Apple is seeking a delay in implementing external payment rules from its Epic Games case, Xsolla has acquired Ludo to enhance mobile game engagement with code-free social quests, and Tripledot Studios is buying AppLovin’s mobile gaming portfolio for $800 million, expanding its player base and revenue.

Apple Seeks Delay in Epic Games Ruling

On May 8, 2025, Apple filed an emergency motion with the Ninth Circuit to pause implementation of a district-court order requiring it to allow external payment options- and cease levying commissions on those transactions - while it appeals Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers’s finding that it willfully violated a 2021 injunction in the Epic Games antitrust case.

Apple argues that these new prohibitions go far beyond the scope of the 2021 injunction, which simply barred Apple from prohibiting external links. The company’s lawyers describe the district court’s approach as “extraordinary” and assert that forcing permanent concessions on commissions and link placement would inflict “serious and irreparable harm” - potentially costing Apple hundreds of millions to billions of dollars each year and undermining its intellectual‐property rights.

Xsolla Acquires Ludo

Also on May 8, Xsolla announced the acquisition of Ludo, integrating Ludo’s code-free social-quest platform into Xsolla’s Web Shop and Rewards solutions to boost mobile-player engagement and retention. Developers will be able to embed community quests - such as Discord-join challenges or social-media tasks - directly in their games, then link players from those quests to web-based checkouts under the new April 30 U.S. ruling that permits external payment links in apps.

This seamless flow not only bypasses up to 30% in traditional platform fees but also unlocks localised pricing, loyalty programmes, one-tap purchases, and in-game LiveOps sync, all without additional development overhead.

“This deal turns player engagement into lasting growth for games and their communities,” said Chris Hewish, Xsolla’s Chief Strategy Officer.

Tripledot Studios Buys AppLovin’s Mobile Games Portfolio

London-based Tripledot Studios agreed to acquire AppLovin’s mobile-gaming division for approximately $800 million, half in cash and half in equity, giving AppLovin a roughly 20% stake in Tripledot. The deal adds ten studios and hit titles such as Matchington Mansion and Wordscapes, pushing Tripledot’s annual gross revenues toward $2 billion and its daily active users past 25 million.