Weekly News Digest #46

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.

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MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

Singapore-based gamification platform SUD has acquired China-based game engine Cocos for $72m. The deal includes the full integration of Cocos’ team and business operations into SUD. As part of the transaction, Cocos 4, a new version of the Cocos game engine, will be transitioned to a fully open-source model. SUD is developing an in-app game distribution platform, and the deal will enhance Cocos’ developer ecosystem. In Apr’22, Cocos raised $50m in a Series B funding round.

Finland-based game studio Social First, best known for developing the multiplatform title Nexus Station, has acquired Denmark-based digital marketplace GamerPay for an undisclosed sum. GamerPay, a marketplace that enables users to trade Counter-Strike 2 skins, will continue to operate without major changes following the acquisition. The deal marks Social First’s entry into the digital item trading market. 

US-based marketing organization Resurgens Gaming has taken a strategic equity stake in Ireland-based web3 marketing company Insight Marketing. The company’s existing management team will retain operational independence. The investment expands Resurgens Gaming’s integrated gaming-media ecosystem, alongside the company’s subsidiaries Ghost Gaming and Skillshot Media. Additionally, Resurgens Gaming has announced the launch of a new game accelerator, Ghost Launchpad, as well as a publishing division. The launch was supported by a $500k investment from Invest Georgia, alongside Sound Media Ventures, Phoenix Capital Ventures, and the family office of NBA player Trae Young. The accelerator will support gaming studios, including developers on Unreal Editor for Fortnite.

Singapore-based web3 gaming company Nika Labs has acquired the mobile web3 title Archer Hunter for an undisclosed sum. The transaction grants Nika Labs full ownership of the franchise, which will be integrated into its web3 gaming ecosystem on the Sei Network. The deal is aimed at converting a proven mobile game into a tokenized blockchain economy while mitigating user acquisition risk. According to AppMagic, the game has generated $700k in IAP revenue and 2.3 million lifetime downloads.

VENTURE FINANCING

US-based AI-native advertising platform for mobile publishers CloudX has raised $30m in a Series A round led by Addition, with participation from DST Global, Terrain, ENIAC, Javelin, and Breakpoint Capital. The funding will support product development, platform scaling, and new integrations. Founded by former executives from MoPub and MAX, the company is building an AI-driven agentic platform designed to automate and transparently optimize monetization performance for mobile publishers. It has already secured launch partners, including Meta (NASDAQ: META), Liftoff, and others, for SDK and supply-side integrations.

According to an SEC filing, US-based web3 games developer Azra Games has secured $18.9m from undisclosed investors. Initially, Azra Games planned to secure $31m. The company previously raised $42.7m in Jul’24.

Web3 game developer Key Origin, has raised $11m from DeAgentAI, Stratified Capital, Chain Capital, KnightFury, X wave labs, and LBank Labs. The funding will support the development of the studio’s flagship title Kyuzo’s Friends, global expansion, and enhancements to the game’s AI creation systems, which reduce production costs and deliver more personalized experiences. Kyuzo’s Friends is positioned as an AI-powered social gaming platform that combines community interaction, digital asset exchange, and play-to-own mechanics.

Sweden-based tech company LootLocker has secured $2.5m from undisclosed investors. The funds will be used to enhance the company’s publishing capabilities and expand its product offering, including tools for managing live-ops, monetization, and community features directly through its platform. LootLocker is developing a backend platform that enables studios to integrate player accounts, leaderboards, cloud saves, and progression systems without the need for their own server infrastructure. Previously, the company has raised $2.3m across two funding rounds.

Jordan-based mobile games developer Chickmania Games has secured an undisclosed investment from Singapore-based social games developer WeJoy. The funds will support the company’s global expansion, particularly across Asia and the MENA region. Chickmania Games has developed eight mobile titles, including its most popular game, Jackaro, which has reached 4 million lifetime downloads, according to AppMagic.

FUNDRAISING

Israel-based investment firm Remagine Ventures has raised $25m for its second investment fund. The new fund will focus on pre-Seed investments in AI infrastructure, AI agents, and impactful applications, expanding on the firm’s original focus areas of media, entertainment, gaming, and commerce. Since 2019, Remagine Ventures’ first fund has invested in six gaming-related startups, including a $5.5m round for Echo3D in Jun’22.

Saudi Arabia-based gaming accelerator Exel by Merak has launched the second cohort of its accelerator program. The 16-week program will provide up to $150k in cash and an additional $150k in services to selected companies. In Aug’25, the accelerator funded 17 companies with $300k each. Exel by Merak is backed by Merak Capital’s $80m Gaming Fund, launched in Nov’24.

*Ubisoft postponed the release of its half-year financial results and requested a temporary trading halt on Euronext while it finalizes its H1’FY26 reporting, aiming to limit speculation and market volatility.