50 top games in soft launch: From Angry Birds Legends and Crash Bandicoot: On the Run to Hay Day Pop and The Witcher: Monster Slayer

• NFL Clash

  

  Developer: Nifty Games
  Where: Mexico, Brazil, Australia, Germany and the UK
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: August 14th, 2020
  Updates: (3) September 18th, 2020

  Nifty Games has soft-launched real-time multiplayer US football title NFL Clash, designed for quick and easy play.

  Nifty Games and the NFL's partnerships mean that all official teams from the NFL appear in-game, with over 100 NFL players posters available to collect. Users can acquire new players and collect trophies with every victory.

  After initially soft-launching in Mexico and Brazil, NFL Clash has made its way to Australia, Germany, and the UK.

  
  

• Om Nom: Idle Candy Factory

  

  Developer: ZeptoLab
  Where: US
  Platforms: iOS
  Live since: September 2nd, 2020
  Updates: N/A

  ZeptoLab returns with its newest title Om Nom: Idle Candy Factory, which stars the studio's green mascot in a new sweet puzzler.

  Players must help Om Nom manage a Candy Factory in his pursuit to become the "sweetest creature on Earth". Candies will be dropped into a bottle with the help of the Nommies, before falling from the bottle straight to Om Nom's mouth and shaking when candies get stuck.

  When there are too many candies, you can use Om Nom's power to drop all of them. Candies can be upgraded for more "sweetness" with lots to discover. Om Nom will keep eating while the app is closed.

  

• The Witcher: Monster Slayer

  

  Developer: Spokko (CD Projekt)
  Where: New Zealand
  Platforms: iOS
  Live since: August 31st, 2020
  Updates: (1) September 14th, 2020
  

  CD Projekt-owned developer Spokko has soft-launched an AR location-based title set in the dark fantasy world of The Witcher.

  Taking place long before the time of Geralt of Rivia, The Witcher: Monster Slayer features foul creatures that roam the vast lands of the Continent, leaving it down to monster hunters to track them down.

  The RPG-inspired combat will see players fight life-size monsters in first-person while traversing familiar locations now infested with dangerous beasts. Alongside this, users can train their character, brew potions and oils, craft bombs, and select the appropriate equipment for the battles ahead.

   

  
  

• Otherworld Heroes

  

  Developer: Bublar Group
  Where: Sweden, Poland and Indonesia
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: August 12th, 2020
  Updates: (2) September 15th, 2020

  Bublar Game Studios has soft-launched what it calls the first-ever location-based MMORPG with Otherworld Heroes.

  Players work individually or together to solve missions, fight enemies, and gather resources to advance through the game's different dimensions. The game is free-to-play and requires a GPS connection to enable the map-based gameplay.

  The soft launch is taking place via different phases on the iOS and Android platforms with a focus on testing, evaluating, and improving technology, gaming experience, and monetization for commercial launch.

  The second update added a new Daily Login UI and mini-tutorials, and re-vamped various parts of the game's UI.

  
  

• Farmscapes

  

  Developer: Playrix
  Where: Canada, Australia and the UK
  Platforms: iOS
  Live since: August 11th, 2020
  Updates: (7) September 8th, 2020

  Playrix returns with its latest match-three puzzle and decorating game Farmscapes.

  Players join Mary in her efforts to turn an abandoned farm into a rustic paradise. Restore the area into a dream village: decorate it with numerous items, grow a garden, and take care of the animals, including the cat Edward.

  Interestingly, Playrix launched a similar mobile title under the same name nearly a decade ago, which is no longer available to download today.

  
  

• Treasure Tails

  

  Developer: Space Ape
  Where: The Philippines
  Platforms: iOS
  Live since: August 11th, 2020
  Updates: (1) September 14th, 2020
  

  Space Ape has soft-launched a pinball treasure collecting game under the name of Treasure Tails.

  Collect coins, flying pegs, shields and the chance to attack your friends before utilising the coins to help build a village. Master the pegboard to get buckets of boosts, bonuses, and events to max your winnings.

  The free-to-play title allows users to attack, raid and steal from other players to make even more gold.

  The first update added Facebook integration, a new main menu, and some new artwork and bug fixes.

  

   

• Hot Wheels Unlimited

  

  Developer: Budge Studios
  Where: Canada, Australia, and the UK
  Platforms: iOS
  Live since: July 29th, 2020
  Updates: N/A

  Track building and racing title Hot Wheels Unlimited is the latest release from kids games developer Budge Studios.

  Set in Hot Wheels City, drivers compete in races and challenges to unlock iconic cars from the franchise and build tracks that can include twirly loops, blazing boosters, and epic ramps.

  By completing puzzle challenges, players earn Red Wheels which can then be exchanged to unlock new vehicles. The game is also set to feature monthly subscriptions.

