Well, looking back, May 2024 was an exciting month with new game releases and important industry changes. From popular new games to big moves by companies, here’s what happened in the world of mobile gaming. So, in this article, I aim to give a comprehensive look at all the thrilling gaming experiences the previous month had in store for us with this Monthly Mobile Gaming News Roundup for May 2024.
Monthly Mobile Gaming News Roundup for May 2024
Week 1: May 01 to May 07
Executive Summary
Coming to the first week summary, Need for Speed Mobile is getting ready to zoom onto screens in China on August 31st. Speaking of launches, Star Wars: Hunters and Assassin’s Creed Mirage await launches as Loop Hero, Dumb Ways to Survive, Earn to Die Rogue, Royal Revolt and others go their awaited releases. With pre-registrations open for Ash of Gods: Redemption and BattleTabs: PvP Community, and early access available for Versus in India, it was a solid first week.
Highlights
- Need for Speed Online Mobile set to release in China: Need for Speed Online Mobile is all set to release in China on August 31st, 2024.
- Star Wars: Hunters official launch confirmed: Star Wars: Hunters to get an official launch on June 4, 2024.
- Assassin’s Creed Mirage coming to iPhone 15 and iPad: Assassin’s Creed Mirage to launch for iPhone 15 and iPad on June 6th, 2024.
- Loop Hero now on mobile: Loop Hero, a retro dark fantasy game, is now available on Android and iOS.
- Dumb Ways to Survive on Netflix Games: Dumb Ways to Survive, a spin-off to the viral sensation, Dumb Ways to Die, has released exclusively on Netflix Games.
- Pokémon Card D Studio launched: DeNA and The Pokémon Company announce the launch of Pokémon Card D Studio to manage and promote Pokémon TCG Pocket.
- Royal Revolt: A Trader’s Tale out now: Royal Revolt IP gets a new title after 10 years as Royal Revolt: A Trader’s Tale launches on mobile.
- Fallout Shelter revenue up tenfold: Fallout Shelter has grown its daily revenue by 10 times following the TV series premiere.
- Earn to Die Rogue launching soon: Earn to Die Rogue, a new zombie slashing action title, to get an official launch on May 9th, 2024, for Android and iOS.
- Ash of Gods: Redemption pre-registration open: Ash of Gods: Redemption, a new RPG title, opens up for pre-registration on Android.
- KRAFTON India expands Gaming Incubator: KRAFTON India expands the first cohort of its Gaming Incubator program.
- Dubai aims for $1 billion games sector: Dubai eyes to create a $1 billion games sector, aiming to be a top 10 city for the industry by 2033.
- Versus gets early access in India: Versus, a new fighting game based on Indian mythology, gets early access for Android in India.
- Pokémon UNITE World Championship India Qualifier announced: Pokémon UNITE World Championship 2024 India Qualifier is announced with a $37,500 prize pool.
- BattleTabs: PvP Community pre-registrations open: BattleTabs: PvP Community, a turn-based competitive strategy title, opens up for pre-registration.
- Power Rangers: All Stars launches in South Korea: Power Rangers: All Stars, an RPG title based on the famous Power Rangers franchise, gets an official launch in South Korea.
- Cheech & Chong’s Kush Kingdom now on mobile: Cheech & Chong’s Kush Kingdom, a new Match-3 mobile game, is now available on Android and iOS.
Week 2: May 08 to May 14
Executive Summary
The second week kicked off with the news of Mighty Doom’s shutdown, but there were new releases as a positive. Netflix revealed five new titles for May, while we had The Enchanted World launching on mobile, alongside Solo Leveling: ARISE and Dawn of Ages: Medieval Games. To push the industry, Dubai introduces a Gaming Visa. SEGA’s Sonic Rumble enters closed beta in the US, and it also mentions eyeing a global release for Persona 5: The Phantom X.
In other news, Indonesia is considering banning the popular battle royale Free Fire. Microsoft plans to launch an Xbox Mobile Gaming App Store. Disney Frozen Royal Castle soft-launches in Canada, and Free Fire gets an anime adaptation. Draconia Saga starts closed beta in SEA, while Nexus: Nebula Echoes opens pre-registrations globally.
Highlights
- Mighty Doom announces shutdown: Mighty Doom, the top-down shooter based on the famous Doom franchise, announces shutdown.
- Netflix announces 5 new titles for May: Netflix announces 5 new titles coming in May 2024.
- The Enchanted World launches on mobile: The Enchanted World, Noodlecake’s captivating puzzle experience, gets a launch for Android and iOS.
- Dubai announces Gaming Visa: Dubai announces Gaming Visa as part of its ‘Program for Gaming 2033’ vision.
- Sonic Rumble closed beta opens in US: SEGA’s party game Sonic Rumble set to launch in Winter 2024, opens Closed Beta in the US.
- Solo Leveling: ARISE now available worldwide: Solo Leveling: ARISE is now available worldwide on Android and iOS.
