55 top mobile games in soft launch: Squad Busters, Battle Guys: Royale, Plants vs. Zombies 3, LEGO Hill Climb Adventures, and more
Developers and publishers alike champion the need for thorough design documents at every stage of the development cycle, but it all counts for nothing if the players don't want to, well... play!
Now a near-essential part of the modern games-as-a-service approach, the soft launch process provides game creators with actionable data based on the responses of an engaged and often well-informed audience. Somewhere between beta and live status, a soft launch gives a window for feedback, revisions and improvements with the aim of producing the most polished end product at time of release.
Some titles just need a fine-tune for meta-game mechanics such as time gates, in-game resources and psychological components, while others see devs go back to the drawing board and start over.
In this regular feature, we add the most interesting new soft launches for you to keep an eye on - or even try for yourself - as you look for learnings and inspiration that could inform your own development journey.
This list is ordered by soft launch release date. Games that exit soft launch - whether reaching global release or being cancelled - will be removed.
Last updated: May 20th, 2024
Soccer Hero: PvP Football Game
Developer: Miniclip
Where: Argentina, Egypt, France, Indonesia, Portugal
Platforms: iOS / Android
Live since: May 13th, 2024
Updates: Version 2.0.2 (May 17th, 2024)
Miniclip’s Soccer Hero is described as a fusion of strategy, card collection and the beautiful game itself.
Players can collect and upgrade player cards, merging them for better stats, lay out their strategy and formation, and then see how their tactical decisions work out through autoplay gameplay.
Battle Guys: Royale
Developer: Kitka Games
Where: Pakistan, Indonesia, Finland, Philippines, Poland, Spain
Platforms: Google Play
Live since: May 8th, 2024
Updates: Version 0.26 (May 8th, 2024)
From Stumble Guys developer Kitka Games - which sold that title to Scopely back in September 2022 - comes the studio’s latest title Battle Guys: Royale. This time, the team is taking on the battle royale genre in what it describes as the “most streamlined, easy-to-learn - hard-to-master battle royale game available in 2024”.
Disney Frozen Royal Castle
Developer: Budge Studios
Where: Canada
Platforms: iOS / Google Play
Live since: May 2024
Developed by Budge Studios, which has worked on numerous IP including Hello Kitty and Hot Wheels, Disney Frozen Royal Castle is described as a ‘doll house game’ in which parents play with dolls, dress them up, cook and explore. The title stars famous characters from the Frozen franchise including Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and more.
The title is currently available for pre-registration.
Toca Boca Days
Developer: Toca Boca
Where: Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam
Platforms: iOS / Google Play
Live since: April 30th, 2024
Updates: Version 2.0.0 (May 2nd, 2024)
Toca Boca Days is an online multiplayer game that lets players create their own unique character, meet up with friends and explore. Users can enter dance-offs, swim, skateboard and take part in adventures.
What the Hex!
Developer: Belka Games
Where: Belarus, Canada, India, Poland, Ukraine, United States
Platforms: Google Play
Live since: April 29th, 2024
Updates: Version 0.1.2.2 (May 2nd, 2024)
Belka Games’ What the Hex! Is a PvP multiplayer take on hexa puzzle games, with players taking turn collapsing hex stacks across the board. To increase their chances of winning, users also have access to boosts and power-ups they can unleash against opponents.
Real Boxing 3
Developer: Vivid Games
Where: Brazil, Mexico, Thailand
Platforms: Google Play
Live since: April 26th, 2024
Updates: Version 0.9.1 (April 26th, 2024)
Real Boxing 3 brings Vivid Games’ boxing IP back for a third round. The title features solo challenges and the option to fight real players in the online multiplayer mode. The last entry in the series, Real Boxing Manny Pacquiao, was launched in 2017, while Real Boxing 2, which generated more than 59 million downloads, according to AppMagic estimates, released in 2015.
