Epic Games vs MTG

Doki Doki Literature Club Returns to Android via Epic Games Store

Epic Games is bringing Serenity Forge's Doki Doki Literature Club back to Android as an Epic Games Store-exclusive, following its removal from the Google Play Store in April 2026 due to sensitive themes. The game will be available later today, with a placeholder page already live on the Epic Games Store. It remains rated 18+ with warnings about disturbing content. The game is still unavailable on Google Play, but remains on other storefronts like Apple's App Store, Nintendo's eShop, PlayStation Store, and Steam. Serenity Forge had previously stated it was exploring alternate distribution methods for Android. Neither Epic nor Serenity Forge provided official confirmation at the time of publication.

• Epic Games is bringing Doki Doki Literature Club back to Android as an Epic Games Store-exclusive.
• The game was removed from the Google Play Store in April 2026 due to sensitive themes.
• A placeholder page for the game is live on the Epic Games Store, but it can only be wishlisted for now.

Epic Games Store Adds Age Verification for R18+ Games in Australia

Epic Games will require Australian players to verify they are 18 or older before purchasing or downloading R18+ rated games on the Epic Games Store starting September 9, 2026. The change complies with Australia's online safety regulations. Players can verify their age via a selfie analyzed by Yoti, a credit card check through Stripe, a government-issued ID via Veriff, or ConnectID (available later this month). Existing games and titles rated below R18+ are unaffected. The verification is privacy-preserving, with data not shared with Epic's Kids Web Services.

• Epic Games Store will require age verification for R18+ games in Australia from September 9, 2026.
• Verification methods include selfie analysis by Yoti, credit card check via Stripe, government ID via Veriff, and ConnectID.
• The change is to comply with Australia's online safety regulations.

Epic Games Launches Cross-Ecosystem Voice Chat Parties

Epic Games has launched Epic Parties, a new social feature enabling cross-ecosystem voice chat across Fortnite, the Epic Games Store, and Epic's mobile apps. This allows players to communicate seamlessly across different platforms and devices, including transferring ongoing voice chats without interruption. The feature integrates with Fortnite lobbies, so friends accepting invites join the same game session. Epic plans to expand social features beyond Fortnite later this year, including to Rocket League in 2026, and aims to make these social tools available to third-party developers across platforms and engines by 2027. The launch is part of Epic's broader strategy to create an open social ecosystem where connections and purchases can move between games.

• Epic Games launched Epic Parties, a cross-ecosystem voice chat feature.
• Epic Parties works across Fortnite, Epic Games Store, and Epic mobile apps.
• Players can transfer voice chats between devices without dropping audio.

How Developers Are Using AI in Game Development

PocketGamer.biz surveys how game developers currently leverage AI across production, data analysis, and user acquisition, ahead of the AI Gamechangers Summit at Pocket Gamer Connects Nordics. Executives from MTG, NC/Veroplay, Fingersoft, Dodreams, Julicia Studio, and Mattel163 share concrete use cases: AI enables three games to be built instead of one (MTG), cuts creative costs by 20-30% (Veroplay), and improves data analysis and actionable insights (Dodreams). Mattel163 uses AI for pLTV modeling and ROAS prediction to optimize UA spend. Studios report cost reductions, faster workflows, and enhanced testing, while noting incremental gains in art and Unity development. Hypergryph's Arknights: Endfield uses almost no AI, starting before the hype. The article positions AI as a practical tool improving efficiency and creativity, not a replacement for talent.

• MTG CEO says AI allows studios to build three games instead of one.
• NC/Veroplay reports AI cuts creative production costs by 20-30%.
• Dodreams uses AI for data analysis, reducing manual work and systems.

MTG Aims to Double Size Through Selective M&A and AI

Swedish digital entertainment firm Modern Times Group (MTG) aims to double its size within three to five years, primarily through selective M&A and organic growth, while scaling AI tooling. CEO Maria Redin emphasized a 'village philosophy' where studios maintain autonomy but share technology and learnings. MTG recently rebranded its midcore division to PlayAmp, which includes Plarium, InnoGames, Snowprint, Hutch, Ninja Kiwi, and Futureplay. Shared services include Plarium's data platform, the GoGame marketing platform, a D2C platform (accounting for 51% of division revenue in Q2 2026), and an AI Lab. AI is being used to accelerate game development, allowing teams to produce more content and test more ideas. Redin stressed that AI is about improving quality and output, not reducing workforce. The company is also exploring M&A opportunities in markets like Türkiye, China, and Vietnam, while remaining Western-focused.

• MTG aims to double its size within three to five years through selective M&A and organic growth.
• MTG acquired Plarium for $620 million from Aristocrat Leisure; the deal closed in 2025.
• MTG rebranded its midcore division to PlayAmp, including Plarium, InnoGames, Snowprint, Hutch, Ninja Kiwi, and Futureplay.

Changed number of shares and votes in Modern Times Group AB

STOCKHOLM, 31 August 2026 — Modern Times Group MTG AB (publ) ("MTG") today announced that as of 31 August 2026, the total number of shares in the company amounts to 119,50…