Weekly News Digest #44

Last week, we saw a lack of significant transactions in our digest. During this period, we are focusing on preparing new research to share with you — stay tuned!

In the meantime, don’t miss our Features section, where we analyze key market shifts and strategic trends.

Discover our Features

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MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

[RUMOR] Israel-based marketing analytics platform AppsFlyer is reportedly approaching a private buyout, valuing the company between $2.7B and $3B. Fortissimo Capital and Apollo Global Management (NYSE: APO) are among the possible bidders. In Aug’25, the company’s valuation was reported to be approximately $3.5– $4.5B.

Taiwan-based PC & Console games publisher Neon Doctrine has merged with Sweden-based indie games publisher Raw Fury. Combined Effect owns both publishers, and the merger is part of a broader internal restructuring within the parent company. Founded in 2015, Neon Doctrine has published over 30 titles worldwide. Following the merger, the company’s CEO, Iain Garner, will step down from the role.

China-based mobile games publisher Yodo1 has acquired the publishing and development rights of Transformers: Earth Wars from Space Ape. Yodo1 will operate the game under a license from Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS), which retains ownership of the Transformers IP. The deal also includes the game’s code, assets, and key team members. Yodo1 previously operated the title in China, and it will continue to be available globally on iOS and Android. Transformers: Earth Wars was developed originally by Space Ape Games under a license from Hasbro. Supercell fully acquired Space Ape in Nov’24.

VENTURE FINANCING

US-based web3 RPG Cambria has raised $2m from BITKRAFT Ventures, Sky Mavis, and a group of web3 angel investors. The funds will support game development and the expansion of the studio’s web3 ecosystem. Cambria is a pixel RPG that integrates blockchain-based item ownership, previously secured $2.5m in Jul’24.

US-based PC & Console game studio Lunacy Games has secured $500k in development funding from Big Bang Accelerator. The investment will support the development of the studio’s debut title, a third-person co-op extraction horror RPG Innsmouth Mysteries. Lunacy Games was founded by Bill Roper, a veteran of Blizzard, Flagship Studios, Cryptic Studios, and Improbable.

India-based gaming startup Exiles Interactives has raised $355k in a pre-Seed round led by Chimera VC, with participation from Warmup Ventures and IndigoEdge. The funds will be used to develop the company’s platform, Centarius, and enhance its marketing capabilities. Centarius is a social gaming platform that enables users to engage with mid-core titles across various devices.

Italy-based PC & Console development studio Stormind Games has secured an undisclosed investment round led by Marsa Holding, with participation from Intesa Sanpaolo and Mediocredito Centrale. As part of the transaction, Marsa Holding has acquired a 10% stake in the company. The funding will be used to support the development of new game projects based on Hollywood IPs. Stormind Games is best known for co-developing Mafia: The Old Country and for developing original titles, including Batora: Lost Haven and A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead.

FUNDRAISING

UK-based gaming industry initiative Games London has opened applications for the Games London Accelerator 2026 – Unlocking IP. The two-month program will run from Jan’26 to Mar’26 and focus on UK-based developers working on original IPs. The accelerator will provide five selected studios with access to the Games Finance Market in mid-Apr’26. Applications are open until early Dec’25.

South Korea-based publisher Neowiz (KRX: 095660) and US-based indie platform Game Jolt have announced a game jam set to begin at the end of Oct’25. The 10-day online event will feature a $5k prize pool, including $3.5k for first place, $1k for second place, and $500 for third place. The partnership aims to promote experimentation in narrative design and highlight emerging creators on Game Jolt’s platform, with Neowiz providing sponsorship.