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32 top mobile games in soft launch: Candy Crush 3D, Wordscapes Solitaire, Game of Thrones: Legends RPG and more

32 top mobile games in soft launch: Candy Crush 3D, Wordscapes Solitaire, Game of Thrones: Legends RPG 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 checked: January 12th, 2024


Click here to view the list »
  • Love & Choices

    Love & Choices logo

    Developer: SayGames
    Where: United States
    Platforms: iOS
    Live since: December 20th, 2023 (iOS)
    Updates: Version 1.2 (December 30th, 2023)

    From hypercasual/hybridcasual specialist publisher SayGames, comes Love & Choices, which features a series of story-driven puzzle games where players must choose “crucial life decisions” in settings from chic parties to covery spy missions and enchanting dates. The game description states the player’s task is to “assemble the perfect wardrobe, select dazzling makeup, and embody style and beauty wherever the journey leads”.

  • Wordscapes Solitaire

    Wordscapes Solitaire logo

    Developer: PeopleFun
    Where: Philippines, Indonesia
    Platforms: iOS / Google Play
    Live since: December 19th, 2023
    Updates: December 19th, 2023

    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.


  • Star Match

    Star Match logo

    Developer: Peak Games
    Where: United Kingdom, Turkey
    Platforms: iOS
    Live since: December 6th, 2023
    Updates: Version 1.53.52 (December 28th, 2023)

    Star Match is a brand new match-three game from Toy Blast and Toon Blast developer Peak Games. Players are tasked with completing puzzles and decorating movie sets as they progress. Artwork on the App Store page shows the game riffing off famous movies such as Indiana Jones and Titanic.

    Peak Games already has another title utilising the same IP in soft launch: Star Blast, which features similar artwork, themes and progression, but with a focus on blast puzzle gameplay.

  • Candy Crush 3D

    Candy Crush 3D logo

    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

    Match Jumble 3D logo

    Developer: 37Games
    Where: United Kingdom
    Platforms: iOS and Google Play
    Live since: December 6th, 2023 (Google Play)
    Updates: V1.0.1 (January 4th, 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.

  • Racing Champs

    Racing Champs logo

    Developer: Nine66
    Where: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Philippines, Indonesia
    Platforms: Google Play
    Live since: November 29th, 2023
    Updates: Version 0.1.31 (December 22nd, 2023)

    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.

  • Doctor Who: Worlds Apart

    Doctor Who: Worlds Apart logo

    Developer: Reality+
    Where: Philippines, Malaysia
    Platforms: Google Play / App Store
    Live since: November 20th, 2023
    Updates: Version 0.6.0 (November 20th, 2023)

    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.

  • Adventure Friends

    Adventure Friends logo

    Developer: PikPok
    Where: Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Sweden, Philippines, Malaysia, Ireland, Colombia
    Platforms: iOS / Google Play
    Live since: November 19th, 2023
    Updates: Version 0.02.0 (December 13th, 2023)

    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.

  • My Talking Hank: Islands

    My Talking Hank: Islands logo

    Developer: Outfit7
    Where: Colombia, Thailand, Ukraine, Malaysia, Canada, Australia, Israel, Sweden, Netherlands
    Platforms: iOS / Google Play
    Live since: November 9th, 2023
    Updates: December 20th, 2023 (Version 1.0.14.15470)

    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.

  • EVE Galaxy Conquest

    EVE Galaxy Conquest logo

    Developer: CCP Games
    Where: Philippines, Australia
    Platforms: iOS / Google Play
    Live since: November 2nd, 2023
    Updates: Version 1.3.2458504 (December 26th, 2023)

    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

    Arena Legends logo

    Developer: Magic Games Technology
    Where: Turkey
    Platforms: iOS
    Live since: October 31st, 2023
    Updates: Version 72 (December 25th, 2023)

    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.

  • Wonderers: Eternal World

    Wonderers: Eternal World logo

    Developer: Smilegate
    Where: Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia
    Platforms: iOS / Google Play
    Live since: October 10th, 2023
    Updates: Version 0.0.52 (December 27, 2023)

    Wonderers: Eternal World is an action-adventure, anime-themed title that features 4v4 team battles, dungeon adventures and and numerous mini games, which can be played across PC and mobile.


  • Dark Forest Survivor

    Dark Forest Survivor logo

    Developer: Ketchapp
    Where: United States
    Platforms: iOS / Google Play
    Live since: October 5th, 2023
    Updates: Version 1.1.2 (December 15, 2023)

    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.


