[DigitalToday reporter Ho-jung Lee (이호정)] KakaoGames said on Monday it has started global pre-registration for 'SMiniz,' a new title based on SM Entertainment's intellectual property.

Pre-registration runs through Feb. 23 in global regions including South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, North America and Europe. In South Korea, users can also join via KakaoGames' pre-registration page in addition to Google Play and the App Store.

KakaoGames will give a character photocard set resembling NCT, aespa and Riize to selected users through a draw among those who pre-register via KakaoGames. All participants will receive in-game currency as a reward after launch.

It also opened an official brand page for SMiniz. Users can visit the page to pre-register.

SMiniz is a mobile casual game in which small characters resembling SM artists appear, and players solve match-3 puzzles with their favourite character. The game held a global closed beta test in December and drew a positive response with content using SM IP, based on what it described as the fun of an accessible puzzle game, including photocard collection reflecting fandom culture, a 'top loader' and 'fandom zone' customised to individual preferences, and costumes incorporating artist activity concepts.

SMiniz is being prepared with a goal of a formal service launch in the first quarter of this year. SMiniz is an in-house developed title targeting a global fan base, with KakaoGames handling global publishing and service, MetaBora developing the game, and SM Entertainment providing the IP of its groups.