- Dawn of Ages: Medieval Games launches globally: Dawn of Ages: Medieval Games, a new strategy title, globally launches on Android and iOS.
- Indonesian Minister threatens Free Fire ban: Indonesian Minister threatens to ban Free Fire citing negative cultural impact on children.
- Microsoft launching Xbox Mobile Gaming App Store: Microsoft to launch Xbox Mobile Gaming App Store this July 2024.
- SEGA plans global launch for Persona 5: The Phantom X: SEGA eyes Japan and global version launches for Persona 5: The Phantom X.
- Disney Frozen Royal Castle soft-launches in Canada: Disney Frozen Royal Castle, a new simulation title based on the Frozen series, soft-launches in Canada.
- Free Fire anime adaptation announced: Garena and Kadokawa announce the anime adaptation of the popular battle royale Free Fire.
- Draconia Saga closed beta in SEA: Draconia Saga, a new monster collection RPG, opens closed beta tests in the SEA region.
- Nexus: Nebula Echoes pre-registrations open: Nexus: Nebula Echoes, a new cyberpunk-inspired sci-fi RPG, opens for global pre-registrations.
Week 3: May 15 to May 21
Executive Summary
Third week of May 2024 saw some interesting Mobile Gaming News. Pre-registrations opened for Ancient Seal: The Exorcist and the highly awaited MOBA Honor of Kings invites players to pre-register globally ahead of its June 20th release. Meanwhile, Ubisoft anticipates a strong FY25 with five titles, including The Division Resurgence and Rainbow Six Mobile.
AEW: Figure Fighters was launched as ByteDance gears up to bolster its gaming operations. Angry Birds takes flight onto Google Play for Cars, with EA Sports FC Tactical preparing for its launch and Delta Force: Hawk Ops for beta testing in China come June 2024. And for those eagerly awaiting industry movements, the NetEase Connect 2024 had a lot to offer.
Highlights
- Champions Elite Football early access beta: Champions Elite Football from Invincibles Studio starts an early access beta for Android.
- Ancient Seal: The Exorcist pre-registration open: Ancient Seal: The Exorcist, a new fantasy RPG, is now available for pre-registration.
- Honor of Kings pre-registration open: Honor of Kings opens global pre-registration ahead of release on June 20, 2024.
- Ubisoft expects strong FY25 with 5 titles: Ubisoft expects a strong FY25 with 5 titles including The Division Resurgence and Rainbow Six Mobile.
- AEW: Figure Fighters launches in the US: AEW: Figure Fighters, a new wrestling title, gets an official launch in the US for Android and iOS.
- ByteDance strengthens gaming operations: ByteDance eyes strengthening video gaming operations as it appoints new CEO for MOONTON.
- Angry Birds now on Google Play for Cars: Angry Birds, the famous slingshot adventure title, is now available on Google Play for Cars.
- EA Sports FC Tactical select launch: EA Sports FC Tactical to launch in select regions on May 23, with a global release expected in July.
- Clash Heroes faces uncertain future: Clash Heroes faces uncertain future as Clash website redirects to Clash Mini Closure Notice.
- Delta Force: Hawk Ops beta in China: Delta Force: Hawk Ops is hosting a mobile beta testing in China in June 2024.
- NetEase Connect 2024 announcements: Every mobile gaming announcement made at NetEase Connect 2024.
- Bounty Pang release scheduled for Q3 2024: Bounty Pang is a fun action-packed RPG from Octopo Studio, scheduled to release in Q3 2024.
Week 4: May 22 to May 28
Executive Summary
Fourth week kicked off with Dungeon and Fighter Mobile getting suspended by Tencent due to server issues, while Sony might bring PlayStation games to mobile for free. Meanwhile, new games like Once Human, Cozy Grove: Camp Spirit, Trails of Cold Steel – Northern War and Aura Star 2 will be launched soon colliding with a stand state of MARVEL Super War shutting down.
Also, there’s a buzz about Apple maybe allowing third-party app stores in Japan, but there’s also some legal trouble for big players like Microsoft and Meta, facing lawsuits over a tragic incident. Lastly, Zenless Zone Zero is set to launch soon, with huge pre-registration numbers.
Highlights
- Dungeon and Fighter Mobile suspended: Tencent has suspended the highly anticipated title, Dungeon and Fighter Mobile, due to server glitches.
- Sony expanding PlayStation with mobile titles: Sony could be expanding PlayStation with free-to-play mobile titles.
- Playing Kafka launches on Mobile and PC: Playing Kafka is a narrative-driven adventure title that gets an official launch on Mobile and PC.
- The Seven Deadly Sins: IDLE pre-registration open: The Seven Deadly Sins: IDLE from Netmarble opens pre-registrations for Android and iOS.
- Once Human pre-registration open: Once Human, the open-world survival title from NetEase, opens pre-registration on Android and iOS.