  • Zombie State: FPS d'apocalypse

    Zombie State: FPS d'apocalypse logo

    Developer: My.Games
    Where: France, Poland, Czech Republic, Belgium, Netherlands
    Platforms: iOS / Google Play
    Live since: September 27th, 2023
    Updates: Version 0.6.0 (December 27th, 2023)

    Zombie State is a new first-person shooter for mobile from My.Games, in which players venture into an apocalyptic world. They’ll “explore characters' special abilities, use various combinations to fight the infected” and explore a variety of regions.

    Players will fight against various kinds of mutations and can upgrade their hero with new equipment to survive whatever the game throws at them.


  • Ricochet Squad

    Ricochet Squad logo

    Developer: My.Games
    Where: Philippines, Singapore
    Platforms: iOS / Google Play
    Live since: September 23rd, 2023 (Google Play)
    Updates: Version 1.2.1 (December 18th, 2023)

    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.


  • Gwen’s Getaway

    Gwen’s Getaway logo

    Developer: Ubisoft
    Where: Finland, Canada. United Kingdom, Philippines, Australia, Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, India
    Platforms: App Store and Google Play
    Live since: September 5th, 2023
    Updates: Version 1.2.1 (December 18th, 2023)

    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.


  • Game of Thrones: Legends RPG

    Game of Thrones: Legends RPG logo

    Developer: Zynga
    Where: Denmark, Indonesia, Philippines, Finland
    Platforms: iOS / Google Play
    Live since: August 31st, 2023
    Updates: Version 1.0.48 (October 12th, 2023)

    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.

  • Horse Racing Hero

    Horse Racing Hero logo

    Developer: Miniclip
    Where: Indonesia, Italy, France, Australia, Portugal
    Platforms: iOS / Google Play
    Live since: July 24th, 2023 (Google Play)
    Updates: Version 1.3.0 (November 28th, 2023)

    From Miniclip, Horse Racing Hero has players own and manage their own stable of horses. Players must care, train and develop their horses into race-winning equine athletes.

    There are multiple modes to choose from, including single-player campaigns and multiplayer tournaments, including live online multiplayer races.

    As well as racing, players can bet on the horses they think will come out on top, with users able to choose to either race or just spectate.

  • Tiny Animal War: GO

    Tiny Animal War: GO logo

    Developer: Jam City
    Where: Australia, Philippines, Canada, Japan
    Platforms: iOS / Google Play
    Live since: June 10th, 2023
    Updates: Version 1.0.73 (December 23rd, 2023)

    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

    Familyscapes: The Series logo

    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 replicates the highly successful narrative-driven match-3 gameplay Playrix is known for from its hit games Gardenscapes and Homescapes, and brings into 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

    Royal Kingdom logo

    Developer: Dream Games
    Where: Canada, United Kingdom, Philippines, Turkey
    Platforms: App Store and Google Play
    Live since: March 20th, 2023
    Updates: Version 5471 (December 13th, 2023)

    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.


  • Match Junk: Triple Tile Puzzle

    Match Junk: Triple Tile Puzzle logo

    Developer: SayGames
    Where: United States, Belarus, Brazil, Israel
    Platforms: iOS / Google Play
    Live since: March 15th, 2023
    Updates: Version 1.2.1 (December 22nd, 2023)

    Match-3D title Match Junk: Triple Tile Puzzle from SayGames is yet another title to join the match 3D genre craze. The title features the usual boosters to aid progression and help players overcome particularly difficult challenges, as well as allowing offline play to ensure players can engage with the game on the move.


  • Oh my Anne

    Oh my Anne logo

    Developer: Neowiz
    Where: Canada
    Platforms: iOS / Google Play
    Live since: November 27th, 2022
    Updates: December 13th, 2023

    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.


  • Nova Legends

    Nova Legends logo

    Developer: Plarium
    Where: United Kingdom, Philippines, Canada, Thailand, Australia, Brazil, Poland, Netherlands, Denmark, Israel
    Platforms: iOS / Google Play
    Live since: November 6th, 2022
    Updates: Version 1.2.1692 (December 11, 2023)

    Idle RPG Nova Legends from Plarium is set in a futuristic world in which the discovery of Nova Energy has transformed Earth. The title includes a variety of modes, from arcade and daily boss battles to bounties.

    The latest update to the title included a new collaborative mode for clan raids, enabling players to team up with other clans to take on the Raid Boss.

  • Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile

    Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile logo

    Developer: Activision
    Where: Australia, Chile, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Malaysia
    Platforms: iOS / Google Play
    Live since: November 3rd, 2022
    Updates: Version 3.0.2.16923646 (December 19th, 2023)

    Following the success of Call of Duty: Mobile, Warzone brings the battle royale version of the blockbuster to smart devices. Matches can host up to 120 players, providing the classic FPS gameplay the series is known for, as well as vehicular combat.


