Supercell vs Zynga

Brawl Stars and Duolingo Launch Crossover Event

Supercell and Duolingo have launched a global crossover event featuring Brawl Stars' character Spike and Duolingo's mascot Duo. Running from September 19 to September 30, the event follows playful social media rivalry. In Brawl Stars, Duo becomes a boss in a new 20v1 game mode, while Spike appears in Duolingo as part of a limited-time Quest. Completing Duolingo challenges unlocks Spike in Brawl Stars, encouraging cross-platform engagement with exclusive rewards and community events. This partnership highlights the trend of cross-promotional marketing between mobile games and consumer apps. AppMagic estimates Duolingo has generated $2.62 billion in lifetime IAP revenue, while Brawl Stars has earned $2.42 billion. Duolingo previously ran crossovers with Genshin Impact and Angry Birds.

• Supercell and Duolingo announced a crossover between Brawl Stars and Duolingo, running from September 19-30.
• Duo becomes a boss in a new 20v1 Brawl Stars game mode, while Spike appears in Duolingo as a limited-time Quest.
• Completing Duolingo challenges unlocks Spike in Brawl Stars, encouraging cross-platform engagement.

Trailmix's Love & Pies Celebrates Five Years, Adapting Live Service

Trailmix Games, the London-based studio behind the merge game Love & Pies, reflects on five years of live service operations. General manager Felicity Gracie-Herst discusses the importance of community-driven development, adapting to changing player expectations, and the shift away from traditional user acquisition due to rising costs. The studio has rebuilt the game's economy with player input, emphasizing qualitative feedback alongside metrics. As the game enters its sixth year, Trailmix is leveraging lessons learned for future projects under new CEO James Nicholas, while remaining independent within the Supercell ecosystem. The article highlights the challenges and strategies of maintaining a live service game in a competitive casual market.

• Love & Pies launched in September 2021 and has been live for five years.
• Trailmix rebuilt the game's economy in collaboration with its community.
• Carolin Krenzer stepped down as CEO, becoming executive chair; James Nicholas is now CEO.

Mobile Game Crossovers: Clash of Clans, Subway Surfers, Pokémon Go

This article is a roundup of mobile game collaborations and marketing campaigns for September 2026. It covers partnerships such as Clash of Clans featuring WWE wrestlers, Candy Crush teaming with Shania Twain and Zedd, Subway Surfers reviving its Among Us event, Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery promoting the upcoming HBO series, and Pokémon Go partnering with All Nippon Airways for a special flight and airport activities. Other notable crossovers include Ed Sheeran performing at Pokémon Worlds, Fire Emblem Heroes introducing characters from a new game, Isekai: Slow Life featuring Demon Slayer characters, and Duolingo partnering with Eggy Party in China. Additionally, Puzzle & Dragons collaborates with Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Ubisoft's Rainbow Six Mobile partners with Payday, and PUBG Mobile teams with Lincoln for in-game vehicles.

• Clash of Clans partners with WWE, adding six wrestlers including Cody Rhodes, The Undertaker, and Alexa Bliss as playable characters.
• Candy Crush launches Music Season 2026 with a remix of 'You're Still the One' by Shania Twain and Zedd, running until October 4, 2026.
• Subway Surfers brings back the Among Us Rush event with new cosmetics and a new map.

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.