  
  

• Disney Wonderful Worlds

  

  Developer: Ludia
  Where: The Philippines and Indonesia
  Platforms: Android
  Live since: July 22nd, 2020
  Updates: (5) September 9th, 2020

  Ludia has teamed up with The Walt Disney Company to produce a new free-to-play match-three game known as Disney Wonderful Worlds.

  Minnie, Mickey and other classic Disney characters will all feature as players solve puzzles, before going on to build their own theme park. Level up and build your park with exclusive decorations, landmarks and characters.

  "The player's park will come to life every day through live events, such as the Main Street Parade or Evening Fireworks Show, and fulfil the dreams of an ever-growing number of guests each with their own personality." Ludia CEO and president Alex Thabet told PocketGamer.biz.

  

• Omega Legends

  

  Developer: Skyunion Hong Kong
  Where: South America
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: July 25th, 2020
  Updates: (7) September 17th, 2020
  

  Omega Legends is a sci-fi battle royale shooter set in the near future where the game known as "Ω" has become hugely popular in the world.

  Players select a Hero and make use of their abilities to defeat the competition, either by fighting alone or by teaming up with friends in battles with 100 participants. Heroes playstyles consist of stealth, rush attacks, healing, or defensive, with special moves to one-up opponents.

  A classic Survival mode is available alongside Covert Operation, where users must "outwit and outlast" enemies to rank in first place.

  

• Top Draft

  

  Developer: Champion Games
  Where: United Kingdom
  Platforms: Android
  Live since: June 18th, 2020
  Updates: (1) July 15th, 2020

  Champion Games has soft-launched a new fantasy football game known as Top Draft.

  Make your football team, compete against friends and thousands of users worldwide and win real cash prizes for free. Pick 11 starting players and four substitutes with the available budget before the real football matches start

  Everything in-game is based on the real-life football events from the Premier League, LaLiga and so on, players will get a score. This game does not offer real money gambling or any opportunities to win real money or prizes from gambling activities.

  

• The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War

  

  Developer: NetEase
  Where: Australia and the Philippines
  Platforms: Android
  Live since: July 15th, 2020
  Updates: N/A

  Warner Bros. Interactive has partnered with NetEase Games for a new mobile game based on J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings series.

  The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War is a mobile strategy title that will be set in the Third Age of Middle-Earth, with iconic characters and locations from the original film trilogy due to feature too. The promotional image shared by WB during the announcement points to the familiar location of the Grand Minas Tirith.

  The first regional beta test is available in Australia and the Philippines on Google Play.

  
  

• Marvel Duel

  

  Developer: NetEase
  Where: Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines
  Platforms: Android
  Live since: June 28th, 2020
  Updates: (4) July 29th, 2020
  

  NetEase's second title utilising the Marvel license arrives in the form of Marvel Duel, a strategy card game.

  A mysterious evil force has altered the most iconic events of Marvel history. To restore the universe, players summon superheroes from across the galaxy to outsmart opponents. They will also experience well-known events such as Civil War, Infinity War, and more, but with unexpected plots and twists.

  Claiming to be one of the largest rosters of Marvel characters in a mobile game ever, more than 150 characters are available for collection and upgrade. Players in these soft-launched territories can pre-register to obtain 10 General Expansion Packs.

  

• Catan: World Explorers

  

  Developer: Niantic
  Where: New Zealand
  Platforms: Android
  Live since: July 1st, 2020
  Updates: (4) September 3rd, 2020
  

  Niantic has teamed up with Asmodee to create a new multiplayer augmented reality mobile game based on the popular board game Catan.

  Following up to the studio's third release via Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, Catan: World Explorers sees the world being transformed into one big game of Catan.

  Niantic previously confirmed to PG.biz that the company is involved in the project, with the game being created on its Real World Platform and will reveal more information in 2020.

   

  

• Crooked Pines

  

  Developer: MyTona
  Where: Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK
  Platforms: iOS 
  Live since: April 24th, 2020
  Updates: (9) August 6th, 2020

  MyTona's latest match-three puzzler, Crooked Pines, has players renovating their old family home into a new customised restaurant.

  Working alongside your cousin Ingrid, players must try to save their families mansion from demolition by completing the puzzle challengers. Animations will feature from customers and magical helpers to help with progression.

  By guiding the story, users will be able to restore and unlock new rooms before the "greedy businessmen" find a way to take down the estate.

  

• Harry Potter: Magic Awakened

  

  Developer: NetEase
  Where: China
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: May 29th, 2020
  Updates: N/A

  NetEase and Portkey Games have launched an open beta for Harry Potter: Magic Awakened in China.

  The card-based RPG takes place several years after the second wizarding war and sees the player receive a letter of acceptance to Hogwarts before beginning their journey. The game looks to feature an energy bar system similar to that found in Clash Royale, among other titles.

