SM Entertainment Mobile Game SMiniz Beta Test Sees 88% Player Return Rate Ahead of 2026 Launch
Kakao Games' mobile puzzle game featuring SM Entertainment K-pop stars wrapped up its global beta test this week with strong player satisfaction scores, positioning the title for a Q1 2026 release.
The five-day closed beta test for SMiniz, which ended December 12, drew 88% of participants saying they'd play again at launch. Among those respondents, the most common rating was a perfect 10 out of 10, according to Kakao Games' announcement Wednesday.
SMiniz transforms SM artists from groups like NCT, aespa, and RIIZE into chibi-style characters called "Miniz" for match-3 puzzle gameplay. Developer METABORA handled production while Kakao Games manages global publishing and SM Entertainment provides the IP.
What Beta Testers Played
The December 8-12 test marked players' first look at several features. The core match-3 puzzle system lets players solve challenges alongside their chosen artist characters.
Fan-focused content drove much of the positive feedback. A digital photocard collection mirrors the physical cards K-pop fans trade. Customizable "top loaders" and "fan spaces" let players curate their own displays. In-game costumes replicate actual stage outfits worn by the artists.
Testers praised how the Miniz designs captured each artist's recognizable features while working in the game's aesthetic. Graphics quality and art direction earned particular mentions, though players requested more animations reflecting individual artist personalities.
Development Background
Kakao Games CEO Han Sang-woo first announced the project in April 2024 under the working title "SM Game Station." The partnership brings together Kakao's gaming infrastructure with SM's artist roster following Kakao's March 2023 acquisition of a 39.87% stake in SM Entertainment.
That ownership structure, which made Kakao SM's largest shareholder, followed a corporate battle with rival entertainment company HYBE that saw both bidding for control. HYBE ultimately retained an 8.81% stake after selling most of its shares to Kakao.
The gaming collaboration mirrors HYBE's own successful mobile titles featuring its artists, particularly BTS-themed games that've generated significant revenue.
Launch Timeline
Kakao Games plans to incorporate beta feedback before the Q1 2026 global mobile release. The company hasn't specified whether the launch will be simultaneous worldwide or follow a regional rollout strategy.
Match-3 puzzlers remain among mobile gaming's most consistently popular genres, while K-pop's international fanbase continues expanding. The 88% return intention rate from beta participants suggests commercial potential when SMiniz launches next year.
