Recap #168: What's new this week in mobile gaming?

In this week's Recap #168, we take a look at the week's must-have mobile games releases, mobile news and pre-registrations/test phases not to be missed.

Sit back and relax as we round up all the week's mobile games news! On the agenda: the release of Arranger, the leak of the name of HoYoverse's next game and the postponement of Once Human' s mobile release date .

Mobile games releases of the week

This week has been rich in release announcements, with many games now available on the stores:

• Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure is out. It's the latest addition to the Netflix collection and is now available on Android and iOS. This unique game, a blend of RPG and puzzle game, plunges you into an adventure where you play as Jemma, a heroine on a quest for initiation.
• Launch of Game of Thrones: Legends RPG, a new match-3 game from Zynga set in the world of Game of Thrones. Available on Android and iOS, you can form a team of iconic characters to fight enemies by knocking down grids of symbols.
• K-Pop Academy, Hyperbeard's management game, is now available on stores. As a manager of idols, you'll have to manage their careers and develop their talents to create the ultimate K-pop group. Download it from the Play Store orApp Store.
• Release of Underdark: Defense, a mix of tower-defence and bullet hell, available free-to-play on Android and iOS. Defend your territory by collecting traps and buffs to take on hordes of enemies and powerful bosses.

Meanwhile, Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Purgatory, a game inspired by the paper JDR, is now available on iOS. Play as Samira, an Afghan refugee and werewolf, in an adventure where your choices will determine her fate. Hidden Through Time 2, a hand-drawn hidden object game, is due for release on stores on 13 August .

CD2: Trapmaster, a mix of deck builder and tower defence, is now available on iOS. Baby Shark Universe, a casual and colourful open-world game, has also been released on the Play Store. Finally,Targeted, an investigative puzzle game soon to be available on Android and iOS for €5, puts you in the shoes of a mafioso trying to overthrow his boss.

As for regional releases, Naraka Bladepoint, a battle royale focusing on hand-to-hand combat, has been available in mobile version in China since 25 July. Titanite, a futuristic game in beta in Indonesia, offers the chance to recolonise a world invaded by robots.

Pre-registration, announcements, updates and test phases

In addition to the recent releases, we have more test announcements and pre-registrations in stock this week:

• Naruto Shippuden is going into closed beta on Android in South-East Asia. This gacha RPG features PvE and PvP combat, as well as plenty of interaction with the series' iconic characters.
• Soft launch of Subway Surfers City, a remake of the famous 2012 game Subway Surfers, by SYBO. Available as a soft launch in several countries on Android and iOS, this game maintains the original characters and gameplay with slightly improved graphics.
• Pre-registration for Machinika: Atlas, a sci-fi 3D puzzle game, on Android and iOS. You play as a scientist aboard an alien ship and must solve puzzles to uncover the truth.
• Oasis Survival is in early access on Android in the United States. Developed by SkyRise Digital, this construction and survival game on a desert island invites you to gather resources and protect your base.

Ash Echoes is now available for pre-registration. Developed by Neocraft, this real-time RPG with anime graphics plunges you into the world of Senlo, where you'll have to explore different kingdoms and fight with powerful crystals.

Rounding off this section is the PC beta on 9 August for Tribe Nine, a futuristic ARPG set in a new, dystopian Tokyo. Also expected on mobile, this game features a mix of extreme baseball and combat gameplay.

Other news and events from the mobile games industry

The mobile JV industry has other news in store for you this week:

• Netflix is planning to strengthen its catalogue of mobile games , with more than 80 titles currently in production. Upcoming releases include games inspired by popular series such as Stranger Things and The Dragon Prince.
• FC Barcelona is launching a new app called Barça Games, a mobile esport platform. The app will allow players to play games like Fortnite and Brawlhalla, as well as get together for esports events.
• HoYoverse has been given the go-ahead to publish Astaweave Haven. Gameplay videos of this potential Animal Crossing-style life simulator have already leaked, and the official announcement is expected shortly.
• Once Human has seen its mobile release postponed by NetEase. Despite its success on PC, the publisher prefers to consolidate its PC player base before launching the game on Android and iOS.

Then there's Google Play, which is evolving with new cross-application features such as Collections, offering new possibilities for users. And finally, Humble Games is closing its doors, resulting in massive redundancies and marking a painful end for this entity of the games industry.

See you next week for a round-up of mobile games news!