Based on the 24-year-old board game, Settlers of Catan is coming to mobile. Rumored to be made by Niantic, “Catan: World Explorers” will be published as an augmented reality experience.

Digital/Mobile News

• Facebook is building a new feature called Favorites, a networking tool similar to Instagram Close Friends. Favorites will allow users to share Facebook stories with a select group of people. (TechCrunch)

• GameAnalytics launched Benchmarks+, an intelligence platform for mobile gaming. The platform enables greater retention, engagement, and monetization by publishing benchmark reports with anonymized data. (VentureBeat)

• Nintendo announced that “Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp” now features subscriptions. The subscription package comes in two parts, the first providing a ‘camp caretaker’ feature and the second featuring additional storage space. (Engadget)

• Based on the 24-year-old board game, Settlers of Catan is coming to mobile. Rumored to be made by Niantic, “Catan: World Explorers” will be published as an augmented reality experience. (The Verge)

• Scientists have developed a device enabling users to experience the sensation of touch within virtual reality. Using motion, pressure, and vibration, the device transfers sensations through electronic nodes that attach to the body. (The Independent)

Gaming News

• Facebook Oculus and Unity have published an intermediate-level guide to building a VR game. The tutorial guides users through the process of creating a puzzle in a simulated escape room through Unity, VRTK, and the Oculus software development kit. (VentureBeat)

• Ubisoft and Audible are partnering to create an audio drama for “Assassin’s Creed Gold.” The content will consist of stories narrated through radio and podcast segments. (The Next Web)

• Supercell announced a “Brawl Stars” Championship for early 2020. The championship tournament will take place in South Korea, and is open to players of at least 16 years of age, with or without team affiliation. (The Esports Observer)

• Valve announced “Half-Life: Alyx,” the company’s first VR game. Following the cliffhanger 13 years ago, “Half-Life” will resume the long-awaited story in March 2020. (The Verge)

• Following the acquisition of Playtika, Seriously launched “Best Fiends Stars.” The match-three puzzle game will be free to download on iOS and Android. (VentureBeat)

Business News

• Apple is hosting a special event to honor the company’s favorite apps and games of 2019 on December 2. This marks the first time the company will have a press event of this kind. (The Verge)

• Twitch and LG are partnering to host an event for women streamers, featuring streamer Imane “Pokimane” Anys. The streamers will play games like “League of Legends” and “Dota 2” while using one of LG’s UltraGear monitors. (The Esports Observer)

• Los Angeles-based Mythical Games raised $19 million to make blockchain-based games. Players will be able to earn money through digital ownership of certain assets within the blockchain games. (VentureBeat)

• Turkish company Dream Games raised $7.5 million in seed funding. The company was founded by former employees of Peak Games. (TechCrunch)

• Games studio N3twork raised $40 million for its live game publishing platform. The platform will help other mobile game developers scale and reach larger audiences. (VentureBeat)