  • World of Warships: Legends

    World of Warships: Legends logo

    Developer: Wargaming
    Where: Canada, Philippines, France, Brazil
    Platforms: iOS / Google Play
    Live since: September 5th, 2022
    Updates: Version 5.9.1.0 (December 20th, 2023)

    Multiplayer title World of Warships: Legends puts players in control of historical warships as they fight for dominance alongside - and against players from all around the world, with 9V9 battles and players in control of destroyers, cruisers, and battleships, each suited for a different playstyle - whether you want to go in all guns blazing or take a more methodical approach.


  • XCOM Legends

    XCOM Legends logo

    Where: United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Australia, Philippines, Netherlands, Sweden, Malaysia, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, Finland, Singapore, New Zealand, Ireland
    Platforms:
    App Store
    Live since:
    May 17th, 2022
    Updates:
    Version 0.23.2 (December 13th, 2023)

    XCOM comes to mobile as idle turn-based action RPG, XCOM Legends, in which players must assemble their squad of five XCOM heroes and defeat their opponents in PvP battles or the game’s Campaign Mode. The title currently features more than 40 heroes to choose from, with players able to upgrade their team’s gear and abilities to give them an edge in battle.

     


  • Rainbow Six Mobile

    Rainbow Six Mobile logo

    Developer/Publisher: Ubisoft
    Where: Canada, Mexico, Chile, Colombia
    Platforms: iOS / Google Play
    Live since: May 12th, 2022
    Updates: Version 0.5.6 (November 17th, 2023)

    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.


  • Moomin: Puzzle & Design

    Moomin: Puzzle & Design logo

    Developer: Rovio
    Where: Finland, Japan, United States, Philippines, Poland
    Platforms: iOS / Android
    Live Since: December 8th, 2021
    Updates: Version 2.6.1 (December 18th, 2023)

    Rovio has soft launched Moomin: Puzzle & Design on iOS and Android in Finland.

    Set in the home of the Moomin characters, Moominvalley, players will help the characters from Finnish author Tove Jansson's children's books decorate the valley and garden following a long winter.

    Players will help Moomintroll and complete puzzles through a unique Moomin storyline to help bring the Moomin's magical world back to life. Puzzle consist of match-3 gameplay and include several types of boosters to help with tricky levels.

    Each story chapter involves several tasks, such as greeting new faces or helping characters build a tent, which upon completion will provide various rewards.

  • Clash Mini

    Clash Mini logo

    Developer: Supercell
    Where: Chile, Finland, Canada, Ireland, Denmark, United Kingdom, Sweden, Australia, Norway, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Iceland
    Platforms: App Store and Google Play
    Live since: November 8th, 2021
    Updates: Version 1.8.1 (December 14th, 2023)

    Clash Mini is a strategy board game with real-time auto-battler mechanics, based on Supercell’s Clash IP. Developed by supercell’s China studio, the game includes modes such as 1v1 PvP, or Rumble mode against seven other players.

    Players must choose from a deck of mini Heroes, from the Barbarian King and Shield Maiden to the Archer Queen, Pekka and more as they battle it out in this take on the Auto Chess genre. The game includes both casual and ranked matches.


  • Star Blast

    Star Blast logo

    Developer: Peak Games
    Where: India, Philippines, United Kingdom, Canada, Turkey, Finland
    Platforms: iOS / Google Play
    Live since: August 31st, 2021
    Updates: Version 1.39.208 (November 10th, 2023)

    From the developer behind two of the biggest puzzle games on mobile, Toy Blast and Toon Blast, comes Star Blast.

    The title takes its cues from what Peak Games does best: puzzle gameplay focusing on the blast mechanics. Much like Toon Blast did at launch, Star Blast focuses on movie studio sets, which players must decorate as they progress through each puzzle.


  • Merge Vikings

    Merge Vikings logo

    Developer: Metacore
    Where: United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Finland, Poland, Netherlands, Philippines
    Platforms: iOS / Google Play
    Live since: May 21st, 2021
    Updates: Version 1.6.1 (November 27th, 2023)

    Developed by Merge Mansion studio Metacore, Merge Vikings features more of the merge gameplay the company is known for, but this time pits in a viking setting. Players can take on the roles of both a viking chief and a dragon master, and can engage in merge-based battles with opponents. Players can build up their own units through merge mechanics before strengthening their own defences and heading out on raids to other villages.


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