Latest news with #mobilegames
The Verge
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Verge
Mobile subscriptions are shedding unique indie games in search of a bigger audience
is a reporter who covers the business, culture, and communities of video games, with a focus on marginalized gamers and the quirky, horny culture of video game communities. For the last few years, subscription gaming services like Apple Arcade and Netflix have offered mobile game developers something of a haven for high-quality, premium mobile games: a type of game that had become vanishingly rare following the rise of the microtransaction-stuffed free-to-play model. But as these services' once enviable lineup of indie games dwindles, that haven appears to be shrinking. In 2021, Netflix announced a new gaming initiative, offering users a chance to play games through the streaming service's mobile app. Apple launched a similar program with Apple Arcade just two years before that. Both services offered an interesting value proposition: Pay a monthly subscription fee to get access to a library of premium games, with some of those games available as mobile exclusives. Those games would have no ads or in-app purchases, and the money paid to studios would ostensibly be used to fund the development of more games. Desta: The Memories Between was one of the first original indie games available as a mobile exclusive on Netflix. Image: Ustwo / Netflix In addition to serving as a publisher, Netflix took the additional step of outright purchasing game studios like Oxenfree developer Night School Studio and Cozy Grove studio Spry Fox to make bespoke games for the service. But late last year, Netflix closed down the studio it spun up to produce what was going to be the service's first blockbuster AAA game. Then, just this month, it announced it was going to delist some of its most notable third-party titles, including indie darlings like Hades and the Monument Valley series. Netflix is increasingly focused on games tied to its own content. In its most recent quarterly earnings report, the platform briefly extolled its continued investment in titles like Squid Game: Unleashed and Thronglets — games tied to Netflix-produced Squid Game and Black Mirror, respectively. This focus, though, seems to come at the expense of adding existing original games from independent developers. It's easy to understand this shift. While these services don't share much about hard numbers, third-party reporting suggested that the majority of Netflix users never engaged with the platform's gaming offerings. And the games they were playing, in however limited amounts, were familiar titles. It's no surprise that GTA had Netflix's biggest game launch. The GTA series are some of the most-played games on Netflix. At GDC 2025, Netflix's president of games, Alain Tascan, spoke to The Verge about the platform refocusing its gaming efforts, saying of indie games, 'We will continue supporting some of them, but I feel that indie gamers are not really coming to Netflix to find indie games.' So far Apple has only purchased a single game studio to make content for Apple Arcade, though its retreat to more casual offerings follows a similar pattern as Netflix. Original or indie games appear less frequently in favor of those attached to big, family-friendly IP like Uno, Angry Birds, and Bluey, all three of which are featured in Apple Arcade's July update. Payouts from Apple Arcade have reportedly been shrinking while developers have complained that it's hard to get their games noticed on the platform. The free-to-play model has conditioned users that spending money for gaming content can be optional. Casual games like Monopoly Go make money through in-game advertisements or opt-in consumer spending on microtransactions, and few traditional paid games outside of Minecraft are now able to break through that mindset. Subscription services were viewed as a kind of equalizer. With investment from Apple and Netflix and elsewhere, quality games could be brought to a platform not generally associated with quality gaming experiences. Developers could fund their vision and not have to worry about monetization, while consumers could access those games with a monthly subscription and no added costs. But a few years in, the aim of these services has been adjusted, and casual games designed to keep eyeballs on an app for as long as possible, or promote the latest streaming series, have won out. Despite strong lineups of indie games, neither Netflix nor Apple could really cut through the noise, and their offerings are no longer unique. Worse still, the unique games they did have now have fewer places to go.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Wedbush Maintains a Buy on Playtika Holding (PLTK), Sets a Price Target of $11.50
