On the podcast: what’s going on at Rovio, Miniclip’s new ad network, Squad Busters’ last rites, RedLynx closes, more
The mobile games industry saw significant shifts this week, with major studio closures and strategic partnerships reshaping the landscape.
Supercell confirmed it will shut down Squad Busters in December, marking another live-service casualty. Simultaneously, Ubisoft announced plans to close its Helsinki-based studio RedLynx, the developer behind the Trials franchise, signaling ongoing consolidation within the sector.
Meanwhile, several publishers made strategic moves to strengthen their positions. Rovio announced new Angry Birds and Sonic games while voicing criticism of Apple and Google’s platform policies. Miniclip unveiled a new advertising network developed in partnership with Tencent and Easybrain, aiming to provide alternative monetization opportunities for mobile developers.
Expansion into new platforms continued, with No Man’s Sky confirmed for iOS release and reports suggesting Monster Hunter Rise could launch on Netflix Games. These moves reflect publishers’ broader strategy of reaching audiences across multiple platforms and services.
The industry also witnessed portfolio consolidation at the highest level, as Paramount and Warner Bros. merged their mobile game divisions, creating a combined entity with significantly expanded portfolio depth and market reach.