  No details surrounding a Western release have been detailed at this time, however players in China can sign up to participate.

  

• Hardhead Squad: MMO War

  

  Developer: Rovio
  Where: Finland, Denmark and The Philippines
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: June 9th, 2020
  Updates: (5) August 31st, 2020
  

  Rovio has soft-launched a new MMO action title under the name of Hardhead Squad: MMO War.

  According to the description, players must lead their troops to war and conquer multiple unique territories before recruiting "epic action heroes" and making their way through the Las Island de Verdes.

  Users will seemingly be able to strategise and socialise in real-time with thousands of players all around the world.

  

• Puzzle Breakers

  

  Developer: Playrix
  Where: The Philippines
  Platforms: Android
  Live since: April 29th, 2020
  Updates: (7) September 16th, 2020
  

  Playrix has soft-launched a new match-three puzzler where you control heroes and attack enemies on the battlefield under the name of Puzzle Breakers.

  Enemies move through the field and employ devious tactics to defeat you. Strong fighters try to engage you in melee, archers and mages attack from the top of towers and hiding places.
  Players must use heroes and unique abilities to attack and control your enemies or to heal their allies.

  Destroy walls and covers, shoot at explosive barrels and wipe your pesky enemies off the map.

  The first update reworked the first campaign with new enemy mechanics, abilities, a brand new tutorial as well as various bug fixes and smaller improvements.

  

• Dragon Brawlers

  

  Developer: I Got Games
  Where: Brazil, Indonesia, Colombia and Botswana
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: May 20th, 2020
  Updates: (9) September 17th, 2020
  

  Enter the world of dragons and heroes to become the best in Dragon Brawlers, a new three versus three battle royale MOBA game.

  Players train their own Dragon and participate in quick battles that last approximately five minutes. Unlock and train a large number of Dragons, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.

  Befriend or challenge other Dragon Brawlers and compete against players all around the world.

  

• Blade XLord

  

  Developer: Applibot
  Where: US, Canada and Singapore
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: May 14th, 2020
  Updates: (2) June 15th, 2020
  

  Blade XLord is a story-driven, hero-collecting RPG from a number of veteran Final Fantasy developers. After launching in Japan and accumulating 10 million downloads, the title has now soft-launched in North America before moving to a global release.

  "Blade XLord’s goal is to provide something for everyone: an emotional high fantasy story for RPG fans, idle options for the busiest among us, and challenges for our most competitive players," said Applibot producer Kazunari Ebihara.

  "Our Japanese fans have enjoyed this combination, and we are confident our new fans in the United States and Canada will become hooked as well."

  
  

• Crash Bandicoot: On the Run

  

  Developer: King
  Where: Malaysia
  Platforms: Android
  Live since: April 23rd, 2020
  Updates: (1) July 9th, 2020
  

  King has tapped the Crash Bandicoot license from Activision to help bring the marsupial to the mobile platform for the first time.

  Dr Neo Cortex has dispatched mutagen henchmen across the multiverse to enslave all dimensions. With the help of his sister Coco, Crash must bash Cortex's minions back to their own dimensions.

  Players can run, spin and slide against classic enemies and bosses including Mutagen Ant, Scorporilla, Nitrus Brio and Dingodile. Interestingly, the design for Crash has changed during soft launch to a closer resemblance to his recent console counterpart.

  The first update revealed the official name - Crash Bandicoot: On the Run - and opened pre-registration on Android devices.

  
  

• Mad Skills Motocross 3

  

  Developer: Turborilla
  Where: Canada and the Philippines
  Platforms: Android
  Live since: April 17th, 2020
  Updates: (4) July 15th, 2020

  The Mad Skills Motocross series returns with its third iteration now soft-launched on Android.

  The side-scrolling racing game has players competing against one another over different tracks and difficult terrain. By competing and winning races, faster motorcycles are unlocked with a global scoreboard available to see how riders stack up against one another.

  Both single-player and versus mode will be accessible for players in Canada and the Philippines through testing.

  The third update "improved" the garage, store and performance, while adding prizes to events.

  

• Globematcher

  

  Developer: Mars 1982
  Where: Austria, Mongolia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Finland, Singapore, Poland, Netherlands and Brazil
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: April 12th, 2020
  Updates: (9) July 30th, 2020
  

  Japanese lifestyle brand Tokidoki has teamed with Sanrio's Hello Kitty for a cartoon multiplayer match-three puzzler, known as Globematcher.

  Friends can connect over Facebook or via a unique registration ID to compete against one another. Blast your opponents and build your planets, gain and collect your strawberry coins and save them in the account, then play this brain puzzle game and spin to win some more.

  A rewards system is in place to access more gameplay or gain further opportunities to progress in-game. Monetisation works through both an ad-based and pay-to-play basis.

