In today’s Roundup: Google loses its antitrust appeal in the Epic Games case, Krafton shifts focus to player retention as competition in mobile gaming intensifies, and STAN secures $8.5 million to expand its AI‑driven social gaming platform.

Google loses antitrust appeal in Epic Games case

The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a 2023 federal court ruling that found Google in violation of antitrust laws over its Android app store practices. The decision forces Google to allow competing app stores and alternative billing methods within its Android ecosystem, marking a major victory for Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite. The court reaffirmed the jury’s conclusion that Google had used its dominant position to stifle competition, particularly by making it difficult for developers and consumers to access alternatives to the Google Play Store.

This ruling not only opens the door for Epic to distribute its own game store directly to Android users but also sets a precedent that could reshape the mobile app distribution market globally. Google has stated it will comply with the court’s order while exploring further legal options.
Source: Reuters

Krafton emphasises player retention as key to surviving mobile gaming surge

South Korean gaming company Krafton, best known for Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), is shifting its strategy to focus on player retention in the increasingly crowded mobile gaming market. The company has highlighted the need to develop more sustainable engagement models to retain users, rather than relying solely on rapid growth and aggressive monetization. As global competition intensifies, Krafton executives point to retention as a decisive factor in maintaining relevance, particularly in markets like India where user acquisition costs are climbing.

The publisher is also exploring diversified monetization models, including subscription services and live in‑game events, aimed at keeping players engaged long-term. Krafton’s approach underscores a broader industry trend toward building loyal, recurring player bases rather than chasing one‑time downloads.
Source: Financial Express

STAN raises $8.5m to build India‑focused AI‑driven social gaming platform

Bengaluru‑based mobile gaming platform STAN has raised $8.5 million in funding to expand its AI‑powered social gaming ecosystem. The round included participation from Bandai Namco, Square Enix, and Google’s AI Futures Fund, signaling strong backing from both Japanese gaming giants and global technology investors.

STAN has quickly become a rising force in India’s gaming market, offering a mix of AI‑enhanced creator tools, competitive gaming features, and social community integration. The fresh capital will be used to accelerate product development, scale its platform across India, and enter other mobile‑first markets in Southeast Asia.

The funding also positions STAN to take advantage of the growing demand for community-driven gaming experiences, especially as younger audiences increasingly prefer platforms that combine gameplay with interactive and creator-led content.
Source: Fortune India