The Biggest Mobile Gaming Disappointments of 2024

Story Highlights

2024 saw an alarming increase in mobile game shutdowns.
A few games failed to meet expectations due to technical issues, poor optimization, or unpolished gameplay, despite initial hype.
The gaming and tech industries faced massive workforce reductions.

2024 was an exhilarating rollercoaster ride in the world of mobile gaming for me. It’s hard to put into words how dynamic and diverse the experience was, as it could be exciting, testing, or somewhere in between depending on your standpoint. The industry’s progress is nothing short of astounding, with some games truly pushing boundaries and redefining what’s achievable. However, we can’t overlook the flip side of the coin. There were instances where grand expectations went unfulfilled, or games that had us buzzing with anticipation didn’t quite live up to our dreams. I refer to these as “disappointments,” which often ignite discussions about improvement and inspire both developers and gamers to strive for greater heights. So, when I reflect on this year, there are some significant Mobile Gaming Disappointments of 2024 that I feel compelled to share and ponder upon.

Farewell to Mobile Gaming favorites

As a seasoned game journalist with years of experience under my belt, I’ve seen the highs and lows of the gaming industry. One thing that has been particularly distressing lately is the seemingly endless string of mobile game shutdowns. It’s like a sad routine that we find ourselves covering again and again – the dreams of developers who had to give up too soon due to various circumstances.

I can’t help but feel a sense of personal connection to these stories, as I know many of my fellow writers do as well. We pour our hearts into reporting on game launches, updates, announcements, and everything in between, but the closure of so many games is a stark reminder that success isn’t guaranteed in this business.

It’s been a busy time for us, to be sure, but not in the way we’d like it to be. The shutdowns are a grim reminder of the challenges faced by developers and the harsh realities of the industry. As someone who has witnessed firsthand the passion and determination it takes to create a game, I can only imagine the pain and disappointment felt by those whose dreams have been cut short. It’s a bittersweet routine that we hope will one day be a thing of the past.

In my annual recap, I previously touched on this topic, but I’d like to provide a summary once more about the farewells for games and studios we’ve had to part ways with. The number of closures has indeed increased, which can be quite unsettling. What’s particularly striking is the unexpected closure of games that have only just been launched, such as Battle Crush, which ceased operations barely a few months after its release in June 2024. Or those that were around for just a couple of years before shutting down prematurely. It’s a bitter pill to swallow and leaves one questioning what might have gone awry.

The Biggest Mobile Gaming Disappointments of 2024

Next year, it appears that Electronic Arts is retiring several games, with some sources suggesting as many as seven. Notably, these include a number of games from their subsidiary Glu. Among the games being discontinued are The Simpsons: Tapped Out and UFC Mobile 2, which has yet to have a full release. Dead By Daylight Mobile, which showed potential when it was relaunched by NetEase Games, will also be shutting down after just a year. Alchemy Stars, an exciting game, will only run for three years and is set to close early next year.

Sony, too, shared an underwhelming update, as they announced the closure of Neon Koi and Firewalk Studios. What added to the dissatisfaction was that although mobile gaming is a key expansion sector for its Studio Business, the company admitted that their mobile initiatives are in their initial phases. Similarly, Perfect World, famous for hits like Persona 5: The Phantom X and One Punch Man: World, has been hit hard with a wave of layoffs. Notably, both the CEO and co-CEO have stepped down from their positions in this gaming giant.

In addition to these, there are a few more that belong to this segment, but I find myself drawn to these particular ones instead. The closure of games is always difficult for both creators and enthusiasts alike. Although there might be numerous factors leading to such decisions, it’s undeniable that the current market, flooded with new releases, poses a significant challenge for the industry to maintain its creative momentum.

Mobile games in a nutshell: More bad, less good

I don’t have an exact number, but one thing’s for sure: so many games are coming out every day. If the app stores could speak, they’d probably be overwhelmed by it all. Every time you check, there’s a new game, many of them just copying the same ideas or following trends. The same “money-making” genres are getting launched and it is the same old copy-pasta of titles.