Playtika Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:PLTK) is one of the . In a report released on July 1, Alicia Reese from Wedbush maintained a Buy rating on Playtika Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:PLTK) with a price target of $11.50. A close-up of a hand holding a mobile device with a gaming app open on the screen. Playtika Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:PLTK) reported an 8.6% sequential and 8.4% year-over-year growth in revenue in fiscal Q1 2025, reaching $706.0 million. DTC platforms reported $179.2 million in revenue, reflecting a 2.6% sequential growth and a 4.5% year-over-year rise. While GAAP net income for the quarter decreased 42.3% year-over-year to $30.6 million, Playtika Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:PLTK) reported $36.2 million in adjusted net income, increasing 34.1% sequentially and decreasing 39.6% year-over-year. Playtika Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:PLTK) is a developer of mobile games that owns and manages around 15 games. Its Playtika Boost Platform offers a proprietary technology that supports a portfolio of games and live game operations services. The company's offerings include casual games, casino-themed games, and free-to-play mobile games. Its game portfolio includes Slotomania, Bingo Blitz, House of Fun, Caesars Slots, World Series of Poker, Best Fiends, June's Journey, Solitaire Grand Harvest, and Board Kings. These games are available on Google Play Store and iOS App Store. While we acknowledge the potential of PLTK as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
News24
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
Hit game PUBG MOBILE brings Africa local servers and cultural flair
PUBG MOBILE, one of the world's most popular mobile games, is deepening its commitment to African players with a groundbreaking set of upgrades, cultural integrations, and continent-wide community initiatives. With the rallying call 'For Africa, By Africa,' this latest expansion delivers not just better gameplay—but a stronger sense of identity and pride for African gamers. Over the past year, PUBG MOBILE has actively listened to its passionate African fanbase, addressing concerns ranging from latency issues to the desire for cultural representation in-game. Today, the brand is proud to unveil a robust suite of enhancements made with and for African players. 1. Local servers now live: Smoother gameplay, faster matches For the first time ever, PUBG MOBILE has launched dedicated local servers in Nigeria and South Africa, drastically improving latency, connection stability, and overall gameplay quality for millions of African users. 'We understand that stable, smooth gameplay is critical for competitive players and always prioritize the needs of our African community. Brian Gu, head of PUBG Mobile Africa, said 'To continuously optimize your experience, we've introduced a Server Node Selection feature based on diverse African player needs. Through a dedicated matchmaking interface, you can choose whether you want to compete within Africa or challenge global players rapidly, with a one-tap solution that delivers a faster, more stable connection – because you deserve millisecond-precise responsiveness' This milestone makes PUBG MOBILE one of the first global games to invest in African server infrastructure, reinforcing its commitment to long-term regional growth. 'Looking ahead, we're focused on enabling seamless cross-border matchmaking between players in our vast African community'. 2. Maasai Shuka(clothing): Culture worn with pride In celebration of African heritage, PUBG MOBILE introduces a stunning new Maasai-themed outfit in-game. Inspired by the bold colors, patterns, and traditions of one of Africa's most iconic tribes, this feature brings cultural expression directly into the battlefield—where pride meets play. Supplied 3. Afro Frenzy Emote: From TikTok to the game Fans of African pop culture will now see the viral 'Mapangale' dance brought to life as an official PUBG MOBILE emote. This joyful, high-energy dance went viral across TikTok and social media—and now adds flair, rhythm, and local flavor to your in-game celebrations. 4. Mancala: Honoring African heritage Soon, players can enjoy a digital version of Mancala, the centuries-old African board game known across the continent by various names. A celebration of strategic thinking and traditional play, the addition of Mancala to PUBG MOBILE is a tribute to Africa's rich and enduring cultural legacy. 