New releases, Industry movements and more

Back again with another edition of my Monthly Mobile Gaming News Roundup, and May 2025 has some interesting developments in the mobile gaming realm. The month also packed in some exciting announcements and major updates that hinted at an even bigger summer ahead.

There’s a lot to dive into, so I’ve rounded up all the key highlights right here. Let’s get into it and see what May had in store!

Monthly Mobile Gaming News Roundup for May 2025

Week 1: May 01 to May 07

Executive Summary

Mobile Gaming News for Week 1 of May 2025 kicked off with FAU-G: Domination launching on Android during WAVES 2025, while Game of Thrones: Dragonfire entered soft launch. Kalpa: Mythic Hero Defense started early access, and Caverna launched its digital version on mobile and PC.

Meanwhile, Mirren: Star Legends was confirmed for a Spring mobile release. Pre-registration campaigns opened for Civilization: Eras & Allies, Monster Train, and Tree of Savior: NEO, with the latter also confirming a global release by the end of the month.

On the announcements front, HoYoverse revealed Honkai: Nexus Anima, a new entry in the Honkai series. The first Made in Abyss mobile game is now in development, as the sequel, Pixel Gun 2, is also on the horizon for early 2026.

In other news, Mobile Legends MPL ID launched a partnership with the NBA to strengthen esports branding. Spirit Beast Adventure began closed beta testing in China, while Black Beacon faced backlash over regional compensation issues, prompting a response from the developers.

Highlights

• Game of Thrones: Dragonfire soft launches on Android: Game of Thrones: Dragonfire, a new 4x strategy title set in the GOT Universe, soft launches on Android in select regions.
• Kalpa: Mythic Hero Defense early access on Android: Kalpa: Mythic Hero Defense, Studio Sirah’s new TD strategy title rooted in Indian mythology, starts early access on Android.
• HoYoverse announces Honkai: Nexus Anima: HoYoverse announces Honkai: Nexus Anima, a new game from the Honkai IP, featuring urban fantasy and auto battles.
• Reverse: 1999 collaboration with Assassin’s Creed announced: Reverse: 1999 announces a new collaboration with Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed.
• Made in Abyss mobile game in development: Made in Abyss: A Difficult and Mysterious Journey, the first official mobile game based on the hit series, is in development.
• Monster Train Android pre-registration opens: Monster Train, known for its roguelike deckbuilding gameplay, is bringing the game to Android and has opened pre-registration.
• Pixel Gun 2 sequel launching early 2026: Pixel Gun 2, the sequel to the hit arena shooter, arrives in early 2026 with an overhauled gameplay experience.
• Black Beacon faces global backlash over compensation disparities: Black Beacon faces global backlash over regional compensation disparities, devs finally respond.
• Spirit Beast Adventure closed beta in China: NetEase Games’ Spirit Beast Adventure, a new monster taming MMO, starts Closed beta testing in China.
• Mirren: Star Legends mobile release this Spring: Crunchyroll and A PLUS JAPAN bring Mirren: Star Legends, the beloved fantasy RPG, to mobile this Spring.

Week 2: May 08 to May 14

Executive Summary

The second week of May 2025 continued the momentum with multiple launches and exciting new announcements. Witchy Workshop, Chronomon, Unmatched EGO, Kumome, and Slaps and Beans 2 are now available on mobile. Morikomori Life also launched in Japan.

Pre-registrations opened for Silver Palace, Merge Cat Town, a match-3 puzzle game. Dino Quake and Dungeon Hiker confirmed their mobile launch dates for June 19 and July 20, respectively.

On the announcement side, Dorfromantik is coming to both mobile and consoles, Space Squad Survival sets its mobile launch for June, while UnGodly is confirmed for a winter release on mobile and PC. Dragon Ball: Battle Peak was also revealed as a card-based RPG adventure.

Big partnerships and updates made headlines, too. PUBG Mobile announced a new collaboration with Shelby American, while State of Survival launched a crossover event featuring Agent 47 from HITMAN. Subway Surfers celebrated its 13th anniversary with the reveal of its 200th city.

Lastly, HoYoverse lifted the curtain on Project Shanghai, an ambitious open-world game inspired by GTA, and Dark and Darker Mobile has officially been renamed to Abyss of Dungeons.

