"Tencent Cancels Unannounced Nier Mobile Game in Search for New Hit"

Tencent has halted the development of a highly anticipated mobile game based on Square Enix's "Nier" franchise due to struggles in finding a viable monetization model and dealing with expensive development costs and franchise rights. This setback reflects challenges in Tencent's strategy of adapting console and PC hits into mobile games, as growth in mobile games slows and development costs rise. The cancellation of the "Nier" mobile game has not resulted in job losses, as employees are allowed to transfer to other Tencent units. Tencent is now aiming to revive its fortunes with a slate of other IP games for smartphones, including "Delta Force", "Need for Speed", and "Assassin's Creed".