Hunter Assassin: Go
Developer: Ruby Games
Where: United Kingdom, United States, India
Platforms: iOS / Google Play
Live since: April 24th, 2024
Updates: Version 1.1.2 (May 8th, 2024)
From the Rovio-owned Turkish developer Ruby Games comes Hunter Assassin: Go, the latest entry in its hit franchise. Few details are provided on the store listings, though the game looks to have similar gameplay to its predecessors.
Squad Busters
Developer: Supercell
Where: Canada, Denmark, Spain, Mexico, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Singapore
Platforms: iOS / Google play
Soft launches on: Version 31999021 (May 3rd, 2024)
Supercell's latest mobile game in soft launch is Squad Busters. The title is a multiplayer squad-building action game featuring characters from across Supercell’s IP - which includes Brawl Stars, Clash of Clans, Hay Day and Boom Beach.
The title is off to a stellar start - it ranked No. 1 in the App Store game download rankings across all soft launch countries.
Roomscapes
Developer: Playrix
Where: India, Indonesia
Platforms: Google Play
Live since: April 23rd, 2024
Updates: Version 0.3.3 (April 25th)
As spotted by MobileGamer.biz, Playrix has soft-launched yet another ‘scapes game in Roomscapes. The title looks to feature the same puzzle and renovate gameplay the series is known for, with players unlocking and decorating more than 500 rooms.
Crushers!
Developer: Redemption Games
Where: Philippines, Canada, United States
Platforms: Google Play
Live since: April 2024
Updates: Version 1.4.29 (May 9th, 2024)
From Redemption Games, the team behind Sweet Escapes that has seen backing from Supercell and Applovin in the past, comes the newly soft-launched Crushers.
The PvP match-3 puzzle and strategy game takes the PvE-style match-3 RPG gameplay seen in titles like Empires & Puzzles, and has players build up their own dream team of characters to battle each other with. The title currently includes over 30 characters.
Cannon Chaos
Developer: FunPlus
Where: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, United Kingdom, United States
Platforms: Google Play
Live since: April 2024
Updates: April 22nd, 2024
Not long after the release of Sea of Conquest, FunPlus has soft-launched Cannon Chaos, which has players destroy enemy structures across 500 levels, all with their trusty cannon.
Grunt Rush
Developer: Steer Studios
Where: India, Brazil, Germany, United States
Platforms: Google Play
Live since: April 2024
Updates: April 9th, 2024
Developed by Savvy Games Group's Steer Studios, Grunt Rush has players lead large armies into battle as they aim to overtake enemy bases.
As players progress through the levels, they can unlock new units and rewards, as well as increase their army size and upgrade their abilities.
Armor Attack
Developer: Kek Entertainment
Where: Mexico
Platforms: Google Play
Live since: April 2024
Updates: May 2nd, 2024
Armor Attack is a PvP third-person sci-fi shooter that focuses on mech combat, in which players engage in 5v5 “intense but slow-paced gameplay”.
The title is developed by Kek Entertainment, which raised $8 million in seed funding in November 2023 to build a “platform-agnostic” IP.
The studio was founded by former Pixonic management team members Georgy Egorov and Oleg Poroshinm, who worked on another famous mobile mech shooter, War Robots.
Greedy Wizards: Battle Games
Developer: Wildlife Studios
Where: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, Sweden, United Kingdom
Platforms: iOS / Google Play
Live since: April 4th, 2024
Updates: Version 0.7.1 (May 3rd, 2024)
Greedy Wizards is a dungeon crawler that features three-player co-operative PvE gameplay, as players team up to face waves of enemies and grab as much loot as they can.
The title is developed by Wildlife Studios, which has worked on titles like Tennis Clash and Zooba.
Updates:
Version 0.7.1 added random dungeons, a credits screen to highlight developers' work, account recovery and deeplink support for friend request, amongst other performance improvements.
Version 0.6.3 added the ability to see friend statuses, emotes for player to express themselves, new enchantment bonuses and game balance updates.