It’s fantastic to have numerous games at our disposal, but the question remains: which ones truly capture our attention amidst this sea of options? It’s comparable to searching for that unique gem in a vast pile of assorted items. Replaying yet another clone of Clash Royale loses its charm after a while, and we find ourselves asking the same question every time. For every exceptional game, there are countless others that fail to leave an impression. The focus seems to be on amassing quantity rather than ensuring quality, which is becoming increasingly tiresome.

As a seasoned content creator with years of experience under my belt, I must confess that I’ve grown weary of the monotonous cycle of quantity over quality that seems to dominate our industry. The relentless pursuit of churning out endless amounts of content, often devoid of originality and substance, has left me yearning for something fresh and genuinely captivating.

I remember the early days when creating content was a thrilling adventure, an opportunity to explore new ideas and push boundaries. But nowadays, it feels more like a tiresome obligation than a source of inspiration. Scrolling through the same recycled concepts day after day can be soul-crushing, leaving me longing for that moment when I stumble upon something truly unique and thought-provoking.

It’s not just the creators who are feeling this way; it’s our audience as well. They crave novelty and excitement, and we owe it to them to deliver fresh ideas that will make them exclaim, “Wow, this is different!” The industry needs a shift in focus from quantity to quality, to give both creators and consumers the chance to breathe new life into the content landscape. It’s not just about fulfilling requirements; it’s about rekindling the passion we once had for our craft and reconnecting with our audience on a deeper level.

Dreams left in the dark: Games that never saw a full launch

Wow, I wasn’t expecting this roadblock! Seems like this level popped up unexpectedly, just like the game shutdown announcements that have been flooding our gaming community even before we could fully dive into the gameplay.

One notable event this year was the closure of the game Clash Mini. In an official statement, developers Supercell declared that they were ceasing further development on the strategy board game, with the servers scheduled to be shut down in late April 2024. This news came as a surprise, particularly for those who had become fond of the game. The announcement led to a significant outcry from players. Despite the strong reaction, Supercell remained firm in their decision; however, they didn’t leave fans in despair for long.

In line with their broader vision for the future, they unveiled plans to transform Clash Royale into a more expansive strategy platform, featuring the return of Clash Mini as a game mode in June 2025. This means that Clash Mini will no longer be a separate game, but its legacy may continue in some form – though this is yet to be confirmed definitively. I personally feel that Clash Mini could have thrived as a standalone title instead of being integrated into Clash Royale.

Although many players had brief encounters with Clash Mini, some were left disappointed, similar to the anticipation for Operation Apocalypse from NetEase Games. The much-awaited revival of Hyper Front was set to return with a new look and improved visuals, but unfortunately, the developers decided against it once more, leaving global players out in the cold. Only Chinese players were given the opportunity to experience this game.

As a longtime gamer with a passion for exploring new titles, I was genuinely disappointed when I heard that Project M by NCSOFT and Risk of Rain: Hostile Worlds were both canceled before they could be released. Having played many games with similar mechanics, I can only imagine the potential these two games had to offer.

Project M seemed like it could have been an exciting addition to my gaming library with its unique gameplay mechanics, while Risk of Rain: Hostile Worlds appeared to be a fresh take on the popular “Risk of Rain” series. The fact that they were both axed before they had a chance to showcase their full potential is disheartening, especially considering the time and effort put into their development.

The rumors surrounding limited access and an uninspired gacha-based system being the reason for their downfall are certainly plausible, but I wish we could have received more information on the matter. It’s always unfortunate when a game with potential fails to leave a lasting impression due to factors beyond our control.

I can only hope that one day these games may find new life or inspiration in other projects, allowing gamers like myself to experience the unique and exciting gaming experiences they promised. In the meantime, I will continue to seek out new titles that capture my imagination and keep me entertained for hours on end.

As a seasoned developer myself, I’ve been there – stuck on a project that seemed unfinishable or uncertain about its potential. However, I’ve found that sharing these projects with others can be incredibly rewarding. It opens up opportunities for collaboration, feedback, and even discovering new possibilities.

So, my fellow developers, if you come across a project that leaves you scratching your head or one you’re hesitant about, don’t give up on it! Instead, share it with the global community. Let’s test, judge, and enjoy the journey together. Who knows? We might just stumble upon something extraordinary. At the very least, we’ll have a good time trying it out – better than not playing at all.