5. Weekly giveaways and major events all season long Players can also look forward to a thrilling calendar of community events and giveaways across the continent. Kicking off in July, the Airdrop Festival Carnival will offer chances to win top-tier prizes including Infinix smartphones and Oraimo accessories. Meanwhile, the prestigious Africa Cup Tournament is already underway, with national teams battling for pride and glory ahead of the grand finals on September 13–14. In August, the TikTok x PUBGM Dance Challenge invites fans to showcase their moves for a chance to win weekly Infinix smartphones. With something exciting happening each month, PUBG MOBILE is bringing the community closer than ever. More Than a Game: A Movement Co-Created With Africa This isn't just an update. It's a milestone—the result of co-creation, feedback, and the passion of millions of African players. ' For Africa, By Africa ' is more than a slogan. It's a shared vision. A promise to build a game shaped by African voices, culture, and creativity.' PUBG MOBILE is proud to stand with African gamers and promises that this is only the beginning. Together, the future of mobile gaming in Africa is brighter than ever. About PUBG MOBILE PUBG MOBILE is based on PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, the phenomenon that took the world of interactive entertainment by storm in 2017. Up to 100 players parachute onto a remote island to battle in a winner-takes-all showdown. Players must locate and scavenge their own weapons, vehicles, and supplies, and defeat every player in a visually and tactically rich battleground that forces players into a shrinking play zone. PUBG MOBILE is co-developed by LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS of Tencent Games and KRAFTON, Inc.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Why Unity Software Stock Soared on Wednesday
Key Points Jefferies analyst Brent Thill raised his price target on Unity stock to $35 today. Ad spending in mobile games is on the rise, and Unity should benefit from this. Unity stock costs a lot but is growing free cash flow quickly. These 10 stocks could mint the next wave of millionaires › Unity Software (NYSE: U), a 3D graphics software specialist, rocketed 12.7% through 1:05 p.m. ET on Wednesday, and it's not hard to figure out why. This morning, reported that Jefferies analyst Brent Thill raised his price target on Unity by more than 20% to $35 and reiterated his buy recommendation on the stock. What Jefferies says about Unity Citing data from his company's 2Q mobile game ad tech survey, Thill said "overall 2025 ad spend expectations improved off of April" and are now on course for nearly 4% year-over-year growth. Unity's share of this market is growing and "incrementally positive," leading the analyst to raise his earnings estimates for the stock -- and accordingly, his price target. Is Unity stock a buy? Is this price target justified? Perhaps. Unprofitable as calculated according to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), Unity does generate substantial positive free cash flow -- $308 million over the last 12 months. On a $14 billion stock, that works out to a 45x price-to-free-cash-flow valuation on the stock. Expensive? Absolutely. And yet, the growth estimates for Unity stock are terrific and potentially terrific enough to make this stock a buy. Analysts polled by S&P Global Market Intelligence forecast Unity will more than triple its free cash flow (FCF) over the next five years to nearly $1 billion in 2030. If that's how things play out, the stock's seemingly excessive valuation could conceivably be justified. Still, going from $308 million to just under $1 billion in five years works out to only a 26% annualized FCF growth rate. I'd prefer to see that go higher to justify the stock's 45x FCF valuation -- or for the stock to pull back a bit before buying any Unity stock myself. Should you buy stock in Unity Software right now? The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $679,653!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,046,308!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 1,060% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 179% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of July 15, 2025 Rich Smith has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Unity Software. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Why Unity Software Stock Soared on Wednesday was originally published by The Motley Fool Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Telegraph
7 days ago
- Telegraph
The best gaming smartphones of 2025: I put them all to the test to crown the ultimate winner
The products or services listed have been independently tested by our journalists. We will earn a commission from the affiliate links in this article. Perhaps the most demanding thing you can do with the best smartphone is play games on it. No other task or app puts as much strain on its processor or its battery life. The mobile games market is also expected to reach over $120 bn (£94.6bn) in revenue by the end of 2025. It is no surprise, then, that a sub-category of gaming smartphones has emerged. This growing selection remains a small niche, with only two manufacturers (Asus and Nubia) producing fully dedicated gaming phones. Still, several established smartphone brands now treat gaming as a key priority. Whether you want a purpose-built gaming phone or a flagship that handles games with ease, you will find a suitable option further down in this guide, followed by the answers to some frequently asked questions. But if you're in a hurry, here's a quick look at my top five: The best gaming smartphones: At a glance How we test