  The seventh update has seen Globematcher enter pre-launch with a global launch expected shortly.

  
  

• Disney Mirrorverse

  

  Developer: Kabam
  Where: Romania, Sweden, Norway, Poland, Denmark, Indonesia and The Philippines
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: March 31st, 2020
  Updates: (17) September 10th, 2020

  Kabam has collaborated with Disney on a new action-RPG called Disney Mirrorverse.

  Players unite teams of guardians - made up from well-known Disney and Pixar characters - to defend against an unrelenting dark threat. Sulley, Baymax, Scar, Captain Jack Sparrow, the Genie, Merida, Belle, Oogie Boogie and more are all set to appear.

  The Mirrorverse features worlds such as Agrabah Merchant’s Alley, Scarefloor F, and Port Royal Queen’s Landing.

  The fourth update rolled out Alliances so players can take part in events together as well as the 'Unlikely Allies' campaign, a limited-time event quest where.

  The fifth update has put Alliances live, which allows players to band together to take part in events and win rewards, alongside bug fixes, performance optimisations, and grammar fixes.

  The 11th update added new characters, extended act two to include chapter two and three, added 11 new languages to its localisation, as well as new music and fixes.

  
  

• Pocket Politics 2

  

  Developer: Kongregate
  Where: The Philippines
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: March 25th, 2020
  Updates: (14) September 8th, 2020

  Kongregate has soft-launched the second iteration of its satirical idle Pocket Politics series, where users select a candidate and run their presidential campaign.

  Choose to play as a Liberal or Conservative and rise through the political ranks, gain cash from the biggest fundraisers in the country, and watch your lobbies earn billions to help you become the most powerful person in the free world.

  Furthermore, campaigns can be automated with managers and supporters which will earn idle cash while you’re away. Meanwhile, investors can be upgraded to grow the player's empire.

  The 11th update added a new daily login feature, no ad subscriptions, two new Manager crates for events as well as a number of fixes and balance upgrades.

  
  

• Angry Birds Legends

  

  Developer: Rovio
  Where: UK, Sweden and Finland
  Platforms: Android
  Live since: March 28th, 2020
  Updates: (4) September 14th, 2020
  

  Angry Birds moves into turn-based RPG with Angry Birds Legends, a new mobile game that sees mysterious dark forces being thrown into the world as the ongoing battle between the creatures and their piggy nemesis rages on.

  Players must assemble an unstoppable team of heroes from all races to take down the evil forces that are threatening life as they know it. Collect a huge roster of Angry Birds characters and new faces, earn treasures and level up your Heroes to make your team even more powerful.

  Pick teammates with complementary abilities, choose the right team for every battle and decide which skills to unleash or merge during the mayhem.

  Interestingly, Rovio has also soft-launched a near-identical game called Chronicles of Legends, which excludes the Angry Birds property entirely. 

  The first update added more campaign levels, balanced heroes, and fixed a number of bugs.

  The fourth update added special rewards that will be indicated over the top of nodes, fixed a small bug that caused players to lose connection at the end of battles alongside some small visual and technical bugs.

  

• Tiles & Tales

  

  Developer: Kuuhubb
  Where: Finland, Croatia, Netherlands, The Philippines and Australia
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: March 19th, 2020
  Updates: (7) September 7th, 2020
  

  Tiles & Tales looks to combine two of the most popular genres within the female gaming community; match-three and visual novels.

  "Tiles and Tales is our flagship second-generation game and Kuuhubb’s key focus in calendar year 2020," said Kuuhubb CEO Jouni Keränen.

  "I am extremely proud of our talented development team for all the dedication, hard work and love they have poured into the game. I am confident that this is the beginning of a new long-term franchise and an important growth driver for Kuuhubb in the future".

  

• Hay Day Pop

  

  Developer: Supercell
  Where: Australia, Finland, New Zealand
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: March 16th, 2020
  Updates: (12) September 10th, 2020
  

  Breaking away from its usual hardcore fare, Supercell has soft-launched a casual match-3 puzzler called Hay Day Pop.

  Based around its farming game, Hay Day Pop sees players tapping connected cubes to score points and clear boards, among other objectives.

  On top of that, there looks to be a base-building aspect, as players develop their farm however they see fit with new animals and buildings.

  The eighth update added five new farm levels and new decorations, as well as the ability to create or join a 'Neighborhood'. Players can chat, share hints and tips, like each other's posts, visit their farms and collect stars from their fellow neighbours.

  The 12th update soft-launched the game in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, France, India, United Kingdom, Ireland, and Canada.

  

• Soccer Rally: Arena

  

  Developer: Lava Skull (IceFlame)
  Where: US
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: March 6th, 2020
  Updates: (10) August 26th, 2020

  Soccer Rally: Arena, the third entry in the now eight-year-old series, has soft-launched in the US.