Highlights

• Witchy Workshop now available on Android: Witchy Workshop lets you run your magical workshop with adorable critters, now available on Android.
• Dorfromantik mobile and console launch announced: Dorfromantik, the acclaimed strategy city builder, is launching on mobile in a reimagined experience alongside consoles.
• Space Squad Survival mobile launch set for June: Space Squad Survival blends base-building, space exploration, and action, launching on mobile this June.
• State of Survival HITMAN collaboration live: State of Survival x HITMAN collaboration brings new hero Agent 47, events, and a capital city skin.
• UnGodly mobile and PC launch this winter: Azra Games’ UnGodly launches on mobile and PC this winter, bringing a fantasy RPG experience.
• Subway Surfers 13th Anniversary update: Subway Surfers celebrates its 13th Anniversary on May 12, introducing the 200th City, special events, and new characters.
• Dragon Ball: Battle Peak card RPG announced: Dragon Ball: Battle Peak brings back the charm of Dragon Ball Z with a card-based adventure RPG coming to mobile.
• Chronomon launches on mobile and PC: Chronomon blends monster taming and farming elements in a charming RPG, now available on mobile and PC.
• PUBG Mobile x Shelby American collaboration revealed: PUBG Mobile collabs with Shelby American, bringing high-performance cars to the battlegrounds.
• Slaps and Beans 2 mobile release: Slaps and Beans 2 brings a classic beat-’em-up experience with Bud and Terence to mobile.

• Dino Quake launch date announced: Dino Quake lets you battle an alien invasion as adorable dinos, launching on mobile and PC this June 19.
• Kumome is now available on iOS: Kumome delivers a mythological card-and-board game journey, out now on iOS.
• Dungeon Hiker launch date announced: Dungeon Hiker introduces a mix of exploration, crafting, and card battles, launching on mobile this July 20th.
• Unmatched EGO is now available on mobile: Unmatched EGO lets you experience intense Blue Lock-style soccer action, now available on mobile.
• Sky Slam Web3 basketball game release: Sky Slam hits the court as Sweet’s new Web3 Basketball mini-game, powered by $SCOR.
• Silver Palace pre-registration begins: Silver Palace brings a Victorian fantasy world with detective thrills, pre-registration now open on mobile and PC.
• Merge Cat Town pre-registration begins: Merge Cat Town is a match-3 puzzle title for cat lovers, and opens pre-registration on mobile.
• HoYoverse reveals Project Shanghai: HoYoverse’s GTA-inspired open-world game ‘Project Shanghai’ is more ambitious than Genshin Impact.
• Morikomori Life mobile launch in Japan: Morikomori Life lets you step into a cozy farming life in a quiet village, now available on mobile in Japan.
• Dark and Darker Mobile renamed: Dark and Darker Mobile has been renamed to Abyss of Dungeons.

Week 3: May 15 to May 21

Executive Summary

Continuing the same pace in the third week, Doraemon Dorayaki Shop Story, Shogun Showdown, Pup Champs, Once Human: RaidZone, Magic Chess: Go Go, and King of Crabs – Invasion launched. Netflix also expanded its mobile lineup with The World of Peppa Pig, and Planet Party Time was announced for mobile and PC.

Pre-registrations opened for Foretales, DC Worlds Collide, and Thronefall on iOS. Meanwhile, Neverness To Everness, Cooking Battles, Abyssal Soul, SUPERVIVE, Strinova, Final Fantasy XIV: Crystal World, and Crossfire: Legends started tests.

Meanwhile, TRIBE NINE is set to shut down in November, while Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link was officially cancelled. Warzone Mobile will be delisted on May 18, though servers will remain online. Fortnite made headlines with its return.

Open Drive and Blue Protocol: Star Resonance confirmed summer and 2025 releases, respectively. Elsewhere, Supercell announced a Netflix series set in the Clash Universe, Persona5: The Phantom X revealed its June 26 release.

