Mattel163 vs Zynga

Mattel launches Mattel Game Studios for digital games

Mattel has launched Mattel Game Studios, a global digital games organisation within Mattel Digital Studios that centralises game development, publishing, live-ops, marketing and brand capabilities. The studio consolidates roughly 300 artists, designers, engineers, producers and live-ops specialists across Los Angeles and Hangzhou and will build mobile and platform experiences for Roblox, Fortnite and other channels. The formation follows Mattel’s full acquisition and integration of Mattel163; that studio’s mobile portfolio has delivered over 550 million downloads, reaches about 20 million monthly active players and contributed nearly $49 million in Q2. Mattel Game Studios recently self-published a Masters of the Universe mobile game, has UNO Wild in soft launch with plans for full global distribution in early 2027, and is developing a new Hot Wheels title.

• Mattel formed Mattel Game Studios to centralise development, publishing, live-ops, marketing and brand-led digital game efforts under Mattel Digital Studios.
• The studio brings together roughly 300 artists, designers, engineers, producers and live-ops specialists across Los Angeles and Hangzhou, China.
• Formation follows Mattel’s full acquisition and integration of Mattel163; Mattel163’s mobile portfolio has delivered >550 million downloads, reaches ~20 million monthly active players, and contributed nearly $49 million in Q2.

AI Gamechangers Summit Highlights AI's Impact on Games

Pocket Gamer previews the AI Gamechangers Summit closing Pocket Gamer Connects Shanghai on July 29, 2026, which will examine how AI can change gameplay and where investment is flowing. Sessions include a solo provocation by AI practitioner Chris Zhou about how AI might alter play, creation, learning and companionship in games, plus a panel (“The AI Paradox”) with studio and investor voices from Mattel163, BITKRAFT Ventures, Aream & Co, BBX Ventures and Play Ventures. Panelists discuss concrete AI deployments (monetisation prediction, content pipelines, localisation), investor expectations for AI-native startups, and China-specific advantages from state-driven adoption. The piece also notes ChinaJoy’s “Level Up with AI” programming and an exhibition zone demonstrating AI NPCs and reactive storytelling.

• Pocket Gamer Connects Summit Shanghai will close its four-track programme with the AI Gamechangers Summit on July 29, 2026.
• Speakers and panellists include Chris Zhou, Wenfeng Yang (BBX Ventures), Devin Nambiar (Mattel163), Kartik Prabhakara (Aream & Co), Harri Manninen (Play Ventures) and Jonathan Huang (BITKRAFT Ventures).
• Mattel163 reports using AI for pLTV modelling, ROAS prediction, live content creation assistance, mini-game generation and localisation to improve live content pipeline efficiency.

Mattel163 COO on Uno, East–West Divide, NetEase Deal

An interview with Devin Nambiar, chief operating officer of Mattel163, covers the studio’s cross-border origins, product strategy and the challenges of reviving Uno. Mattel163 began as a joint venture between Mattel and NetEase; in February 2026 Mattel moved to acquire NetEase’s 50% stake, valuing the studio at $318 million and folding it into Mattel’s internal games division. Nambiar discusses data-driven cultural differences between Eastern and Western game markets, argues that cross-border joint ventures succeed through trust and communication rather than tight control, and explains the team’s approach to preserving Uno’s core mechanics and social “couch” feeling during the revival. He was speaking ahead of his panel at PGC Summit Shanghai on July 29.

• Devin Nambiar is chief operating officer at Mattel163.
• Mattel163 was born as a joint venture between Mattel and NetEase.
• In February 2026 Mattel moved to acquire NetEase’s 50% stake in Mattel163, valuing the studio at $318 million and integrating it into Mattel’s internal game development and publishing arm.

Jonathan Knight Promoted to Chief Games Officer at NYT

Jonathan Knight has been promoted to the newly expanded role of chief games officer at The New York Times, where he will continue to lead the publication's games operation. Knight, who joined NYT in September 2020, has overseen the growth of its games portfolio, including the acquisition and integration of Wordle and the launch of Crossplay. His responsibilities include managing the P&L and publishing pipeline for popular games such as The New York Times Crossword, Spelling Bee, Connections, Strands, and Pips. Before joining NYT, Knight held senior positions at Warner Bros. Games, Zynga, and Electronic Arts, with a track record of leading major game franchises and large teams. The appointment reflects NYT's continued investment in games as a key engagement and subscription driver.

• Jonathan Knight has been appointed chief games officer at The New York Times.
• Knight joined The New York Times in September 2020.
• He previously served as SVP and Head of Games at The New York Times.

Zynga News: Top Eleven Brings Roshn Saudi League and Global Superstars to 2026/27 Season

Zynga's news page has been updated with new press releases, including Top Eleven's partnership with the Roshn Saudi League, Zynga Poker's collaboration with Keegan-Michael Key, and Spades Plus teaming up with NBA All-Star Anthony Edwards.

Top Eleven Brings Roshn Saudi League and Global Superstars to 2026/27 Season

Zynga's Top Eleven game adds the Roshn Saudi League and global superstars for the 2026/27 season.