gaming smartphones I am an experienced freelance journalist who began covering mobile gaming at the dawn of the smartphone era. Since then, I have broadened my focus to cover consumer technology. As such, I have strong knowledge of games, phones, and gaming phones. The following selection includes five top picks and one honourable mention, chosen from dozens of phones tested over time. Many were excellent all-rounders, but did not offer a gaming experience strong enough to stand out. Each handset was used as my main device for at least a week. I tested them across five areas: design and features, display, performance and battery life, software and AI, as well as camera capabilities. As the focus for this guide is on the gaming experience, I placed more weight on performance, battery life, and the quality of the display. Camera and design were considered, but less central. The final list reflects only the best gaming experiences available today. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our tech experts continuously conduct in-depth, independent, real-world tests, scoring devices against pre-set testing metrics and industry benchmarks, so we can deliver definitive and comprehensive buying advice. Telegraph Recommended reviews are never shared with product manufacturers before publication, we don't accept payment in exchange for positive reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. The best gaming smartphones of 2025 1. Best Buy Gaming Phone: Nubia Redmagic 10S Pro The Nubia Redmagic 10S Pro is awarded my Best Buy pick, not because it is the best all-round phone on this list, but because it offers excellent gaming features at a competitive price. These include the fastest mobile processor I have used, backed by a cooling system with a physical fan. This allows the Redmagic 10S Pro to maintain performance for longer. It has a large 6.85-inch screen with an elevated 144Hz refresh rate, though only a few gaming titles will take advantage of this speed fully. The selfie camera sits under the display, meaning there is no notch to distract from the action. It also has the largest battery of any smartphone I have used - 7,050mAh - which lasts a full day, even if you've played games on your commute to and from work. The design may divide opinions, with a bulky body, bright rear lights, and a semi-transparent back. The small dot-matrix display on the back of the phone seems superfluous, and it lacks any official water resistance. The phone incorporates a pair of useful side-mounted buttons that can be mapped to in-game controls, as well as a physical switch that boots the phone directly into Nubia's gaming software. This lets you tweak every last setting to get the most out of games. For those who value battery lie, strong performance, and gaming-specific tools over style or polish, this phone represents exceptional value. Key specifications 2. Best Value Gaming Phone: Nubia Redmagic 10 Air The Redmagic 10 Air is a cheaper, lighter alternative to the Redmagic 10S Pro above. It lacks the 10S Pro's cutting-edge performance, huge battery, extensive cooling system and 144Hz refresh rate display. In its favour is a much slimmer and less off-putting design at an even cheaper price. It is competent in terms of performance too. While it uses last year's flagship processor, it remains capable of playing the most advanced games fluidly at high graphical settings. You still get Nubia's shoulder triggers, which can be assigned to key game controls. The company's Game Space gaming software, accessed via a button on the left edge, offers an effective way to optimise and organise your games library. While the camera system isn't accomplished, and Nubia's Android-based software remains fundamentally messy, the Redmagic 10 Air supplies an excellent gaming experience in an approachable package. Key specifications 3. Best Mobile Games Library: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Apple doesn't make gaming phones, but its iPhones represent some of the best phones for playing games on. As its current flagship offering, with the biggest display (6.9-inches) and the largest battery, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is my pick for gamers wanting a more traditional smartphone. Running on Apple's custom A18 Pro chip, it's one of the fastest gaming handsets right now. It is capable of running high-end games with flawless performance, and even benefits from extra graphical effects over its Android rivals. It is the level of software support on iOS that marks the iPhone 16 Pro Max apart from any other phone on this list. Apple's App Store is host to more high-quality games than Android, including console titles such as Resident Evil 8 and Death Stranding. Elsewhere, Apple Arcade is a subscription gaming service that serves as the Netflix of mobile gaming, offering dozens of games for £6.99 per month. Besides its enviable games library, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is a fantastic phone in its own right. It features