Rumble Arena
Developer: Lightneer
Where: Finland, Denmark, Philippines
Platforms: iOS / Google Play
Live since: April 2nd, 2024
Updates: Version 1.38 (May 8th, 2024)
Developed by Finnish studio Lightneer, Rumble Arena is described as a "party royale" game that has players battle each other to be the last blob standing. Players can gain new skills as they play, from energy blasts to flaming meteors, as well as unlock new skins to make their own unique avatars.
Idle Trains - Railway Empire
Developer: Pixel Federation
Where: United States, Czech Republic
Platforms: Google Play
Live since: April 2024
Updates: April 22nd, 2024
Pixel Federation, the developer of Diggy’s Adventure and simulation titles like Train Station 2 and Sea Port, has soft-launched a new idle tycoon title called Idle Trains - Rail Empire on Google Play.
Players can manage over 50 trains across five regions as they grow their network and build their profits.
Final War
Developer: River Game
Where: Hong Kong, Indonesia. Australia, Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, Singapore, United Kingdom, United States
Platforms: Google Play
Live since: April 2024
Updates: May 13th, 2024
Final War is the latest title in soft launch from River Game, developer of the wildly successful Top War, which has generated more than $1 billion worldwide to date.
Final War, which features more than 200 levels, has players take on the role of a sniper, challenging them to come up with creative ways to kill their targets without them attacking back.
Match Villains
Developer: Good Job Games
Where: Turkey, United Kingdom
Platforms: iOS / Google Play
Live since: April 1st, 2024
Updates: Version 1.1 (May 13th, 2024)
Good Job Games’ Match Villains is a match-3 puzzle game that features multi-layered obstacles, providing a twist on the classic genre.
The setting has players join a family of aristocratic thieves as they travel around the world to gather artefacts.
Updates:
Version 1.1 added 20 new levels, a new event called Sky Drop, and a new poster: Frank Lisa. The update also included bug fixes and performance improvements, as well as noting updates will be coming every two weeks to ensure the "freshest contents".
Touchgrind X
Developer: Illusion Labs
Where: Philippines, Australia
Platforms: iOS / Google Play
Live since: March 27th, 2024
Updates: Version 1.0.4 (April 29th, 2024)
The touchgrind series is back with more mountain bike action in Touchgrind X, which has been soft-launched in the Philippines. Multiplayer game modes include 12-player slope-style battle royale gameplay and team vs team elimination.
Riftbusters
Developer: Phantom Gamelabs
Where: United States, Poland, Finland
Platforms: Google Play
Live since: March 22nd, 2024
Updates: April 25th, 2024
Developed by Phantom Gamelabs, a Supercell-backed studio, comes Riftbusters, a co-op action looter shooter. Players are tasked with fending off hordes of alien invaders across a variety of locales, from futuristic cityscapes to alien-infested territories. Along the way, they can customise and upgrade their weapons and gear, as well as unlock new abilities to give them the upper hand in combat.
Updates:
The April 25th update added character customisation, new grends: Vitaburst and Disruptor, new gadget: Restorator, new gear: Stealth-set, a new map called Hotel Grounds and new missions.
Battle Rivals: Epic Clash
Developer: Miniclip
Where: Italy, Portugal
Platforms: iOS / Google Play
Live since: March 18th, 2024
Updates: Version 1.0.4 (April 16th, 2024)
Battle Rivals sees players engage in large battles as either the Roman Empire or the Spartans, as they join up with other clans and try to conquer opponents across the world. Published by Miniclip, the title has been soft-launched in Italy and Portugal.
Little Farm Story: Idle Tycoon
Developer: SayGames
Where: Belarus, Brazil, Israel, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, United States
Platforms: Google Play
Live since: March 22nd, 2024
Updates: Version 1.0.2 (May 19th, 2024)
SayGames’ Little Farm Story: Idle Tycoon is an arcade-style farming simulator where players run their own farm. Players can plant crops, open workshops and expand their land. Interestingly, the store page describes the gameplay as ‘zen gardening’ - playable without timers and deadlines.
