This is a feed of the latest articles from GamesIndustry.biz.
Epic Games delays Disney game and tells developers to go "AI first"
Epic Games has delayed its upcoming Disney collaboration - a shooter featuring characters from the Marvel and Star Wars franchises - and told developers to move to an "AI first" production model.
Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii releases game he says he made with AI in about 30 minutes
Yuji Horii, the creator of Dragon Quest, says he has produced a new game using AI in about 30 minutes.
Nintendo's Latin America VP says there are no plans to ditch physical games
Nintendo has no plans to move away from physical games.
Nvidia reportedly ends GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card production
Nvidia has reportedly stopped manufacturing the GeForce RTX 5090, including the D variants made for the Chinese market.
Aream & Co: Games industry M&A generates $57.8 bn in Q3, including EA's $55bn leveraged buyout
The number of games industry mergers and acquisitions stayed steady in the third quarter with 54 transactions totalling $57.8 billion, according to investment bank Aream & Co.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/aream-co-games-industry-ma-generates-578-b ... ⌘ Read more
Game Developer veteran Chris Kerr launches Vertical Slice, a games publication "giving workers a voice and holding power to account"
Chris Kerr, former Senior Editor of GDC sibling Game Developer (formerly Gamasutra) has launched a new subscription-funded publication to delive ... ⌘ Read more
The happiest man in gaming hates generative AI
It's impossible to not be swept up in Tarn Adams' enthusiasm. To speak to him is to feel like you're talking to the happiest man in gaming. Along with his brother Zach, he's been working on the wonderfully chaotic procedurally generated world of Dwarf Fortress since 2002, and he is far from tired of it. If anything, he's more enthusiastic th ... ⌘ Read more
Group behind GTA 6 leaks threatens to release alleged full build of game including story mode
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The group responsible for the recent Grand Theft Auto 6 leaks has reportedly threatened to release a full build of the game, including its full story mode and end credits.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/group-behind-gta-6-l ... ⌘ Read more
BAFTA awards over £270,000 to 112 recipients in UK and US to support career growth in games, film, and TV
BAFTA has awarded over £270,000 in grants to 112 recipients in the UK and North America under its 2026 Prince William BAFTA Bursary and scholarship programmes.
[Read more](https:// ... ⌘ Read more
This should be game streaming’s moment. It's not | Opinion
Earlier this week, there was a ripple of excitement among long-suffering Xbox fans over news that the platform had struck an exclusive deal for the streaming rights to Grand Theft Auto VI – suggesting that while the game would launch on both PlayStation and Xbox, Microsoft’s Xcloud service would be the only place you could st ... ⌘ Read more
Undead Labs boss "reluctant to share" number affected by layoffs: "I would hate to reduce the impact to those individuals to a number or statistic"
Undead Labs studio boss Philip Holt is "reluctant to share" [how many employees the developer lost](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/undead ... ⌘ Read more
Paramount Pictures adapting live-action movie set in Cyberpunk 2077 universe, co-produced by CD Projekt Red
Paramount Pictures is adapting a live-action film set in the Cyberpunk 2077 universe.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/paramount-pictures-adapting-live-action-movie-set-in-cyberpunk-2077-universe-co-produced-by-cd- ... ⌘ Read more
Video games aren't the enemy of kids' mental health – ignoring them is | Opinion
Video games have become an easy target in conversations about young people's mental health, often without much understanding of the positive role they can play. Parents cite them as the cause of anxiety, isolation, and poor sleep. Researchers, meanwhile, keep finding that the pictur ... ⌘ Read more
Ubisoft announces shutdown of Rainbow Six Mobile seven months after global launch
Rainbow Six Mobile is shutting down less than a year after its global launch. The free-to-play tactical shooter will remain available to play until January 15, 2027.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/ubisoft-announces-shutdown-of-rainbow-six-mobile-seven-months-after-glob ... ⌘ Read more
Mixtape wins three awards at Australian Game Developer Awards 2026, including GOTY
The winners of this year's Australian Game Developer Awards have been revealed, with Beethoven & Dinosaur's Mixtape receiving three awards, including Game of the Year alongside Excellence in Art and Sound Design.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/mixtape-wins-three-awards- ... ⌘ Read more
"A creative idea can save more money than AI can right now" – Glen Schofield on his retirement, Callisto Protocol's development, and the state of AAA
During the summer, [veteran developer Glen Schofield announced his retirement from the games industry](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/i-had-a-front-row-seat ... ⌘ Read more
NBA 2K27 tops US August charts, becomes third-best selling game of 2026 | US Monthly Charts
NBA 2K27 topped the US charts in August, becoming the third-best-selling game of the year according to Circana data.
Xbox announces new XP division to deliver transmedia spinoffs including film, TV, and theme parks
Xbox has announced a new XP business unit, dedicated to transmedia brand extensions, including the Fallout TV series and the Minecraft World theme park.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/xbox-announces-new-xp-division-to-d ... ⌘ Read more
Hell Let Loose developer Expression opens new studio in Manchester "in response to what's happening in the talent market"
Expression Games, the hitherto entirely remote developer behind the Hell Let Loose franchise and co-developer on Star Wars Galactic Racer, has announced the opening of a physical studio in Manchester, ... ⌘ Read more
Gardens Interactive, founded by veterans behind Journey and Sky: Children of the Light, raise over $35m in Series B funding round
Gardens Interactive has raised over $35 million in a Series B funding round led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, bringing its [total funding to more than $70 million](https://www.linkedin. ... ⌘ Read more
Fireshine Games acquires Necesse dev Fair Games, described as a "defining moment" for Danish indie studio
Fireshine Games has acquired Danish indie studio Fair Games and its open world sandbox title Necesse.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/fireshine-games-acquires-necesse-dev-fair-games-described-as-a-defining-moment-for-danish-indie-studi ... ⌘ Read more
Gravity Well lays off more than 40 developers after losing its funding
Gravity Well, an independent studio founded by Respawn Entertainment alumni, has let go of the majority of its team after losing its funding.
Star Wars Zero Company developer Bit Reactor begins bringing furloughed staff back
Star Wars Zero Company developer Bit Reactor has started bringing back staff it furloughed ahead of the game's launch.
Discord protection bot Double Counter hit by breach exposing around 1 million email addresses
Double Counter, a service that protects Discord servers from raids and alt accounts, has suffered a data breach that exposed about 1 million email addresses, as well as Discord IDs and IP addresses for millions more users.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindust ... ⌘ Read more
Wizards of the Coast union expands, demands company stop pushing generative AI
The Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering teams at Wizards of the Coast are unionizing, and are calling on Hasbro and Wizards leadership to stop pushing generative AI.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/wizards-of-the-coast-union-expands-demands-company-stop-pushing-generative-a ... ⌘ Read more
Paramount Games Studio and WB Games merge under Skydance following completion of $111bn acquisition
Paramount Games Studio and Warner Bros. Games will merge into one unit under Skydance overseen by Tony Driscoll.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/paramount-games-studio-and-wb-games-merge-under-skydance-following-completion-of-111bn-acquisit ... ⌘ Read more
How to run an indie game studio: Part 2, Defining your future
Last week, we established what a studio is, and how understanding its core components can help you find your studio's purpose. This week, we're going to start on the FIRM framework proper, starting with the first pillar, which concerns y ... ⌘ Read more
Unity unveils a web-based AI game creation platform
Today marks the launch of Playground, a new Google platform for generating games using natural language prompts, and it will soon host a version of Unity based around generative AI agents.
Asha Sharma reportedly informs staff that Xbox has "started to return to growth" during internal town hall
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma reportedly held an internal town hall, telling staff that "after an all time low, we've started to return to growth."
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/asha-sharma-reportedly-informs-staff-that-xbox-has- ... ⌘ Read more
GamesIndustry.biz to host panel at Game Republic's Investment Summit at MCM Comic Con October 2026
GamesIndustry.biz will host a panel during Game Republic's Investment Summit at MCM Comic Con later this month.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindu ... ⌘ Read more
Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery operating under Skydance following completion of $111bn merger
Paramount has completed its $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, with both companies now operating under the name Skydan ... ⌘ Read more
Resident Evil games engagement leapt 50% following release of Zach Cregger's movie, but analysts say real value is in brand building
Player engagement with Resident Evil games jumped 50% in the run up to and following the release of Zach Cregger's Resident Evil movie, according to data shared exclusive ... ⌘ Read more
Sega won't "entrust the creative aspect of games to AI," but is using tech to "improve efficiency" in other departments
Sega is "not entrusting the creative aspects of games to AI", but is using the technology to "improve efficiency" in other departments like publishing.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/sega-wont-entrust-the ... ⌘ Read more
Brazil wants to be in "the top five game producers in the world in less than 10 years"
Soft power – a nation exerting power through economic or cultural influence – is something we're all used to in terms of film and TV. Think of the influence that Hollywood has around the world, or the way that anime has spread the recognition of Japanese culture.
[Read more](https ... ⌘ Read more
South Australian government makes largest investment in game development by doubling its Digital Games Fund to $1m
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The South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) has doubled its Digital Games Fund (DGF) funding to $1 million to support local developers.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/south-australian-government-makes-large ... ⌘ Read more
Star Wars: Galactic Racer launches on Amazon Luna as part of Prime subscription
Star Wars: Galactic Racer will be available to play on cloud gaming service Amazon Luna at launch as part of a Prime subscription.
NBA 2K25 servers to shut down on December 31, single-player story mode will become unplayable
NBA 2K25 will be delisted from storefronts on October 30, 2026, with servers to sunset on December 31. Multiplayer and online modes will no longer be available starting January 1, 2027.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/nba-2k25-servers-to-shut-down- ... ⌘ Read more
Arc Raiders and The Finals are getting TV series and film adaptations
Embark Studios' Arc Raiders and The Finals are both being adapted for TV and film.
Ninja Theory begins laying off staff, according to employee posts
Ninja Theory has begun laying off employees.
Free-to-play playtime is broadly flat as gacha RPGs drive PC growth, says Newzoo
"F2P is not dying," according to a Newzoo special focus report that challenges assumptions that free-to-play is in decline.
Sony introduces AI upscaling to base PS5; Marvel's Wolverine and Ghost of Yōtei are first games to implement new tech
Sony Interactive Entertainment has introduced new AI upscaling technology to the base PlayStation 5, called [Quick Spectral Super Resolution (QSSR)](https://blog.playstation.com/2026/10/01/ai-upscaling-is-comi ... ⌘ Read more
"It's less risky to be the masters of our own fate" – The AAA developers going indie
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Justin Fischer and Brock Feldman suddenly found themselves out of a job in 2025, when Warner Bros decided to shutter their studio, Player First Games, the developer of Multiversus.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/its-less-risky-to-be-the-masters-of-our-own-fate-the ... ⌘ Read more
Jagex responds to use of generative AI in RuneScape trailer made by "trusted external partner"
RuneScape creator Jagex has responded to the use of generative AI in a trailer for RuneScape 3's Dragon Slayer 2 quest shown during RuneFest.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/jagex-responds-to-use-of-generative-ai-in-runescape-trailer-made-by-trus ... ⌘ Read more
Disney president and CCO dismisses rumours of Epic Games buyout: "Those are not the conversations we are having right now"
Walt Disney Company president and CCO Dana Walden has dismissed [ongoing rumours of an Epic Games buyout](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/disney-should-buy-fortnite-and-epic-games-former- ... ⌘ Read more
Capcom aims to enhance its propriety RE Engine with AI to accelerate efficiency in QA, debugging, and data processing
Capcom has announced a multi-phase project to adapt its proprietary RE Engine into an "AI-generation engine" to streamline development and optimise performance.
[ ... ⌘ Read more
Sony’s consultation on physical media: better late than never | Opinion
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The news that Sony is surveying its development partners to get their input on its decision to end support for physical game releases ( first reported by Moore’s Law is Dead) is a little odd, at least from a sequencing perspective. You’d g ... ⌘ Read more
In pictures: the Best Places To Work Awards 2026
Last night saw the reveal of this year's GamesIndustry.biz Best Places To Work Awards UK, which returned to the Royal Institution in London at the end of the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit. The awards were generously sponsored by Amiqus, Playground Games, IO Interactive, Games London and Special Effect.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/in- ... ⌘ Read more
"Quite often it's given me more to do" – Why AI might be creating more work for games companies, rather than saving time
The GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit took place on October 1, and one topic that came up again and again at sessions throughout the day was generative ... ⌘ Read more
Bungie co-founder and Destiny 2 narrative director launch transmedia studio Stone Kite
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Bungie co-founder Jason Jones and Destiny 2 narrative director Margaret Stohl have launched a new transmedia studio called Stone Kite.
Winners of the UK Best Places To Work Awards 2026 revealed
The UK Best Places to Work Awards 2026 took place at the Royal Institution in London on October 1, with special awards going to Dink, Hangar 13, Jagex: The RuneScape Company, NaturalMotion Games, Rare, and Snap Finger Click.
Reigns developer Nerial closes following "significant trading losses" over past two years
Reigns and Card Shark developer Nerial has announced its closure as it enters "hibernation mode."
2XKO would have needed an MAU base "in the high hundreds of thousands, if not millions" to succeed
Riot Games' 2XKO would have had to attract a base of monthly active users "in the high hundreds of thousands, if not millions" to be sustainable, according to CPO Marc Merrill.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/2xko-would-have-needed-an-mau-base- ... ⌘ Read more
Krafton shuts down PUBG spin-off Black Budget nine months after closed alpha test
Krafton is ending development on PUBG spin-off Black Budget nine months after its closed alpha test on Steam.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/krafton-s ... ⌘ Read more
Consumer Protection Cooperation Network launches coordinated actions against nine companies on in-game currency
On 30 September 2026, the [Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network](https://commission.europa.eu/topics/consumers/consumer-rights-and-complaints/enforcement-consumer-protection/consumer-protection-cooperation-n ... ⌘ Read more
Ubisoft Workers of Montreal Union petition to "preserve hybrid work" secures over 300 signatures
The Ubisoft Workers of Montreal Union have launched a petition to "preserve hybrid work", which has reached [more than 300 signatures](https://bsky.app/profi ... ⌘ Read more
Jobs roundup: October | Code Wizards Group appoints Catherine Bygrave as head of commercial
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It can be difficult keeping track of the various comings and goings in the games industry, which is why we compile them in semi-regular round-ups.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/jobs-roundup-october-code-wizards-group-appoints-catherine- ... ⌘ Read more
PC and console revenue charts led by new releases in August | Newzoo charts
Several new releases entered Newzoo's Top 20 revenue charts in August, with EA Sports Madden NFL 27 debuting at No. 2 on console and House House's co-op title Big Walk ranking No. 3 on PC.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/pc-and-console-revenue-charts-led-by-new-releases-in-august-newz ... ⌘ Read more
Ubisoft renames Creative House 2, home of The Division, Ghost Recon and Splinter Cell, as Massive Entertainment
Ubisoft has announced that its Creative House 2 business unit, which houses Tom Clancy's The Division, Ghost Recon, and Splinter Cell alongside "new original IP including March of Giants", will henceforth be known as Massive ... ⌘ Read more
Alleged hacker arrested over leak that exposed GTA Online's daily revenue
Dutch police have arrested a 24-year-old Amsterdam man in connection with an investigation into ShinyHunters, the hacking group the FBI says was behind a data breach that exposed confidential GTA Online revenue figures earlier this year.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/alleged-hacke ... ⌘ Read more
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma insists "Xbox is not for sale"
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has pushed back on speculation that Microsoft could spin off its games division, telling the New York Times: "Xbox is not for sale."