Highlights

• DC Worlds Collide pre-registration opens: Warner Bros’ DC Worlds Collide returns with Trinity War and Forever Evil-inspired story, opens pre-registration on mobile.
• Fellow Moon final Closed Beta begins: Explore the supernatural in Fellow Moon, now in final Closed Beta test before mobile debut in select regions.
• Open Drive launching this Summer: Open Drive redefines mobile racing and driving with eye movement controls, set to launch this Summer.
• Final Fantasy XIV: Crystal World Android test: Final Fantasy XIV: Crystal World announces technical test for Android in China starting May 23, 2025.
• Warzone Mobile delisting on May 18: Warzone Mobile to be delisted from App Stores on May 18, 2025; Online support will remain available.
• Crossfire: Legends Android Alpha Test in June: Tencent’s Crossfire: Legends makes a long-awaited return, Android Alpha Test drops this June in the Philippines.
• Foretales pre-registration opens: Foretales is coming to mobile with its unique story and card-based adventure, and opens pre-registration.
• Fortnite removed from iOS in US: Fortnite goes offline on iOS after Apple blocks Epic Games’ submission in the US.
• Neverness To Everness Creator Program opens: Neverness To Everness Content Creator Program: How to Apply, Requirements, and more.
• Planet Party Time heading to mobile and PC: Planet Party Time is blasting off with an interstellar adventure and cosmic party vibes, coming to mobile and PC.
• Blue Protocol: Star Resonance launching this year: Blue Protocol: Star Resonance brings its anime MMORPG world to life again on mobile and PC, launching this year.
• Strinova technical beta test begins in SEA: Strinova announces a technical beta test for mobile in the SEA region, with recruitment now live.
• Lineage2M relaunches in SEA: Lineage2M, the fantasy MMORPG, sees a relaunch for Android and iOS in the SEA.
• Fortnite returns to iOS App Store in US: Fortnite ends a nearly five-year iOS exile with US App Store return.
• King of Crabs – Invasion launch announced: King of Crabs – Invasion ditches battle royale for strategy gameplay, launches this May on mobile.
• Castle Defenders Clash set for release: Castle Defenders Clash gears up for mobile release with roguelike TD chaos, coming on November 25.
• Supercell announces Clash Universe Netflix series: Supercell announces a Netflix series based on the Clash Universe.
• The World of Peppa Pig launches on mobile: Netflix Games launches The World of Peppa Pig on mobile, with Sesame Street arriving later this year.
• Doraemon Dorayaki Shop Story is now available: Doraemon Dorayaki Shop Story lets you run a sweet shop with Doraemon and friends, now available on mobile.
• NetEase Games reveals 520 Online Conference 2025 announcements: Every Mobile Gaming announcement at the NetEase Games 520 Online Conference 2025.
• Pup Champs is now available on mobile and PC: Pup Champs introduces cozy puzzle-soccer fun with adorable pups, now available on mobile and PC.
• Once Human: RaidZone launches with Starfall Inversion update: Once Human: RaidZone, a PvP spin-off of the hit title, launches May 21 with Starfall Inversion Seasonal Update.
• MLBB Lite soft launches in select regions: Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Lite (MLBB) soft launches on Android in select regions: Here’s how to download and play.
• Cooking Battles enters open beta on mobile: Cooking Battles mixes fast-paced gameplay with flavorful fun, now in open beta on mobile.
• SUPERVIVE closed beta begins in China: SUPERVIVE, a genre-blending MOBA-like BR shooter from ex-Riot and Bungie devs, begins closed beta testing in China this June.
• Magic Chess: Go Go global launch set for May 28: Magic Chess: Go Go hits the global stage on mobile this May 28, following the APAC success.

Week 4: May 22 to May 28

Executive Summary

Crystal of Atlan, Summoners War: Rush, and Thug Fighter Grand City officially launched on mobile, alongside TrainStation 3. Shin Chan: Shiro and the Coal Town also arrived via Crunchyroll, while Trinity Trigger, Pine Hearts, and Subnautica prepare for launches.

Big titles opening pre-registration include FATE: Reawakened, Seven Knights Re:BIRTH, Lost Sword, Offroad League Online, and the rebranded Trickcal: Chibi Go. Meanwhile, Duet Night Abyss, Guncrypt, TERBIS, and Destiny: Rising revealed upcoming beta tests.

Looking ahead, MARVEL Mystic Mayhem will launch on June 25, as Civilization: Eras & Allies will debut in Asia on June 19. Additionally, Mattel Match: Toybox Unlocked soft-launched, and Toria, a next-gen fantasy RPG, is now in development for the future.

