Pixel P&L: Indian Game Publisher Raises Millions

Today’s edition covers Felicity Games’ recent $3 million seed funding round following its rapid growth, Niantic’s plans to bring Pokémon GO’s City Safari event to Mumbai, and reports of Microsoft’s upcoming handheld Xbox console, and more.

/ Felicity Games Raises $3 Million in Seed Funding

Indian mobile game publisher Felicity Games has raised $3 million in a seed funding round led by 3one4 Capital, with participation from T-Accelerate Capital and MIXI Global Investments. Existing investors DeVC and Visceral Capital also joined the round.

Founded in 2023 by Anurag Choudhary, Felicity Games focuses on hybrid-casual titles and has reported over 1 million downloads across its top games. The company’s revenue has grown fourfold in recent months, with annual recurring revenue now exceeding $1 million.

The company said it plans to use the funding to expand its publishing platform, build partnerships with Indian game studios, and support the development of new titles. Felicity’s model emphasizes data-driven insights and AI-based optimization to improve game performance.

🧐 On Our Radar

Could Pokémon GO’s City Safari event be Niantic’s biggest bet yet on India’s mobile gaming market? 

The popular AR game is set to host its Mumbai event on March 29-30, 2025, giving local players a chance to experience enhanced location-based gameplay across the city’s iconic landmarks. For just ₹499, participants gain access to exclusive content like the debut of Mudbray, a special event-themed Eevee variant, and boosted odds for Shiny Pokémon encounters. With reduced trade costs and other perks, Niantic is clearly working to maximize engagement.

If successful, this event could pave the way for larger-scale live experiences in India, placing Mumbai on the map as a key market for Niantic’s global strategy. The question is: Will Indian players embrace this format enough for Niantic to double down on future events?

⚡Quick Bytes

iQOO Partners with Top Indian Gamers to Refine Gaming Phones

iQOO has partnered with seven prominent Indian gamers, including Mortal, Scout, and Payal Gaming, to improve its smartphones for gaming and live streaming. The creators will test, provide feedback, and certify devices, starting with the upcoming iQOO Neo 10R.

Microsoft Reportedly Prepping Handheld Xbox for 2025 Launch

Microsoft is reportedly set to unveil a handheld Xbox later this year, according to Windows Central. While details remain sparse, the move would mark Microsoft’s first foray into portable gaming hardware. The device is expected to complement the company's console lineup, with a next-gen Xbox Series X/S successor slated for 2027.

Brazil Orders Apple to Open iOS to Alternative App Stores

A Brazilian court has ordered Apple to allow third-party app stores on iOS within 90 days, according to Valor International. The ruling supports an ongoing investigation by Brazil's antitrust body, CADE, into Apple’s alleged market dominance. Judge Pablo Zuniga argued Apple’s closed system limits competition, noting similar changes in other regions had minimal impact. Apple, which faces similar requirements in the EU, said it plans to appeal the decision.

💡 Did You Know?

In Japan, video game manuals often include character blood types—a unique detail linked to the country's belief that blood type influences personality. This cultural quirk stems from the widespread idea that blood types shape traits: Type A individuals are seen as organized and cautious, Type B as creative and independent, Type O as outgoing and confident, and Type AB as eccentric and unpredictable. Games like Street Fighter and Final Fantasy have historically included these details, adding an extra layer of personality insight for Japanese players familiar with this belief system.

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