US Senators express 'Foreign Influence' concerns over Saudi PIF's buyout of EA
Two Democratic senators, Richard Blumenthal and Elizabeth Warren, have expressed uneasiness over the $55 billion dollar acquisition of EA, citing concerns over “foreign influence and national security risks”, having sent two separate letters to U.S. Treasury secretary and Committee of Foreign Investment chair Scott Bessent and Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson.
Why this matters: The concern is about censorship, surveillance of Americans, potential Saudi propaganda, and access to EA’s AI work. Jared Kushner’s connection to the deal via Affinity Partners was also scrutinized. Both senators have asked the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to investigate the acquisition.
Pocketpair says it won’t publish games that use Generative AI
Japanese video game developer Pocketpair, known for the successful hit game Palworld, has stated that it will not publish video games that use generative AI technology. The statement comes after the studio opened a dedicated publishing division in January 2025 to help bring new games to market. Pocketpair communications director and publishing manager John Buckley explained the company simply “doesn’t believe” in the polarizing technology.
Why this matters: Research reports have shown that over 50% of developers in Japan are using generative AI technology for game development, with this increasing to over 60% in China. While game developers have cited cost savings and increased efficiency, the recent response to some games using generative AI has been mixed, with some gamers going as far as to call for a boycott of all titles using the technology. According to Niko Partners data, approximately 72% of gamers are aware of generative AI tech in Japan, with 37% of gamers both aware of and interested in its application within video games.
8 Trends That Will Redefine Gaming in Asia (and Beyond) – Niko Partners Chat with Deconstructor of Fun Podcast
In a recent episode of the Deconstructor of Fun podcast, Niko’s CEO Lisa Hanson and Director of Research & Insights Daniel Ahmad sat down with Mishka Katkoff to explore the latest developments shaping the Asia & MENA games landscape. We talked about China’s evolving regulations, India’s emergence as a global gaming powerhouse, MENA’s cultural evolution through games, and Asian gamers’ perspectives on AI, among other key insights. It’s a must-listen for anyone looking to stay ahead in the ever-changing world of video games.
Breaking Barriers: Expanding Global Game Profit Through Innovative Partnerships
As the Knowledge Partner of gamescom asia 2025 x Thailand Game Show, Niko Partners is excited to share the latest insights with industry leaders at Southeast Asia’s premier gaming conference. This year’s panel, “Breaking Barriers: Expanding Global Game Profit Through Innovative Partnerships,” brought together Zac Liew (Chief Commercial Officer, Coda), Berkley Egenes (Chief Marketing & Growth Officer, Xsolla), and Chloe Cave (Head of Growth, Neon). Moderated by Niko’s Director for East Asia and Southeast Asia Research, the session delved into how developers can drive global expansion through alternative app stores and direct-to-consumer (D2C) strategies.
Monetization is a growing trend in Asia & MENA video games industry. We’ve published a special free Niko Knowledge Brief for gamescom asia 2025 x Thailand Game Show about third-party market in Southeast Asia, In addition, We’ve released two free white papers exploring monetization trends: one on the rise of out-of-app platforms in Asia (in collaboration with Coda) and another on the monetization landscape in MENA (in partnership with Xsolla).
Iraq bans Roblox over child safety concerns
Another MENA country has banned Roblox, with Iraq’s communication ministry deciding to ban the game after a study identified multiple security, social, and behavioural risks linked to the game. The primary concern revolves around in-game chat features, which expose children to exploitation and cyber-extortion according to the report. The ministry also said the game’s content was incompatible with the country’s social values and traditions.
Why this matters: The ban comes after other countries in the region including Turkey, Oman, and Qatar banned the game. Kuwait’s telecom regulator CITRA also banned the game temporarily, with regulators in Saudi Arabia and the UAE following suit in blocking chat features. However, these countries have confirmed they are working with Roblox to introduce enhanced Arabic-language content and communication moderation tools, indicating the game may return to certain markets with increased oversight.
Tencent to focus on shooter games after Delta Force success
Tencent is doubling down on PC and shooter game development following the breakout success of Delta Force, which has surpassed 30 million daily active users (DAU) since its 2024 launch. Developed by Tencent’s internal J3 Studio under lead developer Leo Yao, Delta Force is an extraction shooter that has been well received domestically. J3 Studio has been given full access to Tencent’s development resources and is expanding its headcount to focus on overseas markets.
