Mobile Games
Ongoing coverage on Mobile Games.
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Morning Mobilization
This article analyzes how China has become a dominant force in the global mobile games market, highlighting the success of companies like Tencent and NetEase. It also explores strategies for Western companies to effectively compete in this landscape.
Dragon Quest Smash/Grow Launches April 21
Square Enix announced that Dragon Quest Smash/Grow will launch for iOS and Android on April 21, 2026. This mobile roguelite features battling monsters, a Blessing system that reshuffles abilities, and traditional Dragon Quest vocations. The game will also include co-op quests for up to four players, gauntlet challenges, and shrine boss encounters.
How China came to dominate mobile games – and how Western companies can compete | Opinion
Chinese companies have achieved global dominance in mobile games through strategic advantages like early adoption of free-to-play models, intense domestic market competition, and sophisticated live-ops. Western companies struggle to compete due to differences in organizational scale, talent acquisition, and cultural integration. The article suggests Western firms must focus on talent density and unique creative vision rather than scale to succeed.
“Nekopara Sekai Connect” Launches Simultaneously in Japan and Worldwide — Up to 220 Free Gacha Pulls Available
Good Smile Company and NEKO WORKs have launched their new mobile game, Nekopara Sekai Connect, globally on iOS and Android. The game, a catgirl community RPG and the latest in the Nekopara series, is also scheduled for a Steam release in fall 2026. Players can receive up to 220 free gacha pulls through login bonuses, and a limited-time event featuring new songs and rewards begins on April 17.
Utawarerumono: Lost Frag - Story Archives Announced as Offline Version
Aquaplus announced that the Japanese mobile game Utawarerumono: Lost Frag will receive an offline version titled Utawarerumono: Lost Frag – Story Archives, which will contain the game's narrative. The developer is also considering adding full voice-acting and new story content to the offline version. The original mobile game will cease service later this month, and Aquaplus plans to shift focus to new original IPs and the previously announced Utawarerumono: Past and Present Rediscovered.
Mark’s Review of Subway Surfer City
Subway Surfers City is a highly-rated mobile game that evolves the classic Subway Surfers formula with improved graphics, deeper gameplay, and structured levels. While it offers a more challenging and polished experience, the game suffers from aggressive monetization, frequent ads, and a steep difficulty curve that can be frustrating for some players. Despite these flaws, it is recommended for fans of the original looking for a more modern and engaging take on the endless runner genre.
Cats & Soup Welcomes Sanrio® Characters in New Collaboration
NEOWIZ has announced a new collaboration for its mobile idle game, Cats & Soup, featuring popular Sanrio characters like Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, and Pochacco. The event includes new story content, limited-time rewards, exclusive collaboration packages, and in-game items. This collaboration aims to combine the 'unbearable cuteness' of both brands.
The Best Casual Games for Short Breaks During the Day - Walkthrough, Tips, Review
This guide highlights 12 mobile games specifically designed for short play sessions, such as commutes or lunch breaks. These titles feature quick loading times, clear goals achievable in 5-15 minute windows, and low-friction gameplay that allows players to easily pick up and put down without losing progress or feeling overwhelmed. The selection includes a variety of genres from puzzle and merge games to racing and endless runners, catering to different player preferences for relaxation or light competition.
Gunzilla called out, Netflix's surprise app store surge, and indie publishers rise up - Patch Notes #47
Gunzilla Games faces accusations from former employees regarding unpaid wages, while Netflix's new 'Playground' app for children and its virtual game controller app have seen significant success. Additionally, indie developers Black Tabby Games and Landfall have launched new publishing labels, signaling a growing trend in the independent sector.
PSA: 'Hello, Yoshi!' Hatches On Western Switch eShops Today
The kid-friendly app Hello, Yoshi! has launched on Western Nintendo Switch eShops. Similar to Hello, Mario!, the app allows users to interact with a cartoon Yoshi face through various touch-based mini-games and activities. It is designed primarily for young children and includes features like offline play and built-in breaks.
