Hi-Rez Studios has announced that Smite Rivals, their entry into competitive mobile games with a collectable card arena game in the vein of Clash Royale [Free], has been put on hold. Hi-Rez president Stew Chisam says in a statement that "the game needs significant additional development before releasing." I would be interested if they feel like they need to differentiate more from Clash Royale. There are some differences in play, but the core concepts are very similar. Talking to Hi-Rez producers back at Hi-Rez Expo, they were interested in some new monetization tactics, though they had nothing definite to say about the game.

I know fans are looking forward to it, but we have decided to put @SmiteRivals on hold for the time being. Full statement below. pic.twitter.com/my3uwE10y1 — HiRezStew (@schisam) March 15, 2017

Subscribe to the TouchArcade YouTube channel

What's interesting is that the statement mentions that Smite Tactics is doing well, and they're focusing on that. It's a turn-based strategy game with CCG elements. It's on PC right now, and consoles are planned. There's no reason why it couldn't come to mobile, really. And Chisam said when I spoke to him that it's a possibility, so don't be surprised if their next mobile game is that...

Subscribe to the TouchArcade YouTube channel

...