Why this matters: Tencent’s renewed emphasis on internally developed shooter titles marks a clear shift from its earlier investment-driven approach that relied on licensed IP such as PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty: Mobile, and CrossFire. In parallel, Tencent announced Rules of Engagement: The Grey State, a new tactical extraction shooter set in a horror-themed universe. This title is part of Tencent’s broader initiative to diversify its shooter portfolio across subgenres, from realistic military combat to narrative-driven experiences.
League of Legends Worlds 2025 will have 15 sponsors
TJ Sports, the joint venture between Tencent and Riot Games, has unveiled the full list of corporate sponsors for the League of Legends World Championship (Worlds 2025), which will be in China October through November 9. Global partners for Worlds 2025 include AWS, HyperX, Mastercard, Mercedes-Benz, Hewlett Packard (HP), OPPO, and the Esports World Cup (EWC). Chinese strategic partner Momchilovtsi joins the roster alongside Chinese official partners Durex, e-commerce platform Jingdong (JD.com), Cotti Coffee, and beverage company RIO. Chinese special partner tier includes apparel brand Li-Ning, pet food producer ZIWI, and Intel.
Why this matters: This diverse sponsorship mix underscores the tournament’s cross-sector appeal, bridging technology, lifestyle, and consumer goods. The 2025 edition of Worlds will be hosted across three major Chinese cities at venues including the Beijing Intelligence Esports Center, the Shanghai Mercedes-Benz Arena, and the Chengdu Dong’an Lake Sports Park Arena, which will host the Grand Finals. The Chengdu arena, completed in 2021, features a configurable capacity of up to 18,000 spectators, making it one of China’s premier esports-ready venues.
NetEase publishes Destiny: Rising in mainland China
Destiny: Rising, the F2P mobile MMORPG based on Bungie’s Destiny IP, launched in mainland China on October 16, 2025, a couple of months after its overseas launch on August 28. Developed and published by NetEase in close partnership with Bungie, the title is the first major mobile extension of the Destiny universe. It’s worth noting that Destiny 2 never received a license to operate officially in China, but is available via Steam and PlayStation. Destiny: Rising on the other hand was able to secure a license in May 2025.
Why this matters: The game already grossed more than $10 million outside China during its first month, and topped the iOS game download chart in China on its first day. However, it has failed to maintain a position in the top 100 iOS game revenue chart during its first week. Critics and players have positively noted how Destiny: Rising captures the core appeal of the original franchise, including its expansive world design, discovery mechanics, and sci-fi atmosphere. But generating player spending looks to be a challenge currently.
Link to original article (Chinese) →
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NetEase to shut down Lord of the Rings: Rise to War
NetEase has announced the shutdown of The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War, its officially licensed mobile strategy game based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings IP. Developed and published by NetEase under license from Middle-earth Enterprises and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, the title will cease operations on December 31, 2025, globally. First launched in 2021, Rise to War performed well in its first year, before it started to weaken.
Why this matters: The shutdown underscores the challenges faced by large-scale, licensed strategy games in sustaining long-term engagement and profitability. Despite leveraging one of the world’s most valuable entertainment IPs, Rise to War struggled to differentiate itself in an increasingly saturated strategy game market. NetEase has previously worked with Warner Bros for games using the Harry Potter and Tom & Jerry IP.
Korean president attended K-Game event, stated that video games are not addictive substances
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung attended the K-Game On-Site Meeting held at Krafton’s multi-cultural space in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on October 15. The president stated that the Korean video game industry is a crucial part of the cultural industry and that game exports are the country’s self-made exports, calling to the fact that Korea lacks natural resources to export other products. The meeting was also attended by CEOs of major Korean game companies including Krafton, Nexon, NCSoft, Smilegate, and Neowiz, as well as relevant ministries and agencies.
Why this matters: The statements and the event itself showcase the Korean government’s response toward the discussion in the country on whether video games are a form of addiction or not. President Lee was also recorded stating that video games are not addictive substances and that being immersive is an important aspect of a good video game.
Link to original article (Korean) →
GameOn partners with CapitaLand and EcoWorld in Malaysia
Malaysia’s GameOn Theme Park announced a new strategic tenancy agreement with CapitaLand and EcoWorld to establish two major family entertainment centers in the Klang Valley (Greater Kuala Lumpur) area. Key highlights include arts and sports hubs, karaoke rooms, and interactive video game arcade arenas.
Why this matters: The company was officially recognized by the Malaysia Book of Records as the nation’s “Fastest-Growing Entertainment Center.” Notably, in just 20 months, the company has opened eight outlets across Malaysia, attracting over one million visitors annually. This also shows how arcade video games are still a profitable business in the country.
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November 12-13, 2025
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Busan, South Korea
November 13-15, 2025
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