Tag: mobile games

  • SEGA Removes Nine Free Classic Mobile Games from iOS and Android

    Key Takeaways

    1. SEGA has removed nine classic mobile game ports from app stores, signaling the end of the SEGA Forever program.
    2. The games were initially free with ads, but all ads were removed, making paid versions accessible for free before the delisting.
    3. The list of removed games includes 13 titles, as some entries like Golden Axe Classics and Shining Force contain multiple games.
    4. The SEGA Forever initiative started in 2017, aimed at providing free access to classic games on mobile platforms, but support has ended.
    5. Reasons for delisting may involve technical challenges with updates and potential plans for a new mobile subscription service, though no official details have been provided.

    SEGA has quietly removed nine classic mobile game ports from the iOS App and Google Play Store, signaling the end of the SEGA Forever program. Many of these retro games were beloved by fans:

    Free to Download

    These classics were available for free, with an optional $2 in-app purchase to eliminate ads. Eventually, SEGA decided to take away all ads, effectively making the paid versions of these games accessible for free. A pop-up within the game warned players that support for these titles had ended, but they could still be played offline.

    The List of Classics

    While there are nine listed games, it actually amounts to 13, since both Golden Axe Classics and Shining Force include three games each.

    These titles are now alongside other SEGA classics that were removed back in 2023, such as Ristar, Vectorman, Comix Zone, and more.

    SEGA Forever Initiative

    In 2017, the company initiated SEGA Forever, which brought many of its cult classics to iOS and Android platforms. The goal was to provide these classic games for free, although they were supported by in-game advertisements.

    SEGA has not disclosed the specific delisting dates for these nine titles. This action came shortly before the SEGA Forever program was officially discontinued in late 2023, ending support for older mobile ports.

    This is not the first instance of SEGA removing classic ports. The Japanese gaming publisher had previously taken down over 60 games, including Crazy Taxi and Jet Set Radio, from consoles and PC storefronts last December.

    Reasons Behind Delisting

    A possible explanation for the delisting could be the complex technical requirements for updating these games to meet newer system APIs. Some fans speculate that SEGA might be gearing up for a new mobile subscription service or a “SEGA Pass,” but there are currently no official confirmations or indications that this is in the works.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: ,
  • Epic Games Store Surprise Giveaway and New Free Game Plans

    Epic Games Store Surprise Giveaway and New Free Game Plans

    Key Takeaways

    1. Epic Games Store plans to continue free game giveaways in 2025, without slowing down on PC or mobile platforms.
    2. The frequency of mobile game giveaways on Android and iOS will now match the desktop schedule, moving to weekly updates.
    3. New free mobile games will be available each Thursday at approximately 15:00 UTC.
    4. Epic Games has replaced KOTOR and KOTOR II with new mobile games, Eastern Exorcist and Super Meat Boy Forever, valued at $9.96 together.
    5. Users must be logged into their Epic Games account to redeem mobile games and should check for installation instructions for the mobile store.

    Little over a month ago, the Epic Games Store announced its plans for giving away free games in 2025. Just to summarize, the store said it wouldn’t be ‘slowing down’ on either PC or mobile, even though it only just started the mobile part at the end of January.

    Changes in Mobile Game Giveaways

    Now, it has adjusted the frequency of free game giveaways on Android and iOS. Up until now, the mobile program was updated every month. But now, it’s going to match the schedule of its desktop version, which received a new Jurassic Park-themed game earlier today (currently priced at $35 on Amazon).

    As a result, users can look forward to new free Android and iOS games dropping next week and each Thursday after that. In theory, new mobile games should be available at 15:00 UTC. However, recent mobile giveaways have usually refreshed just after that time, rather than exactly on the hour, like the desktop ones.

    New Additions to the Mobile Lineup

    In this context, Epic Games has replaced Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) and its sequel, KOTOR II: The Sith Lords, with a fresh lineup of mobile games valued at $9.96 when redeemed together. Remember that you’ll need to be logged into your Epic Games account to get both Eastern Exorcist and Super Meat Boy Forever on both platforms through a browser. Be sure to check Epic Games’ latest instructions for installing its mobile store on Android and iOS.

    Disclaimer: Notebookcheck cannot be held responsible for any price changes made by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned here was accurate at the time of writing and could have time limits or limited stock available.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,