Here every Friday you’ll find the latest global releases, new soft launches and everything in between.
This column is sponsored by Supercell, which seeks founders for the next new Supercell game.
The next round of their new game incubation program, Spark, starts in August and is still open for founder types from the fields of programming and art. Your opportunity here.
Fortnite (Epic Games)
Fortnite has added a new mobile-first gameplay mode called Blitz Royale. While it’s available on all platforms and supports cross-play, the 32-player mode has a “rogue-like design crafted for mobile play” and victory on its small map can be achieved in under five minutes.
Sega games go free ahead of delisting
Sega has made nine retro titles completely free on the App Store and Google Play ahead of plans to delist them, Android Authority reports.
They are Crazy Taxi Classic, Golden Axe Classics, Shining Force Classics, Sonic CD Classic, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode II, Streets of Rage Classic, Streets of Rage 2 Classic, Super Monkey Ball: Sakura Edition, and Virtua Tennis Challenge.
Previously, most cost about $2, or were playable for free with IAP to remove ads, which have now been disabled. It’s unclear when the games will be delisted, but Sega says they’ll remain playable offline once support is discontinued.
RuPaul’s Drag Race Match Queen (East Side Games)
This match 3 fashion game is now available worldwide for iOS and Android. East Side has high hopes for the title, which became its top-performing match game during soft launch after achieving some of the strongest retention numbers in the company’s history.
Light Code (Metacore Games)
Combining merge gameplay with renovation mechanics, this has soft launched in Australia and Canada, Appmagic reports.
Tides of Conquest (FunPlus)
Appmagic lists this new pirate-themed strategy game as being available on Google Play only in 44 markets, mostly western ones. Top markets so far include the US, France, UK and Germany.
Ultimate Chicken Horse (Noodlecake)
This party platformer with a focus on level creation supports cross-platform multiplayer with the well-received PC and console versions. There’s a free taster on iOS and Android, after which players must pay to unlock the full game, which is priced at $7.99 with a 20% launch discount.
Gundam Card Game (Bandai Namco)
This Gundam trading card game is expected to launch worldwide in July. Appmagic says it’s soft launched on the App Store in Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.
Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra (Bandai Namco)
This 4v4 team battle game is coming to PC, console and mobile this year. iOS players will require iPhone 11 or later, and Android players will need Snapdragon 855 or higher.
Chants of Sennaar (Playdigious)
Following 2023’s well-received PC and console release, this narrative-driven puzzle adventure is coming to iOS and Android on August 26. There’ll be a free trial, but it’ll cost $6.99 to unlock the full game, or $6.29 for those who pre-order or pre-register.
Sort Dash: Color Match (Lion Studios Plus)
This strategic colour matching puzzle game is out now on Google Play and the App Store.
Labyrinth City: Pierre the Maze Detective (StoreRider)
This treasure hunt adventure puzzler is adapted from the children’s book series Pierre the Maze Detective. It’s now available on Android with a 20% launch discount.
Ricochet Squad (Nice Plans Studio)
This 3v3 multiplayer hero shooter with a focus on physics-driven combat has soft launched on the App Store and Google Play. It’s available in Canada, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, the Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Sweden and the UK, according to Appmagic.
Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged (StoreRider)
This remastered version of the classic adventure game is now available on iOS and Android. A 30% launch discount reduces the price from €9.99 to €6.99 for a limited time.
Vampyr (Netmarble)
This Unreal Engine powered vampire MMORPG has soft launched on Google Play in South Korea, according to Appmagic.
