The Roundup: NetEase’s Destiny: Rising Launch, Saudi Esports Federation–Merak Capital MoU to Boost Kingdom’s Gaming Sector, and Aghanim’s Checkout 2.0 Debut

The Roundup: NetEase’s Destiny: Rising Launch, Saudi Esports Federation–Merak Capital MoU to Boost Kingdom’s Gaming Sector, and Aghanim’s Checkout 2.0 Debut image
By Mariam Ahmad 29 August 2025

In today's Roundup: NetEase launches its new global RPG shooter Destiny: Rising, the Saudi Esports Federation and Merak Capital sign a memorandum of understanding to accelerate Saudi Arabia’s gaming and esports sector, and Aghanim introduces Checkout 2.0 and its Kinetic Framework to power the future of game commerce.

 

NetEase Launches Destiny: Rising Worldwide

NetEase Games has officially released Destiny: Rising, a mobile RPG shooter developed under license from Bungie. Now available on iOS and Android worldwide, the game blends role-playing elements with fast-paced combat and features cross-promotions with Destiny 2, including the “Bear the Light” emblem for players. NetEase reported over 10 million pre-registrations prior to launch, and the title supports up to 90 frames per second on select devices, positioning it as one of the company’s most ambitious global releases to date.

Source: Pocket Tactics

Saudi Esports Federation and Merak Capital Sign MoU

The Saudi Esports Federation has signed a memorandum of understanding with Merak Capital, a Saudi investment firm, aimed at accelerating the growth of the Kingdom’s gaming and esports sector. The agreement outlines collaboration on funding and scaling local studios, supporting esports talent, and creating investment pathways that align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to position the country as a leading global gaming hub. The partnership builds on Merak’s recent track record of investing in Saudi game studios, including Spoilz and Starvania, while reinforcing SEF’s role in building infrastructure and opportunities for the industry.

Source: Arab News

Aghanim unveils Checkout 2.0 and Kinetic Framework

Aghanim, the Los Angeles-based fintech company known for its Game Hub Builder and LiveOps Builder, has announced the launch of Checkout 2.0, its latest payments technology designed to maximise conversion and revenue for mobile game publishers. The update supports credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and digital wallets, while offering loyalty programs and cashback services. Alongside Checkout 2.0, Aghanim also introduced the Kinetic Framework, a modular development system that allows game studios to customise and optimise web-based game hubs in real time. The rollout includes Blueprints™, ready-made liveops campaign templates, and Aghanim Connect, which integrates over 30 third-party services such as PlayFab and AppsFlyer.

Source: Aghanim

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