Petaverse
Developer: Tiny Rebel Games
Where: Philippines
Platforms: Google Play
Live since: March 8th, 2024
Updates: Version 1.1.2 (April 22nd, 2024)
Petaverse is a virtual pet title where players adopt a cat and join them on adventures. Pets are customisable - allowing players to choose the breed, fur and colour - with players able to take part in a number of mini-games as they look after and play with their new cat.
Wizards & Kingdoms GO
Developer: Shipyard Games
Where: United States, Australia, Finland
Platforms: iOS / Google Play
Live since: February 22nd
Updates: Version 1.2.18 (May 8th, 2024)
Supercell-backed Shipyard Games has soft-launched a new location-based game called Wizards & Kingdoms GO.
Players can step outside and capture land around them, establish a town and expand by building homes and refineries. The game also features animals to tame, monsters to fight, and alliances to join, with players able to trade items and answer calls for help.
Punch Max!
Developer: Rollic Games
Where: United States, Turkey
Platforms: iOS
Live since: February 7th, 2024
Updates: Version 3.0.9 (April 2nd, 2024)
Zynga’s Rollic Games has soft-launched Punch Max, a brawler starring a boxer with “extraordinary abilities” - such as stretchable arms that let you battle foes from afar. Players adventure through enemy hideouts, fight with enemies and bosses, and unlock new gear and abilities as they progress.
Elf Islands
Developer: Plarium
Where: Philippines, Ukraine, Israel, Indonesia
Platforms: iOS / Google Play
Live since: January 19th 2024
Updates: Version 1.1.4 (April 23rd, 2024)
From Plarium, Elf Islands has players explore mythical islands, where players must farm, craft goods and build, renovate and decorate a new home to survive in the mysterious land.
The game currently includes more than 200 quests, minigame puzzles and a “unique” chat feature to build relationships with friends.
Disney Realm Breakers
Developer: JoyCity
Where: Philippines, Malaysia, Australia, Singapore
Platforms: Google Play
Live since: January 29th, 2024
Updates: Version10118 (May 8th, 2024)
JoyCity is tapping Disney IP - including Aladdin, Pirates of the Caribbean, Toy Story, The Incredibles and more - in strategy game Disney Realm Breakers, which combines base building and merge gameplay.
Plants vs. Zombies 3
Developer: EA
Where: Romania, Ireland, Netherlands, Australia, United Kingdom, Philippines
Platforms: iOS / Google Play
Live since: January 12th, 2024
Updates: Version 12.0.13 (April 3rd, 2024)
Plants vs. Zombies 3 brings the hit PopCap tower defence strategy game back, over 10 years after the release of Plants vs. Zombies 2. The title features new levels, both classic and new plants and zombies to play with and fight, and the same classic strategic gameplay. Taking a leaf out of the decorate mechanics of popular puzzle games like Gardenscapes, players can also redecorate the neighbourhood as they clear the zombie infestation.
CSR 3 - Street Car Racing
Developer: Zynga
Where: Malaysia, South Africa
Platforms: iOS / Google Play
Live since: January 10th, 2024
Updates: Version 0.11.0 (May 1st, 2024)
According to AppMagic estimates, CSR 2 has generated approximately $775 million to date. Zynga will be hoping its newly soft-launched CSR 3 - Street Car Racing can achieve similar success, as the title brings back the drag racing hit for another entry. Players can race and build their dream car collection, with cars from world-renowned manufacturers like Ferrari, Bugatti, Lamborghini, and Porsche to collect.
Omega Royale
Developer: Tower Pop
Where: Finland, Philippines, Netherlands, Poland
Platforms: Google Play
Live since: December 2023
Updates: April 29th, 2024
Developed by Tower Pop, founded by lead developers from Crazy Kings and Crazy Defense Heroes, Omega Royale is a new tower defence title for mobile. The twist on the genre is that it includes merge gameplay and a 10-player battle royale, as players aim to outlast their opponents as the last man standing.
