Rovio vs Scopely

Pixel Federation Announces Free PixelCon Mobile Games Conference in Bratislava

Slovak game studio Pixel Federation is hosting the first-ever PixelCon, a free mobile games conference in Bratislava on September 14, 2026. The event aims to connect Central European developers with international experts from leading studios such as Rovio, Supercell, Wooga, and Electronic Arts. Speakers include senior leaders who will share insights on game development, player engagement, and retention. The conference is designed to be accessible to students, indie creators, and professionals, with a focus on practical knowledge rather than sales pitches. Organizers expect around 400 attendees from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and beyond. The event also features a Student Showcase stage for emerging talent to present projects and receive feedback.

• Pixel Federation will host the first PixelCon conference on September 14, 2026, in Bratislava.
• PixelCon is free to attend, with registration required.
• Speakers include leaders from Rovio, Supercell, Wooga, and Electronic Arts.

Nordic Studios Use AI for Solo Game Building and Player Support

This article explores how AI is being integrated into Nordic game development, featuring insights from various industry professionals. Legal counsel at Rovio notes that legal concerns have shifted from IP infringement to community backlash. Fingersoft's growth officer emphasizes that AI handles automatable tasks while human creativity remains crucial. Playables.ai uses AI for code generation with human review, while Theymes provides AI-driven player support that answers queries before tickets are created. Bitmagic has dissolved traditional development teams, allowing anyone to build games independently.

• Bitmagic now uses its AI platform to build games, enabling solo development without teams.
• Rovio's legal counsel says AI legal risks have shifted to reputation concerns due to community backlash.
• Fingersoft uses AI for programming, data analysis, and error-proofing, but design decisions remain human.

Rovio to close Copenhagen studio after Sonic Blitz cancel

Sega-owned Rovio is shutting its Copenhagen studio following the cancellation of its runner–card-collection hybrid mobile game Sonic Blitz. Rovio says about 20 employees worked on the canceled project and that a redundancy process is underway; affected staff will be offered transition packages including outplacement and wellbeing support. Sega West COO and Rovio CEO Alex Pelletier‑Normand said retention did not meet expectations despite initial promise, and that the company is concentrating development efforts. AppMagic data shows Sonic Blitz picked up over 200,000 downloads, mainly in Brazil with some players in the Philippines.

• Sega-owned Rovio is discontinuing all operations at its Copenhagen studio after cancelling the mobile game Sonic Blitz.
• Rovio stated that around 20 employees had worked on the now-canceled Sonic Blitz project.
• Rovio will offer transition packages, including outplacement services and wellbeing support, to team members who cannot be reallocated.

Scopely News: MONOPOLY GO! Monster Mash season with KPop Demon Hunters and Ghostbusters collaboration

Scopely's news page highlights the launch of MONOPOLY GO!'s new Monster Mash season featuring collaborations with KPop Demon Hunters and Ghostbusters, along with other updates including a Pokémon-ESA partnership and Star Trek Fleet Command contest.

Scopely News: Pokémon partnership with ESA, Monster Hunter Now anniversary, and more

Scopely's news page now features multiple press mentions including a new Pokémon partnership with the European Space Agency sending Pikachu to the ISS, Monster Hunter Now's three-year anniversary, and a Fast Company Best Workplaces for Innovators recognition.

Brian Ward asked to remain as Savvy Games Group advisor

Brian Ward, the founding CEO of Savvy Games Group, has been asked to stay on as an advisor following his departure earlier this month. Ward, who led the Saudi gaming entity for five years, stated on LinkedIn that the company is entering a new phase of transformational growth and is no longer a startup. He expressed his willingness to continue supporting Savvy's mandate and Saudi Arabia's national games strategy, though it remains unclear if he has accepted the advisory role. During his tenure, Ward oversaw Savvy's $4.9 billion acquisition of Scopely in 2023 and expanded the company's global games and esports portfolio. PocketGamer.biz has reached out to Savvy for confirmation on the advisory position.

• Brian Ward has been asked to remain as an advisor to Savvy Games Group after stepping down as CEO.
• Ward served as Savvy's founding CEO for five years, starting in 2021.
• Savvy Games Group's $4.9 billion acquisition of Scopely occurred in 2023 under Ward's leadership.