Supersonic’s $1M AI Challenge & Supercell Ends Squad Busters | Gaming News Episode #13
HISTORIC INDUSTRY SHAKEUPS THIS WEEK!
This week’s NextBigGames update covers some of the most unexpected twists we’ve seen in years — from Supercell’s first-ever global game shutdown to Supercent’s $1M AI ad-creation challenge, along with billion-dollar acquisition talks, policy shifts, tech innovations, and partnerships shaping the future of mobile gaming.
MASSIVE INDUSTRY MOVES & FUNDING
Supercent launches $1M AI Creator Challenge – Supercent has kicked off a massive $1M AI-powered creator challenge, offering creators $100 for every approved AI-generated ad with top prizes reaching $5,000. With unlimited submissions allowed between Oct 27–Nov 23, 2025, the initiative is built to accelerate creative testing at scale and empower smaller creators to compete with top-tier studios.
Supercell shutting down Squad Busters in 2026 – In a historic move, Supercell will shut down Squad Busters by the second half of 2026, marking the first global closure of a live game by the company. After its final update coming in December 2025, the game will begin winding down, signaling Supercell’s continued commitment to prioritizing only games with long-term retention and breakout potential.
AppsFlyer in $2.7–$3B buyout talks – Attribution giant AppsFlyer is reportedly in acquisition talks valued between $2.7B–$3B, with Goldman Sachs, Fortissimo Capital, and Apollo Global all involved in the process. If finalized, this could become one of the largest deals in ad-tech, reshaping the measurement and attribution ecosystem across mobile performance marketing.
Google Play opens third-party payments – In a major policy shift, Google Play now allows third-party payment systems, giving developers more pricing freedom and effectively reducing the former 15–30% commission burden. This move is expected to significantly improve profit margins for studios and encourage more flexible monetization models on Android.
Sandsoft completely shuts down operations – Saudi publisher Sandsoft has closed down entirely, following a year of internal restructuring and major layoffs. According to reports, ownership ultimately pulled the plug due to strategic misalignment, marking another example of consolidation pressures within emerging gaming ecosystems.
Pax Animi Games secures $250K – Türkiye-based Pax Animi Games has raised $250,000 from Entertech, helping strengthen the region’s rapidly growing mobile gaming ecosystem. The funding will support development, talent expansion, and scaling efforts as Türkiye continues emerging as a global hub for competitive mobile studios.
INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY
AdInMo launches Agentic AI SaaS model
AdInMo has unveiled its new Agentic AI SaaS platform, designed to enhance hybrid monetization strategies. Early beta tests show a promising 15–25% increase in player LTV, demonstrating how AI-driven adaptation is becoming essential for optimizing both ad experiences and in-game engagement.
ego AI announces character.world
ego AI introduced character.world, powered by the new Character Context Protocol (CCP), enabling AI characters to maintain persistent personalities across apps and platforms. This opens the door to more immersive character continuity and deeper emotional engagement within interactive games.
Sensor Tower raises funds for AI intelligence
Data powerhouse Sensor Tower is increasing its investment in AI, raising additional capital to build more advanced analytics and intelligence tools. These upgrades aim to provide developers with real-time, AI-backed insights for faster decision-making in UA, product, and market research.
Zuuks Games × Michelin partnership
In a unique collaboration, Zuuks Games has partnered with Michelin, integrating the iconic tire brand into Bus Simulator and Truck Simulator: Ultimate. This partnership blends real-world automotive branding with simulation gameplay, enhancing authenticity while opening new doors for in-game advertising models.
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