Candy Crush Blast
Developer: King
Where: Philippines
Platforms: Google Play
Live since: December 2023
Updates: Version 0.1.1153 (December 4th, 2023)
King takes its famous match-three Candy Crush Saga games to the blast arena with Candy Crush Blast. The title has been soft-launched in the Philippines on Google Play.
Crozzle
Developer: MAG Interactive
Where: United States, Philippines, India,
Platforms: iOS / Google Play
Live since: December 21st, 2023
Updates: Version 1.21.0 (May 8th, 2024)
Crozzle is a crossword game developed by MAG Interactive. The title has players solve puzzles without a timer, while playing against an opponent. The title also includes leaderboards and has players travel the world and decorate new locations as they progress.
Wordscapes Solitaire
Developer: PeopleFun
Where: Philippines, Indonesia, New Zealand, Philippines, Australia, United States, Canada, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom
Platforms: iOS / Google Play
Live since: December 19th, 2023
Updates: Version 0.4.2 (May 9th, 2024)
Wordscapes is one of the most popular word games on mobile - so from PeopleFun now comes a new take on the hit title with Wordscapes Solitaire. The premise is reasonably simple: make words from the letter cards on the board, and clear it to win.
Candy Crush 3D
Developer: King
Where: Philippines
Platforms: Google Play
Live since: December 3rd, 2023
Updates: Version 0.1.1160 (December 4th, 2023)
The world’s most famous mobile puzzle game takes on the match-3D genre with the aptly named Candy Crush 3D (but no Saga?), bursting with shiny new visuals, candies and, of course, a heap of challenges that break into the third dimension.
Match Jumble 3D
Developer: 37Games
Where: United Kingdom, United States, Philippines
Platforms: iOS and Google Play
Live since: December 6th, 2023 (Google Play)
Updates: Version 2.4.0 (April 25th, 2024)
37Games has launched its own take on the emerging match-3D genre with Match Jumble 3D. On this occasion, the developer has added popular decorate mechanics on top of the main puzzle gameplay, enabling players to build their dream home from a variety of themes and accessories.
As well as touch gameplay, players can shake their phone to shuffle the puzzle pieces to offer “new perspectives and solutions”. As players progress, they can collect sets of cards to earn rewards.
Updates
Version 1.0.6 added new items, backgrounds and music.
Version 2.3.0 added more new backgrounds.
Racing Champs
Developer: Nine66
Where: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Philippines, Indonesia
Platforms: Google Play
Live since: November 29th, 2023
Updates: Version 0.1.35 (January 15th, 2024)
Saudi Arabia publisher Nine66 has soft launched Racing Champs across numerous countries including Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Described as a multiplayer idle game, players can race, customise, collect and upgrade their cars as they go head to head to win races.
The title currently includes hundreds of levels, from modern city streets to countryside and “adrenaline-boosting” tracks.
Updates
Version 0.1.35 added a new evenys system, as well as more Trophies to climb for progression.
Doctor Who: Worlds Apart
Developer: Reality+
Where: Philippines, India, Malaysia, Turkey, Netherlands, Brazil, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Poland
Platforms: Google Play / App Store
Live since: March 1st, 2024
Updates: Version 0.8.1 (April 5th, 2024)
Doctor Who: Worlds Apart is a collectible card game for mobile that dives into the entire 60 years of history of the popular sci-fi franchise.
The title lets players collect their favourite characters and build their decks to take on opponents in rounds that last approximately five minutes.
Updates
Version 0.8.0 added a new card upgrade and evolution system, while updating the game with an improved tutorial, World Clash sequence, and new gameplay VFX.
Adventure Friends
Developer: PikPok
Where: Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Sweden, Philippines, Malaysia, Ireland, Colombia
Platforms: iOS / Google Play
Live since: November 19th, 2023
Updates: Version 0.04.0 (April 18th, 2024)
Adventure Friends, a casual RPG from PikPok sees players spin to deal out damage against enemies, heal your party and add to their treasure chest. Currently there are 20 animal heroes players can add to their party, from Selene the Bird Witch to Furtivo the Cat Burglar, which can each be leveled up to unlock new and more powerful abilities.