  The mobile car football game features three versus three multiplayer matches, with cross-platform online play. Cars boost themselves into the giant football to try and score and ultimately win the match.

  As players progress they can expand their lineup of vehicles. Each has different top speeds, acceleration, boost speeds and handing.

  The second update upgraded the servers for faster matchmaking, added new music tracks, rolled out a Discord server and made it so 12 fuel cans are available with a lower refill time.

  The fifth update added missions, achievements, controls settings, and more bug fixes.

  The ninth update added a player league as well as several bug fixes.

  

• Angry Birds Casual

  

  Developer: Rovio
  Where: Finland, Poland, Sweden and the US
  Platforms: iOS
  Live since: March 2nd, 2020
  Updates: (2) March 31st, 2020
  

  Red, Bomb, Chuck, Stella and co. return in Angry Birds Casual which sees Rovio go back to its roots by utilising the classic slingshot mechanic.

  As opposed to taking out the Bad Piggies, players will instead look to free caged Hatchlings across hundreds of levels and multiple worlds. Coins can be collected by completing levels which in turn can be used to unlock rewards.

  The new free-to-play title will feature in-app purchases as well as leaderboards to compete against fellow Angry Birds users. Rovio has confirmed this is "early market testing" that will last approximately one to two months.

  The second update brought in a player profile, avatars, mystery boxes as well as improved levels, effects and visuals.

  

• Endless Survival

  

  Developer: Gameloft
  Where: Canada, Singapore, New Zealand, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, Australia, Ireland, Finland, Norway, Netherlands and the Philippines
  Platforms: iOS
  Live since: February 12th, 2020
  Updates: (9) September 17th, 2020

  Set in a world controlled by powerful witches driven by evil motives, players journey in Survive Together begins in their own base

  From here, users can craft, build and repair weapons in preparation to explore the land and take down any zombies and monsters encountered.

  By conquering unexplored map areas and defeating bosses, survivalists can level up and help expand your faction to win the war.

  The second update renamed the game from Survive Together to Endless Survival.

  
  

• Pirate Evolution

  

  Developer: Gram Games
  Where: Singapore, Netherlands, Austria and South Africa
  Platforms: Android
  Live since: December 2nd, 2019
  Updates: (10) August 15th, 2020

  Gram Games' new sea-based adventure has players captaining their own pirate ship in Pirate Evolution.

  Over 140 islands are accessible with treasure scattered throughout. Battle enemies you encounter along the way to collect loot and thus upgrade your ship and weapons.

  Another component allows bases to be expanded while pirate crews can be frown to increase overall power to help take over the high seas.

  

• Arcane Showdown

  

  Developer: Big Huge Games (Nexon)
  Where: Canada and the UK
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: June 16th, 2019
  Updates: (14) August 24th, 2020

  Arcane Showdown tests your magical might in a showdown of spells, strategy and creatures in this real-time card-based strategy title.

  Create your deck of spells, devise a winning strategy and capture your opponent’s territory by overwhelming them with spells and creatures. Fantastical creatures and powerful spells can be unlocked as well as the ability to upgrade powers.

  Players can join guilds with friends or fight against one another in online multiplayer battles.

  The 13th update added two new maps, mystery chests, and bug fixes.

  

• Plants vs. Zombies 3

  

  Developer: PopCap Games (EA)
  Where: Ireland, Romania and the Philippines
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: February 25th, 2020
  Updates: (9) August 31st, 2020
  

  The Plants vs. Zombies series returns with its third official iterations, bringing back lots of fan-favourite plant and zombie characters as well as several faces.

  Players will defend their town in classic, lane-based tower defence combat, while also encountering new zombie bosses that will put user skills to the test.

  Team up with friends and other players to share seeds, share strategies, and compete for prizes.

  
  

• Angry Birds Tennis

  

  Developer: Rovio
  Where: US, Sweden, Finland and Mexico
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: February 8th, 2020
  Updates: (5) July 21st, 2020

  Finnish mobile studio Rovio has soft-launched a new Angry Birds game in the US and Mexico.

  Angry Birds Tennis is a new free-to-play sports title that features real-time PvP, multiple different game modes as well as dozens of characters to unlock. The description suggests that "super abilities" will be incorporated into the mechanics in some way.

  No global launch date has been revealed for the title however testing is expected to occur for two weeks.

  

• Deer Hunter 2020

  

  Developer: Glu Mobile
  Where: New Zealand, The Philippines and Australia
  Platforms: iOS
  Live since: October 15th, 2019
  Updates: (5) June 25th, 2020
  

  Glu Mobile's latest title sees the return of Deer Hunter. Players can team up with friends and compete in daily events to hunt down the animals in the simulator.

