Scopely vs Supercell

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.

Mobile Game Giants Back SpecialEffect's One Special Day

Several major mobile game developers, including Supercell, Rovio, Playdemic, and Sybo, are donating a percentage of their UK revenue to the disability charity SpecialEffect as part of the One Special Day promotion on October 2, 2026. The charity provides assessments and customized technology loans to help physically disabled people play games. Participating games include Clash of Clans, Angry Birds 2, Golf Clash, and Subway Surfers. The event, now in its 11th edition, also includes a Steam sale and a Green Man Gaming bundle, with a fundraising goal of over £500,000.

• Supercell, Rovio, Playdemic, Sybo, Fingersoft, Supersolid, Hyper Luminal Games, New Star Games, Miniclip, Green Man Gaming and MAG Interactive participate in One Special Day.
• The event donates a percentage of UK revenue from games like Clash of Clans, Brawl Stars, Clash Royale, Angry Birds 2, Golf Clash, Subway Surfers, Dream League Soccer, and 8 Ball Pool to SpecialEffect.
• One Special Day 2026 is the 11th edition and includes a Steam sale and a Green Man Gaming bundle.

Zynga's Mark Pincus reveals near-miss $400m Supercell acquisition

Mark Pincus, founder of Zynga, revealed on the Deconstructor of Fun podcast that his company nearly acquired Supercell for $400 million in 2012. A handshake agreement was reached with Supercell CEO Ilkka Paananen, but Zynga's board blocked the deal after the earlier $200 million acquisition of OMGPOP and its Draw Something game proved unsuccessful. Pincus noted that Supercell posted $500 million in net profit the following year, highlighting the lost opportunity. He also reflected on other decisions, including a $550 million acquisition approved by the board under his successor (which matches Zynga's 2014 purchase of NaturalMotion), and his later $800 million stock buyback program. Pincus expressed regret over not pushing harder for the deal, criticizing the lack of vision in the Western gaming industry.

• Mark Pincus stated he had a handshake agreement to buy Supercell for $400 million in 2012.
• Zynga's board blocked the Supercell acquisition in 2012.
• Supercell posted $500 million in net profit the year following the proposed deal.

EU's Triple Regulatory Threat Looms Over Mobile Gaming

The European Union is advancing a trio of regulations that collectively pose a significant threat to the mobile gaming industry. The upcoming Digital Fairness Act (DFA) targets monetization mechanics like loot boxes and addictive features, potentially impacting in-app purchases. The newly announced EU Kids Act, under Article 15, would restrict engagement techniques such as daily log-in bonuses and activity streaks for minors, requiring age assurance for all users. Additionally, the Digital Services Act (DSA) guidelines on protecting minors are already in effect. Industry experts warn of 'catastrophic' impacts and draw parallels to the IDFA privacy changes that disrupted mobile advertising. The final wording of the EU Kids Act is still under negotiation, with potential finalization by the end of the decade.

• The EU's Digital Fairness Act (DFA) targets in-app purchases, loot boxes, and addictive features like log-in bonuses.
• The EU Kids Act, under Article 15, proposes to restrict daily log-ins and activity streaks for minors.
• Wiggin's Isabel Davies states that the EU Kids Act will prohibit games from using engagement techniques for children.