Updates
Version 0.03.1 introduced new Elemental character affinities to add more tactical gameplay. It also aimed to improved combat with new Enhanced Reel Symbols for bonus attacks.
My Talking Hank: Islands
Developer: Outfit7
Where: Colombia, Thailand, Ukraine, Malaysia, Canada, Australia, Israel, Sweden, Netherlands, Peru, Ecuador, Philippines
Platforms: iOS / Google Play
Live since: November 9th, 2023
Updates: Version 1.0.22 (March 22nd, 2024)
Outfit7’s series of ‘My Talking’ games need little introduction. This time around, players can join Hank, in My Talking Hank: Islands. “on a journey of discovery as he explores the island and meets amazing animals along the way”. Players can take care of their companion, as well as engagee in mini-games and explore the island around him.
Updates
Version 1.0.22 introduce new activities including sandcastle making and an archeological dig. A new matching game called Candy Connect was also added, as well as various new interactions for existing characters and some visual updates.
EVE Galaxy Conquest
Developer: CCP Games
Where: Philippines, Australia, New Zealand
Platforms: iOS / Google Play
Live since: November 2nd, 2023
Updates: Version 1.6 (February 29th, 2024)
Based on the subscription MMO Eve Online, Eve Galaxy Conquest is a space strategy game that tasks players with harvesting resources to build and upgrade their ships, recruit commanders for their fleets, unlock new technologies and explore space as they set forth to conquer the galaxy.
Players can fight other factions and form alliances in this multiplayer adventure as they seek to make their impact amongst the stars.
Arena Legends
Developer: Magic Games Technology
Where: Turkey, United Kingdom, Philippines
Platforms: iOS
Live since: October 31st, 2023
Updates: Version 144 (May 6th, 2024)
From Magic Games Technology (which appears to have links to Ace Games), Arena Legends is a new multiplayer PVP Match-3 game. Players can team up with friends against real opponents or play in solo matches.
Updates
Version 144 included a new Booster: the Super Magnet, the Chef's Menu, and a new Sticker Book for the Electro Lab.
Version 138 added a new season for players to compete in the Legends Arena, as well as new sticker books the Noble Garden and Frozen Camp.
Version 117 added a new Gold Booster and Epic Booster, as well as new game modes called Disco Fever and Booster Rush.
LEGO Hill Climb Adventures
Developer: Fingersoft
Where: Finland, Poland
Platforms: iOS / Android
Live since: October, 2023
Updates: May 6th, 2024
Fingersoft has soft-launched the newest entry in the successful Hill Climb Racing franchise, this time utilising the LEGO IP. In LEGO Hill Climb Adventures, players venture through LEGO worlds, engaging in a variety of missions. Along the way, they can collect coins and bricks to upgrade their vehicles, with different customisations better suited to certain missions.
Game of Thrones: Legends RPG
Developer: Zynga
Where: Denmark, Indonesia, Philippines, Finland, Spain, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, France, Denmark
Platforms: iOS / Google Play
Live since: October 10th, 2023
Updates: Version 1.0.109 (April 23rd, 2024)
Zynga has snapped up the Game of Thrones licence for a new match-3 puzzle RPG based on the titular TV show and spin-off House of the Dragon TV series, Game of Thrones: Legends RPG. Players can assemble a team of popular characters, from Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen to Tyrion Lannister, Rhaenyra Targaryen and more as they battle across Westeros and fight to avert the Long Night.
The title includes many features you might expect, from the ability to customise your team and level up characters to forming alliances and engaging in tournaments and special events.
Updates
Version 1.0.109 featured new champions such as Rhaegal, Khal Drogo, Yara Greyjoy and others and a new set of Campaign Chapters.