  Users can explore exotic locations across the globe from Alaska to Zimbabwe in search of the animals, while also collecting and customising a kit to have at hand.

  Further features set to return from past iterations include dogs, predators, trophy hunts and more.

  The second update rolled out a new Clash game mode that pits hunters against one another to try and achieve the highest score in a fast-paced shoot-off. Furthermore, there are new event types, an overhaul of the main menu, and performance improvements and bug fixes.

  The third update added a Global Chat feature for connecting with other players around the world, a new avatar system, as well as updates to tutorial and onboarding sequence.

  

• Ivy: Stories We Play

  

  Developer: Pocket Gems
  Where: Australia and New Zealand
  Platforms: iOS
  Live since: November 20th, 2019
  Updates: (7) September 17th, 2020

  The creators of the mobile game Episode return with Ivy: Stories We Play, a mature story-driven episodic adventure that is said to feature "drama" and "thrills".

  Take control of protagonist Ivy across a number of stories, which introduces the character to new worlds with complex themes, fantasies and desires.

  Players get to make all the choices for how the story unfolds, whether that's partying with singles in Miami or recovering from the death of your partner.

  

• LEGO Star Wars Battles

  

  Developer: Playdemic
  Where: India, Phillippines, Australia, New Zealand and Denmark
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: September 9th, 2019
  Updates: (13) September 17th, 2020

  Collect, build and fight in Lego Star Wars Battles, with famous characters from the series going head-to-head.

  Take part in real-time multiplayer PvP battles in arenas inspired by iconic locations, while collecting and upgrading your inventory of famous faces.

  Build LEGO towers on the battlefield to strategically attack, defend, and capture territory as you push towards the enemy base to claim victory.

  The sixth update added in the Wookie planet of Kashyyyk as well as several new characters including BB8, BB9E and Moroff.

  The eighth update made sweeping changes to balancing, most notably reducing map sizes and increasing troop movement speed to make for faster battles.

  The ninth update added a new scan system, supply beacons, interplanetary travel, planet milestone rewards, a new planet, new champions and new towers.

  The 10th update balanced the leaderboard scoring system and amended some known crashes and loading issues.

  The 12th update made it so players could battle in the shadow of a Super Star Destroyer on Jakku, as well as adding several new units and bug fixes.

  The 13th update added events, allowing players to earn Holocron Scans and Champion Cards from taking part in different, regularly updated events.

  

• Minecraft Earth

  

  Developer: Mojang
  Where: UK, US, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and large parts of Europe
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: October 18th, 2019
  Updates: (24) September 17th, 2020

  Mojang has launched augmented reality title Minecraft Earth in several territories across the globe, including the UK and US.

  Minecraft Earth is free-to-play and will allow players to build creations with friends and place them in the real world. On top of this, Minecraft mobs will battle users, putting their survival skills to the test.

  The game was announced as part of Minecraft’s 10th anniversary, releasing a video showing a young girl traversing her neighbourhood while interacting with block elements and creatures from the universe.

  The 10th update added in different types of boosts, new Mobs (Glow Squid and Skeleton Wolf) alongside bugs affecting multiple device sign-in.

  The 12th update rolled out measures that enable players to spawn from home and can avoid leaving the premise to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

  The 24th update added Season 9 content, including Biomes, a Fancy Chicken buildplate and Mob, and a handful of other pieces of content.

  
  

• Avatar: Pandora Rising

  

  Developer: FoxNext
  Where: Canada, New Zealand and the Philippines
  Platforms: iOS
  Live since: September 16th, 2019
  Updates: (11) August 25th, 2020

  Avatar: Pandora Rising is a massive real-time strategy and social game based on James Cameron's smash hit 2009 film. Players choose to lead a flourishing Na’vi village deep in the bioluminescent forest or can build a prosperous human mining colony and base to save Earth.

  Compete and play for both the human and Na'vi sides of the conflict to immerse yourself in an epic battle for survival and determine the fate of Pandora.

  Build and battle in a massive, social and open world with deep combat flexibility and extensive breadth of play.

  The second update brought in a host of new features and updates, including two new enemy troops, changed the user interface, updated the leaderboard UI, balance adjustments and more. Two specific bugs were also fixed concerning the commander talents and cancelling an outpost.

  

• Darkfire Heroes

  

  Developer: Darkfire Games (formerly Wargaming Denmark)
  Where: Philippines, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Norway
  Platforms: Android
  Live since: August 16th, 2019
  Updates: (17) September 6th, 2020

  Wargaming has soft-launched a new action RPG that sees players enter the fantasy realm of Darkfire Heroes and go on a heroic adventure.

  Collect and battle with more than 50 heroes from six unique factions available. Gather your team, plan a strategy and lead the attack in real-time battles against hordes of enemies. Prove your skills as you cast magical spells and unleash powerful special attacks to save the lost realm.

