In today's Roundup: India's Mobile Premier League is letting go of roughly 300 employees after the government's ban on paid gaming; Saudi-basked Savvy Games is actively seeking multi-billion-dollar partnerships in China and across Asia; and, a recent industry report shows that mobile gaming accounted for the most revenue in Europe, ahead of console and PC.

India’s MPL to lay off 60% of staff after paid gaming ban

Mobile Premier League (MPL), one of India’s largest esports and mobile gaming platforms, will cut about 60% of its local workforce, roughly 300 employees, after the Indian government’s ban on paid gaming. The company confirmed the layoffs as part of a pivot to international markets, particularly free-to-play opportunities in the U.S., Europe, and Brazil. MPL had been heavily dependent on India’s real-money gaming ecosystem, and this regulatory blow has forced the firm to restructure and redirect resources toward growth markets where restrictions are less severe

Source: Reuters

Saudi-backed Savvy Games pursues multi-billion-dollar China deals

Savvy Games Group, owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, is actively seeking multi-billion-dollar partnerships in China and across Asia. Already the world’s second-largest mobile games publisher, Savvy has expanded aggressively with acquisitions including Scopely and stakes in Pokémon Go creator Niantic. Its latest focus on China highlights the kingdom’s ambitions to establish dominance in mobile gaming, leveraging the region’s vast player base despite ongoing regulatory uncertainties. Analysts suggest this move positions Savvy as a global heavyweight in an increasingly consolidated gaming landscape.
Source: FT

Mobile gaming dominates Europe’s market in 2024

A recent industry report shows mobile gaming led Europe’s gaming sector in 2024, accounting for 44% of total revenue. Console gaming followed with 38%, while PC trailed at just 15%. The study also revealed that digital purchases dominated the market, representing 90% of total gaming revenue. The findings reflect how player behaviour continues shifting toward mobile platforms, driven by accessibility and a growing library of high-quality mobile titles. Analysts suggest these trends signal further challenges for traditional PC game publishers in Europe.
Source: PC Gamer