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/xbox-ceo-asha-sharma-insists-xbox-is-not-for-sale ... ⌘ Read more
The Witcher 3 hits its highest-ever Steam concurrent player count following Remastered launch
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has hit its highest concurrent player count on Steam since launch following the launch of CD Projekt Red's free Remastered edition.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/the-witcher-3-hits-its-highest-ever-s ... ⌘ Read more
Grasshopper Manufacture becomes independent as it splits from NetEase Games
Romeo is a Dead Man developer Grasshopper Manufacture has announced its separation from NetEase Games to become an independent studio.
How to run an indie game studio: Part 1, What is a studio?
Making games is hard. Most indie studios only manage to release one game, and when they do, odds are it's not going to be a runaway success. As an indie studio founder, then, you'd be forgiven for putting everything you have into your game, in an effort to increase your odds of success.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/ho ... ⌘ Read more
Zynga reportedly almost acquired Supercell for $400m in 2012, but deal fell through following failure of OMGPop
Supercell was almost acquired by Zynga for $400 million in 2012, according to founder and former CEO Mark Pincus.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/zynga-reportedly-almost-acquired-supercell-for-400m-in-2012-but-deal ... ⌘ Read more
Dune Awakening's creative director on copying Hollywood, in-game advertising, and why style beats photorealism
The fun thing about making a game based on a big movie property is that you get to hobnob with Hollywood royalty. The bad news is that it's through Jira.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/d ... ⌘ Read more
Housemarque and Bithell Games join Game Republic New Horizons speaker lineup, Nintendo to host open session for developers and publishers
Game Republic New Horizons has added Housemarque and Bithell Games to its speaker lineup in addition to an open session with Nintendo representatives for d ... ⌘ Read more
Valve is updating Steam's Discount & Events section to become more "dynamic and personalised"
Valve is updating Steam's Discount & Events section, shifting from manual, calendar-based listings to a more "dynamic and personalised" system to improve discoverability.
... ⌘ Read more
Global game content revenue forecast to rise 2.3% to $229.1bn in 2030, supported by PC and Asia-Pacific market
Global game content revenue is projected to increase from $204.4 billion in 2025 to $229.1 billion in 2030, representing a 2.3% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), according to S&P ... ⌘ Read more
How indie studios can survive industry volatility | Opinion
Denis Fedorov founded Unfrozen, the studio behind Iratus: Lord of the Dead and Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era. He also leads Nova Assembly, a holding company co-owned and run by five studios that share development and marketing expertise, while retaining their creative freedom.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/how ... ⌘ Read more
"Why should we just give up the entire month of November?" – The indie games going head to head with GTA 6
Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to launch on November 19, and it's a fairly safe bet that it will be the biggest game launch of all time.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/why-should-we-just-give-up-the-entire-month-of-novemb ... ⌘ Read more
Sony to skip CES 2027 for first time since expo's inaugural event in 1967
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Sony will not attend the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) next year, marking its first absence since the event began in 1967.
Trophy Games makes largest acquisition to date with $2.6 million Playrion deal
Copenhagen-based Trophy Games is acquiring Playrion, the Paris studio behind Airlines Manager and Airport Simulator: First Class.
National Videogame Museum launches UK-wide survey on game preservation
The National Videogame Museum has launched a UK-wide survey aimed at mapping the state of video game preservation across the country.
"It's a nice story to tell": How DICE bounced back from Battlefield 2042's disastrous launch to release the blockbuster Battlefield 6
Rebecka Coutaz joined DICE at a very difficult point in the storied Swedish developer's history.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/its-a-nice- ... ⌘ Read more
Report: Sony surveying developers about dropping PlayStation disc support
Sony Interactive Entertainment is reportedly surveying developers to find out their thoughts on the decision to end disc support for its PlayStation console.
Wardogs studio chief Brammer insists he isn't "pro crunch, I am pro hard work"
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The CEO of Wardogs maker Bulkhead, Joe Brammer, has clarified his remarks on crunch.
Microsoft boss Nadella says Xbox has to invent "sustainable business model"
The CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella, has said that the company's Xbox division needs to "invent" the correct "sustainable business model" to allow it to reach more and more people with its games.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/microsoft-boss-nadella-says-xbox-has-to-invent-sustainable- ... ⌘ Read more
Here is the full line-up for the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit 2026
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The full line-up of this year's GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit has been announced, featuring keynotes from Sarah Venables, founder of the HR Confidence Club; Jonny Hopper, CEO of Glowmade Studio; and Harvey Elliott and Carmen Martino of Playstack. The event is once again sponsored ... ⌘ Read more
Trophy Games acquires Airport Simulator: First Class developer Playrion from Paradox Interactive
Danish studio Trophy Games has acquired Airport Simulator: First Class developer Playrion from Paradox Interactive.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/trophy-games-acquires-airport-simulator-first-class-developer-playrion-from-para ... ⌘ Read more
Meta unveils AI-powered game tools for mobile devices and browsers; announces VR Glasses with day-one Unity support
Meta has revealed two AI-powered game tools that let players develop 2D and 3D games using prompts on mobile devices and browsers.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/meta-unveils-ai-powered-game-tools-for-mo ... ⌘ Read more
The Xbox reset doesn't have an end date | Opinion
Asha Sharma marked the conclusion of her first hundred days as Xbox CEO with a public blog post in which she called for the next hundred days to be a "reset" of the business. Highlighting the division's low "accountability margin" and declining revenues, along wit ... ⌘ Read more
"Crowdfunding is fundamentally a marketing and a community exercise" – What developers need to know about funding a game with Kickstarter in 2026
We might be long past the days of games companies raising eye-watering figures on Kickstarter, but the platform is still a viable way to r ... ⌘ Read more
Build A Rocket Boy has appointed administrators
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MindsEye developer Build A Rocket Boy has appointed administrators following its most recent wave of layoffs.
King signs collective agreement with Swedish trade unions following call to industrial action last week
King has signed a collective agreement with the Swedish trade unions Unionen and Sveriges Ingenjörer after [last week’s call to industrial action](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/king-w ... ⌘ Read more
Nintendo of America awarded $4.5m in lawsuit from Redditor for pirating Switch hardware and software
Nintendo of America has won $4.5 million in damages from Reddit user James C. Williams, also known as 'Archbox,' for copyright violations.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/nintendo-of-america-awarded-45m-in-lawsui ... ⌘ Read more
Dutch consumer group files lawsuit against Epic for misleading young players on Fortnite, seeking more than €100m in compensation
The Dutch consumer group Stichting Massaschade & Consument (SMC) has filed a class action lawsuit against Epic Games, alleging it has misled young Fortnite players.
Righting old wrongs: MobyGames on letting developers claim games they weren't credited for
In March 2022, Atari acquired the video game database MobyGames.
TinyBuild revenue rises 18% to $20m during H1 2026, with 85% coming from first and second-party owned IP
TinyBuild reported an 18% revenue increase to $20 million for the six months ending June 30, 2026, driven by "strong catalogue performance and new launches."
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/tinybuild-revenue-rises-18-to-20m-during ... ⌘ Read more
Microsoft files patent for "ad-credit" system to show ads on PC and Xbox without disrupting gameplay
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Microsoft has patented an "ad-credit" system to display adverts and announcements during PC and Xbox game sessions without disrupting gameplay.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/microsoft-files-patent-for-ad-credit-sy ... ⌘ Read more
Bethesda boss confirms Obsidian will remain a "distinct" team
Bethesda boss Jill Braff has written to all staff to confirm that Grounded developer Obsidian Entertainment will remain a "distinct" team, retaining its existing leadership structure.
Age of Empires developer World's Edge hit with layoffs following move to Activision
Age of Empires studio World's Edge has been hit with layoffs following its transition to Activision, with "just under half" of employees affected.
The EU KIDS Act: What game developers need to know
On September 17, the EU Commission published a draft for the proposed EU KIDS Act – which stands for Keeping Internet Digital Spaces Accountable and Trustworthy. The most controversial stipulations only apply to social networks ... ⌘ Read more
New publisher PUBLSH launches with Disco Elysium-inspired title Pera Coda
A new game publisher, PUBLSH, has been established by former leadership from marketing agency Petrol.
Sensor Tower: PC and PlayStation unit sales in Japan rise 13% to 21m during H1 2026, led by Resident Evil Requiem
PC and PlayStation unit sales increased 13% to 21 million in Japan during the first half of 2026, led by Resident Evil Requiem.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/sensor-tower-pc-and-playstation-unit-sales-i ... ⌘ Read more
Discord re-launches age verification following backlash over privacy concerns
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Discord has re-launched its age verification process for all users, introducing alternative methods that do not require video selfies or ID.
Undead Labs confirms it is now an "employee-owned studio"
Undead Labs has announced its independence and is now operating as an "employee-owned game development studio."
Xbox transfers Rare and Halo franchise to Activision, proposes closure of Ninja Theory and confirms another 268 roles cut amid studio restructure
Xbox has transferred legendary UK studio Rare and ownership of the Halo franchise to Activision, announced the imminent closure of Ninja Theory and enact ... ⌘ Read more
"There is no easy answer anymore, there's no kind of playbook" – Secret Mode is hedging its bets with two very different pillars
It's all smiles over at Secret Mode right now. Since [breaking free from Sumo Digital](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/secret-mode-busted-out-of-the-tencent-owned-sumo-group-last- ... ⌘ Read more
IO Interactive "had no choice" but to delay Switch 2 launch of 007 First Light for a third time
IO Interactive said it "had no choice" but to delay the launch of 007 First Light on Nintendo Switch 2 for a third time, with the game now set to release in March 2027.
[Read more](https://www.gamesin ... ⌘ Read more
Bungie says it's "not done with Destiny", aims to earn back player trust by restoring archived Destiny 2 content
Three months after Destiny 2's final update, Bungie has announced plans to reinstate vaulted campaigns, raids, and destinations to regain player trust.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/bungie-says-its-not-done-wi ... ⌘ Read more
Xbox reportedly set to announce second round of layoffs this week
Xbox is reportedly preparing for a second round of layoffs this week, according to The Information.
"It's sad and devastating" – Black Myth: Wukong's physical publisher is mourning the loss of PlayStation discs
PM Studios has been doing physical game publishing for a long time. In its early days, around 20 years ago, the Las Vegas-based publisher brought the Korean rhythm-action series DJMax to the US, and since then it has car ... ⌘ Read more
Activision cites data claiming cheating in games is an $8.5bn industry; 69% of online multiplayer studios consider cheating "a significant or very significant problem"
Activision's Team Ricochet, which manages Call of Duty's anti-cheat initiative, recently cited data that claimed ... ⌘ Read more
Tokyo Game Show 2026 celebrated the past, and an uncertain AI future | Opinion
Tokyo Game Show’s 30th anniversary badged itself as "the longest five days of nonstop play", a showcase of the future of gaming. In reality, the event in Japan’s largest gaming convention center, Makuhari Messe, ended after only four, [the final day canceled due to the risk of an oncoming ... ⌘ Read more
Northern Forge Studios and Runaway Play lead Green Games Jam Awards 2026
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The 2026 Green Games Jam Awards, hosted by Playing for the Planet, were presented last week at BFI Southbank, recognising developers for achievements in "sustainable game development and environmental storytelling."
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/northern-forge-studios-and-runaway- ... ⌘ Read more
Hideo Kojima "couldn't understand" why Physint "would be on the list of being cancelled" by Sony
Hideo Kojima didn't think Physint " would be on the list of being cancelled" by Sony, as ... ⌘ Read more
Control Resonant | Critical Consensus
Seven years after launching Control, Remedy returns to a paranatural Manhattan with Control Resonant.
"They've watched so many people lose their jobs, that has an impact" – Managing morale in the wake of layoffs
With tens of thousands of jobs lost across industry in the past few years, to say this is a demoralising tim ... ⌘ Read more
Sessions on managing AI impact, neurodivergent teams and personal resilience confirmed for GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit
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We are delighted to confirm the first round of facilitated discussion sessions at this year's GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit, sponsored by Amiqus, ... ⌘ Read more
Pulling focus: Must AAA pander to the distracted? | Opinion
There's been a lot of talk in recent years about the effect that the inflation of development budgets has had on the industry. As budgets in the hundreds of millions of dollars have become common, cracks have emerged in the foundations of the entire model for funding new games. Attitu ... ⌘ Read more
Strauss Zelnick stresses a well-known franchise like GTA still needs marketing: "You always have to go out and create enthusiasm"
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Some may argue Grand Theft Auto 6 does not require a marketing campaign, but Take-Two Interactive president Strauss Zelnick emphasised that established brands need to ... ⌘ Read more
King workers to strike in Sweden following rejection of collective bargaining agreement
Swedish trade unions Unionen and Sveriges Ingenjörer have issued a strike notice against King after executives rejected a proposed collective bargaining agreement last month.
[Re ... ⌘ Read more
Black Salt Games establishes indie studio Team Trifold under new Saltworks Entertainment label
Dredge creator Black Salt Games has launched a new studio, Team Trifold, alongside a new white-label publisher called Saltworks Entertainment which will provide services to both studios along with fellow New Zealand indie Disc 2 Games.
[Read more](https://www ... ⌘ Read more
GDC Festival of Gaming appoints four members to advisory board
GDC Festival of Gaming has appointed four new members to its advisory board.
