly player spending, with June's figures hitting $11.8 million. The upcoming version 3.1 update is expected to reveal new story details, keeping player interest alive.

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."