Project Cars coming to mobile, Glu's Design Home inspired revival, and Rumble Stars Soccer
Screeching across the finish line and coming in first place in our Hot Five Grand Prix this week is the news that Project Cars is coming to mobile.
The news comes as series owner Slightly Mad Studios hashed out a deal with South Korean publisher Gamevil.
Taking its spot on the second place podium this week was our chat with Glu Mobile CEO Nick Earl, who discussed the company's revenue growth and its plans to get back into publishing.
Rumble Stars, Tencent's margins, and MENA publishing
Elsewhere, Supercell-owned Badland developer Frogmind soft-launched a new free-to-play IP called Rumble Stars on iOS.
Also on our Hot Five is a report that Tencent is against its worst margins ever, and India's Nazara has partnered up with Indonesia's Touchten to publish mobile games in the Middle East.
#5: India's Nazara partners with Indonesia's Touchten to publish mobile games in the Middle East
More Info
India's Nazara partners with Indonesia's Touchten to publish mobile games in the Middle East »Indian publisher Nazara Technologies has teamed up with Indonesian studio Touchten to bring localised games to the Middle East.
More specifically the partnership will see the two develop cooking games for the region.
First up on the menu is Dessert Chef, released on April 20th in India, UAE and Saudi Arabia. It is expected to launch globally in May.
“We are excited to announce the launch of ‘Dessert Chef’ a mobile social game developed by Nazara in partnership with Touchten that caters to the local audience, offering them a unique gaming experience,” said Nazara MENA CEO Savio Saldanha.
#4: Tencent up against worst margins ever as value drops $78 billion
More Info
Tencent up against worst margins ever as value drops $78 billion »Tencent is living a life of contrast right now as an all-time high in profits in January was followed recently by a dramatic $78 billion drop in value.
Analysts are said to be concerned that the company is not yet able to bring in enough money from its mobile games to offset a decline in the PC unit, which is its most profitable platform.
The news may come as little surprise to the figures over at Tencent, however, as the company is currently heavily investing in various ventures with an eye on the future.
It has been active in investing in the various games ventures from online to streaming services while also keeping busy with e-commence opportunities.
Of course, while investors may be concerned over the margins - Tencent remains an incredible rich and profitable company.
#3: Badland developer Frogmind soft launches new IP Rumble Stars Soccer
More Info
Badland developer Frogmind soft launches new IP Rumble Stars Soccer »The busy-bodies over at Frogmind have soft-launched another new IP.
This one is called Rumble Stars Soccer and is currently being tested on iOS.
The PvP soccer game includes a cast of anthropomorphic animals known as rumblers and a high tempo and button combo-oriented style of gameplay.
Players can also upgrade their teams and take on others to climb the ranks in a competitive feature.
#2: CEO Nick Earl on how Design Home’s success has kickstarted Glu’s wider revival
More Info
CEO Nick Earl on how Design Home’s success has kickstarted Glu’s wider revival »It’s been promising times for Glu Mobile during the last couple of years as the company tries to turn around its fortunes.
When CEO Nick Earl took over the reins in 2016 he inherited a troubled company, which at the same time as his appointment had just splashed out $45.5 million on two titles - Covet Fashion and Design Home.
Those purchases have proven to be a shrewd move as the company moves into a new direction away from the costly celebrity deals it had become known for.
“I call our success a mixture of serendipity and intent,” said Earl.
#1: Slightly Mad partners with Gamevil for new Project Cars mobile game
More Info
Slightly Mad partners with Gamevil for new Project Cars mobile game »The Project Cars franchise is all set for its first outing on the race track that is the mobile games market.
Series developer Slightly Mad Studios’ has struck a deal with South Korean's Gamevil to publish the title.
Called Project Cars Go, the mobile game will feature licensed cars along with options for vehicle customisation.
“Alongside Gamevil, Project Cars Go will put players in the driver’s seat to experience the adrenaline pumping racing game in a whole new way,” said Slightly Mad Studios CEO Ian Bell.