It Takes Two, Split Fiction studio tops 50 million sales | News-in-brief
Hazelight Studios has announced that its games It Takes Two, A Way Out, and Split Fiction have sold 30 million, 13 million, and 7 million units respectively, totaling over 50 million units sold. Separately, Supercell CEO Ilkka Paananen will receive a BAFTA Fellowship for his contributions to the mobile gaming industry and his philanthropic work.
Clash Of Clans boss to receive Bafta Fellowship award, for some reason
Supercell CEO Ilkka Paananen will be honored with the Bafta Fellowship for his contributions to the games industry. Paananen co-founded Supercell in 2010, known for popular mobile titles like Clash Of Clans, Clash Royale, and Brawl Stars. The article notes the choice is unusual given the focus on mobile games, contrasting it with other industry figures who have not yet received the award.
Supercell CEO Ilkka Paananen to receive BAFTA Fellowship
Supercell CEO and co-founder Ilkka Paananen will receive the BAFTA Fellowship award, the highest honour from BAFTA, at the 2026 BAFTA Games Awards on April 17. Paananen co-founded the Finnish mobile studio in 2010, which has since released successful titles like Clash of Clans, Clash Royale, and Brawl Stars.
BAFTA to honour Supercell CEO with Fellowship
Supercell CEO and co-founder Ilkka Paananen will receive a BAFTA Fellowship for his leadership and impact on the mobile gaming industry, particularly for titles like Clash of Clans and Brawl Stars. Paananen also contributes as an investor and mentor through his organizations, supporting social impact and education. The award ceremony will take place at the BAFTA Game Awards.
LINE Games Announces Global Launch of Mobile Idle RPG Animal Busters!
LINE Games has launched the mobile idle RPG Animal Busters, developed by Super Awesome, on Google Play and the App Store. The game features over 60 collectible animal characters, offline progression, and various gameplay modes including dungeons and PvP. To celebrate the global launch, new players will receive numerous in-game rewards, including Gacha Tickets and Rubies.
KLabGames Teases New My Hero Academia UNITED SURVIVAL Game for Mobile - GameHaunt
KLabGames has teased My Hero Academia UNITED SURVIVAL, a new mobile game for iOS and Android, to coincide with the anime's 10-year anniversary. While the developer and anime studio Bones Film have revealed key art, details about the gameplay and release date remain scarce, leading to fan uncertainty, especially given the upcoming shutdown of another mobile title, My Hero ULTRA IMPACT.
Title for New "My Hero Academia" Anime Series Game App Confirmed as "My Hero Academia UNITED SURVIVAL"! Key Visual and Teaser Trailer Released
KLab Inc. and gumi Inc. have announced "My Hero Academia UNITED SURVIVAL," a new mobile game based on the popular anime series, scheduled for a worldwide release in 2026 for iOS, Android, and Windows. The announcement includes the release of the game's key visual, created by animation studio Bones Film, and a debut teaser trailer.
Funny-Ugly Plush Monsters Gets their First Mobile Game Fugglers: Reckless Runner
Fugglers: Reckless Runner, a new mobile game based on the funny-ugly plush monsters, has been released by Blue Zoo Animation Studio. The endless runner game allows players to collect characters and power-ups as they navigate chaotic environments. The game is available on the Google Play Store for $1.99 and includes digital-exclusive Fugglers.
Fugglers: Reckless Runner app is sprinting onto phones this month
The mobile game Fugglers: Reckless Runner is set to launch on April 1st, 2026, for £1.99 on the App Store and Google Play. Developed in partnership with Blue Zoo Digital, this marks the first mobile game for the Fuggler franchise, featuring ad-free gameplay, collectible characters, and power-ups.
LHEA and the Word Spirit nominated for Best Mobile Game at the Canadian Game Awards
LHEA and the Word Spirit, the debut title from indie studio Soul Fuel Games, has been nominated for Best Mobile Game at the Canadian Game Awards 2026. Developed by solo creator Jo Drolet, the meditative turn-based roguelite is recognized alongside major mobile releases. The Canadian Game Awards celebrate games developed in Canada in 2025, with the ceremony taking place on May 21, 2026.