Mobile gaming news roundup (August 2024): New releases, Industry movements and more

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the virtual worlds of mobile gaming, I must say that this week’s news is as diverse as it gets! The Indian government’s initiative to host an esports event featuring BGMI, eFootball Mobile, and WCC3 feels like a dream come true for every gamer residing in the vibrant country.

At the end of August, let’s take a moment to look back at the thrilling advancements in mobile gaming. With the second part of the year underway, there’s plenty of excitement building for what lies ahead. Following an eventful August, I’m all set to deliver a comprehensive summary of all the pulse-pounding gaming adventures that this month offered – here’s your August 2024 Mobile Gaming News Roundup.

Monthly Mobile Gaming News Roundup for August 2024

Week 1: August 01 to August 07

Executive Summary

In August 2024, the initial week, pre-registrations were initiated for Tencent’s Virtual Circle in China and Haikyu!! TOUCH THE DREAM in the Southeast Asian (SEA) region. Concurrently, Ghost Story: Love Destiny began early access in the SEA region. Simultaneously, on a global scale, Monolith was launched on iOS, The Dragon Prince: Xadia, Power Rangers Mighty Force, and BTS Cooking On: TinyTAN Restaurant were unveiled worldwide.

In other news, Whiteout Survival surpassed $1 billion in revenue, while EA highlighted FC Mobile as the blueprint for its mobile strategy. Turkey banned Roblox, and Apple cracked down on Tencent and ByteDance over payment loopholes. Upcoming releases include NFL Primetime Fantasy in November and Delta Force: Hawk Ops in September in China. Supercell’s Project R.I.S.E is considering a PC launch, and FIFAe’s inaugural multi-title event is set for August 28th in Liverpool.

Highlights

Monolith launches on iOS: Monolith, a new point-and-click sci-fi adventure set on an abandoned planet, is now available for iOS.
FC Mobile as EA’s mobile strategy blueprint: During its FY25 Q1 call, EA’s CFO stated that “FC Mobile is the blueprint of our mobile strategy.”
The Dragon Prince: Xadia debuts on mobile: The Dragon Prince: Xadia, Netflix’s new Emmy Award-winning addition, is now available for Android and iOS.
Whiteout Survival surpasses $1 billion milestone: Whiteout Survival from Century Games has soared past $1 billion in lifetime revenue.
Apple cracks down on Tencent and ByteDance: Apple tightens its grip on Tencent and ByteDance over in-app payment loopholes amid a dip in China sales.
Microsoft and Activision collaborate on ‘AA’ games: Microsoft and Activision have reportedly teamed up to develop ‘AA’ games based on existing IP within Blizzard.
NFL Primetime Fantasy slated for November release: Ubisoft’s American football card game, NFL Primetime Fantasy, is scheduled for a November 2024 release.
Project R.I.S.E considers PC launch: Supercell’s action RPG, Project R.I.S.E, is ‘not ruling out PC’ and could launch with cross-platform support.

Mobile gaming news roundup (August 2024): New releases, Industry movements and more

Delta Force: Hawk Ops set for September release: Delta Force: Hawk Ops will release in September in China.
Tencent unveils Virtual Circle: Tencent’s action strategy idol girl-themed title, Virtual Circle, is now open for pre-registration in China.
Final Fantasy XIV Mobile in development: Final Fantasy XIV Mobile is currently in development under Square Enix and Tencent.
Power Rangers Mighty Force officially launched: Power Rangers Mighty Force, an idle RPG based on the iconic franchise, has received an official launch on mobile.
FIFAe Next Gen event kicks off in Liverpool: FIFAe will host its inaugural multi-title ‘FIFAe Next Gen’ event in Liverpool starting August 28th, 2024.
Haikyu!! TOUCH THE DREAM opens pre-registration: Haikyu!! TOUCH THE DREAM, the mobile game adaptation of the popular anime is now open for pre-registration in the SEA region.
Turkey bans popular gaming platform Roblox: Turkey has imposed a ban on the widely popular gaming platform Roblox.
BTS Cooking On: TinyTAN Restaurant now available: Com2uS’s new cooking game, BTS Cooking On: TinyTAN Restaurant, is now globally available.
Ghost Story: Love Destiny begins early access: NetEase Games’ latest romantic MMORPG, Ghost Story: Love Destiny, has started early access in the SEA region.

