The TIGA Games Industry Awards 2026 shortlist features finalists in the **Best Large Studio** category. The ceremony will take place at Plaisterers’ Hall in London on **November 18, 2026**. TIGA is highlighting each category’s finalists ahead of the event.
Paul Gouge and Alex Rigby launch **ForthStar**, a new mobile games studio, after achieving a $1 billion valuation with **Golf Clash**. The duo previously founded **BattleMail** (acquired by (M)Forma in 2002) and **Rockpool Games** (acquired by Eidos in 2007). ForthStar aims to replicate their free-to-play success with fresh mobile game development.
Electronic Arts (EA) outlines its strategy for integrating Playdemic, acquired this week, into its mobile games division. The move focuses on leveraging Playdemic’s expertise, particularly in hit titles like *Golf Clash*, to strengthen EA’s broader mobile portfolio. EA’s senior VP of mobile games, Jeff Karp, discusses how the acquisition will shape future development and mobile gaming initiatives.
A major video game publisher acquires Playdemic, the developer behind the mobile hit *Golf Clash*. The deal values Playdemic at £1 billion, marking a significant consolidation in the mobile gaming sector. The acquisition expands the buyer’s portfolio of live-service games.