# Mentally-Stimulating Mobile Games Playtika Launched 'Merge Stories' to Engage Casual Players By Colin Smith | Published 2022-09-12 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merge-stories References: [venturebeat](https://venturebeat.com/games/playtika-launches-casual-game-merge-stories/) & [playtika](https://www.playtika.com/)  Playtika launched its latest [casual-friendly mobile game](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/block-blast-games) titled 'Merge Stories.' The game falls into the [merge genre](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/watermelon-game), which is a genre that challenges players to match similar objects to create fewer, more valuable objects. What Merge Stories innovates on the genre, though, is that it allows players to merge non-identical objects, resulting in unique combinations and non-linear gameplay, as opposed to other merge games which provide a uniform experience to all players. In addition to its merge mechanics, Playtika stated that Merge Stories features full-3D action gameplay that involves [kingdom building, raiding, player-versus-player](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shape-of-dreams), and other combat-focused mechanics. Meir Shitrit, the senior vice president of new games at Playtika, stated: “The development of this new game has been an exciting process for Playtika and Jelly Button, with the studio utilizing the most creative talent and top-notch technology," which is especially noteworthy as the game required over three years to make, which is much longer than the typical mobile game. Image Credit: Playtika ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 27% | Activity: 73% | Freshness: 13% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Non-linear Mobile Games:** Innovative non-linear mobile games with unique having endless possibilities for matching and merging items. - **3D Mobile Game Mechanics:** Combining full-3D action gameplay with kingdom building, raiding, player versus player, and combat-focused mechanics for a more immersive mobile gaming experience. - **Extended Mobile Game Development Time:** Mobile game developers are starting to take their time to create high-quality games, with Playtika's Merge Stories taking over three years to develop, opening opportunities for innovative and polished games to emerge. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Mobile Gaming:** Casual and non-casual mobile games have been evolving, integrating cutting-edge technologies, and building a more immersive experience to reach a broader audience. - **Creative Design:** Developers are leveraging creative talents to build unique mobile game mechanics, pushing the limits in design elements that engage players and can set new trends for games across the sector. - **Marketing:** Mobile game developers who take their time to produce and improve their games despite the longer production time can have a better launch and marketing campaign in delivering their value proposition to their audiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Merge-and-Battle Mobile Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/top-troops.md) - [Puzzle Strategy Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cop-drop.md) - [Mobile Puzzle Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cat-tile-match.md) - [Playful Multi-Puzzle Mobile Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/realfarm-craft.md) - [Strategic Puzzle Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bubble-runes.md) - [Interactive Collectible Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/make-it-mini.md) - [Independent Puzzle Mobile Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/storyteller.md) - [Monetizable Mobile Gaming Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playbite.md) - [Racing Strategy Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/escape-road.md)