Week 2: August 08 to August 14

Executive Summary

The second week had a major announcement with the arrival of eFootball v4.0.0. Pre-registrations kicked off for Punch Club 2: Fast Forward on iOS and Goddess Paradise: New Chapter on Android. Meanwhile, early access began for Meow Hunter, Northgard: Battleborn, and Heroes of History: Epic Empire in select regions. In terms of global launches, Ultimate Football Manager, Top Eleven 2025, The Seven Deadly Sins: IDLE and Construction Simulator 4 Lite are now available.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’m super excited to share some recent happenings! NFL Retro Bowl ’25 has made a comeback on Apple Arcade, and Nepa: Saga is now available across platforms. The anticipation is high for Dark and Darker Mobile, set for a global release later this year. On the partnership front, ESL FACEIT Group has teamed up with the Esports World Cup, while Nazara Technologies snapped up Fusebox Games. Sadly, Shipyard Games announced its closure.

Highlights

eFootball 2024 Season Update v4.0.0 coming in mid-September: The eFootball 2024 Season Update v4.0.0 is set to arrive in mid-September this year.
NFL Retro Bowl ’25 relaunches on Apple Arcade: Retro Bowl+ has been relaunched as NFL Retro Bowl ’25 on Apple Arcade, featuring official NFL-licensed teams and players.
ESL FACEIT Group partners with Esports World Cup: ESL FACEIT Group has signed a multi-year agreement to become the official operating partner of the Esports World Cup.
Punch Club 2: Fast Forward opens iOS pre-orders: The new Fighter Management Simulator, Punch Club 2: Fast Forward, has opened pre-orders on iOS ahead of its release.
Former NFL player launches Marauder Tech Games: A former NFL player and ex-Activision producer has launched Marauder Tech Games, a new mobile game studio specializing in strategy titles.
Earth: Revival set for August 15 release: Nuverse’s survival post-apocalyptic title, Earth: Revival, will officially release on August 15, 2024.
Nazara Technologies acquires Fusebox Games: Nazara Technologies has acquired Fusebox Games, a UK-based gaming studio, for $27.2 million.
DRAGON BALL PROJECT:Multi beta test begins: Bandai Namco’s 4v4 MOBA, DRAGON BALL PROJECT:Multi, had a regional beta test starting on August 19th, 2024.

Shipyard Games shuts down: The Supercell-backed mobile games studio, Shipyard Games, has officially shut down.
Yostar Games to launch original IP in Japan: Yostar Games is set to launch an original IP with a new development team for mobile in Japan.
Take-Two CEO addresses FIFA rumours: Take-Two’s CEO responded to FIFA rumours, stating that the license is “not that simple” and does not automatically include rights.
Meow Hunter early access begins: Meow Hunter, a new side-scrolling RPG from the creators of Soul Knight, has started early access for Android in select regions.
Goddess Paradise: New Chapter pre-registration open: The fantasy-themed RPG, Goddess Paradise: New Chapter, is now available for pre-registration on Android.
Roco Kingdom beta test: Tencent Games’ exploration RPG, Roco Kingdom, is set to begin its first beta test on August 19, 2024, in China.
Northgard: Battleborn early access: The action RPG, Northgard: Battleborn, has opened early access for Android in select regions.
Ultimate Football Manager release: Ultimate Football Manager, a sports management simulation, is now available on Android.
Top Eleven 2025 release: Top Eleven 2025, the latest iteration of the popular football management game, is now available on mobile.
Ferrari HP Esports Asphalt Series announcement: Asphalt Legends Unite has announced the Ferrari HP Esports Asphalt Series, its first-ever esports competition.
Nepa: Saga launch: Nepa: Saga – Epic Offline RPG is now available on both Android and iOS.
Dark and Darker Mobile global release: Dark and Darker Mobile is set for a global release in the fourth quarter of 2024.
The Seven Deadly Sins: IDLE launch: Netmarble’s The Seven Deadly Sins: IDLE has officially launched on Android and iOS.
Heroes of History: Epic Empire soft launch: Heroes of History: Epic Empire, the strategic city simulator, has soft launched in the Philippines.
Construction Simulator 4 Lite release: Construction Simulator 4 Lite, the free try-and-buy edition of the hit series, is now available on Android and iOS.

Week 3: August 15 to August 21

Executive Summary

Week 3 was bustling with a wealth of announcements, launches, and industry shifts. Among the new releases we saw were “RP Grand,” “Fantasy of Mushrooms,” “Legend of Munchkin,” “Demon Squad: Idle RPG,” and “Train King Tycoon.” This week also marked the start of pre-registration for “Kamitsubaki City Ensemble” and “Scarlet’s Haunted Hotel.”

Initially, early access commenced for the games “Kung Fu Panda: Chi Master” and “Dunk City Dynasty”. However, it was announced that the global releases would take place for “Pokémon TCG Pocket”, “The Elder Scrolls: Castles”, “Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home”, and “Age of Empires Mobile”. Meanwhile, as the launches for “Sonic Rumble” and “Floatopia” are approaching, “Brave Nine” has concluded its run.

