Recap #171: mobile games news of the week

In this week's recap #171, 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 bring you the week's mobile games news! On the agenda: Gamescom 2024, the announcement of Monument Valley 3 and the release of Fall Guys via the Epic Game Store Mobile.

Mobile games releases of the week

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

• Fall Guys is now available on the Play Store and App Store via the Epic Games Store on mobile. Players can join crazy battle royale obstacle courses directly from their smartphone, by installing the launcher from a web browser or alternative store.
• Baron of Blood, a 2D pixel art indie game, is now available for free on the App Store. This retro title features 24 levels combining combat and platforming.
• Racing Master, the car racing game from NetEase, was released this week in Japan on PC, the Play Store and the App Store. Developed in collaboration with Codemasters, the title features real-time racing with licensed cars and extensive customisation.
• World's End Club is now available on the App Store. This game combines platforming, puzzles and storytelling to plunge you into an enchanting world where your choices will determine the outcome of the adventure. The game costs around ten euros.

Last but not least, Ultimate Hunting is in soft launch on the App Store and Play Store in the Philippines and Indonesia. This single-player or multiplayer hunting game, developed by Miniclip, lets you hunt down various species in a variety of environments.

Pre-registrations, announcements, updates and test phases

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

• The much-anticipated Monument Valley 3 will finally land on 10 December, exclusively on Netflix. Unveiled during Gamescom, this new instalment is faithful to the aesthetics and soothing gameplay of the first two instalments, and promises to delight fans of puzzle games.
• Dark & Darker Mobile made a splash at Gamescom when pre-registration opened on the Play Store and App Store. Although no release date has been announced, gamers can expect to see the game arrive before the end of the year.
• The Elder Scrolls: Castles will be available on mobile on 10 September on the Play Store and App Store. Inspired by Fallout Shelter, this castle management game will let you rule a dynasty, manage your subjects and tackle daily challenges.
• The Pokémon TCG Pocket card game will be released on 30 October on the Play Store and App Store. This title, which uses the mechanics of real Pokémon cards, features PvP and PvE battles.

The release announcements continue with Maid of Sker, a horror game set in a haunted British hotel, which will be released on the Play Store and App Store on 10 September, while Netflix has announced Squid Game Unleashed, a Fall Guys like game inspired by the Korean series of the same name. No release date has yet been announced.

On 13 September, Guilongchao will arrive on mobile, taking players on a 3D action adventure in the cyberpunk city of Kowloon. Pre-registration is now open on TapTap.

Meanwhile, the dungeon crawler Torerowa is now in open beta on the Play Store. The game features fast-paced 10-minute matches in which 15 players compete to collect as much treasure as possible. Pre-registration for Floatopia is now open. This title from NetEase seems to be the perfect replacement for Animal Crossing fans.

Indian battle royale Indus enters open beta on the Play Store and App Store, expanding its player base. Available for pre-registration and beta in certain countries, Indus is establishing itself as a serious contender in the BR mobile genre.

Blackfield, the intriguing Limbo-like game, has also been announced, although not much is known about it at the moment. And finally, pre-registration for Black Border 2, based on Papers, Please, is now open on the Play Store and App Store.

Other news and events from the mobile games industry

There's more from the mobile JV industry this week:

• Gamescom 2024, orchestrated by Geoff Keighley, saw a host of announcements for the mobile sector. Infinity Nikki is gearing up for a new beta, while Delta Force has unveiled a brand new trailer. Hoyoverse marked the evening with news of Genshin Impact, coming to Xbox, as well as updates for Zenless Zone Zero and Honkai: Star Rail, which will feature a crossover with Fate/Stay Night.
• Sims Labs is opening its doors to fans of The Sims series. This testing programme will give players a sneak preview of new features in upcoming titles in the franchise, including Project Rene. Pre-registration is available on X (formerly Twitter).

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