Draft of new EU law proposes sweeping restrictions on online games
The EU Commission has published a draft for the proposed EU KIDS Act. While the most controversial stipulations – namely a ban for under 13's and restrictions for under 15 year ... ⌘ Read more
"Every major publisher has approached us to review their old Kinect and Wii catalogue" - Nex Playground is spoilt for choice as its international rollout continues
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With over a million units sold, and [approaching a million paying subscribers](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/nex-playgro ... ⌘ Read more
Remedy's Arhi Makkonen on designing the "biggest world we have ever done" for Control Resonant
Control Resonant releases on September 24, some seven years after 2019's Control. Much has changed for the sequel, notably a switch of main character from Jesse Faden to Dylan Faden, her brother. The new game also places a focus on mele ... ⌘ Read more
Heart Machine faces possible closure after publishing deal falls through; majority of staff laid off
Hyper Light Drifter developer Heart Machine is at risk of shutting down after a publishing deal collapsed.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/heart-machine-faces-possible-closure-after-publishing-deal-falls-through-majority-of-staff-l ... ⌘ Read more
Shinji Mikami to be inducted into the AIAS Hall of Fame later this week
The Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences (AIAS) has announced that Resident Evil creator, Shinji Mikami, will be inducted into its Hall of Fame next year.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/shinji-mikami-to-be-inducted-into-the-aias-hall-of-fame-later-t ... ⌘ Read more
MindsEye developers report new round of layoffs at Build A Rocket Boy
Scottish studio Build a Rocket Boy has reportedly initiated another round of job cuts.
Here are the first finalists for the 2026 GamesIndustry.biz Best Places To Work Awards UK
We are thrilled to reveal the finalists for the special awards at the UK GamesIndustry.biz Best Places To Work Awards 2026.
1312 Interactive raises $1m in seed funding round
Publishing house 1312 Interactive has secured $1 million in a seed funding round.
"I really want Criterion to be considered the best studio in the UK" – why the home of Burnout has a future with Battlefield
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Criterion's future is not like its past.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/i-really-want-criterion-to-be-considered-the-best-stu ... ⌘ Read more
Bohemia Interactive takes minority stake in Everwind developer Enjoy Studio
Bohemia Interactive has secured an undisclosed minority stake in Polish developer Enjoy Studio, creator of co-op FPS survival RPG Everwind.
Why the publisher of Nintendo Life is launching a new PC gaming site
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Games media publisher Hookshot has launched Steam Hype, a new PC-focused media outlet. It is the fifth site launched by Hookshot – in which GamesIndustry.biz parent IGN Entertainment holds a minority stake through its acquisition of Gamer Network – and completes the firm's ... ⌘ Read more
Why switching main characters for your game's sequel might be a mistake
Christian Fonnesbech is a well-known name in the North European games industry. He was previously head of IP development at Nordisk Film Games, but in 2019 he founded Leverage in Copenhagen to help game studios develop their IP.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/why-switching-main-chara ... ⌘ Read more
Sega and Netflix announce partnership to develop Crazy Taxi, Sonic, and Stranger Than Heaven adaptations
Sega and Netflix have formed a multi-title partnership to adapt Crazy Taxi, Sonic, and Stranger Than Heaven.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/sega-and-netflix-announce-partnership-to-develop-crazy-taxi-sonic-and-stranger-than- ... ⌘ Read more
Team17 owner Everplay increases shareholding in Wardogs dev Bulkhead, touts strong FY26 results
Team17 owner Everplay expects strong full-year results, as Bulkhead's Wardogs and Expression Games' Hell Let Loose: Vietnam are outperforming expectations.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/team17-owner-everplay-increases-shareholding-in-wardogs-dev-bu ... ⌘ Read more
Curve Games partners with Wayfinder Studios to publish online co-op RPG Wyldheart
Curve Games has partnered with independent developer Wayfinder Studios to publish Wyldheart, an online co-op RPG.
Level-5 CEO admits using generative AI in recent showcase
Level-5 president and CEO Akihiro Hino has apologized after confirming that generative AI was used in the studio's recent digital showcase.
Valve opens waiting list for Steam Frame, starting at $1059
Valve has opened a waiting list for its new VR system, Steam Frame.
More than 40% of people cancelling Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus and Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions blame rising costs
Cost is increasingly blamed for gamers choosing to cancel their Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, and Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/more-th ... ⌘ Read more
Rockstar and IWGB outline arguments at start of tribunal
Rockstar and the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain have set out their arguments at an ongoing employment tribunal expected to run until October 16.
PlayStation allegedly had "concerns over budget, potential profitability, and exclusivity" over Kojima Productions' Physint
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PlayStation reportedly [discontinued its involvement with Kojima Productions' Physint](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/xbox-to-publish-kojima-productions-physint-after-it-unexpectedly-received-notice-from-play ... ⌘ Read more
Roblox creators will soon be able to publish games on multiple platforms as standalone apps
Roblox will enable creators to publish their games on mobile, PC, and console through the Roblox Everywhere initiative.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/roblox-creators-will-soon-be-able-to-publish-games-on-multiple-platforms-as-standalone-a ... ⌘ Read more
"What's the harm in asking?" – Dlala Studios on taking a big swing to get comedy legend Bob Mortimer for the upcoming game Murals
The name Bob Mortimer might not mean much to those who haven't lived in the UK, but he's a huge deal in the world of British comedy.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/whats-th ... ⌘ Read more
New StarCraft title to launch in 2030, will be an open-world FPS
Blizzard Entertainment has announced that the next StarCraft title will shift from real-time strategy to an open-world first-person shooter.
Moss developer Polyarc Games announces closure
Moss developer Polyarc Games is shutting down after 12 years in operation.
Goodwill Hunting: Consoles’ brand value and loyalty is being tested | Opinion
There’s a really important piece of context that looms behind every decision, every announcement, and every news story about PlayStation or Xbox at the moment. It’s a ticking clock; a countdown to the moment when Sony and Microsoft are going to have to start talking about their next-generation ... ⌘ Read more
State of the Unions: the rise of unionisation in games workplaces
The rise of unions in the video games industry has been a hot topic over the past decade, as more and more workers seek protection for their rights in the face of harsh working conditions and management shortcomings around the world.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/state-of-the-unions-the-rise-o ... ⌘ Read more
European studio expenditure on external talent rises 63% in 2025
In 2025, European studios increased spending on external roles by 63%, outpacing the global growth rate of 55%.
Marvel's Wolverine | Critical consensus
Insomniac Games' take on Wolverine has had an eventful route to market.
Saber Interactive's Tim Willits on generative AI, moving development out of North America, and embracing recognisable IP
Saber Interactive has achieved a lot in the past few years, but the most noticeable recent news to come out of the the company was CEO Matthew Karch's [unfiltered response to accusations that a writer had b ... ⌘ Read more
Saber Interactive has "no real development in North America any more"
Saber Interactive's chief creative officer, Tim Willits, has said that the company has "no real development in North America any more."
No More Robots' nine-year journey to releasing its first self-developed IP – "This sounds so naive and stupid, but somehow it's working"
It's been nine years since [Mike Rose set up the indie publisher No More Robots](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/personal-touch-makes-new-indie-publisher-no-more-robots-e ... ⌘ Read more
GTA 6 Netflix preview drove more than 100,000 sign-ups during its six-hour exclusivity window
Rockstar's preview of Grand Theft Auto 6 on Netflix generated over 100,000 sign-ups in the US during its six-hour exclusivity window on August 27, making i ... ⌘ Read more
Saber Interactive's chief creative officer says "We've never replaced anybody with AI"
Tim Willits, chief creative officer at Saber Interactive, has given his own take on CEO Matthew Karch's response to accusations that a writer at the company had been replaced with ChatGPT.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/saber-interactives-chief-creative-office ... ⌘ Read more
Newzoo: Most established live-service and evergreen titles were flat or down year over year in H1 2026
Live-service and evergreen titles were flat or declined year-over-year in the first half of 2026 compared to 2025, according to Newzoo data.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/newzoo-most-established-live-service-and-evergre ... ⌘ Read more
Xbox to publish Kojima Productions' Physint after it "unexpectedly received notice" from PlayStation that it would cancel the project
Xbox will publish Kojima Productions' upcoming title Physint after the developer "unexpectedly received notice from PlayStation Studios that they would cancel the Physint project" in ... ⌘ Read more
Almost 1,900 Blizzard workers ratify first union contract with Microsoft
Blizzard Entertainment has secured a first union contract with parent company Microsoft, ratified by a workforce vote covering just under 1,900 staff.
Lego Digital Play acquires mobile studio Offroad Games
Lego Digital Play has acquired Offroad Games.
Epic Games Store to introduce age checks for R18+ games in Australia
Epic Games will require Australian players to confirm they're 18 or older before downloading or buying R18+ rated titles on the Epic Games Store, starting September 9.
Mark Cerny and Geoff Keighley launch Nova Games Foundation to fund young designers
Mark Cerny and Geoff Keighley have launched the Nova Games Foundation, a philanthropic fellowship program aimed at funding young game designers.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/mark-cerny-and-geoff-keighley-launch-nova-games-foundation-to-fund-young-de ... ⌘ Read more
Keywords Studios combines existing marketing teams into global creative agency FreeAnimal
Keywords Studios has launched FreeAnimal, a creative organisation made up of seven of its agencies to serve as a single point of contact for developers, publishers, and brands.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/keywords-studios-combines-existing-marketing-te ... ⌘ Read more
"We probably need a few more Expedition 33s to just prove them wrong" – the maker of Valor Mortis on why publishers should have faith in AA
Over the past 12 years, Polish studio One More Level has carved out a niche in the world of AA games with projects whose production values often approach those of AAA ... ⌘ Read more
Frontier Developments FY26 adjusted operating profit jumps 62% to £21.4m
Frontier Developments has reported record financial results following its June trade update.
Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show announces exhibitor lineup for 2026
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Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show has announced its exhibitor lineup for this year's event, including Capcom, Bandai Namco, and The Pokémon Company, as well as Nintendo and PlayStation represented by partners.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/gamescom-asia-x-thailand-game-show-announces-exhi ... ⌘ Read more
Steam achievements for unreleased and unannounced games leak on aggregators such as Exophase and SteamDB
Achievements for unreleased and unannounced games on Steam have been leaked, including Fable, Persona 6, Kingdom Hearts 4, and Control Resonant.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/steam-achievements-for-unreleased-and-unann ... ⌘ Read more
Why the world needs a Club Penguin successor – that isn't Roblox
Club Penguin – the Disney-owned, Flash-based MMO, which ran from 2005 to 2017 – was a formative experience for a generation of children. Stephen MacDonald, who was a senior manager at Disney from 2012 to 2015, says that Club Penguin had over 300 million registered users at its peak.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustr ... ⌘ Read more
Star Stable Entertainment reduces workforce by 20% to secure long-term future of its multiplayer horse adventure RPG
Swedish developer Star Stable Entertainment has laid off 20% of its employees following a restructuring program.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/star-stable-entertainment-reduces-workforce-by-20-to-se ... ⌘ Read more
European game developers are more concerned that AI will pressure them to work faster rather than take their job
61% of European game developers are concerned that generative AI will place them under pressure to work faster and produce more, but only 35% think that AI might cause them to lose their job or reduce demand for the ... ⌘ Read more
The Tetris Company says it was "not involved in the creation" of White House parody, takes "copyright infringement very seriously"
The Tetris Company has issued a statement regarding a US government-made parody of its tile-matching puzzle game, [which has since been removed](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/the ... ⌘ Read more
FuturLab cuts staff after cancelling non-Powerwash Simulator title
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FuturLab has laid off seven employees following the cancellation of a project unrelated to PowerWash Simulator.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced debuts in Top 5 for PC and console revenue in July | Newzoo Charts
Remakes and rereleases drove games revenue in July, with Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced debuting in second on PC and fourth on console in Newzoo's charts.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/assassins-creed-b ... ⌘ Read more
Arm explains its mobile-first AI-reconstruction technology, which takes a different tack from the "black box" approach of DLSS 5
Today, the British semiconductor and software design company Arm is holding the Arm Everywhere China event in Shanghai to unveil its latest contributions to the AI computing lan ... ⌘ Read more
Don't Nod warns it may not have enough funding to operate beyond January 2027
Don't Nod has warned there is "material uncertainty" over its ability to continue operating beyond January 31, 2027, unless it secures further external financing.
Capcom says it will focus on reviving dormant IPs after Onimusha: Way of the Sword's breakout launch
Capcom has revealed it will focus on reactivating dormant intellectual property following a strong launch for Onimusha: Way of the Sword.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/capcom-says-it-will-focus-on-reviving-dormant-ips-after-onimusha- ... ⌘ Read more
"It's not sexy, but it's one of the most successful genres on Steam" – Stronghold developer Firefly steps up to publisher to serve the vast strategy market
Stronghold developer Firefly is the latest developer to move into publishing, debuting a new strategy-focused label Wuselfaktory and its first title ... ⌘ Read more
Sega cancelled its "risky" Super Game project as it "would have to grow enormously to match the scale of the service"
Sega cancelled its live-service Super Game initiative earlier this year as "taking on t ... ⌘ Read more
Tim Schafer: "No one puts Double Fine out of business except me"
Double Fine Productions' boss Tim Schafer recently explained how the studio avoided closure following significant layoffs at Xbox, stating, "no one puts Double Fine out of business except for me."
[Read more](h ... ⌘ Read more
Gamescom issues apology for initial response to hardware thefts: "It did not show the people affected the empathy they deserve"
Gamescom has apologised for its initial response to theft reports at this year's event, acknowledging it "did not strike the right tone" or "show the people affected the empathy they dese ... ⌘ Read more
Niko Partners: Chinese games market surpasses $50bn for the first time in 2025
China's games market surpassed $50 billion for the first time in 2025, growing 5.4% year-on-year to $51.8 billion.
PAX Unplugged Houston to debut in June 2027: "It's a chance to bring PAX back to the PAX South fans that missed us"
ReedPop and Penny Arcade have announced the inaugural PAX Unplugged Houston, scheduled for June 2027.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/pax-unplugged-houston-to-debut-in-june-2027-its-a-chance-to-bring-pax-back-t ... ⌘ Read more
Inside Tencent's long-term strategy: live service, AI tools, and evergreen titles
Many column inches have been spilt questioning the wisdom of a live-service strategy. Sony gambled and lost, as did many other companies chasing the dream of steady r ... ⌘ Read more
Nvidia acquires open-source AI platform Hugging Face for $12.9bn
Nvidia has acquired the artificial intelligence platform Hugging Face for $12.9 billion.