Version 1.0.98 updated Game of Thrones: Legends with a new Season Pass system called Kingsroad and Goldroad. Other additions included campaign chapters, champions such as Jaime Lannister and Viserion, and new offers.
Dark Forest Survivor
Developer: Ketchapp
Where: United States, France
Platforms: iOS / Google Play
Live since: October 5th, 2023
Updates: Version 1.1.3 (January 26th, 2024)
Dark Forest Survivor is set after a plane crash that leaves players stranded, after which they must navigate their local surroundings, scavenge resources and constructor a safe shelter.
The primary objective is to repair the crashed plane and escape the forest by gathering supplies, fortifying their shelter, enhancing their own attributes and surviving the encroaching night.
Ricochet Squad
Developer: My.Games
Where: Philippines, Singapore, Canada, Poland
Platforms: iOS / Google Play
Live since: September 23rd, 2023 (Google Play)
Updates: Version 1.5.0 (April 25th, 2024)
Ricochet Squad from My.Games is a top down 3v3 co-op hero shooter set in the near future, where each character has their own specialist abilities, tools and weapons. Each map is destructible and interactive, enabling players to alter the landscape around them. Each match lasts two to three minutes, with users able to team up with real friends or matchmake with other players online.
Updates
Version 1.5.0 features new Hero perks, first aid kits, a new Zone Control map called Rift Station, and an MVP of the match to show the stars of each match.
Version 1.4.0 added new in-battle achievements, UI and camera changes, the ability to check quest progress on the victory screen, and various technical fixes.
Version 1.3.0 added career quests, hero dialogues to reveal more about their backstories, and updated gameplay, which included adjusted hero abilities to balance gameplay.
Gwen’s Getaway
Developer: Ubisoft
Where: Finland, Canada. United Kingdom, Philippines, Australia, Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, India, United States
Platforms: App Store and Google Play
Live since: September 5th, 2023
Updates: Version 1.4.0 (April 29th, 2024)
Ubisoft’s RedLynx studio is bringing the publisher into the highly competitive puzzle and decorate genre on mobile with Gwen’s Getaway. Players must complete puzzles while following Gwen’s story and breathing life back into the retreat.
Updates
Version 1.4.0 launches with a spring event Season of Blossoms, offering players the chance to earn special rewards.
Version 1.3.0 introduced new levels and special blocks.
Command & Conquer: Legions
Developer: Tencent (Level Infinite)
Where: Philippines, France, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Spain, Singapore, New Zealand, United States, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria
Platforms: iOS / Google Play
Live since: August 15th, 2023
Updates: April 26th, 2024 (Version 0.6.13544)
Tencent has soft-launched Command & Conquer: Legions in numerous countries across the globe, including the UK and US. The strategy game follows the events of the third Tiberium War, including factions such as Nod, GDI, CABAL’s cyborg army and the alien race Scrin.
Updates
Version 0.6.13544 added a new event called Code: Mimir, a variety of optimisations including to the leaderboard, improve art effects and the addition of Red Alert-related content.
Civilization: Eras & Allies
Developer: 2K
Where: Indonesia, Philippines, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
Platforms: Google Play
Live since: July 27th, 2023
Updates: Version 0.25 (April 29th, 2024)
Originally soft-launched as Conquests and Alliances, publisher 2K Games has rebranded the title to Civilization: Eras & Allies, the first mobile-exclusive entry in the series.
Tiny Animal War: GO
Developer: Jam City
Where: Australia, Philippines, Canada, Japan
Platforms: iOS / Google Play
Live since: June 10th, 2023
Updates: Version 1.0.76 (April 23rd, 2024)
Jam City’s animal battle simulator Tiny Animal War: GO has players collect, strategise and organise their troops to defend against incoming intruders. Battles take place on 7x7 maps, tasking players with defeating hordes of enemies, offering up unique challenges, boss fights and minigames. Meanwhile, Tiny Animal War: Go also features a PvP mode to compete against other players.