a high-grade titanium design, slick software, and an outstanding camera system. Key specifications Screen: 6.9in OLED, 120Hz refresh rate Cameras: Triple (48MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 12MP 5x zoom), 12MP selfie Processor: Apple A18 Pro Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB Operating system: iOS 18 Dimensions: 163 x 78 x 8.3 mm Weight: 227g Colours: Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium 4. Best All-Round Gaming Phone: Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro If money is no object, then the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro is the best all-round gaming phone on the market. Its performance is competitive, it has the most responsive 185Hz display available, and it packs in gamer-friendly features such as dedicated shoulder buttons. It also has a second USB-C port on one of the phone's longer edges. This makes charging while gaming in landscape orientation far more pleasant, and also facilitates the addition of an external cooling fan stand. The ROG Phone 9 Pro's 5,800mAh battery supplies superb stamina, with the longest sustained battery life of any 2025 flagship phone I've tested. Asus bundles in a speedy 65W charger, and unlike Nubia's gaming phones, you also get wireless charging support. What helps justify the ROG Phone 9 Pro's steep price is that it is surprisingly pleasant to use, even outside of gaming. While it doesn't stack up to the best phone cameras on the market, the ROG Phone 9 Pro will take pleasing pictures in all conditions. It features an advanced gimbal stabilisation system, which helps to alleviate bouncy footage, and there's also a dedicated zoom camera. The design, too, is of a higher quality with less of the awkward gamer aesthetic. Key specifications Screen: 6.78in AMOLED, 185Hz refresh rate Cameras: Triple (50MP main, 32MP 3x zoom, 13MP ultrawide), 32MP selfie Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Storage options: 512GB, 1TB Operating system: Android 15 Dimensions: 164 x 77 x 8.9mm Weight: 227g Colours: Phantom Black Also consider: Xiaomi's Poco sub-brand often promises gaming-focused performance at competitive prices, and the Poco F7 Ultra is the most capable example yet. For a reasonable £569.45, you're getting top-level performance, decent battery life and a good 6.67in display. It isn't an out-and-out gaming phone, with no dedicated gaming controls or advanced gaming software. However, it's a much nicer smartphone to use daily than either of my top two picks, with a relatively traditional design and a competent triple camera system. 5. Best Budget Gaming Phone: Poco X7 Pro The Poco X7 Pro isn't explicitly positioned as a gaming phone. That said, Xiaomi, its manufacturer, certainly pushes gaming performance as a key feature. The Dimensity 8400 Ultra processor at its heart isn't quite a flagship component, but it is extremely capable, especially considering its price. That is the key to the Poco X7 Pro's appeal. While it only costs a little over £300 at RRP, it outperforms a £1,000 phone such as the Google Pixel 9 Pro. Being able to run advanced games such as Genshin Impact and GRID Legends smoothly on a phone at this price is quite something. The X7 Pro's gaming credentials are bolstered further by a large 6,000mAh battery that should stand up to lengthy gaming sessions. There's also 90W wired charging support, which is another specification you don't always expect to see at this end of the market. Xiaomi's design comes across as either dull or gaudy, depending on the colour you opt for. My test model's black-and-yellow finish is the latter. However, this is a solidly built phone with an impressive IP68 resistance rating, allowing you to dunk it in water at a depth of 1m for up to 30 minutes. The company's custom Android software is rather cluttered, and you're not getting a particularly great camera system here. If all you're after is excellent gaming performance on a budget, however, you won't find better for the price. Key specifications Gaming phone FAQs How do I choose the best gaming phone? There are only a handful of dedicated gaming phones on the market. To choose one, simply establish your budget (ideally between £400 and £1,100). Next, consider whether gaming is an absolute priority, or whether you'd like a phone that can, for example, also take good pictures. Do I need a specific gaming phone, or are iPhones or Samsung Galaxy smartphones sufficient? It depends on what type of games you intend to play, and for how long. If you intend to play power-hungry 3D games for protracted periods (upwards of 20 minutes), a specialist gaming phone is advised, as they're designed to perform well for longer without running out of battery. Competitive games, too, benefit from the special gaming controls that such phones feature. However, if you're a more casual player, a flagship Samsung phone or iPhone will prove perfectly acceptable. Indeed, Apple's iOS platform grants access to the biggest library of high-quality games.
