Author: Tim Rogers
Since the launch of Netflix Games in November 2021, the service has been actively working to promote and encourage its paying subscribers to utilize the gaming feature included in their subscription. The efforts put in by Netflix are evident, and the numbers reflect their dedication. In the two years since its launch, Netflix has leveraged its established catalogue of valuable intellectual property, acquired studios for creating new content, secured big-name exclusives, and outlined ambitious plans to dominate the gaming industry. Their commitment to expanding beyond mobile gaming is also clear, with the aim to attract top talent by offering lucrative…
The games industry evolves rapidly and while stories may come and go, there are some that we simply can’t ignore. So, to delve deeper into those particularly significant topics, we’ve created a weekly digest where the members of the PocketGamer.biz team share their thoughts and insights on some of the most interesting occurrences in mobile gaming over the past week. Craig Chapple Head of Content Craig Chapple is a freelance analyst, consultant, and writer with specialist knowledge of the games industry. He has previously served as Senior Editor at PocketGamer.biz, as well as holding roles at Sensor Tower, Nintendo, and…
According to a report from The Information, Instagram has made the decision to eliminate 60 technical program manager positions, removing a layer of management at the company. Impacted employees are being given a two-month period to apply for other jobs within the company. If they are unable to secure a different role at the company after the two-month period, their employment will be terminated. A former Instagram employee noted in a LinkedIn post that some technical program managers may be expected to “re-interview for PM roles” or project manager roles. Meta declined to comment on the job cuts but referred…
Hi-Rez Studios Hi-Rez Studios has announced Smite 2, the sequel to the popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game, Smite, which first entered open beta in 2013. The announcement comes ahead of 2024’s Smite World Championship. Similar to its predecessor, Smite 2 will be a MOBA based on mythology, where teams of five gods collaborate to defeat the opposing team’s titan. This sequel will introduce new gods to the Smite universe, with Hecate, a ranged magic user, being the first one revealed. Smite 2 aims to be an approachable MOBA, featuring auto-build and auto-leveling features for new players in matches.…
Get ready for the 10th anniversary special edition of Pocket Gamer Connects London, just a few weeks away. Explore the schedule for the 29-track conference, with more than 200 world-class expert speakers set to deliver the latest trends and innovations in the global games industry on January 22nd and 23rd. Prepare for two days packed with cutting-edge talks, seminars, and panel discussions covering topics ranging from monetisation and growth strategies to web3, blockchain, and the metaverse. Don’t miss out on this unparalleled opportunity to meet and learn from industry leaders- tickets are available now. Leading up to the event, we’ll…
Spyke Games released the puzzle title Tile Busters in 2022. The game features core mechanics similar to CoinMaster and it also implements mechanics from titles such as Monopoly GO!, allowing players to construct and fix up locations as they progress. Tile Busters had a successful 2023, gaining a steady increase in downloads and surpassing 340,000 downloads shortly after the first half of the year. Irina Kurskaya, game designer at Belka Games, shares a deep analysis of the title, breaking down its gameplay, approach to monetisation, and what traits it was able to successfully borrow from other titles while also setting…
The past few years have seen incredible growth for VALORANT, with regular updates and a thriving esports scene leading to a significant increase in the number of players. This has solidified its position as one of the most popular games worldwide. The frequent updates to the game are a key factor in the expansion of its player base. In addition, Riot Games operates a VALORANT Public Beta Environment (PBE) to test upcoming features before their global release, ensuring stability and functionality. If you are interested in participating in the beta, here is the VALORANT PBE Schedule for 2024. Image Credits:…
Epic Games has officially announced the start of the RLCS 2024 season, but the news has been met with backlash from the community. Let’s take a deep dive into the changes that have been made and the reasons behind the negative reactions from fans across the globe. It appears that the format for the upcoming season remains largely unchanged from the previous one, but without the Fall split. This means fewer tournaments, a reduced prize pool, and a noticeable lack of communication from Epic Games. Credit: Rocket League Esports No More Third Split Format-wise, there were hopes for more LAN…
After a year-long absence, Call of Duty developer Blizzard Entertainment has returned to the Chinese gaming market. This return is made possible through a renewed partnership with one of China’s leading game publishers, NetEase. As reported by 36Kr, Blizzard’s operations in China will take approximately six months to begin as they will be working with NetEase to rebuild domestic teams and conduct server tests. This marks a significant development following their split from NetEase last year, which led to the closure of Chinese servers for Blizzard’s gaming platform. After attempting to establish new deals with multiple companies to gain access…
Do you want to get the latest gaming industry news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our daily and weekly newsletters here. Discord recently announced the layoff of 17% of its staff, approximately 170 employees, as part of an effort to improve efficiency. The decision came after CEO Jason Citron conveyed in a memo that the company had grown rapidly and expanded its workforce, but in the process, had taken on more projects and become less efficient. The layoffs are aimed at bringing more agility to the organization. Citron noted that the move to reduce the workforce was driven…