When the hype didn’t deliver

Imagine having high anticipation for a film or item you’re eager to purchase. You envision exceptional quality, but upon receiving it, the experience falls flat and leaves you hesitant to discuss it. This scenario is not unlike the gaming world where numerous monthly releases may fail to meet expectations, leaving us somewhat disillusioned.

The game Miraibo GO, which was anticipated to be a groundbreaking mobile title, unfortunately failed to deliver as expected. Boasting features reminiscent of Palworld and an open-world survival experience, the game showed promise on paper. Regrettably, following its release, it announced its shutdown due to a copyright dispute with Nintendo. In my own playtesting, I found several areas that felt rough around the edges, from clumsy controls to underwhelming visuals. The overall experience fell short of the excitement it promised, leaving many disappointed.

Some games, even those with well-known intellectual properties, have not been successful despite high expectations. One example is Age of Empires Mobile, which, despite its strong brand reputation, fell short of delivering the excitement players anticipated. Beyond the aesthetics, nearly every aspect went awry – from uninteresting gameplay to mechanics that seemed dull compared to their PC counterpart. Instead of offering the fun and depth fans hoped for, it felt underwhelming and lacked the appeal of its original version.

A significant flop was the launch of COD Warzone Mobile, which left even gaming giant Activision looking less than professional since its release on March 21, 2024. Instead of showcasing gameplay excellence, it found itself under an avalanche of criticism on social media. Early players reported numerous bugs, with the primary complaints focusing on poor graphics and optimization. The visuals were so subpar that even Arena Breakout, a competition, poked fun at Warzone Mobile for its optimization issues. The state of the game was so bad that day one patch fixes had to be rolled out, and they’re still working on it today. To put it mildly, this release hasn’t lived up to Activision’s usual standards.

Man, let me tell you about my latest gaming debacle – Indus Battle Royale Mobile. If “all promise, no delivery” were a game, this would be it. Don’t get me wrong, it had an innovative take on its gameplay, but everything else was a letdown. The graphics and visuals were below average, and the character models and map designs, as hinted in the trailer, were nowhere to be found in the actual game. To add salt to the wound, the game ran poorly, making my gaming experience even more frustrating.

In a troubling turn of events, the developers not only released a subpar game but also claimed copyrights on critics who wrote “honest yet unfavorable” reviews, in an apparent attempt to stifle criticism. Matters became even more contentious when the developers, known as SuperGaming, reported a YouTuber for offensive content following a disappointing launch, further adding fuel to the fire. If there was such a thing as the Razzie Awards for video games, Indus Battle Royale Mobile would have been a strong contender. However, we’re still holding out hope for positive updates.

The workforce crunch in the industry

As a journalist who has been covering the tech industry for over a decade, I can attest to the fact that 2024 was one of the most challenging years for layoffs I’ve seen in my career. It was particularly hard on the gaming industry, where job losses were widespread and frequent. Every month seemed to bring fresh news of companies cutting staff, and by the end of the year, it felt like a never-ending cycle of bad news. As someone who has built relationships with many people in this field, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of sadness and concern for those affected. It was disheartening to see so many talented individuals losing their jobs, and I hope that things improve in the coming years.

2021 witnessed significant tech and gaming companies taking tough actions regarding their workforce. For example, Microsoft trimmed approximately 10,000 positions across multiple departments, including gaming, as part of a broader restructuring initiative. Similarly, Unity experienced difficulties and declared two rounds of layoffs, impacting over 1,000 employees. Even Sony, known for its stability, was forced to release more than 800 workers while streamlining certain business sectors to adjust to the evolving market.

It’s not just gaming companies that have been struggling; the tech sector as a whole has faced significant challenges this year, with numerous job losses taking place. Facebook’s parent company, Meta, has continued its emphasis on streamlining operations by reducing over 20,000 positions across different departments. Similarly, Google has been implementing layoffs regularly. Other companies like Playtika, Twitch, and Discord have experienced the same hardships.

Looking forward to 2025

As the year winds down, it’s time to let go of any negativity. The hurdles we overcame this year should remain behind us. Let’s approach 2025 with renewed perspective, eager for growth and favorable transformations. The upcoming year promises much opportunity for advancement, particularly in our field, and as I noted in my annual recap, it’s shaping up to be a hopeful period. Wishing you a Happy New Year!

2024-12-30 19:43