AppMagic vs Mintel

Fingersoft Ends Lego Hill Climb Adventures Development

Finnish game studio Fingersoft has announced the end of development for its Lego-licensed racing game, Lego Hill Climb Adventures. The decision, shared via a LinkedIn post, cites the game's underperformance and inability to sustain long-term support. Despite the closure, no employees will be laid off; the team will transition to Fingersoft's prototyping unit to work on future projects. The free-to-play version will be pulled from the App Store and Google Play on December 15, with in-app purchases removed by October 23. The IAP-free version on Apple Arcade will remain playable. According to AppMagic, the game generated approximately $475k in revenue and 3.6 million downloads since its 2024 launch. Fingersoft continues to focus on the global launch of Hill Climb Racing 3.

• Fingersoft stops development of Lego Hill Climb Adventures.
• No employees will be laid off; team moves to prototyping unit.
• Free-to-play version pulled from App Store and Google Play on December 15.

Ubisoft Shuts Down Rainbow Six Mobile After 7 Months

Ubisoft has announced the closure of Rainbow Six Mobile, a tactical FPS for iOS and Android, just seven months after its global launch. The final season will launch next week and remain playable until January 15, 2027, after which the servers will be shut down. According to AppMagic, the game generated approximately $5.3 million in in-app purchase revenue from 13.1 million downloads, including an extended soft launch that began in 2023. The game was first announced in April 2022 and involved 11 Ubisoft studios, with development led by Ubisoft Montreal and collaboration from Tencent. The closure reflects the challenging mobile gaming market and the difficulty of sustaining live-service titles, impacting the broader mobile gaming ecosystem and its advertising opportunities.

• Ubisoft is shutting down Rainbow Six Mobile, with the final season available until January 15, 2027.
• The game earned approximately $5.3 million in IAP revenue from 13.1 million downloads.
• Rainbow Six Mobile was developed by 11 Ubisoft studios in collaboration with Tencent.

King's Minecraft Blast returns in soft launch

King has returned its Minecraft Blast match-3 puzzle game to soft launch, now available on Google Play in Malaysia. The updated version features new game assets, a new trailer, and an expanded feature set including six new blockers, four new chapters, daily play rewards, a new Raid Tournament, a weekly leaderboard, and a customizable companion system. The game is a spin-off of Minecraft, developed in collaboration with Mojang Studios. It was previously soft launched on iOS in Malaysia and Canada in November 2025, but was removed from testing a month later. The new build shows significantly updated graphics and a new store description, emphasizing world-building and customization elements. This move indicates King's continued investment in the franchise, aiming to capture the mobile puzzle audience with a familiar IP.

• Minecraft Blast is back in soft launch on Google Play in Malaysia.
• The game features six new blockers, four new chapters, daily play rewards, a Raid Tournament, weekly leaderboard, and customizable companion system.
• The game is developed by King in collaboration with Mojang Studios.

Carter's Brand Refresh Targets Gen Z and Millennial Parents

Carter's has unveiled its first major brand refresh since 2000, aimed at appealing to Gen Z and millennial parents. The refresh includes a new logo (with an apostrophe replaced by a shooting star), a new visual identity, and a brand commitment: 'to let every child's light shine.' The accompanying 'Watch Them Glow' campaign launched on September 16, 2026, features a 60-second commercial on CTV platforms like Nexxen, Roku, Disney+, and Hulu, as well as digital and social channels. The campaign emphasizes self-expression and individuality, supported by Pew Research data. Carter's also introduced a creator program called 'Light Makers' with up to 15 Glow Grants in the first year. The rebrand follows new CEO Sharon Price John's appointment and increased marketing spend, contributing to a 5% net sales increase in Q2 2026. Partnerships with Outward Bound and Boys & Girls Clubs of America support children and families.

• Carter's launched its first major brand refresh since 2000, including a new logo, visual identity, and brand commitment: 'to let every child's light shine.'
• The 'Watch Them Glow' campaign launched on September 16, 2026, with a 60-second spot airing on CTV platforms like Nexxen, Roku, Disney+, and Hulu.
• The new logo replaces the apostrophe in 'Carter's' with a shooting star.

Global Beauty Ingredient Trends 2026

Mintel added a new featured research report: Global Beauty Ingredient Trends 2026 (Beauty and Personal Care).