- MARVEL Super War shutting down: MARVEL Super War, the MOBA title from NetEase, to shut down on June 27, 2024.
- Infold Games brand launch announced: Papergames announces the international brand launch of Infold Games.
- Xbox Mobile App Store industry opinions: What industry leaders are saying about the Xbox Mobile App Store.
- Cozy Grove: Camp Spirit pre-registration open: Cozy Grove: Camp Spirit, the sequel to the indie RPG Cozy Grove, opens for pre-registration ahead of release via Netflix Games.
- Apple may allow third-party app stores in Japan: After the EU market, Apple might have to allow third-party app stores in Japan.
- Trails of Cold Steel – Northern War releasing May 29: The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel – Northern War will release on mobile and PC this May 29.
- The Battle of Polytopia in Tesla Gaming Tournament: The Battle of Polytopia to feature in a Tesla Car Gaming Tournament at OWN Valencia 2024.
- Aura Star 2 announced: Aura Star 2 is an upcoming Pokémon-like turn-based RPG title based on the Aura Star IP.
- MrBeast announces Beast Games: Popular YouTuber MrBeast announces Beast Games, a game show with $5,000,000 at stake.
- Microsoft and Meta face wrongful death lawsuits: Microsoft and Meta are under legal fire as families of Uvalde School Shooting victims file wrongful death lawsuits.
- Zenless Zone Zero confirms launch date: Zenless Zone Zero confirms the launch date of the 4th of July, 2024, global pre-registration number crosses 35 million.
- Tencent SPARK 2024: Mobile Gaming Announcements: Every mobile gaming announcement made at Tencent SPARK 2024.
- Square Enix shutting down two Dragon Quest titles: Square Enix will be shutting down two Dragon Quest mobile games by the end of July.
Week 5: May 29 to May 31
Executive Summary
The last three days of the month of May 2024 had a lot of in-store terms of mobile games. India is taking steps to address gaming addiction by considering time and spending limits. Meanwhile, Squad Busters is quickly rising to the top of the charts. Epic Games Store and Fortnite are gearing up to arrive on iOS in the UK later this year alongside Command & Conquer: Legions with its pre-registrations now open.
Additionally, 2K Games secured an official license deal with FIFA and Mojang Studios has teamed up with Netflix for an exclusive Minecraft series. LEGO Hill Climb Adventures goes global on mobile platforms, while rumours suggest Supercell may be working on a third-person shooter. YouTube introduces its Playables catalogue and KRAFTON and Com2uS are under investigation for alleged item manipulation. Unfortunately, Hypernova Studio, known for Mayanagari, reportedly shuts down.
Highlights
- India aims to tackle gaming addiction: Government of India eyes to tackle gaming addiction by imposing time and spending limits.
- Squad Busters launched on Android and iOS: Squad Busters from Supercell gets an official release on Android and iOS.
- Epic Games Store and Fortnite heading to iOS in the UK: Epic Games Store and Fortnite are set to arrive for the iOS platform in the UK in the second half of 2025.
- Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home release announced: Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home, the sequel to the classic farming series, Harvest Moon, is set to release in August.
- Brawl Stars collaborates with DragonForce: Brawl Stars collaborates with the metal band DragonForce on the music video ‘A Draco Tale!’
- 2K Games seals FIFA official license deal: 2K Games reportedly seals FIFA official license deal; FIFA 2K25 to hit this 2024.
- Mojang Studios and Netflix collaborate for Minecraft series: Mojang Studios and Netflix collaborate for an exclusive Minecraft animated series.
- Squad Busters tops charts: Squad Busters gets a fantastic start, hits the top of the charts of both Google Play and App Store.
- LEGO Hill Climb Adventures global release: LEGO Hill Climb Adventures is now globally available on Android and iOS.
- Supercell rumored to develop third-person shooter: Supercell might be developing a third-person shooter game.
- YouTube’s Playables catalogue goes live: YouTube’s online games catalogue Playables goes live with 75 games available to play directly on the platform.
- Wuthering Waves faces backlash over translation error: Wuthering Waves receives severe backlash from players due to a serious translation error.
- KRAFTON and Com2uS under investigation: KRAFTON and Com2uS are under investigation due to allegations of item manipulation.
- ByteDance’s gaming division enters new phase: ByteDance’s gaming division enters phase two as MOONTON’s new CEO takes over.
- Command & Conquer: Legions pre-registrations open: Command & Conquer: Legions opens pre-registrations for Android and iOS.
- Hypernova studio reportedly shuts down: Hypernova, the studio behind Mayanagari, has reportedly shut down.
- The New York Times sues Worldle: The New York Times filed a lawsuit against Wordle’s geographical namesake Worldle.
That’s all about my roundup for May 2024! Read the previous month’s roundups below-
- Mobile gaming news roundup for April 2024
- Mobile gaming news roundup for March 2024
- Mobile gaming news roundup for February 2024
- Mobile gaming news roundup for January 2024
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