MTG vs Playtika

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…

Andrew Stalbow-Led Group Acquires Bath City FC

An investor group led by Andrew Stalbow, co-founder of mobile game developer Seriously, has completed the acquisition of English football club Bath City FC. The group raised over £6 million ($8.1 million) to support the club's operations and future development. Stalbow, who previously served as CEO of Seriously before its sale to Playtika, becomes the club's executive chair. The Bath City Holding Company comprises more than 50 investors from various industries. The investment aims to support the men's and women's teams, infrastructure development, and community engagement.

• Andrew Stalbow-led investor group completed acquisition of Bath City FC.
• Bath City Holding Company includes more than 50 investors.
• Group raised over £6 million ($8.1 million) in a seed round.

Publishers' Direct-to-Consumer Revenue in Q2 2026

PocketGamer.biz analyses direct-to-consumer (D2C) revenue for public mobile games companies for April–June 2026. Playtika reported $286.9m D2C revenue in Q2 (1.7% sequential decline, +63.1% Y/Y) with a 39.3% D2C share. Modern Times Group said D2C was 38% of group revenue while its Playamp division recorded 51% D2C. Stillfront reported D2C at 46% of bookings. G5’s store grew and direct mobile processing reached 17% of mobile gross. In social casino, SciPlay ($53m, 29% of earnings), Playstudios ($14.7m, +120% Y/Y) and DoubleDown ($40.5m, up from $10.7m) showed large D2C gains. The piece notes Apple’s proposal in the Epic case to allow up to a 15% commission for purchases outside the App Store, a potential structural factor affecting D2C economics.

• Playtika reported Q2 2026 D2C revenue of $286.9m, a 1.7% sequential decline and a 63.1% year‑on‑year increase; D2C share was 39.3%.
• Modern Times Group reported D2C at 38% of group revenue; Playamp division recorded 51% D2C in Q2 2026.
• Stillfront said D2C made up 46% of bookings in Q2 2026, up from 39% a year earlier.

Playtika Q2: Disney Solitaire Fuels Profit; UA Spend Cut 70%

Playtika returned to profit in Q2 after Disney Solitaire’s strong performance, with the title’s revenue up 288.6% year-on-year. The company reported Q2 revenue of $731.1M and adjusted EBITDA of $206.1M (28.2% margin). Playtika said it will reduce marketing/user-acquisition spend for SuperPlay’s Disney Solitaire by roughly 70% in H2 2026 versus H1, while reaffirming full-year 2026 guidance of $2.75B–$2.85B revenue and $750M–$790M adjusted EBITDA but flagging results will likely be toward the lower end. Reports also linked Playtika to potential sale talks of SuperPlay with Tencent; SuperPlay was acquired by Playtika for an initial $700M in 2024.

• Disney Solitaire revenue rose 288.6% year-on-year, driving Playtika's strong quarter.
• Playtika will reduce SuperPlay marketing/user-acquisition investment by roughly 70% in H2 2026 versus H1.
• Playtika reported Q2 revenue of $731.1 million and adjusted EBITDA of $206.1 million (28.2% adjusted EBITDA margin).