Future imperfect: Five predictions for the next decade | Opinion
A lot of minds around the industry currently seem focused on one thing: the future. Whether it was Amir Satvat's Gamescom Dev keynote, or the plethora of industry luminaries who lined up to ... ⌘ Read more
GTA 6 Netflix preview causes PlayStation and Xbox hardware sales to jump in the UK
PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S console sales increased in the UK following last week's Grand Theft Auto 6 reveal on Netflix.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/gta-6-netflix-preview ... ⌘ Read more
Xbox adds monthly cloud limits to Game Pass as it "continues to invest in its reliability and performance"
Xbox will introduce monthly cloud gaming limits for Game Pass subscribers beginning in November 2026.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/xbox-adds-monthly-cloud-limits-to-game-pass-as-it-continues-to-invest-in-its-rel ... ⌘ Read more
Voting extended for special categories in the Best Places To Work Awards
Now that Gamescom is firmly behind us, the GamesIndustry.biz team is busy judging the entries for this year's Best Places To Work Awards. Entries have closed for our headline awards, which are judged based on anonymous employee feedback - but we have extended the deadline for nominations for our Spe ... ⌘ Read more
Apple faces £2bn lawsuit over implementation of App Tracking Transparency framework
Apple is facing a £2 billion class action lawsuit over the implementation of its App Tracking Transparency (ATT) framework.
"We've got a great team, money in the bank, and financial independence": Glowmade comes out swinging after Amazon pulled the plug on King of Meat
Often when a studio is dropped by a major publisher, it leaves them in dire straits. The story is all too common and often ends in layoffs or out ... ⌘ Read more
Sony and Microsoft request dismissal of consumer lawsuits over tariff refunds
Sony and Microsoft have filed motions to dismiss class action lawsuits accusing them of not passing on tariff refunds to consumers.
Peak studio Aggro Crab establishes publishing label for "intense, stylised games with an attitude"
Aggro Crab, known for Peak and Another Crab's Treasure, has launched a publishing label to support "intense, stylised games with an attitude."
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/peak-studio-aggro-crab-est ... ⌘ Read more
Planet Coaster studio Frontier Developments announces new title based on Disney IP
Frontier Developments has entered into an agreement with Disney to work on a new title based on its portfolio and IP.
"This is the worst crash we've seen since the 1980s," says Tim Sweeney
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney says the industry is going through its biggest crash since the 1980s in the latest issue of Edge Magazine.
CD Projekt Red sees profit climb 37% in H1 2026
CD Projekt Red generated $116.5 million (435 million PLN) in revenue during the first half of 2026, up 23% year-over-year.
Nexus Mods acquires SteamDB
Nexus Mods has acquired SteamDB, the widely used Steam data-tracking site.
Square Enix denies going private after report sends stock surging
Square Enix has issued a statement denying it is exploring taking the company private after a report in Japanese business magazine Sentaku claimed the publisher had drawn interest from foreign investment funds.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/squa ... ⌘ Read more
"Sometimes you need fresh perspectives" – How external development helped Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis
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A hands-off demonstration of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis at Gamescom last week showed that the game is far from a simple remaster of the 1996 original; it's a complete reworking of Lara Croft's first adventure.
[Read ... ⌘ Read more
Moon Studios delays No Rest for the Wicked to March 2027 – "We're holding our games to a standard we won't compromise on"
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Ori and the Will of the Wisps developer Moon Studios has postponed the full release of its next title, No Rest for the Wicked, to March 2027.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/ ... ⌘ Read more
Over 700 games launched on Steam in one week for the first time, though 74% had fewer than 10 reviews
For the first time, more than 700 games were released on Steam in a single week; however, 74% received fewer than 10 reviews.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/over-700-games-launched-on-steam-in-one-week-for-the-first-time-though-74-had- ... ⌘ Read more
Supercell's acquisition of Metacore expected to close at the end of September 2026
Supercell's acquisition of Metacore is progressing, with both companies having signed an agreement expected to close at the end of this month.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/supercells-acquisitio ... ⌘ Read more
GTA 6 extended look reaches 31.1m views on Netflix in four days, making it the most-viewed title last week
The extended look of Grand Theft Auto 6 was the most-viewed title on Netflix last week, reaching 31.1 million views in four days.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/gta-6-extended-look-r ... ⌘ Read more
IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak to discuss development of 007 First Light at Game Republic New Horizons 2026
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IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak will host a 007 First Light session at Game Republic New Horizons.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/io-interactive-ceo-hakan-abrak-to-discuss-development-of-007-first-light-at-game ... ⌘ Read more
The Big Picture: What you need to know about the ongoing games industry reset
The games industry is undergoing a reset. That was the message of Gamescom Dev's opening keynote, delivered by Amir Satvat, who until a few days ago was business development manager at Tencent, but is [now general partner at 1Up Ventures](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/jobs- ... ⌘ Read more
Brian Ward steps down as Savvy Games Group CEO
Brian Ward is stepping down as CEO of Savvy Games Group, according to a staff note obtained by [Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-09-01/saudi-video-game-giant-savvy-ceo-brian-ward-is-stepping-down?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTc4ODI2NzQ1MSwiZXhwIjoxNzg4ODcyMj ... ⌘ Read more
Jobs roundup: September 2026 | Amir Satvat joins 1Up Ventures as a general partner
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It can be difficult keeping track of the various comings and goings in the games industry, which is why we compile them in semi-regular round-ups.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/jobs-roundup-september-2026-amir-satvat-joins-1up-ventures-as-a-general-part ... ⌘ Read more
UKIE launches Discord-backed Go To Market Academy, a business program to support early-stage indie devs
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UKIE has partnered with Discord and GameFlex to launch the Go To Market Academy, a busin ... ⌘ Read more
Gamescom 2026 attendance rose 6% to 368,000 visitors
Gamescom 2026 attracted 368,000 visitors from 131 countries, a 6% increase over the previous year.
Rovio closes Copenhagen studio following shut down of Sonic Blitz
Rovio has closed its Copenhagen studio after cancelling its mobile title Sonic Blitz.
Bit Reactor furloughed "many of its workers" in the weeks before Star Wars Zero Company's launch
Star Wars Zero Company developer Bit Reactor furloughed "many of its workers" prior to the game's release.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/bit-reactor-furloughed-many-of-its-workers-in-the-weeks-before-star-wars-zero-companys-lau ... ⌘ Read more
GTA 6 will have a halo effect for the entire industry | Opinion
When the hype engine for GTA 6 roared into top gear this week, there was a quietly touching aspect amid the excitement that will stay with me for a while. As the 27 minute long extended look at the game racked up millions of views on YouTube, a theme emerged in the comments. Many of the most upvoted messages were b ... ⌘ Read more
Limbic Entertainment on life after Bandai Namco
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In December 2025, German developer Limbic Entertainment was sold by Bandai Namco to a "private investor". This news came just over three years after [the Japanese giant acquired a majority stake in the studio for an undisclosed sum](https://www.gamesindustr ... ⌘ Read more
Cloud Imperium delays Squadron 42 to 2027 – "There is no way I want to launch into the attention buzz saw of GTA 6"
The release of Star Citizen spin-off Squadron 42 has been postponed to Q2 2027 to avoid "launching into the attention buzz saw of Grand Theft Auto 6."
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/cloud-imperium-delays-squadr ... ⌘ Read more
Rockstar formed a new LA-based team to develop more realistic NPCs for Grand Theft Auto 6
Rockstar Games established a new team focused on developing more realistic NPCs for Grand Theft Auto 6.
Sensor Tower: Netflix US mobile viewership increased 35% during GTA 6 extended preview
Netflix US mobile viewership rose 35% hour-over-hour during Grand Theft Auto 6's extended preview yesterday, according to data from Sensor Tower.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz ... ⌘ Read more
Grand Theft Auto 6 30-minute teaser debuts on Netflix
Take-Two Interactive and Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto 6 extended gameplay debut is now live on Netflix.
[Read more](https: ... ⌘ Read more
Playdate maker Panic refunds tariff surcharges to customers
Playdate maker Panic is refunding tariff surcharges to customers after receiving its own refund from the US government after the Supreme Court ruled that President Trump's tariffs were an unlawful use of emergency powers.
European games industry revenue reached €30bn in 2025
The European games industry generated €30 billion in 2025, with digital purchases accounting for 91% of total revenue, according to Video Games Europe (VGE).
Newzoo: 2026 console revenue would be flat year-on-year without Grand Theft Auto 6
Without the launch of Grand Theft Auto 6 this year, console revenue would be flat compared to 2025.
"The things that we based our assumptions on have changed fundamentally": Arrowhead CEO Shams Jorjani on the games industry's rapid transformation
The CEO of Helldivers 2 maker Arrowhead Game Studios, Shams Jorjani, has said that the games industry is in a "transitional phase at the moment".
[R ... ⌘ Read more
Roblox to establish Saudi Arabia headquarters to support MENA creators
Roblox has announced plans to open a headquarters in Riyadh to support its creator program in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
"We view AI as a sliding scale. There will always be a human in the loop; that's our ethos": Why Side has signed an MOU with Modl.ai to use AI for QA
Services provider Side has signed a memorandum of understanding with Danish AI firm Modl.ai.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/we-v ... ⌘ Read more
European Games Developer Federation announces 2026-28 board, Hendrik Lesser re-elected as president
Hendrik Lesser has been re-elected president of the European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) as the organisation announces its 2026-2028 board.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/european-games-developer-federation-announces-2026-28-board-hendrik-le ... ⌘ Read more
Xbox to focus on "efficiency and affordability alongside performance" for next-gen console amid rising hardware costs and innovations in AI
Xbox is prioritising "efficiency and affordability alongside performance" for its next-generation console in the face of rising hardware costs and i ... ⌘ Read more
1047 Games ends active development on Empulse and Splitgate: Arena Reloaded, says it's moving away from live service shooters
1047 Games is ending active development on Empulse and Splitgate: Arena Reloaded, moving both titles to peer-to-peer hosting as the studio signals a broader shift away from live service shooters ... ⌘ Read more
IGDA Incubation SIG to unveil first global census of game incubators and accelerators at Gamescom
The IGDA Incubation SIG will present the first international census of game incubation and accelerator programs at Gamescom 2026 this week, aiming to give the industry its first broad picture of the organizations that support emergin ... ⌘ Read more
Xbox to let Insiders convert physical game discs into digital entitlements later this month
Xbox will let Xbox Insiders begin testing a disc-to-digital feature from August 31, letting owners of supported physical games unlock a digital entitlement for the same title.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/xbox-to-let-insiders-convert-physical-game ... ⌘ Read more
Ubisoft announces playstest platform The Player Council
Ubisoft has announced the soft launch of The Player Council, a platform where players can test games and give feedback directly to developers.
Rockstar responds to GTA 6 leaks – "This is obviously not how we intended for you to see the game after all this time"
Rockstar Games has issued a statement regarding the recent leaks of Grand Theft Auto 6.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/rockstar-responds-to-gta-6-leaks-this-is-obviously-not-how-we-intended-for- ... ⌘ Read more
Testronic expands senior leadership, Mike Guttman appointed vice president of senior partnerships
Testronic has made several senior appointments across its global locations, including Mike Guttman as vice president of senior partnerships.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/testronic-expands-senior-leadership-mike-guttman-appointed-vice-president- ... ⌘ Read more
Roblox applies restrictions to games featuring "reward-driven media feeds" available in Roblox Kids and Select
Roblox has introduced a policy to prevent children from accessing "reward-driven media feeds" in games available in Roblox Kids and Select.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/roblox-applies-restrictions-to-games-featurin ... ⌘ Read more
Executives from EA and Tencent to speak alongside Netflix, Sony, and Disney at FT Business of Entertainment summit
The Financial Times has unveiled the C-suite line-up for its upcoming [Business of Entertainment Summit](https://entertainment.live.ft.com/?utm_source=partner-emp&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=global%7Cpartner%7Ctraffic% ... ⌘ Read more
The highlights of Gamescom Opening Night Live 2026
GamesIndustry.biz was at Gamescom Opening Night Live on Tuesday night, the eighth instalment of the digital showcase. The hall was packed, without an empty seat in sight, and there were plenty of gaming celebrities in attendance: Xbox head Asha Sharma could be seen near the front, gamely forming an 'X' with her arms as the ... ⌘ Read more
Schell Games reportedly lays off staff
Schell Games, co-developer of Among Us 3D and studio behind the I Expect You to Die series, has reportedly laid off staff.
Nvidia brings ray-traced Nanite, native anti-cheat, and DLSS 4.5 to Gamescom 2026 lineup
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Nvidia used Gamescom to detail a wave of developer-facing updates across DLSS, RTX, and its GeForce Now cloud platform.
Entity raises $5.8 million to build browser-based "console-quality" gaming platform
Irish startup Entity has raised $5.8 million (€5 million) in seed funding to build a browser-based gaming platform it says will deliver console-quality games without downloads or installs.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/entity-raises-58-million-to-build-browser-based-console-qua ... ⌘ Read more
Game Developer Association of India picks 15 studios for first Supernova cohort
The Game Developer Association of India (GDAI) has announced the first cohort of its Supernova incubation program, selecting 15 studios from more than 260 applicants.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/game-developer-association-of-india-picks-15-studios-for-fi ... ⌘ Read more
Maverick Games partners with Focus Entertainment to publish debut racing title Clutch
French publisher Focus Entertainment has partnered with Maverick Games to launch its debut racing title, Clutch.
Journey studio Thatgamecompany launches Thatgamepublisher to champion games that "move people through play"
Thatgamecompany, the studio behind Flow, Flower, Journey, and Sky: Children of the Light, has launched a publishing arm.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/journey-studio-thatgamecompany-launches-thatgamepublisher-to-c ... ⌘ Read more
EU games industry generated €24bn in 2024, studios reached 6,600 and workforce exceeded 95,000
The European games industry generated a combined turnover of €24 billion in 2024, with over 6,600 studios employing more than 95,000 people.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/eu-games-industry-generated-24bn-in-2024-studios-reached- ... ⌘ Read more
Gamescom Dev head says smaller studios represent the biggest opportunity in the games market
Frederik Hammes, who took over from Stephan Reichart as managing director of Gamescom Dev this year, says [the results of the Gamescom Dev speaker survey](ht ... ⌘ Read more
Newzoo: Global games market to generate $213.9bn in 2026, up 6.1% YoY
Newzoo projects the global games market will grow 6.1% to $213.9 billion, with over half of consumer spending originating from China and the US.
Godot Engine partner firm W4 Games secures $18m Series B funding, signs deal with Tencent to bolster Asia ecosystem
W4 Games has raised $18 million in a Series B funding round led by Tencent and has signed an agreement with the Chinese giant to scale and bolster the Godot ecosystem in Asia.
[Read more](https://www.games ... ⌘ Read more
GDC Festival of Gaming announces changes to 2027 event, including new Business Hall at Moscone West
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GDC Festival of Gaming has announced changes to its 2027 event, including a new Business Hall at Moscone West.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/gdc-fe ... ⌘ Read more
Maria Redin of mobile giant MTG on rebranding, buying Raid: Shadow Legends, and plans to double the company's size
In February last year, the Swedish mobile giant MTG (Modern Times Group) acquired Plarium, maker of the hugely successful hero collecting game Raid: Shadow Legends, [for a cool $620 million](https://www.gamesindustr ... ⌘ Read more
Data: 96% of studios now run a direct-to-consumer web store or plan to
Almost all games studios run a direct-to-consumer (D2C) web store or plan to, according to a new survey.
Double Fine Productions regains ownership of IP and publishing rights following independence from Xbox
Double Fine Productions has regained ownership of its intellectual property and publishing rights after leaving Xbox
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/double-fine-productions-regains-ownership-of-ip-and-publishing-rights-followi ... ⌘ Read more
Take-Two Interactive files subpoenas against Microsoft, Discord, and X amid ongoing GTA 6 leaks
Take-Two Interactive has subpoenaed Microsoft, Discord, and X regarding the ongoing Grand Theft Auto 6 leaks.
The opportunity cost of Sony's live service pivot is enormous | Opinion
The folly of the live service mania that consumed the games business for much of the past decade is pretty well documented by this point. The idea that every game should be a live service game – the ab ... ⌘ Read more
IGN Entertainment brings Women In Gaming networking event to Gamescom
IGN Entertainment is hosting a Women in Gaming networking breakfast at Gamescom, on the morning of Wednesday 26th August. The event is supported by GamesIndustry.biz, and will take place in the Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln from 8.30-10.30.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/ign-ent ... ⌘ Read more
Compulsion Games officially separates from Xbox – "The team told me we would rather eat rocks and drink gasoline than be split up"
Compulsion Games is now independent from Xbox, with management acquiring both the studio and its staff.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/compulsion-games-officially-sepa ... ⌘ Read more
Rover's Tale developer Observer Interactive parts ways with Team17 as it moves to self-publishing
Team17 is no longer publishing Observer Interactive's debut title Rover's Tale.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/rovers-tale-developer-observer-interactive-parts-ways-with-team17-as-it- ... ⌘ Read more
Why Xbox's console ads could be a good thing for gaming | Opinion
Virginie Chesnais is CMO at the ad tech analytics platform Happydemics .
Roblox makes its AI safety tools open source
Roblox is open-sourcing three of its AI safety models via the Robust Open Online Safety Tools Model Community (ROOST).
Riot Games sunsets active development on 2XKO as it costs "substantially more to operate than it brings in"
Riot Games will end active development of its free-to-play fighting game 2XKO in December.
Geoff Keighley clarifies how trailers are selected for Gamescom Opening Night Live
In a press pre-briefing ahead of next week's Gamescom conference, Geoff Keighley has shed some light on the process of how trailers are selected for the Opening Night Live digital showcase, which will take place on Tuesday.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry. ... ⌘ Read more
US physical game sales drop to lowest monthly total since 1995 | US Monthly Charts
US physical software sales fell to $85 million in July, the lowest monthly total since Circana began tracking in 1995.
GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit reveals new People and Workplace focus, dedicated to shaping the future of games workplaces
This year's GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit, returning to the Royal Institution on October 1, will have a new focus o ... ⌘ Read more
Makers Fund raises $250m in fourth round to support interactive entertainment startups
Venture capital firm Makers Fund has secured $250 million to invest in startups advancing games and interactive entertainment. This brings its total assets under management to $1.5 billion.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/makers-fund-raises-250m-in-fourth-round-to-s ... ⌘ Read more
Rockstar hit with more leaks as GTA 6 gameplay and assets appear to circulate on social media
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A hacker group is is posting daily leaks of what appears to be details and footage from a build of GTA 6. Material posted so far include various gameplay mechanics and assets, including a full game map.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/rocks ... ⌘ Read more
Why a publisher you've probably not heard of is spending millions of dollars on its Gamescom presence
Walking the halls of Gamescom, the biggest, most elaborate booths you'll see will generally have an equally big, familiar name attached. Here's Capcom, Xbox, Sega, EA, Ubisoft, and so on. But at this year's event, a significant chunk of Halls 6 and 7 wi ... ⌘ Read more
Inner Pocket Publishing is "building a quiet corner for people who love thoughtful single-player games"
A team of industry veterans from Critical Reflex, Gaijin Entertainment, and Nozomu Games has established the indie label Inner Pocket Publishing.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/inner-pocket-publishing-is-building-a-quiet-cor ... ⌘ Read more
"As more people play games, even the tiniest niches find a bigger audience" – Why Matt Webster is convinced people want Star Wars: Galactic Racer
Matt Webster looked set to be a lifer at Electronic Arts. He joined the firm way back in 1990, and spent nearly two decades working at Burnout and Need for Speed make ... ⌘ Read more
Report: Live-service removed from Horizon Hunters Gathering following negative player feedback
Guerrilla Games is overhauling Horizon Hunters Gathering by removing its live-service features in response to negative player feedback, according to [Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-08-19/playstation-reboots-horizon-hunters ... ⌘ Read more
"We chose the worst time in history" – Harvey Smith on starting his own studio after Arkane
Microsoft's closure of Arkane Austin in May 2024 left 96 developers out of work – among them studio head Harvey Smith, whose storied career spans Deus Ex, Dishonored, and Prey. ... ⌘ Read more
Human: Fall Flat veterans launch new UK studio Pretty Cool Games with funding from Arknights developer Hypergraph
Pretty Cool Games has been co-founded by Human: Fall Flat veterans Sitara Shefta (CEO) and Will Dudley (CCO) with the aim of building a sustainable studio that's fair to its employees and rewards them for their success ... ⌘ Read more
Konami's Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls to be taken offline next month
Konami has announced the shut down Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls next month.
VS Studio adds another Tekken veteran as Kohei Ikeda joins as game designer
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Tekken 8 director Kohei Ikeda has joined Katsuhiro Harada's VS Studio.
Gamescom 2026 sets new record as number of country pavilions increases by 25%
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With Gamescom 2026 less than a week away, the event will host nearly 50 pavilions from 40 countries, up 25% and 14% over 2025, respectively.
Three Epic veterans are building an AI-powered game engine to break the industry's doom cycle
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Unity and Unreal have dominated the development scene for a long time now, and were used to make [roughly 70% of the games released on Steam in 2025](https://newsletter.gamediscover.co/p/hows-pc-game-engine-usage-changi ... ⌘ Read more
Bain & Co: Research shows only one in five players seek out new titles
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Global gaming software revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 3% over the past four years and is expected to continue at this pace for the next four years. But two-thirds of players prefer familiar games or sequels, and only one in five seek new titles.
[Read more](https://ww ... ⌘ Read more
Deus Ex creator Warren Spector announces retirement – "it's time to ride off into the sunset"
Deus Ex creator Warren Spector has announced his retirement after over forty years in game development.
Save the Children announces its first game and streaming fundraising event called Save Point
This Christmas, Save the Children will launch is first game and streaming fundraiser called Save Point.
GYLD closes oversubscribed $1m seed round to fund proprietary games research system
Games publishing and investment agency GYLD has closed an oversubscribed $1 million seed round to support its proprietary games research system, Critical Compass.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/gyld-closes-oversubscribed-1m-seed-round-to-fund-proprietary-games-r ... ⌘ Read more
The Hollywood disruptors making a large-scale game with a 12-person team – and no generative AI
You might recall the trailer for Join Us being featured in the Xbox Showcase back in June. It depicts a darkly comic co-op cult simulator, with robed cult members riding around on pigs and loosing off machine guns, before ending ... ⌘ Read more
US Senate to investigate Roblox following claims it "prioritises revenue and engagement" over child safety
The US Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism has launched an investigation into Roblox, saying the platform "appears to prioritise revenue and engagement metrics" over child safety.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry. ... ⌘ Read more
Saber Interactive adds AI disclaimer to Rideshare on Steam; CEO Matt Karch apologies to former lead writer
Saber Interactive has added an AI disclaimer to Rideshare Simulator's Steam page following controversy over allegations the firm had dismissed a writer working on ... ⌘ Read more
Matchmaking platform Sail.game launches free tier for devs ahead of Gamescom
Matchmaking platform Sail.game is introducing a free tier for PC and console game developers ahead of Gamescom.
Modern consumers crave "events", and the games industry needs to provide them | Opinion
For almost as long as the games industry has existed, the conventional wisdom around sequels has remained the same: strike while the iron is hot. If you have a hit game, ensure you get a sequel out the door before the public loses interest. If you have more than one hit in a ro ... ⌘ Read more
Niko Partners: India games market exceeds $1bn, forecast to reach $1.2bn by end of 2026
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India's games market exceeded $1 billion in revenue for the first time in 2025, up 14.8% year over year to $1.04 billion.
2K establishes AAA sports developer Small Axe Studios
2K has launched Small Axe Studios, an AAA development team based in Vancouver, Canada.
Arc Raiders generates $114.9m during Nexon's Q2, sells an additional 800,000 units
Nexon's Q2 results exceeded expectations, driven by strong performances from its MapleStory franchise and the ongoing success of Embark Studios' Arc Raiders.
"I don't see why people are scared of it" – Why ShipShaper developer Tomas Sala doesn't think indies should be stressing about GTA6
GTA6 is messing with Tomas Sala's plans. He'd intended to launch ShipShaper earlier this year, but "life got in the way," h ... ⌘ Read more
Netflix shutters Night School Studio and Moonloot Games
Netflix has closed Night School Studio and Helsinki-based Moonloot Games.
Mattel launches new global studios business to develop games based on its IP
Mattel has announced the formation of Mattel Game Studios, a global development organisation that will create games based on the company's IP. It follows the company's February acquisition of 100% of Mattel163, ... ⌘ Read more
Sensor Tower: 89% of GTA6 preorders are for the $100 ultimate edition
The digital intelligence firm Sensor Tower reports that 89% of preorders for GTA6 are for the $100 ultimate edition rather than the $80 standard edition.
Testronic appoints Sonia Kerr as CEO, Sharon Baylay-Bell becomes company chair
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Testronic has appointed Sonia Kerr as CEO, succeeding Sharon Baylay-Bell, who moves into the role of company chair.
Witcher multiplayer spin-off Project Sirius hit by fresh layoffs
CD Projekt Red's Witcher multiplayer game, known internally as Project Sirius, has suffered another round of layoffs.
Saber Interactive denies replacing writer with AI
Saber Interactive has denied replacing a writer with ChatGPT on its upcoming driving game Rideshare Stimulator.
CodeDev Group launches dev studio Full Spectrum Interactive
CodeDev Group, also known as The Unreal Guys, has launched a new studio called Full Spectrum Interactive.
MMORPG Throne and Liberty transitions from Amazon Game Studios to NC (formerly NCSoft)
Throne and Liberty's global publishing service will transfer from Amazon Game Studios to NC (formerly NCSoft).
How Planet of Lana became a hit through dogged determination after being rejected "hundreds" of times
The story of Planet of Lana is the story of triumph over adversity. But it's also one of naivety. The developers themselves admit they had no clue what they were doing at first.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/how-planet-of-lana-bec ... ⌘ Read more
BAFTA Games Awards updates voting requirements and entry fees as it opens entries for 2027 ceremony
Entries for the 2027 BAFTA Games Awards are now open, alongside updates to its entry requirements, fee structure, and AI policy.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/bafta-games-awards-updates-voting-requirements-and-entry-fees-as-it-opens ... ⌘ Read more
Pearl Abyss Q2 earnings decline as impact of Crimson Desert's launch period subsides
Pearl Abyss reported a weaker second quarter as the initial impact of Crimson Desert's March launch has tapered off.
UKIE-backed Digital Schoolhouse partners with Roblox to provide suite of tools for students to develop Roblox games in-class
UKIE-backed educational non-profit Digital Schoolhouse has partnered with Roblox to develop a suite of free tools designed to teach children how to create ... ⌘ Read more
Gamescom Dev speaker survey identifies potential impacts of AI on team structure and productivity
Gamescom Dev has released its annual speaker survey results, revealing that 83% of respondents expect AI to impact team structure or productivity.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/gamescom-dev-speaker-survey-identifies-potential-impa ... ⌘ Read more
Supermassive Games announces layoffs, up to 75 workers may be affected
Supermassive Games has announced a third round of layoffs in three years, potentially impacting up to 75 positions.
Reforj developer 4J Studios unveils Rixels: modified pixels that reduce texture memory requirements by 98%
Reforj developer 4J Studios has debuted a technology called Rixels that offer an alternative way to provide textures using a fraction of the memory requirements. The Dundee-based studio has applied to patent the technology.
[R ... ⌘ Read more
Remedy reports revenue declines in Q2 and H1 as it prepares for Control Resonant launch
Remedy reported revenue declines in the first half and second quarter of 2026 while increasing marketing efforts for Control Resonant.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/remedy-reports-revenue-declines-in-q2-and-h1-as-it-prepares-for-control-resonant-lau ... ⌘ Read more
GamesAid appoints six new trustees as it raises £82,000 in funding during 2025/26
GamesAid has appointed six new trustees to its board and raised £82,000 for four charities in 2025/26.
Square Enix Q1 profit soars following Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth launch on Switch 2 and Xbox
Square Enix reported strong first-quarter growth, with profit rising 175.5% to ¥13.2 billion ($82.9 million).
Halloween: The Game denied classification in Australia and New Zealand over drug depiction
IllFonic's asymmetric horror title Halloween: The Game has been refused classification by the Australian Classifications Board, barring its sale in both Australia and New Zealand.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/hallo ... ⌘ Read more
Valve confirms Steam hardware buyers' data exposed in CEVA Logistics cyberattack
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Valve has begun notifying European customers who ordered Steam hardware that their personal information may have been exposed following a cyberattack on CEVA Logistics, the company that handles Steam hardware deliveries across the region.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/va ... ⌘ Read more
HandyGames rebrands as THQ Nordic Mobile
HandyGames has rebranded as THQ Nordic Mobile, with the publisher shifting its focus toward bringing premium PC and console titles to mobile platforms.
Leaked emails reveal Blizzard is Xbox's top-performing studio for FY26
Blizzard closed Microsoft's 2026 fiscal year as the best-performing studio within Xbox Game Studios, according to internal emails obtained and verified by [Windows Central](https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/blizzard/blizzard-is-now-xboxs-top-performing-studio-as-the-division-ends-fy26-over ... ⌘ Read more
How Vampire Survivors became Vampire Crawlers: Six lessons from building a game based on another developer's IP
Andreas Firnigl started his career as a tester on Big Mutha Truckers, way back on Gamecube. He founded Nosebleed Interactive almost 15 years ago as CEO and creative director.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.b ... ⌘ Read more
Xbox to implement age verification in Australia on console and PC in late August
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Xbox will begin rolling out age verification for users in Australia later this month.
Former Ubisoft Barcelona workers launch Dark Ritual Studios, an indie developer focused on "craftsmanship over scale"
After launching Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced in June, [Ubisoft eliminated 51 positions at its Barcelona studio](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/layoffs-begin-at-ubisoft-barcelona-following-assassins-c ... ⌘ Read more
Bandai Namco achieves record Q1 sales, but Digital segment operating profit drops 30.9%
Bandai Namco reported record first-quarter results overall.
Sega reports 17.3% rise in Q3 net sales; games segment exceeds expectations
Sega Sammy reported a 17.3% increase in net sales for its first quarter. The Entertainment Contents segment, which includes games, exceeded expectations at ¥68.4 billion ($432 million).
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/sega-reports-173-rise-in-q3-net-sales-games-segment-exceeds-expect ... ⌘ Read more
Strauss Zelnick: Netflix debut is merely "one of the hors d'oeuvres" for full GTA 6 launch; pre-order numbers are "unprecedented and astonishing"
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick tells GamesIndustry.biz that the forthcoming Netflix gameplay premiere of GTA 6, whi ... ⌘ Read more
Investors hate Roblox’ new direction – but a reversal may be impossible | Opinion
When Epic Games announced major layoffs back in March, it become clear that Fortnite – once regarded as holding a near-unassailable market position – was [facing a serious slump, if not a lasting decline](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/it-turns-out-fortnite-isnt-the-forever-game-after-all ... ⌘ Read more
Analyst: AI-focused M&A deals are "weakening" the games investment landscape
A new M&A report from analyst S&P has indicated a weakening investment environment for games, with available funding increasingly going to businesse models relying on recurring engagement, platform leverage or alternative monetization.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.b ... ⌘ Read more
Former Icelandic minister joins Fenris Creations to lead new AI partnerships
Fenris Creations has appointed former Icelandic minister Áslaug Arna Sigurbjörnsdóttir as senior director for AI partnerships.
Take-Two Q1 results include net bookings ahead of guidance, a slight increase in revenue, and cancellation of unannounced game
Take-Two's Q1 results came in slightly ahead of guidance thanks to strong performance of NBA 2K6 and GTA supported by the Zynga mobile portfolio, with the firm maintaining its previous projection ... ⌘ Read more
Charity bundle hosted by Necrosoft Games nears $200,000 goal to support workers affected by layoffs
An Itch.io charity bundle supporting industry workers affected by layoffs in the US and Canada is close to reaching its $200,000 goal.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/charity-bundle-hosted-by- ... ⌘ Read more
Tripledot Studios acquires Supersonic from Unity for $40m
Tripledot Studios has acquired mobile publisher Supersonic from Unity for $40 million.
Unity records "best quarter in history" following continued success of Vector AI
Unity CEO Matt Bromberg described the company's latest financial results as the "best quarter in its history as a public company."
Roblox shares fall 70% following lower-than-expected monetisation during Q2
Roblox shares have reportedly declined 70% after [second quarter results](https://www.gamesindustry.b ... ⌘ Read more
UK Employment Rights Act 2025: Harassment law is getting tougher – and games companies need to be ready
This is the second article in our series analysing the potential impact of the new Employment Rights Act (ERA) 2025 on games businesses operating within the UK.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/uk-employment-rights-a ... ⌘ Read more
Kudos Games Services expands leadership team with Testronic and Team17 veterans
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Kudos Games Services has expanded its senior leadership team by appointing Michael Hanna as chief operating officer and Ann Hurley as non-executive director.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/kudos-games-services-expands-leadership-team-with-testronic-and-team17-veterans ... ⌘ Read more
Devolver Digital intends to go private
Indie publisher Devolver Digital is looking to once again become a private company later this year.
Nintendo Q1 sales drop 9.5%; operating profit soars following higher software sales and $300m in US tariff refunds
Nintendo reported a 9.5% decrease in first-quarter net sales, but operating profit rose 150.5% due to higher software revenue and $300 million in US tariff refunds.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/nintendo-q1-sales-dr ... ⌘ Read more
King declines collective bargaining agreement with Swedish unions
Candy Crush developer King has rejected a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with Swedish trade unions Unionen and Sveriges Ingenjörer.
Phasmophobia developer's indie label Kinetic Publishing to reveal debut slate at showcase later this month
Kinetic Publishing, the publishing label founded by Phasmophobia developer Kinetic Games, will reveal the first games signed to the label at a showcase on August 12.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/phasmophobia-developers-indie-label- ... ⌘ Read more
Silver Lining Interactive launches first title from its development label Silver Bullet
Indie games publisher Silver Lining Interactive has revealed the first title from its internal IP development label, Silver Bullet.
Jobs roundup: August 2026 | Three new hires at Yogscast Games
It can be difficult keeping track of the various comings and goings in the games industry, which is why we compile them in semi-regular round-ups.
Electronic Arts completes $55bn acquisition; CEO announces senior leadership changes
Electronic Arts has completed its $55 billion leveraged buyout, with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) now the majority owner.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/ ... ⌘ Read more
Raptor PR launches Early Gaming Growth platform to help gaming startups navigate B2B communications
Raptor PR has launched Early Gaming Growth (EGG), a communications platform designed for gaming startups.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/raptor-pr-launches-early-gaming-growth-platform-to-h ... ⌘ Read more
Secret Mode opens new Sheffield studio to support internal titles, starting with Escape the Backrooms and Chained Together
Indie publisher Secret Mode has set up a new internal development studio in Sheffield to support the label's line-up of games, starting with recent hit Escape the Backrooms and Chaine ... ⌘ Read more
Ex-Sumo Group CEO Carl Cavers joins co-dev studio Vertpaint as non-exec director and shareholder
Co-development studio Vertpaint has appointed former Sumo Group co-founder and CEO Carl Cavers OBE as non-executive director and shareholder.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/ex-sumo-group-ceo-carl-cavers-joins-co-dev-studio-vertpaint-as-non- ... ⌘ Read more
FirstLook launches creator-first platform Creators.gg with launch partners IO Interactive and Brain Jar Games
Player relationship and marketing platform FirstLook has launched Creators.gg to connect studios with creators of any size, rather than limiting opportunities to those with the largest audiences.
[Read more]( ... ⌘ Read more
The industry makes great games, but nobody can find them
At the Madeira Games Summit in May, Michal Bujko, senior business development manager at Modma Studios, asked a question: If we were looking back at 2026 five years from now, what should we have fixed when we still had the chance?
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/the-industry-makes-great-games-but-nobody ... ⌘ Read more
Roblox's reported user numbers will make it subject to additional EU legislation for regulating social networks
Roblox could become the first game to be classified as a very large online platform (VLOP) under European legislation.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/robloxs-reported-user-numbers-will-make-it-subject-to-additiona ... ⌘ Read more
FIFA World Cup developer Refactor Games reportedly shuttered by Delphi Interactive
Refactor Games has reportedly been shut down by part-owner Delphi Interactive.
Atari's core business returns to profit, but consolidated group posts $5.5m net loss as Thunderful drags on results
Atari has released its consolidated financial results for the full 2025-26 fiscal year, reporting revenue growth of 66% year-on-year to $65 million (€56.0 million), its highest level in more than a decade, driven largely b ... ⌘ Read more
Razer acquires StreamElements assets
Razer has acquired the assets of the cloud-based live streaming platform, StreamElements.
Ustwo Games was pushed out of mobile by the rise of free-to-play – but the mobile way of doing things is coming to PC
Ustwo Games has always been synonymous with tactile mobile game experiences, chiefly their breakout hit Monument Valley and subsequent releases Assemble With Care and Desta: The Memories Between. Earlie ... ⌘ Read more
AI startup Reforged Labs shuts down as the "gap we were selling into is closing"
Generative AI platform Reforged Labs is shutting down after three year ... ⌘ Read more
Rokky teams up with Revolution Software to bring Broken Sword franchise to China
Game distributor Rokky has partnered with Revolution Software to co-publish its Broken Sword franchise in China.
Last Sentinel developer Lightspeed LA conducts layoffs, 80 roles reportedly cut
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Tencent-owned Lightspeed LA has undergone layoffs as it "shifts the creative and development direction" of its debut title, Last Sentinel.
Microsoft confirms increased Xbox prices in the UK and Europe
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Xbox consoles in the UK and Europe will increase from between £130/€150 and £170/€200 following worldwide price hikes announced in late June.
[Read more](https://www.g ... ⌘ Read more
Xbox is (probably) not for sale | Opinion
For much of this year, each new week has brought with it a new impetus for a rash of articles on Microsoft’s Xbox misfortunes. From deep wounds like layoffs and project cancellations, to stinging papercuts like internal memos, poorly received public statements, or unflattering data points, as the company struggles to turn around a giant busines ... ⌘ Read more
"We will not live on past successes or be trapped by past failures" – Xbox CEO outlines priorities to turn platform around in FY27
Asha Sharma has outlined key priorities to help Xbox recover after it [reported a $1.7 billion decline in revenue last year](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/xbox-revenue-plunges-17bn-with ... ⌘ Read more
Unity announces dedicated engine for Netflix Games
Unity is providing Netflix with a dedicated engine to support its games.
PlayStation reports flat Q1 sales, says it's "cautiously moving forward" with halting physical disc production
Sony reported flat sales in its Games & Network Services (G&NS) segment for its first quarter, but operating income rose 37%, primarily due to US tariff refunds.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/playstation-reports-flat-q1 ... ⌘ Read more
EA aquisition set to close on August 4 following approval from required regulatory bodies
The $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts is set to close on August 4 following approval from all required regulatory bodies.
Roblox Q2 revenue rises 36% to $1.5bn
Roblox has announced its second-quarter financial results, highlighting substantial year-over-year revenue growth, despite a minor shortfall in net bookings.
Analyst data: Assassin's Creed Odyssey experiences surge in daily active users following Christopher Nolan film
Following the release of Christopher Nolan's Odyssey film on July 17, daily active users of Assassin's Creed Odyssey increased significantly across all platforms.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/ana ... ⌘ Read more
AppMagic: Pokémon Go generates $48.5m during 10th anniversary celebrations
Pokémon Go generated over $48.5 million in in-app purchase revenue during its 10th anniversary week, according to AppMagic data.
Gamesight: Creators are best predictor for a game's success, not viewership
The number of active creators and streamers after launch is the clearest predictor of success for player-versus-player first-person shooter games, rather than the total hours watched, according to new data.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/gamesight-creators-are-best-predictor-for-a-gam ... ⌘ Read more
"I learnt a tonne about enamel pin manufacturing" – Brigador developer Stellar Jockeys on the secrets of selling video game merchandise
Since the indie boom of the 2010s, one piece of advice commonly given to smaller studios has been the value of merchandise.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/i-learnt-a- ... ⌘ Read more
GTA 6 download codes to expire 170 days after launch in Japan
Grand Theft Auto 6 download codes will expire in Japan on May 8, 2027.
Xbox revenue plunges $1.7bn, with hardware dropping 29% YoY
Microsoft has published its latest financial results, with Xbox revenue down 7% for the full year and 10% in the fourth quarter.
"People want to play arcade racers again" – How the developer of Wreckreation went from a company-wide redundancy notice to working on a sequel
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When we last heard from Fiona Sperry in December, she had just put [the entire team at Three Fields Entertainment on notice of redundancy](https://www.gamesindu ... ⌘ Read more
Capcom producer says Resident Evil remakes are providing financial support to develop new games and IP
Capcom's strategy of remaking classic Resident Evil titles is generating the financial resources needed to develop new games and IP, according to producer Masachika Kawata.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/capcom-pro ... ⌘ Read more
Subnautica and PUBG franchises drive Krafton Q2 revenue up 94.9% to $889.1m
Krafton experienced record second-quarter growth, with revenue rising 94.9% to ₩1.29 trillion ($889.1 million), while operating profit also rose 67% to ₩410.9 billion ($283.1 million).
UK Games Fund announces largest cohort of indie studios to receive grants of up to £100,000
The UK Games Fund has announced its largest group of funded companies since its launch in 2015.
Double Fine Productions cuts 23 roles as it becomes independent from Xbox
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Double Fine Productions has reduced its workforce by 25% following its full separation from Xbox earlier this week.
New data suggests layoffs will affect 14,259 people by the end of 2026, up 78% from first forecast of the year
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New data from the ASGC Games Industry Layoffs Tracker predicts job losses will reach 14,259 by the end of 2026, representing a 78% increase over an initial forecast for the year. ... ⌘ Read more
"Across the industry, we don't think enough about how we match the scope to what we're making" – Mike Bithell on why the world needs an im-slim
2025 was a very bad year for Mike Bithell. In August, he announced that the [majority of full-time staff](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/bithell-games-announces ... ⌘ Read more
Pragmata and Resident Evil franchise boost Capcom's Q1 ordinary profit by 81% to $252.5m
Capcom has released its Q1 financial results, reporting significant growth in net and ordinary profit driven by strong sales of Pragmata and catalogue titles – particularly its Resident Evil franchise.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/pragmata-and-resident ... ⌘ Read more
Atari and Twin Galaxies announce Atari World Championships
Atari has partnered with Twin Galaxies to launch the Atari World Championships.
John Hight steps down as Wizards of the Coast president
John Hight, the president of Wizards of the Coast, will be stepping down on September 1. The news was given through a US Securities and Exchange Commission filing on July 27.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/john-hight-steps-down- ... ⌘ Read more
Games for Change Festival to expand and move to new cities
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Games for Change (G4C) has announced that its annual festival will be hosted in a new city during odd-numbered years, starting with Arizona in 2027.
Xbox explains outage preventing players from accessing games, CTO says it will "do better"
Xbox has provided an explanation for yesterday's hours-long outage, which prevented players from signing in, accessing their libraries, and playing games.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/xbox-explains-outage-preventing-players-from-acce ... ⌘ Read more
Video Game History Foundation releases major new E3 archive collections
The Video Game History Foundation (VGHF) has published new collections documenting the history of E3, the industry trade show that ran from 1995 to 2021.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/video-game-history-foundation-releases-major-new-e3-archive-collecti ... ⌘ Read more
Atari signs 10-title film deal with Universal
Atari has signed a deal with Universal Pictures to develop 10 of its game IPs into feature films.
Cyan reveals abandoned prototype for new Myst game, confirms different Myst game is in development
Cyan Worlds has confirmed a new title in the Myst franchise is now in early development.
CodeDev launches optimisation division The Performance Guys
UK co-development house CodeDev, also known as The Unreal Guys, has launched a specialist optimisation division called The Performance Guys, built explicitly to tackle project-critical optimisation work. It contains exclusive ... ⌘ Read more
"This is us speaking to the world" – Why London is keen to host esports events like the Valorant Masters
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Last month, London hosted the Valorant Masters, one of the biggest dates in the calendar for Riot Games' tactical shooter.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/this-is-us-speaking-to-the-world-why-london-is-keen-to- ... ⌘ Read more
John Romero announced as keynote speaker for Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show
Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show has announced that id Software co-founder John Romero will headline the business area conference of this year's event in Bangkok, with a keynote entitled "Why We Still Make Games" about "a lifetime of building games, overcoming setbacks and nav ... ⌘ Read more
Why new EU deepfake legislation means games need to be careful when featuring real-world people and locations
The EU AI Act's deepfake transparency rules present an interesting challenge for game studios. The obligation is broader than the popular understanding of a deepfake, extending ... ⌘ Read more
After half a decade of job losses, there is no “business as usual” | Opinion
The past five years of writing about the games business has come with a helping of cognitive dissonance so severe that it often felt like whiplash. Record success one week; record layoffs the next. Studios launch critically and commercially acclai ... ⌘ Read more
The games industry is stifled by a culture of fear
The games industry is stifled by a culture of fear that prioritises algorithmic trends and market research over the creative conviction and personal taste required to produce genuine hits.
Ubisoft expects "superior financial performance" from Black Flag remake, but won't increase guidance due to "strong competitive lineup"
Ubisoft CFO Frédérick Duguet said it expects Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced to "deliver superior financial performance" after it "exceeded annual expectations" in the fi ... ⌘ Read more
Meccha Chameleon ranks second behind Fortnite in PC revenue for June | Newzoo charts
Indie hit Meccha Chameleon was a breakout success in June, ranking as the second-highest PC title in revenue behind Fortnite, according to Newzoo.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/meccha-chameleon-ranks-second-behind-fortnite-in-pc-revenue-for-june-newzoo-char ... ⌘ Read more
Ubisoft Q1 net bookings down 9.2%, attributes drop to "high comparison base" from same period last year
Ubisoft has published its first quarter financials, with net bookings reaching €255.8 million.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/ubisoft-q1-net-bookings-down-92-attributes-drop-to-high-comparison-base-from-same-period-las ... ⌘ Read more
EU Commission approves $55bn EA buyout, says it "would not raise competition concerns"
The EU Commission has cleared the $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/eu-co ... ⌘ Read more
Microsoft starts testing ad-supported game streaming on Xbox
Microsoft has begun testing ad-supported game streaming on Xbox.
Union accuses Bethesda of violating labour laws in Canada following layoffs at Montreal studio
Bethesda union OneBGS has said it has filed a legal complaint against the developer "for continuing to violate labour laws in Canada."
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/unio ... ⌘ Read more
Amazon clarifies stance on 007: First Light sequel – "Given the success of this one, I think you probably want IOI developing it"
Jeff Gattis, general manager for Amazon Luna and Amazon Game Studios, has clarified his [earlier comments](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/mgm-and-amazon-game-studios-to-publ ... ⌘ Read more
ESA Foundation awards 31 university students scholarships to support careers in games and esports
The ESA Foundation has provided 31 university students with scholarships worth $5,000 to $10,000 to support careers in game development and esports.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/esa-foundation-awards-31-university-students ... ⌘ Read more
Amazon Luna cloud gaming platform now added to Prime Video in the US and UK
Amazon's cloud gaming service Luna is now available for Prime Video subscribers with Fire TV in the US and UK.
Now Luna is integrated into Prime Video, Amazon sees potential for gaming to expand beyond PC and console: "That pie isn't really growing"
Amazon has announced that its Luna video game streaming service will be incorporated into Prime Video, allowing Prime subscribers to play games directly through the vide ... ⌘ Read more
Delphi Interactive's fan-first strategy draws major IP interest following success of James Bond and FIFA
Delphi Interactive's success with FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition and 007 First Light has created new opportunities with major brands, according to CEO Casper Daugaard.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/delphi-interactives- ... ⌘ Read more
UK Games Growth Package driving "exceptional demand" one year on from launch
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The UK government's £30 million Games Growth Package "is already making an impact" a year on from its launch, according to UK Creative Industries Minister Ian Murray.
[Read more](https:/ ... ⌘ Read more
The GamesIndustry.biz Summer Party 2026 in photos
Last week, GamesIndustry.biz once again hosted the great and good of the UK games industry at our annual summer party, held once again on Brighton Pier during the Develop: Brighton conference.
Xbox announces backwards compatibility for PC and handheld devices
Xbox is introducing backwards compatibility for PC and handheld devices, starting with four original titles: BLiNX: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fuzion Frenzy.
[Read ... ⌘ Read more
Gamescom 2026's exhibition area is fully booked for the first time
The exhibition area of Gamescom 2026 has hit a new milestone and is, for the first time, completely booked up this year.
Despite Xbox console sales doubling YoY, hardware sales across the US are down 62% | US Monthly Charts
Total video game sales in the US fell by a fifth year-on-year, with total projected video game sales estimated to have dropped from $5.7 billion to $4.5 billion between June 2025 and June 2026.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz ... ⌘ Read more
Hasbro records $56m write-down and cancels "several games" scheduled for 2028 and beyond
Hasbro has recorded a $56 million impairment charge against its video game portfolio, confirming it has cancelled "several" games scheduled for release in 2028 and beyond.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/hasbro-records-56m-write-down-and-cancels-several-games-schedu ... ⌘ Read more
Hitscan is a new tool for connecting publishers with creators that are "driving the most impact and viewership"
For a decade now, LA-based talent management company Loaded Holdings has been building up its video games business.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/hitscan-is-a-new-tool-for-connecting-publishers-with-crea ... ⌘ Read more
Games for Change report aims to ground parental gaming concerns in "evidence rather than fear"
Non-profit organisation Games for Change has published a white paper exploring how parents approach video games, and how to shift their focus away from "fear-driven narratives focused on addiction, violence, and excessive screen time."
[R ... ⌘ Read more
South of Midnight wins Game and Experience of the Year at Games for Change Awards 2026
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Games for Change has revealed the winners of its 2026 awards, naming Compulsion Games' South of Midnight as Game and Experience of the Year.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/south-of-midnight-wins-game-and-experience-of-the-year-at-games-for-change-awards-2 ... ⌘ Read more
Xbox brings starter edition of Game Pass to Meta Horizon+
Xbox has begun offering the starter edition of Game Pass to Meta Horizon+ subscribers.
Alpha Dog Games founders reacquire studio from Microsoft following 2024 closure
Mighty Doom developer Alpha Dog Games has reemerged as an independent studio after being shut down by Microsoft in 2024.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/alpha-dog-games-founders-reacquire ... ⌘ Read more
Esports consultancy The Story Mob rebrands to "strategic player culture advisory"
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Esports communications consultancy The Story Mob has rebranded as a "strategic player culture advisory" to better serve the broader games industry.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/esports-consultancy-the-story-mob-rebrands-to-strategi ... ⌘ Read more
Ethical, low-power, and on-device: Studio Atelico's vision for the future of generative AI
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In January last year, gaming startup Studio Atelico launched the Atelico AI Engine, which operates on-device rather than relying on costly cloud solutions ... ⌘ Read more
Nintendo files motion to dismiss consumer lawsuit over tariff refunds
Nintendo has requested the dismissal of a class action lawsuit that accused the company of failing to pass on tariff refunds to consumers.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/nintendo-files-motion-to-dismiss-consumer-lawsuit-ov ... ⌘ Read more
Unity 7 to launch in Q1 2027; new engine is a "direct continuation" of Unity 6
Unity 7 will enter beta testing in December 2026, with its full release scheduled for Q1 2027.
Judge halts Paramount-Warner Bros. merger for a minimum of 14 days
A judge has ordered the planned Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) merger be paused for at least 14 days following accusations the deal could violate US antitrust laws.
Valve suggests memory crisis is "still getting worse," admitting, "we're limited by memory capacity, for sure"
Steam Machine developer and gaming giant Valve has admitted that sourcing memory and storage supply for the Steam Machine - and beyond - is "still getting worse."
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/valve-suggests-memory-cri ... ⌘ Read more
Court orders Midgar Studio to liquidate after failing to secure a buyer
Edge of Eternity developer Midgar Studio is closing down.
Union slams Microsoft for "unfair labor practice", alleging Xbox "unlawfully" laid off staff
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Xbox has been accused of "unlawfully" laying off staff without giving notice to, or discussing it with, recognized unions.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/union-slams-microsoft-for-unfair-labor-practice-alleging-xbox-unlawfully-la ... ⌘ Read more
"I'm not a creative. I like spreadsheets" – The low-profile team that runs servers for Marathon, Subnautica 2, NBA 2K, and more
This article concludes ExDev Week. You can find previous articles here.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/ ... ⌘ Read more
"The market is becoming much more diverse" – Will the proliferation of football video games last?
Since 2022, when FIFA and Electronic Arts ended their almost 30-year partnership, a wide range of new football video games have emerged, including the free-to-pla ... ⌘ Read more
Netflix Playground drives 600% surge in kids games engagement
Since Netflix Playground's global launch in April, the platform's dedicated mobile app for kids games has tripled its daily player count, leading to a 600% year-on-year increase in kids engagement.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/n ... ⌘ Read more
"There has to be a reason for people to buy an Xbox" – Senior leadership reinforces commitment to console exclusivity
Following the recent restructure at Xbox, senior leadership has emphasised the firm's focus on ke ... ⌘ Read more
32 workers at ZA/UM laid off following release of Zero Parades: For Dead Spies
ZA/UM has announced layoffs impacting 32 employees across all departments.
Sky-high prices risk disaster for a console market struggling to grow | Opinion
Nobody needs to hear again about how the crisis in component costs is causing havoc on the hardware side of the games industry. That particular bell has been tolling for some months now, and we're resigned to not being able to do anything much about it. This is an even ... ⌘ Read more
Bethesda reveals plans for Fallout 5, The Elder Scrolls 6, and more
Todd Howard, executive producer and game director at Bethesda Game Studios, has published a note outlining the company's plans over the coming years, including Fallout 5 and The Elder Scrolls 6, as well as remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, and a Fallout Shelter TV show.
[Read more](https://www.ga ... ⌘ Read more
UKIE: 22% of UK games industry workforce affected by job losses in last three years
22% of UK games industry workers have experienced job loss in the last three years, including redundancies, studio closures, and the end of fixed-term contracts.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/ukie-22-of-uk-games-industry-workforce-affected-by-job-losses-in-last-three-year ... ⌘ Read more
Gamecity Hamburg announces second round of prototype funding
Gamecity Hamburg has announced that its second round of funding for prototypes will open this September.
Develop:Brighton showed the UK games industry is done with hand-wringing and is determined to save itself | Opinion
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I got a feeling of déjà vu at Develop:Brighton this year, where once again it was meltingly hot, and once again the conference was coming hard on the heels of sweeping cuts at Microsoft. Although this time a ... ⌘ Read more
Newzoo: GTA 6 pre-orders generate $260m globally during first week of campaign
Grand Theft Auto 6 generated roughly $260 million in digital pre-orders during the last week of June, with Newzoo data indicating that $180 million was brought in across the US and five European markets (UK, France, Spain, Germany, and Italy).
[Read more](https:// ... ⌘ Read more
Why releasing games on the web could be right for your studio in 2026
Romy Halfweeg is Business Development Manager at web gaming platform Poki.
London Games Festival moves to central venue for 2027 showcase
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Games London has announced that the London Games Festival will move to a central venue in 2027.
"If I work on that, my kids will think I'm Gandalf" – Blackbird Interactive on the highs and lows of external development
This article is part of ExDev Week.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/if-i-work-on-that-my-kids-will-think-im-gandalf-blackbird-interactive-on-the-highs-and-lows-of-external-develop ... ⌘ Read more
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 wins Best Game at Develop:Star Awards 2026
The Develop:Star Awards 2026 were held last night, where Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 continued its success by winning three awards.
Looney Tunes: World of Mayhem to be taken offline in October 2026
Mobile game Looney Tunes: World of Mayhem will be shut down on October 15, 2026.
ZeniMax Online Studios leadership impacted by latest Xbox layoffs
Leadership at ZeniMax Online Studios were caught up in last week's Xbox layoffs, including studio head Joseph Burba.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/zenimax-online-studios-leadership-impacted-by-latest-x ... ⌘ Read more
Should you work on your own games as an external development studio?
This article is part of ExDev Week.
"We thought, well, how would we reinvent this wheel?" – Minecraft specialists 4J Studios on building a new sandbox crafting game from first principles
Minecraft has been incredibly lucrative for 4J Studios. The Dundee-based firm, which was established in 2005 by Chris van der Kuyl, Paddy Burns, and F ... ⌘ Read more
"I had a front row seat to one of the greatest creative explosions in history" – Glen Schofield announces retirement
Glen Schofield has announced his retirement after a 35-year career in the industry.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/i-had-a-front-row-seat-to-one-of-the-greatest-creative-explosions-in-history-glen-schofield ... ⌘ Read more
What lessons have developers learned from external development?
This article is part of ExDev Week.
11 Bit Studios lays off 20 workers as it "adjusts new project teams to current needs"
The Alters developer 11 Bit Studios has announced layoffs affecting 20 roles.
Aream & Co: Gaming M&A hits $2.3bn in Q2, highest level since 2022
Games industry mergers and acquisitions reached $2.3 billion with 54 transactions during Q2 of 2026, the highest level since 2022, according to a new report from investment bank Aream & Co.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/aream-co-gaming-ma-hits-23bn-in-q2-highest-level-since-2 ... ⌘ Read more
Compulsion Games seeks new partnerships following spin-out from from Xbox
Compulsion Games, developer of South of Midnight, has announced it is open to working with and supporting other studios following its independence from Xbox.
"It's not like the Eye of Sauron is looking at everything we're doing" – Silent Hill F developer NeoBards on why trust is essential for co-dev
This article is part of ExDev Week.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/its-not-like-the-eye-of-sauron-is-looking-at-everything-were-doing-sile ... ⌘ Read more
How Evil Trout aims to turn a cult free game into a Steam hit - again
This week, indie studio Evil Trout Inc is releasing its second game, The Incident At Galley House. It’s a remake of Type Help, a detective game that first made waves as a free release on Itch ... ⌘ Read more
Former Epic Games VP Steve Allison appointed chief business officer at Saber Interactive
Former Epic Games vice president Steve Allison has joined Saber Interactive as chief business officer.
Ubisoft pivots to "selective model" to reduce reliance on individual game launches
Ubisoft is looking to reduce its reliance on individual game launches, pivoting instead toward a "more selective model" leaning on its back-catalog and live service titles for revenue.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/ubisoft-pivots-to-selective-mode ... ⌘ Read more
Analyst: Game console shipments expected to decline 19.5% to 33.9m units in 2026
Game console shipments are expected to fall 19.5% this year to 33.9 million units, according to new data.
What does the future of external development look like?
This article is part of ExDev Week.
Welcome to ExDev Week
This week, we're looking at external development on GamesIndustry.biz, spotlighting the hardworking studios that often have a major hand in designing some of the world's biggest games, but that rarely get to take a bow in the limelight.
Alinea: Steam revenue reaches $11.1bn, marking highest half-year on record
Estimates suggest Steam generated $11.1 billion in H1 revenue, up 14.5% year-over-year.
EA removes microtransactions from EA Sports College Football 27 following backlash
Electronic Arts has removed microtransactions from EA Sports College Football 27 in response to feedback from players and content creators.
Id claims it has "the crew we need to build the games and tech we're known for" following mass layoffs
A social post from the account of id Software has stated that the studio still has "the crew we need to build the games and tech we're known for" after [dramatic staff cuts across the Xbox portfolio](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/xbox-layo ... ⌘ Read more
Can a top-down, focused software strategy save Xbox? | Opinion
When Asha Sharma passed the 100-day mark at the helm of Xbox last month, the consensus assessment was cautiously positive – but as I wrote at the time, Sharma's role so far had mostly been crowd-pleasing positioning statements, and [the genuinely hard choices would need to be made soon](https://www.gamesi ... ⌘ Read more
"They want us to accept this as a done deal and quietly disappear" – Bethesda union members organise protest in response to Xbox layoffs
Union members at Bethesda Game Studios will strike next week in response to [mass layoffs at Xbox](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/xbox-to-reduce-workforce-by-3200-five-studios-to-be-dives ... ⌘ Read more
Enginefall developer Red Rover Interactive to cut workforce by 22 roles
Red Rover Interactive plans to lay off 22 employees, and has delayed the release of its debut title Enginefall to 2027.
Asha Sharma to co-lead US Federal Reserve's Productivity and Jobs task force
The United States Federal Reserve has appointed Xbox CEO Asha Sharma to co-lead its Productivity and Jobs task force.
Why two games media veterans think a "classic old-school style multi-format video games website" will flourish in 2026
Times are bleak in the games industry, and they're no less challenging in the media that covers it. Twenty years ago there were dozens of print magazines and hundreds of games websites pumping out daily news, p ... ⌘ Read more
Layoffs begin at Ubisoft Barcelona following Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced launch
Following the launch of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, layoffs have begun at Ubisoft Barcelona affecting 51 employees.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/layoffs-begin-at-ubisoft-barcelona-following-assassins-creed-black-flag-r ... ⌘ Read more
"New Zealand's success is being built by ambitious studios of all sizes" – Combined revenue of studios supported by rebate grows 17% to $829m
New Zealand's game sector continues to grow as combined studio revenue supported by its Game Development Sector Rebate (GDSR) rose 17% to $829 m ... ⌘ Read more
You can now enter the 2026 UK GamesIndustry.biz Best Places To Work Awards
Games firms in the UK can now enter the GamesIndustry.biz Best Places To Work Awards 2026.
Supercell launches equity-free grants program for Africa-based game studios
Supercell has announced a program offering equity-free grants of $20,000 to $200,000 to Africa-based studios.
Bungie and Sony settle lawsuit with former Marathon director for undisclosed amount
Former Marathon director Chris Barrett has settled a lawsuit against Bungie and Sony over allegations of misconduct.
Report: Obsidian to work on Fallout title as unannounced projects cancelled
Obsidian is reportedly developing a new Fallout game after canceling several unannounced projects.
Nintendo confirms Switch 1 consoles will be withdrawn from Europe following EU law change on batteries
Nintendo has confirmed that sales of its original Switch console system - including its Lite and OLED models - will be discontinued in Europe next year.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/nintendo-confirms-switch-1-consoles-will- ... ⌘ Read more
Build a Rocket Boy staff to protest upcoming "all-expenses-paid" fan event
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Build a Rocket Boy (BARB) staff have organized a protest outside the studio's Edinburgh offices this weekend in response to an "all-expenses-paid" fan event.
Premium mobile games are back, with releases up 77% in 2025
In unexpected but welcome news, premium mobile games are seeing a resurgence, after years in which free-to-play has been seen as the only option worth pursuing.
Mario Kart Tour to shut down in September 2026
Nintendo has announced that Mario Kart Tour will go offline on iOS and Android in September 2026.
"Workers deserve protection, not to be treated like disposable line items" – Hundreds of union members affected by Xbox layoffs
Hundreds of union members from the Communication Workers of America were affected by the [mass layoffs at Xbox this week](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/xbox-to-reduce-work ... ⌘ Read more
Nexon to assume publishing duties for Overwatch on PC in South Korea
Blizzard will transfer publishing duties for Overwatch on PC in South Korea to Nexon next month.
"There's a wealth of talent here, our focus is on how to leverage and support it" – Atari appoints Andreas Deptolla as Atari Europe president
Atari has appointed former CTO Andreas Deptolla as president of Atari Europe.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/theres-a-wealth-of-talent-here-our-focus-is-on-how-to ... ⌘ Read more
Xbox retreats again – but to where? | Opinion
Last July, when Microsoft made sweeping cuts to its gaming division, axing employees at King, Raven Software, Rare, Blizzard, and more, shuttering The Initiative, and cancelling the Perfect Dark reboot, Everwild, and ZeniMax Online's Project Blackbird, I said it was [Microsoft's d ... ⌘ Read more
IO Interactive to shutter Istanbul studio following end of Project Fantasy deal with Xbox
IO Interactive will close its Istanbul studio following the lo ... ⌘ Read more
Xbox Game Pass reportedly boasts around 30m subscribers
Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass subscription service apparently has around 30 million users.
"We simply spread ourselves too thin" – Xbox's Asha Sharma on firm's restructuring plans
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has shared additional details on the restructuring announced yesterday, which will result in 3,200 layoffs.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/we-simply-spr ... ⌘ Read more
"We can break even and be self-sustaining within Riot" – The firm behind League of Legends is "super close" to making esports sustainable
Riot Games' esports business still isn't profitable.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/we-can-break-even-and-be-self-sustaining-within-riot-the-firm-behind-league-of-l ... ⌘ Read more
Bethesda pivots to "franchise-centric" planning model amid Xbox restructure
Bethesda is moving to a "franchise-centric" planning strategy to better focus resources on long-term growth and stability.
Original Switch console lineup to be discontinued in Europe by mid-February 2027
Nintendo will [discontinue sales of the original Switch lineup in Europe](https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Support/Nintendo-Switch-2/Information-about-upcoming-battery-related-revisions-to-some-Nintendo-products-3132901.html?srsltid=AfmBOorOm17Yen0bpigyEdJJERnMyL ... ⌘ Read more
Sony leadership says AI tools are "an important foundational technology supporting our strategy"
Sony says implementing AI tools in development is "enhancing" their work "by removing repetitive tasks and enabling faster iteration."
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/sony-leadership-says-ai-tools-are-an-important-foundational-technol ... ⌘ Read more
Compulsion Games and Double Fine confirm "Independence Day" from Xbox
Compulsion Games and Double Fine – two formerly Xbox-owned developers now spun out from the Xbox family of studios as Microsoft enacts a deep round of cuts and divestitures – have released statements about the changes.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/compulsion-games-and-double-fine-confirm-inde ... ⌘ Read more
Epic Games settles lawsuit against former contractor accused of leaking unannounced Fortnite collaborations
Epic Games has settled a legal case against a former contractor accused of leaking confidential information about Fortnite's then unannounced collaborations with IPs like Minecraft, Ben 10, and Game of Thrones.
[R ... ⌘ Read more
Xbox layoffs: jobs lost at Bethesda, more reported at id Software
Details have emerged on the sweeping job cuts announced today by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, with workers reporting job losses within the firm's studios and publishing teams.
Xbox announces plans to lay off 3,200 staff and divest five studios
Xbox has announced sweeping cuts as part of its previously announced reset. 3,200 staff are to be laid off - 20% of the Xbox organisation - with 1,600 roles being eliminated today, according to an internal ... ⌘ Read more
Interview: While GDC falters, Gamescom goes from strength to strength
At Gamescom Latam in Brazil earlier this year, GamesIndustry.biz caught up with Tim Endres, director of Gamescom at Koelnmesse, and Stefan Heikhaus, his counterpart at Game, the German Games Industry Association.
[Read more](https://www.g ... ⌘ Read more
Union launches hardship fund for laid off developers
The United Videogame Workers union (UVW-CWA) has created a hardship fund for industry workers affected by layoffs in the United States and Canada.
Sony clarifies re-order support for existing PlayStation discs
Sony has clarified to developers and publishers that they will be able to re-order existing PlayStation discs beyond the January 2028 end-of-production date.
What kind of PS6 could justify a $1,000 price tag? | Opinion
The death of consoles has been predicted with atomic clock levels of regularity for at least the past quarter century. Each new wave of consumer hardware with the capacity – real or hypothetical – to play games has been heralded as the final nail in the coffin. Some of those, like home PCs and smartphon ... ⌘ Read more
Where did all the UK game events go?
A recurring question in the UK games scene is why such a significant territory can't sustain its own major consumer event, in the style of the USA's PAX, France's Paris Games Week or Germany's Gamescom. The country's largest video game consumer show, EGX, paused during COVID before being merged into the pop-culture behemoth of MCM Comic Con in 2024, while other major events li ... ⌘ Read more
New studio //18.bravo is aiming for a "radically different approach" to game development
Robert Bowling, former creative strategist at Infinity Ward, has launched a new Los Angeles-based studio called //18.bravo.
"We are profoundly disappointed by Sony's decision" – Game companies express dismay at the end of PlayStation disc production
Earlier this week, Sony announced plans [to discontinue production of physical discs](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/sony-to-discontinue-physical-discs-for-new-games-launching-on-ps-consol ... ⌘ Read more
Jobs roundup: July 2026 | Robert Henrysson steps down as Supermassive Games CEO
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It can be difficult keeping track of the various comings and goings in the games industry, which is why we compile them in semi-regular round-ups.
Thick as Thieves dev OtherSide Entertainment impacted by further layoffs
OtherSide Entertainment has implemented another round of layoffs, impacting 18 employees on its Thick as Thieves team.
Save the date: the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit returns in October
The GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit will return for its fourth year, held once again at the Royal Institution in London. The event will take place throughout the day of Thursday October 1, and will be followed by the Best Places To Work Awards. [Early Bird tickets for the Summit are on sale now](https://gamesin ... ⌘ Read more
"The goal isn't to build something that burns brightly for a few years and disappears" – Cosmic Division CEO on launching a "responsibly ambitious" studio
In May, former Housemarque game director Harry Krueger [launched Cosmic Division](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/former-housemarque-game-dir ... ⌘ Read more
Creator-distributed discount codes drive massive uptake of game storefronts, according to new Tebex data
Game codes distributed by content creators to their community drive significant additional revenue for game storefronts, according to [new research by provider Tebex](https://www.tebex.io/resources/creator-codes-ltv-uplift?utm_campaign ... ⌘ Read more
Sega Europe vet Jurgen Post steps down as West Studios COO, Rovio's Alex Pelletier-Normand taking his place
The COO of Sega Europe's West Studios, Jurgen Post, is stepping down and being replaced by Rovio's Alex Pelletier-Normand.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/sega-europe-vet-post-steps-down-as-west-studios-coo-rovios ... ⌘ Read more
Kepler Interactive acquires stake in indie publisher Oro Interactive from venture capital firm
Kepler Interactive has acquired a stake in Belgian indie publisher Oro Interactive for an undisclosed amount.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/kepler-interactive-acquires-stake-in-indie-publisher-oro-interactive-from-venture-capital- ... ⌘ Read more
Union raises concerns over gender pay gaps, bonus management, and crunch at Rockstar
Rockstar union members have raised concerns regarding potential gender-based pay gaps, contractual overtime requirements, and the management of bonuses.
Sony to close down PlayStation Store on PS3 and PS Vita by July 2027
Sony is closing the PlayStation Store on PS3 and PS Vita.
Godot bans "autonomous AI agent use or vibe coded" contributions
Godot has updated its contribution policy and "take[n] steps" to reduce "demoralizing" AI contributions.
Xbox is reportedly considering dropping disc drives as it tests new feature that lets players digitize physical games
A new report now claims Xbox, like PlayStation, is set to "drop the disc drive."
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/xbox-is-reportedly-considering-dropping-disc-drives-as-it-tests-new-feature-that-lets-pla ... ⌘ Read more
Subnautica 2 studio Unknown Worlds' CEO resigns as Krafton agrees to pay $250m bonus
Krafton has settled its lawsuit with the former leadership team of Subnautica 2 developer, Unknown Worlds, and agreed to pay the $250 million disputed bonus.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/subnautica-2-studio-unknown-worlds-ceo-resigns-as-krafton-agrees ... ⌘ Read more
Ubisoft appoints former 2K and Amazon exec Christoph Hartmann to lead Creative House 2, overseeing Splinter Cell, The Division and Ghost Recon
Ubisoft has appointed Christoph Hartmann as General Manager of Creative House 2, the business unit that oversees the Splinter Cell, The Division and Ghost Recon franchises. H ... ⌘ Read more
"I get very excited about trying to invent something new" – Assassin's Creed composer Jesper Kyd reflects on his three-decade career
Even if you don't know the name Jesper Kyd, it's more than likely you've heard his music. The Danish composer and sound designer has worked on the soundtrac ... ⌘ Read more
Sony to discontinue physical discs for new games launching on PS consoles from January 2028
Sony will discontinue physical disc production for new games releasing on PlayStation consoles starting January 2028.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/sony-to-discontinue-physical-discs-for-new-games-launching-on-ps-consoles-from-jan ... ⌘ Read more
IGN expands partnership with Gamescom, adds game previews to official indie showcase
The organizers of Gamescom, Koelnmesse and Game - The German Games Industry Association, have agreed on a new partnership with IGN for Gamescom's "gamescom awesome indies show", expanding a long-established relationship under which IGN has served as the production p ... ⌘ Read more
Eve Online's Carbon engine is now open source: Fenris Creations explains why
In 2024, