Hot Five: Love and Deepspace’s 68% spending decline, Apple to change app tracking consent rules, and PUBG Mobile Light to launch in 2026

To help get you primed and ready for another week in mobile gaming, we’ve curated the biggest stories you need to know from the last seven days.

1) PUBG Mobile Light to launch in 2026 with lower device requirements

PUBG Mobile Light is a new version of the battle royale designed to reduce strain on players’ devices.

A separate app to PUBG Mobile Lite, which has fewer features than the original, Light keeps the full experience intact while making it more accessible.

2) Love and Deepspace hits record low with 68% spending decline after Valko controversy

Love and Deepspace has seen a dramatic 68% decline in player spending this July, resulting in its worst month ever for earnings.

According to AppMagic estimates, the dating simulator earned $10.3 million in July compared to $34.2m in June. Spending was down 59% in the US and 79% in China month-over-month, with a stunted version 6.0 update impacted by backlash around new character Valko.

3) Makers Fund closes $250m Fund IV to back next generation of interactive entertainment

Makers Fund has closed Fund IV at $250m, bringing its total assets under management to $1.5 billion.

The firm claims it has invested in more than 90 portfolio companies to date.

4) Report: No gaming experience appeals to more than 26% of players globally

According to a new Bain & Company report, no single game experience appeals to more than 26% of players worldwide.

The report also found that three-quarters of top-grossing mobile games now run their own web stores.

5) Apple to change app tracking consent rules in EU

Germany’s FCO found that Apple’s ATT framework has potentially given its own apps more favourable consent prompts.

Under commitments agreed with the FCO, Apple must redesign consent pop-ups for third-party apps to remove discouraging language and symbols.