The Epic Games Store broadened its scope by debuting on Android and iOS devices, and the popular game Fall Guys was launched on mobile systems for the first time. Interestingly, Rocket League Sideswipe is set to be an exclusive title on the Epic Games Store. Highlights from gamescom 2024 included the global closed beta test for Infinity Nikki and the rebranding of Delta Force: Hawk Ops to simply Delta Force.

Highlights

RP Grand release: RP Grand, a GTA-like open-world life simulation title, is now available on Android and iOS.
The GamingonPhone Conference (GPC) Online 2nd Edition: The GamingonPhone Conference (GPC) Online returns for its 2nd Edition scheduled on September 18th and 19th, 2024.
Scarlet’s Haunted Hotel pre-registrations: Scarlet’s Haunted Hotel, a murder mystery simulation title, is now open for pre-registrations on Android.
Sandsoft Summer 2024 report: Sandsoft’s Summer 2024 report reveals that 81% of mobile game developers are working on new titles.
Bloons Card Storm mobile version on the cards: Bloons Card Storm, developed by NinjaKiwi, launches testing on Steam, with the mobile version coming soon.
Fantasy of Mushrooms release: Fantasy of Mushrooms, an RPG featuring charming mushrooms, is now available on Android.
Kamitsubaki City Ensemble pre-registrations: Kamitsubaki City Ensemble, a Rhythm RPG, opens for pre-registrations ahead of its scheduled release on August 29, 2024.
Legend of Munchkin release: Legend of Munchkin, a fun action RPG, is now available on Android and iOS.
ShiShi: Timeless Prelude release: ShiShi: Timeless Prelude, a new turn-based dungeon crawler, is coming to mobile and consoles.
Flexion and King launch Candy Crush Saga: Flexion and King team up to launch the global hit Candy Crush Saga on alternative app stores.
Brave Nine, NEOWIZ’s RPG to go offline: Brave Nine, NEOWIZ’s popular RPG, will go offline and cease updates starting December 2024.

Dunk City Dynasty Closed Alpha Test: NetEase Games’ Dunk City Dynasty announces a Closed Alpha Test, with a launch planned for 2025.
Age of Empires Mobile global launch: Age of Empires Mobile is set to get a global launch on October 17th, 2024.
India PM Narendra Modi calls youth to lead gaming: India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on the youth to take a leading role in gaming and encouraged Indian developers to create games that will attract audiences globally.
Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home release: The sequel to the beloved Harvest Moon series, Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home, is scheduled for release on August 23, 2024.
Epic Games Store now available on Android and iOS: The Epic Games Store has officially launched on Android and iOS, expanding its reach to mobile gamers.
Fall Guys official launch on Android and iOS: Fall Guys has officially launched on Android and iOS, bringing its chaotic and fun-filled gameplay to mobile platforms.
HoYoverse CEO gets emotional after Genshin fest: HoYoverse CEO Liu Wei delivered an emotional speech following the Genshin Impact festival.
The Elder Scrolls: Castles announces launch: Bethesda’s new simulation game, The Elder Scrolls: Castles, is set for a global release on September 10th, 2024.
Home Valley releasing for mobile: Home Valley, a casual social world simulator, is scheduled to release for mobile platforms in Q3 2024.
Garden Of Witches set for 2025 release: Garden Of Witches, a roguelike action RPG, is slated for release in 2025 on both mobile and PC.
Squid Game: Unleashed announced: Squid Game: Unleashed, a multiplayer game inspired by the hit Netflix series, has been officially announced.
Pokémon TCG Pocket global release: Pokémon TCG Pocket will globally release on October 30, 2024, on Android and iOS.
Sonic Rumble launch roadmap: Sonic Rumble shares its launch roadmap, with Phase 1 starting in the Philippines.

Pokémon World Championships 2025 and 2026: Pokémon World Championships to be held in Anaheim in 2025 and San Francisco in 2026.
Rocket League Sideswipe Epic Games Store exclusive: Rocket League Sideswipe will be removed from Google Play and App Stores, becoming exclusive to the Epic Games Store.
Demon Squad: Idle RPG global release: Demon Squad: Idle RPG, Superplanet’s new strategic RPG, is now globally available.
Every Mobile Game showcased at gamescom Opening Night Live 2024: Highlights from the mobile games featured at gamescom Opening Night Live 2024.
Infinity Nikki global closed beta test: Infinity Nikki announces its global closed beta test at gamescom 2024.
Ultimate Hunting soft launch: Miniclip’s immersive hunting simulator, Ultimate Hunting, soft launches in select regions.
Kung Fu Panda: Chi Master early access: Kung Fu Panda: Chi Master, a new action RPG based on Kung Fu Panda, begins early access for Android.
Train King Tycoon release: Train King Tycoon, a railroad management simulator, is now available for Android and iOS.
Into the Infinite: A Level Infinite Showcase 2024: A rundown of every mobile game featured at the ‘Into the Infinite: A Level Infinite Showcase’ 2024.
Secret Level Amazon Prime premiere: Secret Level, Amazon Prime Video’s Gaming Anthology series, is set to premiere on December 10, 2024.
Floatopia coming in 2025: Floatopia, a whimsical life simulation game from NetEase Games, will be available on Mobile, PC, and Consoles in 2025.
Delta Force rebranding announcement: Delta Force: Hawk Ops has been rebranded to simply Delta Force at gamescom 2024.

