Alternative Storefronts
Xsolla launches Mall, a new alternative purchase platform
The site will allow games to host multiple landing pages, special offers and more
Pokémon Go
Pokémon GO sets sights on tenfold increase in monthly active users in India
Niantic vice president of emerging markets Omar Tellez reveals big plans for the game’s expansion
Unity Runtime Fee
“We fucked up on many levels..." Unity co-founder David Helgason wades into the Runtime Fee debacle
Unty's controversial pricing scheme changes have now drawn strong words from the company's founder and board member
Localisation
Niantic strengthens Indian market commitment with Hindi version of Pokémon Go
As part of the update The Pokémon Company has also localised the names of over 800 Pokémon
Average Revenue Per User
Introducing CrazyLabs' New Ad Report & How It Can Improve Your Game’s Performance
The latest report from CrazyLabs gives developers actionable data on improving ARPU using rewarded video and interstitial ads
Gaming In China
miHoYo and NetEase block Alipay payments on iOS
iOS users were also banned from recharging via Alipay
Disunity
TIGA calls for CMA intervention on Unity’s proposed Runtime Fees
The platform’s new ‘per install’ fees have been a source of controversy over the past week
Crossover
Scopely announces new crossover between Stumble Guys and Monopoly
The board game is coming to Scopely’s hit battle royale title in the latest update
Hot Five
Hot Five: Unity whips up a storm, Zynga vets raise $8M for NFT dinosaurs, and Niantic launches a new game
Our quick-fix round up of the hottest stories on PocketGamer.biz
Unity Runtime Fee
Unity back down following mass-dissent over its Runtime Fee plans
It's over… Or is it. Unity take to social media to promise that "We have heard you". But the exact nature of their climbdown for now remains elusive…
It's Not Me - It's You
Dear John... AppLovin CEO Adam Foroughi wades into the Unity Runtime fee debate with letter to Riccitiello
Unity's competitors side with developers in asking Unity to rethink their policy
Week That Was
Week in Views - What caught our eyes in the last seven days
The Pocketgamer.biz team take their pick of this weeks big news including Final Fantasy failure, the game industry's talent hunt and something about a 'runtime fee'?…
Acquisition
Playtika set to acquire Innplay Labs for up to $300 million
The acquisition includes an $80 million upfront fee
Unity Runtime Fee
Unity's pricing bombshell: The unanswered questions
As the debate rages, Kalle Kaivola CEO at Lightheart Entertainment sums up the questions that every Unity developer wants answered
Unity Runtime Fee
Miniclip's Sérgio Varanda does the math on Unity's controversial new pricing
The Miniclip senior executive vice president decides that "Unity's new pricing model can have a massive impact on profitability."
Maximise Revenue Improve User Experience
Liftoff's Sven Elstermann on monetising in today's competitive app landscape
In an ever more challenging market, how can mobile marketers and publishers drive revenue and boost in-app ad performance? Liftoff's Sven Elstermann explains...
Unity Runtime Fee
European Games Developer Federation takes a swipe at Unity
The EGDF calls for EU regulation. “Unity’s install fees are a sign of looming game engine market failure”
Finnish Fomo
Over 1,200 games professionals gather in Helsinki for the 40th Pocket Gamer Connects conference
Publishers, developers, indies and investors gathered to network, recruit and do business at the heart of the mobile games industry
Unity Runtime Fee
Developers issue collective ultimatum to Unity. "No more ironSource or Unity Ads until RunTime conditions are reviewed."
