Latest Gaming News

📅April 16, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Gaming news highlights expansions in esports and RuneScape, UK funding boost for developers, gambling sector challenges from oil crisis, and celebrity crypto-gaming tie-ups.
1

Veloce Media Group Calls on Mobile Operators for Next-Gen Esports and Gaming

Veloce Media Group issued a call to action for mobile network operators to enable advanced connected esports, gaming, and streaming experiences. The initiative aims to support the next generation of mobile gaming infrastructure.Source 1 Announced on April 16, 2026.

2

Jagex Expands RuneScape: Dragonwilds to Asia Pacific with Localizations

Jagex announced RuneScape: Dragonwilds will launch in Simplified Chinese, Japanese, and Korean this summer, targeting Asia Pacific's 1.5 billion gamers. This marks a key expansion during the franchise's 25th anniversary and RS25 investment program, following over 1 million sales since Early Access.Source 2 The game previously expanded to Latin America.

3

UK Government Announces £30 Million Funding Boost for Video Games Developers

The UK government revealed a £30 million investment to support video games developers' growth and sustainability. This funding aims to bolster the industry's long-term viability.Source 6 The announcement underscores government commitment to the sector.

4

PAGCOR Chief Warns Middle East Conflict Weighs on Global Gaming

PAGCOR's Alejandro Tengco stated that the Middle East oil crisis is straining gaming markets worldwide, including Singapore, Macau, and the US due to higher energy costs. He called for industry coordination amid disruptions from US and Israeli actions against Iran.Source 8 Tengco emphasized adapting while prioritizing responsible gaming.

5

PAGCOR Flags Oil Price Surge Impacting Philippine Gaming Sector

Rising oil prices from Middle East tensions are dragging on the Philippine gaming sector, according to PAGCOR. The agency highlighted broader economic pressures affecting operations.Source 9 This follows similar global concerns.

6

Bloomberry Overhauls Online Casino as FUNaloMAX for 2026 Push

Bloomberry Resorts relaunched its online platform as FUNaloMAX after fixing technical issues, aiming for mass-market growth and positive returns by 2027. Chairman Enrique Razon noted strong soft launch performance and plans for aggressive marketing.Source 5 Land-based gaming faces challenges from soft tourism.

7

Brazil Moves to Regulate Prediction Markets Amid Gaming Uncertainty

Brazil's Ministry of Finance is acting to contain prediction markets operating in a legal grey zone, involving multiple agencies to prevent expansion issues seen in past gambling legalization. Experts note lack of specific regulation creates uncertainty for operators and players.Source 7 The move addresses growing interest from local and international players.

8

Gaming and Leisure Properties (GLPI) Set for Q1 2026 Earnings

GLPI is projected to report Q1 2026 earnings on April 23, with expected EPS of $0.756 and revenue of $417.15M, alongside FY2026 guidance of $4.060–$4.110 EPS. The REIT offers a 6.7% dividend yield and holds a 'Moderate Buy' rating.Source 4 Earnings call is scheduled for April 24.

9

Rapper Tyga Joins 1win VIP Program in Crypto-Entertainment Blend

Global rapper Tyga has entered 1win's VIP program, highlighted by a branded private jet and social media teasers, as the platform evolves its crypto-first entertainment offerings. This reinforces 1win's luxury, exclusive client experiences.Source 3 Confirmation came via official channels.

10

RuneScape: Dragonwilds Hits Major Milestones Ahead of Asia Launch

RuneScape: Dragonwilds has sold over 1 million copies since Steam Early Access in April 2025, with recent updates like Fellhollow and Dowdun Reach. The Asia Pacific expansion builds on Latin America success during Jagex's 25-year celebration.Source 2 More updates planned for 2026.

11

PAGCOR Eyes Privatization of Gaming Operations in 2026

PAGCOR's privatization of gaming operations is slated to begin in 2026 pending charter amendments, amid ongoing regulatory reviews. Chairman Tengco noted alignment with global challenges like energy costs.Source 8 The process separates commercial from regulatory roles.