Pixel P&L: The Hypercasual Game Everyone’s Downloading

Block Blast, the puzzle sensation from Hungry Studio, rocketed to the top of December’s global mobile download rankings with 35 million installs, smashing its previous monthly high of 25 million. The game, which has now surpassed 200 million lifetime downloads, benefited from the holiday season’s typical boost for evergreen titles. The surge can be credited to Block Blast’s accessible gameplay, strong word-of-mouth, and sustained appeal, exemplified by its 35 million downloads over the past month.

Other mobile gaming heavyweights also posted impressive numbers in December. Roblox climbed from 14 million to over 20 million installs, while Pokémon TCG Pocket eased to 15 million from November’s 29 million. Subway Surfers rebounded to 15 million installs, and 8 Ball Pool recorded its second-biggest month ever with 15 million downloads.

Garena’s Free Fire titles combined for a 6 million-install increase, though Ludo King slipped to 11 million downloads. New Android-only racer Real Moto Driving Racing World debuted with early momentum before tapering off. Meanwhile, My Talking Tom 2 ended December with 8–9 million downloads, boosted by a wave of post-Christmas device activations.

Meta is positioning artificial intelligence-generated characters at the core of its social media strategy, aiming to increase engagement across its 3 billion-user base. The tech giant is rolling out new AI tools, including one that enables users to create personalized AI avatars on Instagram and Facebook. These characters will have profiles, bios, and the ability to share AI-generated content, mimicking human accounts.

Connor Hayes, Meta’s VP of product for generative AI, emphasized that the company sees these AI personas becoming integral to the platform's social dynamic. The company plans to enhance interaction with these avatars over the next two years, making apps more entertaining and engaging. Despite the early adoption phase, where most AI characters remain private, Meta has seen significant interest.

Skyesports Unveils 2026 Counter-Strike 2 Event Dates

Skyesports announced two Tier-1 Counter-Strike 2 events for 2026, set for March 30–April 12 and September 7–20. The organizer reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Counter-Strike esports but has yet to reveal details on format, prize pools, or locations for the highly anticipated tournaments.

Tango Gameworks Relaunches as Tango Gameworks Inc. Under Krafton

The studio was formerly shuttered by Microsoft in May 2024, and was then acquired in a "last-minute deal" in August. Krafton plans to expand the studio and explore new projects, including a potential sequel to its hit Hi-Fi Rush game.

Netflix Games VP Leanne Loombe Departs Amid Division Shakeup

Loombe spearheaded the company’s third-party development and publishing since 2021. Her departure coincides with restructuring under new games division president Alain Tascan, which included closing Team Blue and leadership exits.