Indie Game Devs
Japan launches So-Fu accelerator to support indie game developers
The program will provide indie devs with mentorships, create business connections in the industry and even cover expenses.
Staff
Isa Muhammad
Job Title
MENA Reporter
About Isa Muhammad is the Lead MENA Reporter at PocketGamer.biz, spearheading the team's Middle East & Africa games coverage. He's been in games media for over seven years and is steadily writing his way to the sharp end of journalism. If he's not reading, playing games or catching up on his favorite TV shows, he's probably writing about them.
Articles by Isa Muhammad
Investment News
Wargaming co-founder launches $50 million investment fund Mika Games to support mobile studios
The company aims to invest globally in mobile-first, free-to-play live service games with strong monetisation potential
Gdc 2024
GDC 2024 draws nearly 30,000 attendees
More than 1,000 speakers led 730 sessions, workshops, and roundtable discussions this year
In-app Advertising
Gaming social platform Discord set to embrace ads for revenue boost
Discord is reportedly hiring more than a dozen workers to see this through
Mena Market Growth
Sandsoft and NetEase establish joint venture Stellar Gate Games to publish games in MENA
The new venture will support companies with publishing, marketing, live ops and esports activities in the region
Web3 Expansion
Nexon expands to UAE with new blockchain game subsidiaries
Publisher establishes Nexon Universe Global and Nexpace in region as it aims to expand blockchain initiatives
Esports Growth
True Gamers gets set to build $280 million esports island in Abu Dhabi
True Gamers is currently in talks with investors to raise the $280 million it needs to acquire the island and commence building facilities
New Partnerships
Tamatem Games relocates HQ to UAE after Abu Dhabi investment
The backing aims to help fuel publisher's growth and strengthen the UAE's overall gaming ecosystem
Milestone
Now.gg hits 100 million users, introduces platform fee of up to 5%
Developers can retain 95% to 100% of their game revenue for a platform fee of 5% for in-game transactions
Strategic Acquisition
Bidstack's executive team acquires Bidstack Ltd in strategic move
Founder and CEO James Draper, along with the executive team have become the company's significant majority shareholders
Job News
SYBO appoints Niklas Orup as new Subway Surfers game director
He's the new boss of the world's most downloaded endless runner having previously worked at King on titles such as Bubble Witch 3 Saga
Milestones
Eggy Party sails past 100 million user-generated maps
60% of players actively create content, fired up by the game's incentive program.
Game Launch
Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile is out today. Here's everything you need to know
It's the biggest mobile launch of the year with over 50 million sign-ups hitting the battlefield from March 21
Investment News
Square Enix steps further into Web3 and NFT gaming with HyperPlay investment
While the exact amount of the investment amount remains undisclosed, HyperPlay will use the funds to expand and scale its game store
Strategic Partnerships
GameAnalytics and Xsolla team up to simplify direct-to-consumer game sales
GameAnalytics founder Morten E. Wulff says, "Together, we're setting a new standard for game monetization."
This Means War
Call of Duty Warzone: Mobile ready for battle with 50 million players on board
The latest CoD is ready to drop on March 21 with a record-breaking number of pre-registrations set to make it the biggest mobile launch of the year
Gaming Trends
Could jobs platform LinkedIn be on the brink of getting into games?
LinkedIn is rumoured to be developing on-platform gaming experiences, drawing inspiration from the puzzle craze that propelled games like Wordle
Safety & Integrity
Keywords, Active Fence, Take This, and Modulate create Gaming Safety Coalition
Bolstering the safety and integrity of online video game communities.
Investment News
Cloud gaming's Gamestream secures €4.5m in funding to fuel growth
Co-founder and president Ivan Lebeau says, "Few people can afford to buy a console, and even fewer can afford games for €70 each."
Marketing Strategies
Open World launches Game Dev Division for market strategies and support
CEO Josh Swartz says, “What we ultimately want to do is to offer publishers and studios a turnkey solution."
Vision 2030
Savvy Games Group unveils strategic vision in new leadership video
CEO Brian Ward says, “Savvy Games Group is on a fast track to be one of the leading players in games and entertainment anywhere in the world."