Highlights

• MARVEL Mystic Mayhem launch set for June 25: NetEase Games’ MARVEL Mystic Mayhem arrives on June 25 with tactical RPG combat and an original storyline.
• Shin Chan: Shiro and the Coal Town is available on mobile: Shin Chan: Shiro and the Coal Town brings a heartwarming slice-of-life adventure to mobile, via Crunchyroll.
• TERBIS closed beta test begins in Japan: TERBIS, a 2D anime-style RPG from WEBZEN, is starting a closed beta test in Japan this June on mobile and PC.
• Destiny: Rising Android beta starts May 29: NetEase Games’ Destiny: Rising to begin Android closed beta test on May 29 in select regions, with iOS pre-registration live globally.
• FATE: Reawakened pre-registration now live: FATE: Reawakened brings new life to the iconic FATE series on mobile, with pre-registration now live.
• Seven Knights Re:BIRTH pre-registration live: Seven Knights Re:BIRTH breathes new life into the classic RPG, with pre-registration now live on mobile and PC.
• Mattel Match soft launch: Mattel Match: Toybox Unlocked brings the fun of Barbie, Hot Wheels, and others in a Puzzle experience; Soft launches in select regions.
• Guncrypt closed beta announced: Halfbrick Studios’ latest arcade-style roguelite shooter Guncrypt, announces closed beta test on mobile.
• Toria RPG in development: Toria is an upcoming next-gen fantasy RPG with dynamic world design, currently in development.

• Lost Sword pre-registration live: Lost Sword, an anime-style isekai RPG adventure releases on mobile this July, pre-registrations now open.
• Trinity Trigger mobile launch: Trinity Trigger brings back ‘90s RPG spirit with action and co-op, coming to mobile this May 30.
• Offroad League Online pre-registration live: Offroad League Online hits mobile with huge map and realistic driving, pre-registration live on Android.
• Pine Hearts mobile debut coming: Pine Hearts, a critically acclaimed narrative adventure, will debut on mobile with new features this year.
• TrainStation 3 mobile release: TrainStation 3: Journey of Steel rolls onto mobile with realistic train models and tycoon strategy gameplay.
• Thug Fighter Grand City now available: Thug Fighter Grand City arrives with GTA-style chaos and Saints Row flair, now available on Android.
• Subnautica mobile release date announced: Subnautica to launch on July 8, bringing its iconic oceanic world adventure to mobile.
• Summoners War: Rush mobile release: Com2uS’ Summoners War: Rush is now available on mobile as the series’ first Tower Defense RPG.
• Trickcal Re:VIVE rebrand and pre-registration: Trickcal Re:VIVE rebrands as Trickcal: Chibi Go, with pre-registration now live ahead of its late 2025 launch.
• Duet Night Abyss final closed beta announced: Duet Night Abyss announces final closed beta test for mobile and PC from June 12, with recruitment now open.
• Civilization: Eras & Allies mobile launch date: Civilization: Eras & Allies set to launch on June 19, 2025 for mobile in Asia.
• Crystal of Atlan official launch: Crystal of Atlan officially launches on multiple platforms with thrilling magicpunk MMORPG experience.

Week 5: May 29 to May 31

Executive Summary

Night Slashers: Remake, and Hangry Petz: The Game were the releases of the final days, while Figment 2: Creed Valley also arrived on iOS. Pre-registration opened for several titles, including No Way Home, Hello Kitty Merch Match, Ragnarok Crush, and Sword of Justice, in SEA.

Soul Huntress entered open beta on Android, and global pre-registration is now available. Meanwhile, Valorant Mobile is set to begin closed beta testing in China on June 12, with signups now open. Tencent’s Chasing Kaleidorider also announced a new beta phase.

Elsewhere, Rush Royale is officially heading to China, backed by iDreamSky, and Talking Hank joins Green Game Jam 2025 with eco-conscious content.

Highlights

• Sword of Justice pre-registration live in SEA: Sword of Justice redefines mobile MMORPGs with AI NPCs, dynamic combat, and social features, coming soon to SEA, with pre-registration live.
• Figment 2: Creed Valley now on iOS: Figment 2: Creed Valley lets you explore a rhythmic human mind, now out on iOS.
• Hangry Petz: The Game is now available: Hangry Petz: The Game debuts on mobile, bringing chaotic snack battles with wild toy animals.
• Soul Huntress enters open beta: Soul Huntress brings Souls-like action to Android with open beta in select regions, global pre-registration now live.
• Hello Kitty Merch Match pre-registration open: Hello Kitty Merch Match lets you collect digital Sanrio merch, and opens pre-registration on mobile.
• Ragnarok Crush pre-registration live: Gravity’s Ragnarok Crush blends tower defense and match-3 in the RO universe, opens for pre-registration.
• Chasing Kaleidorider closed beta test announced: Tencent Games’ Chasing Kaleidorider announces new round of Closed Beta testing.
• Rush Royale to launch in China: Rush Royale heads to China following license approval, with iDreamSky as publisher.

That’s all for the mobile gaming news for May 2025. If you liked the roundup that catered towards the May 2025 news focusing on mobile gaming, here are the previous editions:

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