A brace of big names have banded together to shut off ads cash in protest against Unity's new pricing plans
Expert Opinion
Game Maker's Toolkit founder Mark Brown weighs in on Unity's pricing change
Unity's recent decision continues to send shockwaves through the industry
Unity
Unity closes two offices following death threat
Their controversial pricing change proves to be increasingly unpopular
Disunity
Unity take to X to clarify new runtime fees, but fails to stem the tide of discontent
Strong words from all corners of the industry continue to flow in
Closures
Hungry Shark developers Ubisoft London to close
The studio - formerly Future Games of London - was acquired by Ubisoft in 2013
Survey Signs
Half of all game development could be done by AI within 10 years
Bain & Company survey gives insight into current developer mindsets when it comes to generative AI
Unity Runtime Fee
Unity's CEO John Riccitiello sold shares a week before their pricing bombshell
Meanwhile Unity's Runtime Fee is starting to look like the bold, unpopular move that they had to make
Blue Protocol
Tencent reportedly adapting Bandai Namco’s Blue Protocol for mobile
The upcoming title is anticipated to be a smash hit
Job News
Lisa Bridgett steps down from role as DREST CEO
Former CEO Lucy Yeomans will reassume her role during the transition period
Partnership
PlanetPlay and Lockwood Publishing collaborate for an eco-friendly metaverse
The partnership aims to inspire climate conscious behaviour in Avakin Life players
Chips With Everything
Chip pioneer Arm reaches $54 billion valuation
The long-awaited initial public offering for the company that made mobile computing explode has been set at $51 per share
Square Deal
Square Enix shares drop 30% after lacklustre Final Fantasy roll-out
Is there such a thing as spinning a franchise too far? Square Enix may have just found out
Pgc Helsinki 2023
Major growth ahead for the African mobile games market
Carry1st's Mahmoud El-Azzeh on the potential and challenges of the African mobile games market and its place in the next decade
The Hunt Is Here
Niantic and Capcom's Monster Hunter Now launches with three million pre-registrations
The game is now available globally as players get to experience its unique take on a stamina system…
Podcast
Hot gaming trends and ad formats that are losing steam | Podcast
data.ai's Lexi Sydow dives into the data expert's latest report and explores the key tech, trends, spends and changes driving mobile games in 2023 with your hosts Peggy and Brian
Pgc Helsinki 2023
Satu Ahlman on creating high performance teams while avoiding burnout
"Reaching high levels of individual or organizational performance is NOT just about action and grinding."
Pgc Helsinki 2023
Designing core gameplay loops with Crosshatch Games’ Dave Cross
Finding success and learning from failure while developing of the perfect gameplay loop at Pocket Gamer Connects Helsinki 2023
Mythic Manoeuvres
Mythic Protocol raises $6.5M towards blockchain, collaboration and cross-platform ambitions
Founder Igor Tanzil wants to avoid the trap of "squandered" potential by "frenzied financialisation"
Guest Post
Why In-App, not MFA, is the advertising solution made for advertisers
Mintegral GM for the Americas Jeff Sue discusses the issue of made for advertising websites
Pgc Helsinki 2023
The pros and pitfalls of co-development: "Symmetry is the key."
Our day-two panelists took a deep dive into the topic of co-development for teams
Chinese Market
Which games ruled the Chinese market in August?
More than fifty new games were released in the world’s biggest mobile gaming market over the month
Playcon 2023
Don’t miss Playcon 2023, Malta’s largest video games expo
Playcon 2023 is less than 100 days away. Find out more and get your tickets here
New Release
Backbone announces universal USB-C compatibility for future joypad models
The gaming peripheral is hoping to break barriers in mobile gaming
Pgc Helsinki 2023
Gaming legend Kevin Toms on bringing back Football Manager for mobile
The veteran game developer talked about the two new takes on his classic football management sim
Pgc Helsinki 2023
Rise & Play’s Sophie Vo: “70% of post-merger integrations fall short of realising their intended value.”
The Rise & Play founder spoke at Pocket Gamer Connects Helsinki 2023 about cultural changes for studios after mergers and acquisitions.
Unity Runtime Fee
Unity Runtime Fee: "Isn't it hard enough already?" The industry speaks out
The introduction of upfront fees per install for any game made with Unity's tools has left many contemplating their future with the platform. Here are some of the comments so far…
Unity Runtime Fee
Unity's big cash grab: Unity Runtime Fee explained, what it could mean, and how you can dodge it
Unity developers were delivered a bombshell new set of tiers and costs last night. Here's the long and short of what's happening
Iphone 15 Reveal
“iPhone is the best mobile gaming platform in the world”
So says Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing Greg Joswiak as he turns to gaming to show off the real power of iPhone 15 Pro
Unity Fees
Unity to charge for installs with new Unity Runtime Fee
Major pivot: devs that pass $200k in revenue and 200k installs will be on the hook for the new fees
Seven Knights Success
Netmarble strikes back with a sudden surge in share value
Seven Knights Idle Adventure helps turn things around for the developer
European Market
The European mobile gaming market's big winners for August
Royal Match takes the downloads throne on Google Play, while Monopoly GO! Continues its strong run on iOS
Millions And Millions
Brave Nine successor Brown Dust 2 earns $10 million in two months
GempsN and Neowiz’s new game has generated 80% of its revenue in Asia