January 2026 brought fresh starts and exciting new games to the mobile world. Developers shared their plans for the year, offering roadmaps, early updates, and a sneak peek at what’s on the horizon. Here are the biggest mobile gaming highlights from the month.
Monthly Mobile Gaming News Roundup for January 2026
Week 1: January 01 to January 07
Executive Summary
The first week of January started a bit quietly, but still brought a variety of game launches, beta tests, and industry news. Beta testing began for Neo Artifacts in Japan and Taiwan, and Recolit, Ming: Rivers of Blood, and Roman Empire: Strategy Game were released worldwide.
Players are enjoying the cozy gameplay of AFK Journey: Homestead, which recently became available on Android. Unfortunately, PANDOLAND is closing down. In other news, PUBG Mobile is working with charities through its Penguin Rescue Initiative, and HoYoverse has confirmed that the Genshin Impact Anime is still being made.
Sign-ups are available again for Three Kingdoms: World Conquest, and Torchlight: Infinite will be sharing its plans for 2026 at TorchCon Seoul.
Highlights
Week 2: January 08 to January 14
Executive Summary
Last week was productive, with the global launch of Heartopia. Shotgun Joe – Love & Monsters and Vampire Master became available on Android. Several games also opened pre-registration, including Order of Kings, E.D.E.N: The Last Line, Genesis War, Renegade Immortal, Armored Frontline: Warzone, and Westward Farm: Family Escape.
Recent news in the gaming world includes questions about the future of Rainbow Six Mobile and Assassin’s Creed Jade after Ubisoft Halifax closed its doors. Also announced were the KRAFTON India Awards 2025, and plans to grow esports with the Mobile Legends Super League Thailand which will begin in 2026.
In addition to these changes, the games One Punch Man: World and 2.5 Dimensional Seduction: Angels on Stage have been confirmed to be shutting down. There’s also been no recent news about Tencent’s Kewlbiverse.
Highlights
Week 3: January 15 to January 21
Executive Summary
Last week saw a mix of new game releases and announcements. Four titles – Kingdoms of Desire, Dark December, MORAX: A Horror Story, and Tales of Mecha – were released worldwide, and Academy of Heroes became available in Southeast Asia.
You can now pre-register for three new mobile games: Cat School: Idle Cute Tycoon, Subway Surfers City, and Akuma Rise. Meanwhile, several games are ending service – Seven Knights 2, Rick and Morty: Pocket Mortys, and Lost Crusade 2 have all announced they will be shutting down. On a brighter note, Lord of Mysteries recently showcased its gameplay and is generating positive buzz.
Upcoming games like Sea of Stars, Coffee Talk, Mind-Shaper, and Goblin Sushi were showcased, and Total Football began its alpha test on the 22nd.
Highlights
Week 4: January 22 to January 28
Executive Summary
This week saw the global launch of Arknights: Endfield on mobile, PC, and PS5. It was joined by several other new titles, including SEGA Football Club Champions 2026, A Webbing Journey, Evo Defense: Merge TD, and Mini Brawl Go!
Several games had quiet releases recently, including HERMIT CRAB GO! and LINE GetRich GO. Prime Rush began limited testing in Brazil. In other gaming news, Warframe announced when it will launch on Android, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang revealed its plans for esports through 2026, and PUBG Mobile achieved a Guinness World Record.
The games OUTRANKERS and Isekai∞Isekai will be shutting down, while new titles Reigns: The Witcher and Iron Roads are now scheduled to be released in early 2026.
Highlights
Week 5: January 29 to January 31
Executive Summary
Late January brought some new game releases and tests. UFL – Football Game 2026 became available on Android, and Cosmic Royale launched on iOS. Girls’ Frontline: Fire Control expanded to more countries in Southeast Asia. In addition, Planet Party Time began testing in China, and Infinity Kingdom: Elemental Era entered a limited release.
You can now pre-register for the game Paranoize! Plus, the developers have confirmed that future updates are planned for V Project, Dear me, I was…, and Easy Delivery Co. Unfortunately, Tsukuyomi: The Divine Hunter will be closing down.
Highlights
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2026-02-01 22:12