Familyscapes: The Series
Developer: Playrix
Where: United States, Australia, Canada, Indonesia, India
Platforms: Google Play
Live since: April 19th, 2023
Updates: Version 0.11.1 (October 6th, 2023)
Familyscapes: The Series replicates the highly successful narrative-driven match-3 gameplay Playrix is known for from its hit games Gardenscapes and Homescapes, and brings a brand new iteration in the series. This time, the story revolves around Emma and Timothy, who have just bought a new apartment, which is in need of renovation and is located right next to Emma’s “awful” in-laws.
Royal Kingdom
Developer: Dream Games
Where: Canada, United Kingdom, Philippines, Turkey
Platforms: App Store and Google Play
Live since: March 20th, 2023
Updates: Version 8120 (May 9th, 2024)
Dream Games expands on its Royal Match success with Royal Kingdom, which combines match-3 puzzles with the decorate theme - in this case, tasking players with building their kingdom. Players are able to attack friends’ kingdoms, as well as expand their kingdom by overcoming challenges.
Updates:
Version 8120 added 50 new levels, the Steam Bomb item, and new districts including the Market Square and Train Station. A new enemy, the guard, was also introduced for players to defeat.
Version 7694 was desribed as a "major new update", with story elements including a Dark King that is plotting for King Richard's demise. It also includes a new enemy Golem.
Oh my Anne
Developer: Neowiz
Where: Canada, South Korea, United States, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Indonesia
Platforms: iOS / Google Play
Live since: November 27th, 2022
Updates: Version 3.2.1 (April 25th, 2024)
Oh my Anne is a match-3 game based on the popular novel Anne of Green Gables, and sees players progress through the story by completing levels.
Interspersed with the match 3 elements, Oh my Anne features decoration and makeover elements, falling in line with several other Match 3 titles that have also incorporated mechanics from other genres. What makes Oh my Anne different is the fact that it takes inspiration from a classic novel.
Updates
Version 3.2.1 added a new chapter called 'Revealed Truth', Diana's Dressing Room and other various game improvements and adjustments to the title's puzzle difficulty.
Rainbow Six Mobile
Developer/Publisher: Ubisoft
Where: Canada, Mexico, Chile, Colombia
Platforms: iOS / Google Play
Live since: May 12th, 2022
Updates: Version 1.1.0 (2024)
One of Ubisoft’s flagship series, Rainbow Six Mobile takes the franchise to mobile with a competitive, multiplayer first-person shooter. The game features 5v5 matches based on Rainbow Six’s classic Attack vs. Defence game modes, and includes destructible environments, as well as special abilities and gadgets for each unique operator.
Ubisoft says the game has been adapted to mobile with shorter matches and sessions, while players can customise the controls in the HUD to fit their playstyle.
Rainbow Six Mobile is currently set for launch in September 2024, according to the App Store listing.
The title's rollout to further territories has been placed on hiatus, while the development has also halted new content additons while it addresses player feedback.
Star Wars Hunters
Developer: Zynga
Where: France, Australia, Italy, Mexico, India, Germany, Brazil, Philippines, Sweden, Malaysia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Austria, Denmark, Norway, Taiwan, Finland
Platforms: iOS / Google play
Live since: November 15th, 2021
Updates: Version 0.20.0 (March 26th, 2024)
Developed by Zynga’s NaturalMotion team, Star Wars Hunters is a PvP, 4v4 third-person arena combat game that takes place in the Star Wars universe following the end of the Galactic Civil War. The title was first soft-launched in 2021 and is currently slated for a global release later in 2024.
HypeHype
Developer: HypeHype
Where: Finland, Canada, Philippines
Platforms: iOS / Google Play
Live since: February 2021
Updates: May 8th, 2024
HypeHype, from the Supercell-owned developer of the same name and formerly known as Frogmind, offers a platform for players to create their own games. Focusing on user-generated content, making games requires no coding, and each new game can be shared with the community.
The title supports online multiplayer, leaderboards, chat, live streaming and video clips. It’s currently available in soft launch across Finland, Canada and the Philippines.
