June GameRefinery Bulletin: NYT Games: Word and Sudoku sees 200%+ increase in daily revenue, Honor of Kings re-release struggles in the West

NYT Games: Word and Sudoku saw an over 200% increase in daily revenue in the US on June 9 following a half-price sale (which is still active) on monthly and annual subscriptions. A paid subscription gives you access to additional features and content in all the games playable within the NYT Games app. Additionally, the daily crossword, which is arguably the main draw for most users, is only available to subscribers.

Several popular titles launched seasonal events inspired by Pride Month, including Marvel Contest of Champions, which launched a task event that encouraged players to acquire, level up, and win battles using LGBTQ+ Marvel characters, and Beastar, which had a Pride Month-themed Battle Pass highlighting LGBT artists like Lady Gaga and Elton John. 

Chinese mega-hit Honor of Kings launched for the second time in the West following its previous attempt some years ago under the name Arena of Valor. The new version of Honor of Kings made a significant splash at its US launch on 22 June, debuting at five in downloads and 98 in the grossing ranks. However, the game's popularity quickly waned. By 1 July, just one week after its release, it had dropped out of the top 200 in both categories.

A new mobile installment in the Uta no Prince-sama series, a multimedia franchise that began life as a rhythm game for the PSP, launched in Japan last month and spent several days at the top of the download ranks. Uta no Prince-sama: LIVE EMOTION also peaked at 15 in the grossing ranks. The game has since fallen out of the top 100 but is maintaining a steady pace overall.

Level Infinite launched a new MMORPG, Tarisland, that features high-production values and crossplay with PC. Titles in this genre often struggle to succeed in the Western mobile market, and this game continues that trend. At launch on 21 June, the game was placed at six in downloads and 163 in the grossing ranks. However, within just five days, the title had dropped out of the top 200 titles in both ranks.