  Heroes can be upgraded and customised to fit your tactics which pits users against evil minions, brutal boss enemies, otherworldly beasts, and ancient dragons.

  

• FarmVille 3 - Animals

  

  Developer: Zynga
  Where: Australia, Belgium Malaysia, Netherlands, Italy, Philippines and Thailand
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: July 17th, 2019
  Updates: (12) June 29th, 2020

  Zynga has soft-launched a new entry into the FarmVille series, with the aim of restoring a farm to its former glory.

  Players can build the farm in the design of their choice as well as breed a number of rare animals. Farmhands are available to help pitch in with the work too.

  Grow crops, decorate the farm and weather whatever Mother Nature throws your way.

  The second and third updates introduced more decorations, building skins and improved upon the title’s graphics.

  The fifth and sixth update added better memory optimisations.

  The ninth update added co-op mode allowing players to partner up with 25 other farmers maximum and several new exotic animals including tigers, penguins, kangaroos and more.

  The 11th update added a Weather Station, so players can forecast the weather and boost the output from their harvest, as well as co-op leaderboards and themed outfits for farmhands.

  

• Rivengard

  

  Developer: King
  Where: Sweden
  Platforms: Android
  Live since: July 17th, 2019
  Updates: (18) September 8th, 2020
  

  King’s latest soft launch title is a new turn-based RPG that goes by the name of Valiant Heroes.

  The strategic title sees players forming teams of heroes to deploy as unwavering forces on the battlefield, making use of their specific strengths to take down enemies and lead your team to victory.

  Heroes can be summoned via the portal. Otherwise, by taking down bosses, you can force them into joining your team.

  The sixth update added three new collectable heroes: Akio, Taro and Shun. Also, 10 new quest levels and six quest level types were brought in alongside 20 new items, 12 power levels and several bug fixes.

  The seventh update changed the game's name from Valiant Heroes to Rivengard.

  

• Marvel Super War

  

  Developer: NetEase 
  Where: Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau, Malaysia, Indonesia, India and the Philippines
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: May 28th, 2019
  Updates: (23) September 10th, 2020
  

  NetEase and Marvel Entertainment have revealed the first game to come from their collaboration deal.

  Marvel Super War is a free-to-play MOBA title that brings together superheroes and supervillains from the Marvel Universe including the Avengers, X-Men, Guardians of the Galaxy and Spider-Man.

  Combat focuses on teamwork while users can combined powerful combos together to string together stronger attacks. Characters work differently off one another so mixing up heroes can turn about different outcomes.

  The 22nd update soft-launched the game in South Korea, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.

  

• Puzzletown Match

  

  Developer: Parrot Games
  Where: USA
  Platforms: iOS
  Live since: March 1st, 2019
  Updates: (29) March 23rd, 2020

  Moonlight Mystery sees players investigating the disappearance of the city of Nightwood that vanished during the 19th century.

  The puzzle title is brimming with quests, puzzles and a plot that is said to feature unexpected twists and turns.

  Featuring animated cutscenes and over 100 items to craft and collect, it’s up to you to solve the conundrum.

  The 15th update added a diary feature that lets players follow up on old and current investigations through a new visualisation as well as several bug fixes.

  The 17th update changed the visualisation for investigations, changed a number of requirements for progressing certain levels alongside several bug fixes.

  The 22nd update changed the name of the game from Moonlight Mystery to Puzzletown Match, alongside adding 125 more match-three levels.

  

• Mech Arena: Robot Showdown

  

  Developer: Plarium
  Where: India, Israel and Ukraine
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: January 8th, 2019
  Updates: (34) September 10th, 2020

  From developer Plarium comes a new competitive multiplayer mech shooter.

  Mech Arena: Robot Showdown is a five versus five PVP built upon battles that last approximately five minutes apiece.

  The title boasts intuitive gameplay and unique maps with a variety of weapons.

  The sixth update allows players to unlock chassis through the Prize Path, tweaked weapons, removed modules and added daily challenges.

  The eighth update added a damage display toggle option, stat info, a 360-degree view of the player’s inventory along with minor fixes.

  The 10th update brought in new mech abilities and challenges as well as tweaks to certain weapons and chassis. Modules were removed from the game too.

  The 20th update brought in the ability to add friends and connect via Facebook. A chat feature was also implemented alongside a Holiday Hangar and several fixes.

  The 22nd update added Chassis and Weapons to the Prize Path unlocks, a Ranks system for upgrades, XP bonuses for playing with friends in a team, and other fixes.

  The 27th update added tournaments, a Team Deathmatch mode and several new maps.

  The 29th updates added tournament history, bracket records and player statuses across leaderboards.

