Tag: Mobile
News PlayStation Has Had More Heads of Mobile Than Mobile Games Since 2021
What exactly is Sony's mobile strategy?
Sony has promoted Olivier Courtemarche to head of mobile at PlayStation. He was previously made co-head of mobile alongside Kris Davis in June 2023, but has now taken on the role solo. The announcement came via an update from Courtemarche on LinkedIn (thanks, Mobilegamer.biz). In addition,
News Monster Hunter to Take Over Phones as Well as PS5 with Outlanders Spin-Off
Coming to iOS and Android devices soon
Capcom has revealed you'll be able to hunt monsters on both your PS5 and mobile phones soon as it announces official spin-off game Monster Hunter Outlanders for smartphones in a debut trailer. Building on Monster Hunter Now, this is a fully open-world adaptation with an optimised battle system that shall launch...
News After a Tough Few Months, Sony Says It'll Keep Making PS5 Live Service Games
Searching for ways to evolve revenue streams
In a devastating statement issued today, Sony announced the closure of two studios it acquired under co-CEO Hermen Hulst’s tenure – but it’s not deterred it from chasing the live service gravy train. The
News Layoffs Reported at Horizon MMO Developer NCSoft
Aloy's mobile adventure likely impacted
South Korean developer NCSoft has cut an unspecified number of jobs, with unannounced projects and support functions being cancelled or otherwise reduced due to its "deteriorating" financial situation. The company, which just released the MMO Throne and Liberty on PS5, struck a deal with Sony a couple of years...
News Yakuza Wars Appears to Be a Mobile Game as Social Media Page Spotted
Not like this
Following an official trademark registration from SEGA last month, a Facebook page for Yakuza Wars has been found, lending further legitimacy to it being the real deal. The kicker for fans, though, is it appears to be a mobile game rather than the next big console release. BBGame is listed as the publisher, which makes mobile titles...
News PS5, PS4 Indie Sensation Dave the Diver Takes a Titillating Twist in NIKKE Crossover
Water surprise
Indie sensation Dave the Diver started selling sushi on PS5 and PS4 earlier this year, and now Stellar Blade developer Shift Up is plunging new depths with a NIKKE: Goddess of Victory event inspired by the iconic game. The minigame – set to be playable within the smartphone favourite from 4th July – will take a titillating twist,...
Random Rockstar's GTA Trilogy Racks Up Over 30 Million Downloads on Netflix
Tommy Vercetti, remember the name
In news that probably shouldn't be surprising but remains mildly interesting, Rockstar's GTA Trilogy has surpassed 30 million downloads on streaming service Netflix. Who would have thought that iconic games, made so readily available, would be played so widely? Grand Theft Auto III, Vice City, and San Andreas...
News PlayStation Mobile Job Listing Reveals New Insight into Sony's Smartphone Strategy
It's still alive
It’s no secret that Sony is desperate for a smartphone success story. Companies like HoYoverse have proven that titles can transcend different devices, with the likes of Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail huge on PS5, PC, and mobile. PlayStation has been scrambling to set up a mobile subsidiary within its business for years,...
News Smartphone Spin-Off Persona 5: The Phantom X May Launch Worldwide
SEGA plotting further expansion of gacha game
Persona 5: The Phantom X, a smartphone spin-off of Atlus’ iconic RPG series, launched last month in China, Taiwan, and Korea – and it’s received an enormous marketing push to say the least. In addition to bus liveries, we’ve seen entire subway station takeovers here in Taipei – and there have...
News Stellar Blade Content for NIKKE Could Be Revealed During This Livestream
Taking the NIKKE
The next couple of weeks will be absolutely enormous for Korean developer Shift Up. Not only will it release its console debut Stellar Blade on 26th April, but it’ll also host a livestream for its uber-successful smartphone title NIKKE: Goddess of Victory a few days prior. The 1.5 Anniversary Special broadcast will air on 20th...
News Sony Beta Testing Intriguing New Feature in PS App on Mobile
Appy now?
If you're using the official PlayStation app on your phone, you may have noticed an intriguing patch note in the latest update. Sony is introducing (in beta form) a new section named Lore, which will sort of turn the app into a second screen-style experience, containing things like diary entries, character profiles, and cutscenes as you...
News Elden Ring Is Allegedly Getting a Smartphone Adaptation
Tencent converting console classic into free-to-play gacha
While everyone awaits Elden Ring’s anticipated Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, it seems like a mobile adaptation of the FromSoftware fantasy classic has quietly entered development. Reuters, citing “three people familiar with the matter”, claims Chinese titan Tencent is working on a...
News Here's Why Sony Is Making Big Moves in the Mobile Games Sector
Many games making $1 billion each year
New data revealing the highest-grossing mobile games of 2023 has made it plain to see why Sony is taking strides into the sector in search of its own piece of the pie. Companies like Tencent are making just shy of $5 billion per year from their mobile games alone, with Honor of Kings and PUBG Mobile both making...
Random Atelier Is Everywhere in Asia Right Now
Mobile entry getting giant marketing push
Atelier is one of those niche PlayStation franchises that seems to get new entries annually but rarely makes a splash outside of its core community. That appears to be changing in Asia, however, where Atelier Resleriana: Forgotten Alchemy and the Polar Night Liberator – yes, that’s really its name –...
Reaction PlayStation's Finally Poised to Penetrate the Mobile Market in the Right Way
Phone stars
You may not like playing mobile games, but millions upon millions do. Estimates indicate approximately three billion people enjoy some kind of interactive experience on their smartphone, which is almost half the entire planet’s population. That’s a staggering statistic, and it’s not hard to understand why Sony would want to...
News This Mobile Game Will Probably Be Required for Kingdom Hearts 4 on PS5
Missing link
Kingdom Hearts is no stranger to shoving essential snippets of lore into spin-off mobile and browser games, and we doubt the upcoming Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link will be any different when it comes to the implications for Kingdom Hearts 4. In fact, just look at that name – it practically confirms it’s going to contain key plot...
News Death Stranding, the PS5, PS4 Game, Is Coming Natively to iPhone 15 Pro
Two Resident Evil titles and Assassin's Creed Mirage, too
In arguably a dazzling demonstration of the new Apple iPhone 15 Pro’s raw horsepower, the PS5 and PS4 console title Death Stranding Director’s Cut is coming natively to the device. No, that’s not a typing error: the entirety of Kojima Productions’ seminal hiking sim will be available...
News Assassin's Creed's Smartphone Spin-Off Has a Very Familiar Final Name
Jaded
Assassin’s Creed Codename Jade, the smartphone-based open world spin-off set in ancient China, has been officially named – and it won’t surprise you that it’s simply dropped a word to become Assassin’s Creed Jade. The title, officially announced during German convention
News Monster Hunter Gets Its Mobile Spin-Off on 14th September
Pre-register now for more rewards
Niantic and Capcom have today jointly revealed Monster Hunter Now, a mobile spin-off similar in style to Pokémon GO, will launch on the iOS App Store and Google Play Store on 14th September 2023. Pre-registration across both platforms is available now, and the more players who do so, the better the rewar
News Stunning Smartphone Spin-Off Assassin's Creed: Codename Jade Skewers Closed Beta
Underway in August, with registrations open now
Mobile is becoming an increasingly important part of all major publishers’ plans – including even PlayStation – and we’re long beyond the days of throwaway endless runners inspired by popular intellectual property. Assassin’s Creed: Codename Jade –in development at Tencent’s Level...
News Sony's First Smartphone Dev Loses Managing Director As He Looks for 'Equilibrium' in Life
"I'm eager to watch from the side"
A co-founder from Sony’s recently acquired smartphone developer Savage Game Studios has left the Helsinki and Berlin-based company as he looks for “equilibrium” in life. In a refreshingly candid post, Michail Katkoff – who co-founded the studio, having previously worked at developers like Rovio – said...
News Sony Replaces PlayStation's Mobile Gaming Division Boss with Meta, Kabam Talent
Platform holder ain't phoning it in
Update: Two is better than one – or so the saying goes. Sony has replaced the leadership at the top of its fledgling mobile gaming division with two co-heads, as spotted by infamous LinkedIn snoop Zuby Tech. Ex-Meta product manager Olivier Courtemanche will be joined by former Kabam bigwig Kris Davis in the...
News Multiple PS Studios Working on Mobile, As Sony Targets Smartphone Boom
Output on phones expected to increase
Sony is gradually trying to expand its brand outside of its core PS5 pillar. While the console remains paramount to its PlayStation business, the Japanese giant believes it can attract more fans to its franchises by creating movie adaptations, releasing titles on PC, and establishing a smartphone division. This...
News Backbone One: PlayStation Edition Finally Gets Android Version, and It's Available Now
One for all
In case you aren't aware, Backbone — a company producing smart phone cradles that give them tactile controls — unveiled and released the Backbone One: PlayStation Edition last year. Fundamentally identical to the regular device, this version of the accessory sports DualSense-like design and is the best way to enjoy Remote Play on...
News Pokémon Go's Niantic Is Making an AR Monster Hunter Game
Sure, okay
After hitting on huge success with Pokémon Go, developer Niantic has basically been adapting the same idea to dozens of different brands. Have you seen those ads for the NBA version on Instagram, for example? Now you too can take on Steph Curry and LeBron James in your local neighbourhood – or something. We suppose, given its...
News There's a New Persona 5 Game, But It's a Gacha for Smartphones
Monkey's paw
Persona 5 is easily one of the most iconic JRPGs of modern times, and so it stands to reason there’s more mileage to extract out of Joker and gang. We can’t say we had a gacha adaptation for smartphones on our bingo card, however, but that’s exactly what was announced earlier this week. There’s currently no launch date attached...
News Sony's Newest Mobile Game Ultimate Sackboy Is Available Now
Runner out on iOS, Android
Sackboy is once again available on the go, and we're not talking about any sort of port for the PSP's LittleBigPlanet. The latest mobile phone title from Sony, Ultimate Sackboy, adapts the cuddly character for a runner experience, and it's now available worldwide on iOS and Android devices. The trailer above reveals what...
News Sackboy Returns! For a Runner Game on Mobile Phones
Ultimate Sackboy out on 21st February
Sony is making an effort to bring more of its PlayStation IPs to smartphones, and here's yet another example: Ultimate Sackboy is a runner game for iOS and Android devices that launches on 21st February 2023. Amazingly, it appears the game was announced back in September, but has flown completely under the radar...
News Sony Might Be Making a Horizon MMO, And It Could Come to Phones
Look on the horizon
There’s strong speculation coming out of Korea that Sony has signed a deal with developer NCSoft to create an MMO adaptation of its best-selling Horizon franchise. The studio is best known for uber-popular releases like Lineage and Guild Wars, which are big in Asia, although a report by local publication
News PlayStation Bigwigs Won't Shut Up About PC, Smartphones
Won't somebody please think of the PS5?
It’s rare we get an interview from any of PlayStation’s top brass anymore, so we’re always eager to dig through the comments whenever the likes of group president Jim Ryan open their mouth. Unfortunately, it feels like the PS5 has become a forgotten format of late, as all the executives want to talk...
News Assassin's Creed Arrives in Ancient China, But on Smartphones Only
Live action Netflix series also incoming
Assassin’s Creed is finally getting its long-awaited adventure in feudal Japan, but another anticipated setting is on the way: Ancient China. Of course, for many fans this will prove a real monkey’s paw moment, because Assassin’s Creed: Codename Jade is in development for smartphones – not con
News Sony: Efforts Beyond PS5, PS4 Do Not Diminish Our Passion for Amazing Single Player Games
Additive actions
Sony is trying to grow the PlayStation brand beyond the boundaries of its console. As more time passes, it’s becoming increasingly clear what the platform holder’s remit looks like: bring more award-winning PlayStation properties to more people. We’re seeing the fruits of its labour through its expansion to PC, television, and...
News Sony Establishes PS Studios Mobile Division as Smartphone Push Intensifies
Operates independently adjacent to console development
The award-winning PlayStation Studios, which houses renowned developers like Naughty Dog and Guerrilla Games, is getting a contemporary. Alongside its acquisition of Savage Game Studios, platform holder Sony has announced that it’s created a new business unit: PS Studios Mobile Division. This...
News PS5, PS4 Finally Go Portable with Officially Licensed PlayStation Backbone One
Out and about
Many of you will harbour fondness for the PS Vita and its predecessor the PSP, and understandably so – both were superb portable systems. But with the likelihood of Sony making another extremely low, this may just be the next best thing: an officially licensed Backbone One, which works in tandem with an iPhone and the PS Remote Play...
News Shenmue's Yu Suzuki Announces Space Harrier with Swans for Phones
You need to see this
Yu Suzuki, one of greatest video game designers of all time, has announced a new game – and no, it’s not Shenmue 4. Unfortunately, this isn’t even a console title – it’s launching 24th June for Apple Arcade, and it’s best described as Space Harrier with swans. Have you got q
Reaction Why You Shouldn't Worry About Sony's New Strategy
Additional investment is exciting
PlayStation is steering its business in a new direction, and gamers are renowned for their reluctance to change. A recent mid-term strategy meeting elaborated on Sony’s intention to look beyond its traditional walled garden, bringing its content to more platforms and mediums. This, as is perhaps predictable, has...
News Around 20% of Sony's Output Could Be Mobile by 2025
As company looks beyond console
Sony is not just bringing its games to PC but also to mobile, as it looks to extend the PlayStation experience beyond the boundaries of its traditional console walled garden. As part of an investor relations briefing, it revealed plans for roughly 20 per cent of its software output to be mobile by 2025 – a...
News Genshin Impact Is Raking in Absurd Sums of Money
Mobile version making $1 billion every six months
Remember when Genshin Impact was first revealed? It was received irately by Nintendo fans, resulting in a series of meme-worthy photographs where Breath of the Wild stans converged on a convention to ridicule the release! Chinese developer miHoYo is enjoying the last laugh, though, as it’s reported...
News MLB The Show Could Be Coming to Smartphones As Multiplatform Push Continues
Sony San Diego Studio recruiting for mobile
A smartphone port of MLB The Show could be in the pipeline, as Sony San Diego Studio continues to bring its baseball sim to more systems. The company confirmed last week that it will add Nintendo Switch to the series’ list of supported consoles starting with MLB The Show 22, and now the team is...
News Mobile Game WipEout Rush Already Available on iPhone, Android in UK
User reviews miffed by idle gameplay
Update: We thought WipEout Rush was only available on Android, but it turns out you can get it from the App Store for your iPhone or iPad as well. Again, regional availability may vary, but it's certainly downloadable here in the UK. Original Story: As pointed out by Push Square reader
News This Is Why PlayStation Wants to Make Smartphone Games
Mobile games made $116 billion in 2021
Like it or loathe it, PlayStation is diversifying. In addition to making television shows and PC ports, the organisation has also expressed interest in adapting some of its biggest franchises to smartphones. While the firm has released mobile games in the past – and Sony Music, in particular, has enjoyed...
News PlayStation Poaches Apple Arcade Exec to Front Smartphone Push
Serious stuff
Sony is forging forward into the smartphone space, and it’s quietly signed a big name to lead the initiative: ex-Apple Arcade bigwig Nicola Sebastiani has switched allegiances to take the Head of Mobile role at PlayStation Studios. You may recall the Japanese giant advertising for this position earlier in the year. That job listing...
News WipEout Rush Is a New Entry in Sony's Iconic Series for Smartphones in 2022
Same touch, new rush
In what will surely prove to be a Monkey’s Paw moment for the vast majority of you, WipEout Rush is an all-new entry in Liverpool Studio’s legendary sci-fi racing series – for smartphones. Due out next year for iOS and Android devices, the spin-off is almost certainly the first instalment in Sony’s fledgling mobile...
News Sony: Perverse to Restrict First-Party IP to PlayStation Community, Mobile News Coming Soon
"Sooner than you might think"
Sony is breaking down barriers for PlayStation’s biggest intellectual property, as part of a multi-faceted strategy that will see the release of television shows, movies, and, yes, smartphone games. The platform holder has been hiring for a new mobile-focused division for a little while, and boss Jim Ryan has hinted...
News Sony Exploring Ways to Bring 'Wonderful' PlayStation Franchises to Mobile
"Please stay tuned"
Earlier in the year, Sony posted a job listing for a new role within the company focused on “the expansion of our game development from consoles and PCs to mobile and live services”. Now, as part of a corporate strategy meeting, PlayStation bigwig Jim Ryan has shed a little more light on the brand’s decision to step into...
News Sony Wants to Bring PlayStation's Most Popular Franchises to Smartphones
Adapting first-party hits for mobile
Between its Japanese development arm ForwardWorks and failed initiatives like PlayStation Mobile, there’s no question Sony has been looking for ways to leverage its biggest brands on mobile for some time. Now it looks like it’s in the early stages of establishing a new department
News Sony Shutting Down Mobile Match-Three Puzzler Toro and Friends
Lasted less than a year
Sony’s mobile match-three puzzler Toro and Friends: Onsen Town launched about eight months ago globally, but it’s already being closed down. The platform holder first introduced the smartphone game in its native Japan in October 2019, but its run is already coming to an end, with the release set to be disabled on 12th...
Hands On The New PS App Is a Humongous Upgrade
There's an app for that
Hands up if you use the PlayStation App? It was pretty rubbish, right? We had it installed on our iPhone, but we barely used it because it was slow and functionally quite poor. All of the messaging features were contained in a separate app, and the PS Store effectively booted a Safari page. Yeah, you could see what your...
News Woah! There's a New Crash Bandicoot Game, But It's on Mobile
It's out in some countries now
Crash Bandicoot’s return to the mainstream has reached another major milestone – in the form of a smartphone autorunner developed by Candy Crush creators King. This has clearly been inspired by the likes of Temple Run, although given the nature of the marsupial’s main games, it actually makes
News Alien: Blackout Is Not the Isolation Successor You Dreamed Of
Not like this
Alien: Isolation protagonist Amanda Ripley is making a comeback in a new game – but it’s not what you were hoping for. Alien: Blackout is a survival horror game for smartphones, where you’ll need to guide the aforementioned character’s crew through the Weyland-Yutani across seven perilous levels. It sounds like Lemmings with...