Ramadan Kareem
Ramadan festivities unfold across mobile with a host of new content and events
We've compiled a selection of the most innovative and captivating in-game events and promotions
Mergers & Acquisitions
Nazara Technologies commits $100 million to expand globally through M&A deals
“We are particularly focused on investing in and acquiring gaming studios globally..." said CEO Nitish Mittersain
Web3 Watch
Blockus secures $4M in pre-seed funding for its plans to transform Web3 gaming
The funding will help to accelerate growth, expand its team, enhance sales, and boost product development
Ai-fuelled Tools
UG Labs secures $7 million to create games from speech
The company aims to facilitate open-ended AI-powered conversations that can create games and enhance gameplay
Investment News
Kaedim secures $15 million investment for AI-powered 3D asset creation
The platform offers a toolkit to assist creators in crafting 3D assets, to complement rather than replace artists' efforts
Web3 Gaming
Animoca Brands and KACST to launch Web3 Hub in Saudi Arabia
The partnership and the Web3 Hub will include collaborative research in Web3, blockchain, gaming, AI, and the metaverse
India-themed Gaming
Krafton opens pre-registration for India exclusive Garuda Saga
Eager to appease local regulators, equipped with a bow and arrow, Garuda must vanquish enemies and perfect his skills and powers to succeed
Monetisation Strategies
Balancy raises $700K to transform game monetization and live ops
Balancy has partnered with more than 100 games since it was established in 2022
Studio Rebrand
Epic Story Interactive transitions to Nightmarket Games
The company says the rebrand symbolizes a reaffirmation of its dedication to vision, team, and community.
Job News
'Older' executives at Alibaba's Lingxi Games to step aside
Alibaba has prioritised promoting people born after 1985 to its key management positions
Interview
Rafael Morgan of CrazyGames to discuss Alternative Monetisation Strategies at PGC San Francisco
Morgan will be taking part in a panel session ‘Supercharge your Revenue: Exploring Alternative Monetisation Strategies'
International Women's Day
Women in Games CEO Marie-Claire Isaaman: "A note to men: This International Women's Day it's all about you…"
"Now, before you raise an eyebrow, hear me out."
Funding For Games
Gamecity Hamburg allocates €400,000 for game prototypes
Both small and medium-sized start-ups and studios located in Hamburg can submit applications
Job News
SuperGears Games appoints Frank Sagnier as chairman of its advisory board
Sagnier will support SuperGears in realising its future plans in the racing genre
Mena Market
India on track to become a leading gaming hub as esports players hit 2.5m in 2024
The number of smartphone users in India remains a driving factor of its overall gaming industry growth
In-car Gaming
Valeo reveals Unity-powered in-car gaming experience Valeo Racer
The game uses Unity tech to integrate a vehicle’s real surroundings into the game, including buildings, roads and traffic
Apps For Good
Mattel teams up with StoryToys for new Thomas & Friends mobile app
The toy giant continues its program of expanding its famous brands to take presence in the digital space
Job Losses
Tennis Clash developer Wildlife Studios lays off 133 staff
"Our investment in new games remains unaffected"
Gaming Survey
Brazil's games industry increases number of studios and staff in spite of layoffs trend
The nation's industry professionals rose by 6.3% to 13,225.
New Partnerships
Masters of the Universe joins Stumble Guys in new retro crossover
The new collab will allow players to explore a new realm within the Stumbleverse and experience a new racing map
Game Creation
Kwalee launches new mobile publishing platform Hitseeker
The publisher aims to help mobile developers “navigate the complexities of mobile game development”
Job News
505 Games downsizes operations, closes offices in Spain, France and Germany
The news first broke as part of the company's initial announcement in November 2023
New Payment Gateway
Carry1st partners with Electronic Arts to expand FC Mobile growth in Africa
The publisher is also offering players limited-time bonuses on FC Points and Silver through the Carry1st Shop until March 17
Mobile Game Debut
Industry veterans co-found Simply Sweet Games with plans to “revolutionize the word game genre"
Tina Merry and Carina Kom's new studio will “redefine gaming with a global team, sustainable hiring, and inclusive creativity"
Funding News
Vibe.co secures $22.5M to for SMB streaming TV ad platform
The company plans to grow its employee roster from 40 to 110 in late 2024
Job News
Sega taps ex-Disney and Scopely exec Justin Scarpone to lead transmedia division
With more than 30 years of experience, Scarpone has a proven track record in developing entertainment strategies across Asia Pacific and the West
Ai Practices
Apple faces pressure from major shareholders to disclose AI plans
Investors argue that Apple's silence on all things AI impairs their ability to assess future risks (and make money right now)
Financial Outlook
Playtika no longer up for sale as it pays share dividends and promises more M&A
Their latest numbers have prompted the company to pause its "strategic alternatives process" which saw them halting work on new titles and changing direction
Educational Games
Rovio launches two new educational Angry Birds games to make learning fun
Angry Birds Eggstraction and Angry Birds and the Multiplication Portal keep the series moving forwards