  

• Garena Contra Return

  

  Developer: Tencent
  Where: Philippines, Thailand, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia and Hong Kong
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: August 7th, 2018
  Updates: (9) September 14th, 2020

  After a year on Asian shores, a westernised version of Contra: Return has also been on the rollout in the region.

  Helmed by Garena, alongside Konami and Tencent, the retro favourite seems to come with all the bits you remember.

  Featuring heroes Bill and Lance, you’ll be able to make your way across side-scrolling levels in 3D and co-op action.

  Alongside the familiar boss battles, PVP instant battles will also be available. No word if the classic Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right code still works though.

  

• Wild Things: Animal Adventures

  

  Developer: Jam City
  Where: New Zealand, Thailand and the US
  Platforms: iOS
  Live since: January 22nd, 2019
  Updates: (23) August 24th, 2020

  Jam City has soft-launched match-three puzzler Wild Things in a bid to make your heart sing.

  Wild Things: Animal Adventures features a myriad of cutely animated created called the Wild Things who live peacefully in a diverse land. Their tranquil life is all thanks to a tree, which is also referred to as their “touchstone”.

  As it goes, nothing good can last and it appears something is on the way to upset the balance.
  Gameplay-wise, you’ll be navigating your way through match-three puzzles with plenty of animals to collect.

  The 11th update added a new story with two new chapters and 130 new levels, as well as improvements to the game board and front-end visuals.

  The 15th update added one new Chapter and 31 new levels among performance updates and bug fixes.

  The 19th update added a new adventure for Emma, Liam, Zelda and Arvind, as well as a new river element.

  

• Blade Runner Rogue

  

  Developer: Next Games
  Where: Canada, Finland, Australia, and Poland
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: July 10th, 2018
  Updates: (25) June 25th, 2020

  Blade Runner Rogue is a role-playing game with a story that will no doubt be indulgent should you be a fan of the original films, or even the book if you’re a Philip K Dick fan. As a fresh-faced blade runner, you’re tasked with collecting evidence to aid you in hunting down rogue replicants.

  Staple characters from the series are collectable and will aid you in overcoming threats. Freshly formed teams can also be powered up to take on more challenging targets with proportionate awards.

  You don’t have to go it alone though as friends and blade runners alike can be enlisted to help you accomplish a mission.

  The 17th update added a selection of new characters from the Blade Runner universe as well as performance and usability improvements.

  The 18th update saw the game enter early access while adding new case files, a new Patrol game mode and improved the user interface.

  The 19th update added a tutorial for new players, new animations, bigger health bars for boss battles, push notifications, UI enhancements and bug fixes.

  The 21st update introduced rogue-like gameplay, as well as "multi-branched cases" where each choice makes a difference. Players need to collect clues to improve your team and to gain an advantage over enemies.

  The 23rd update added a whole host of minor improvements, such as progress rewards, tutorial changes, new dialogue, skills and bug fixes.

  The 25th update renamed the game from Blade Runner 2049 to Blade Runner Rogue.

  

• God Eater: Resonant Ops

  

  Developer: Bandai Namco
  Where: Japan
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: April 3rd, 2018
  Updates: (47) July 22nd, 2020

  Bandai Namco’s God Eater: Resonant Ops not only represents the newest instalment in the God Eater series but the first time it’s come to the mobile platform on iOS and Android.

  Currently in soft-launch in Japan, the RPG title is free-to-play with item-based micro-transactions.

  The story continues on from its previous title God Eater 2: Rage Burst and sees humankind in decline, with the game's protagonist thrown into restricted battle zones in the game’s collapsing world.

  Combat is turn-based and features a party system with returning characters from previous games in the series, who all make cameo appearances for specific missions.

  The fourth update laid the groundwork for an upcoming event whilst performing other maintenance, such as adjusting game balance and refurbishing exchange UI.

  

• Temple Run: Treasure Hunters

  

  Developer: Scopely
  Where: Spain, Ireland, Romania and the Philippines
  Platforms: iOS and Android
  Live since: November 30th, 2016
  Updates: (34) August 21st, 2020

  Treasure and match-3 seem to go hand-in-hand since they both usually involve gems, so maybe Temple Run: Treasure Hunters (formerly Treasure Hunters!) isn't such a wild idea after all.

  You'll be solving puzzles through match-3 mechanics as your character delves deep into over 100 levels of tomb-raiding looking for the titular treasure.

  You can also customise your character as you see fit, and the game promises hidden paths, a variety of game modes, and plenty of other distractions to keep you entertained.

  The third update increases the number of levels to over 200, and adds new boosters to help with trickier levels.

  An 11th update came nine-months after its predecessor. The "all-new" Temple Run Treasure Hunters features redesigned puzzles and gameplay.

  The 14th update introduced a slew of new levels along with a new store to purchase items from.

  The 23rd update brought in 40 new levels alongside various bug fixes.