Week 4: August 22 to August 28

Executive Summary

In Japan, the game titled “Racing Master” has officially been unveiled. Meanwhile, another game, called “Avalar – Tag Team ARPG,” is also set to be released. Additionally, games such as “Cat Fantasy: Isekai Adventure,” “Jujutsu Kaisen: Phantom Parade,” “SpongeBob: Bubble Pop F.U.N,” “Operation Apocalypse,” “Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince,” and “Victory Heat Rally” are preparing for their launches.

2024’s Supercell World Finals for SuperFest and Electronic Arts (EA) unveiled The Sims Labs. Two games, “Harry Potter: Magic Awakened” and “Blue Protocol Japan,” are shutting down their operations. Meanwhile, “Coin Master” has made a remarkable achievement by exceeding $6 billion in total earnings.

Highlights

Racing Master official launch in Japan: Racing Master, NetEase’s racing title, has officially launched for Mobile and PC in Japan.
Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp announces shutdown: Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp will be shutting down on November 28, 2024.
Cat Fantasy: Isekai Adventure launch: Cat Fantasy: Isekai Adventure, Elex’s anime-themed turn-based RPG, is officially launching for Mobile and PC.
Operation Apocalypse release in China: NetEase’s 5V5 shooter Hyper Front is making a return as ‘Operation Apocalypse’ in China, with a launch scheduled for August 30, 2024.
EA announces The Sims Labs playtesting program: EA has announced The Sims Labs, a new playtesting program now open for pre-registration.
Victory Heat Rally launch: Victory Heat Rally, a stylish 2.5D racing title, is set to launch on Mobile and PC on October 3, 2024.
Avalar – Tag Team ARPG available: Avalar – Tag Team ARPG, a new medieval-themed hack-and-slash game, is now available on Android.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Phantom Parade global release set for 2024: Jujutsu Kaisen: Phantom Parade confirms its global release for 2024 and is now open for pre-registration on Android and iOS.
Supercell announces SuperFest 2024 World Finals in Helsinki: Supercell has announced SuperFest 2024, with the World Finals set to be held in Helsinki starting November 1st.
Harry Potter: Magic Awakened to close operations in multiple regions: Harry Potter: Magic Awakened will cease operations in the Americas, Europe, and Oceania on October 29, 2024.
Coin Master hits $6 billion in lifetime revenue: Coin Master has surpassed $6 billion in lifetime revenue.
Xsolla and Savvy Games Group partner to boost gaming in the Middle East: Xsolla and Savvy Games Group have joined forces to enhance the video game development industry in the Middle East.
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince launch announced: Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince from Square Enix is set to launch on Mobile and PC on September 11th, 2024.
Blue Protocol Japan shutdown and global release cancellation: Blue Protocol will shut down in Japan on January 18th, 2025, with global release plans cancelled.
SpongeBob: Bubble Pop F.U.N. Netflix release announced: SpongeBob: Bubble Pop F.U.N., a SpongeBob-themed puzzle game, is coming exclusively to Netflix on September 16, 2024.

Week 5: August 29 to August 31

Executive Summary

Here are some of the notable mobile gaming news from late August 2024:

Another game bites the dust as the global version of FINAL FANTASY BRAVE EXVIUS announces its shutdown. Real Gangster City of Crime, Commando Force Ops – gun games and Smashero.io saw releases. One Store aims to challenge the dominance of Apple and Google in the global mobile app market.

Highlights

Indian government esports event announced: The Indian government will host an esports event featuring BGMI, eFootball Mobile, and WCC3.
Starseed: Asnia Trigger pre-registrations open: Com2uS’ latest Action RPG, Starseed: Asnia Trigger, opens global pre-registrations for Android and iOS.
Google Play Indie Games Fund opens applications: Google Play’s $2 million Indie Games Fund is now accepting applications from studios in Latin America.
FINAL FANTASY BRAVE EXVIUS shutdown announced: The global version of FINAL FANTASY BRAVE EXVIUS will shut down on October 30, 2024.

2024-09-01 15:11

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