Good morning. It’s Monday, November 25. MOONTON Games is doubling down on its esports ambitions. In today’s Pixel P&L, we dive into the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang developer’s big tease at the Mobies and the surge of pre-registrations for its auto-chess battler, Magic Chess: Go Go.
Also in focus: Samsung’s latest push in cloud gaming, Krafton India’s new campaign, Vietnam’s crackdown on gaming for minors, and more.
MOONTON Games Teases New Esports Title, Preps Launch of Magic Chess: Go Go
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang developer MOONTON Games is gearing up for a busy 2025. During the Mobies awards ceremony on November 20, the studio teased its plans to expand its esports portfolio with a new competitive title. The announcement came moments after MLBB was named Mobile Competitive Game of the Year, solidifying the game's dominance in mobile esports.
In parallel, the company’s Magic Chess: Go Go (MCGG), a multiplayer strategy game set in the MLBB universe, has surpassed 8 million pre-registrations. Billed as one of the most anticipated mobile games of 2024, MCGG will debut in Malaysia and Singapore within two weeks, with a broader Asia–Pacific release slated for early next year.
Unlike MLBB’s hero-focused MOBA gameplay, MCGG emphasizes strategy. Players assume the role of a commander, deploying iconic MLBB characters such as Layla, Nana, and Chou to dominate the chessboard. This foray into the auto-chess genre marks MOONTON’s attempt to diversify its portfolio and capture casual gamers while expanding its presence in the competitive space.
Samsung Expands Cloud Gaming With Free Service for Galaxy Devices
Samsung has launched a new cloud gaming platform, Samsung Gaming Hub, on Galaxy devices in North America, marking its latest push into the mobile gaming space. The service, now out of beta testing, offers 23 titles at launch, including popular games like Candy Crush Saga and Honor of Kings.
The platform allows users to stream games directly from the cloud, bypassing the need for downloads or installations. Games can be accessed via links through the Galaxy Store, Samsung Gaming Hub, or ads, with the Galaxy Store functioning as the runtime client.
Jong Woo, Samsung’s vice president and head of game services, described the platform as removing traditional barriers to access. “There are no monthly subscriptions or paywalls,” Woo told GamesIndustry.biz. During beta trials, Samsung reported that 50% of users who clicked on mobile game ads went on to play the linked title.
Samsung has been expanding its cloud gaming presence in recent years, partnering with Xbox for streaming services on Smart TVs. However, the company’s history with gaming ventures has been mixed, with its earlier service, PlayGalaxy Link, shutting down before launch. The success of Gaming Hub will test whether a free-to-play cloud model can gain traction in the crowded mobile gaming market.
Quick Bytes
KRAFTON India and Enormous Brands Launch 'Seriously Fun' to Reframe BGMI’s Image
Enormous Brands and KRAFTON India have launched a new campaign, “Seriously Fun,” for BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA (BGMI), aiming to position the game as both a competitive and inclusive platform. The campaign includes an ad film showcasing gaming's integration into daily life across India, highlighting players from diverse backgrounds and incorporating in-game elements. Srinjoy Das of KRAFTON India described the campaign as a reflection of gaming’s community-driven nature, while Ashish Khazanchi of Enormous Brands noted it captures the vibrancy and competitive spirit of Indian gamers. The initiative seeks to redefine gaming’s cultural significance in India beyond casual entertainment.
US Game Spending Surges in October Thanks to 'Call of Duty' Boost
U.S. game spending rose 10% year-on-year in October to $4.7 billion, driven by the release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, according to Circana. Content spending grew 12% to $4.23 billion, offsetting a 23% decline in hardware sales. Black Ops 6 debuted as the top-selling game of the month and the third best-selling title of 2024, with its availability on Game Pass contributing to a 16% increase in subscription spending. PlayStation platforms accounted for 82% of its console sales, and launch revenue surpassed 2023’s Modern Warfare 3 by 23% in its first two weeks.
Vietnam Tightens Gaming Rules for Minors with New Decree
Vietnam has issued Decree 147/2024/ND-CP, imposing stricter gaming time limits for minors. Game providers must now cap playtime to 60 minutes per game and 180 minutes daily across all titles from a single publisher. Warnings about health risks from excessive gaming must appear prominently on forums and during gameplay every 30 minutes.
Hasbro to Deepen Gaming Investments Despite Consumer Sales Slowdown
Hasbro is ramping up its gaming investments, planning to allocate $100 million to $150 million annually for new projects as it pivots from slowing consumer product sales to digital gaming. CEO Chris Cocks revealed that the company has already invested $1 billion in gaming, with plans to release one to two video games annually by 2026, including the sci-fi title Exodus. Licensing deals have been a key revenue driver, with Monopoly Go expected to earn $105 million this year and Baldur’s Gate 3 generating $90 million in its first six months, highlighting the potential of Hasbro’s growing gaming strategy.
Did You Know
Agent 47, the stoic assassin at the heart of the Hitman series, is instantly recognizable by his signature barcode tattoo and bald head. But did you know that his lack of hair was not a deliberate style choice but a practical solution during development?
When IO Interactive, the Danish studio behind the Hitman franchise, was creating the first game in the late 1990s, the team faced technical limitations that made rendering realistic hair extremely challenging. Early experiments with hair on the protagonist resulted in inconsistent and unconvincing results. Frustrated by the time-consuming process, the developers made a creative decision to keep Agent 47 bald.
This choice not only simplified development but also inadvertently shaped the character's identity, giving him a distinct and polished appearance that set him apart from other gaming protagonists. His bald head became synonymous with his cold, methodical personality and the no-nonsense approach of his profession.
Agent 47’s look, born out of necessity, proved to be a stroke of genius. Over two decades later, his minimalist design continues to resonate with fans and remains a defining feature of one of gaming’s most iconic characters.
Quote of the Day
from AFK Gaming https://ift.tt/1P3j9tI
Hello, my name is Jack Sparrow. I'm a 50 year old self-employed Pirate from the Caribbean.
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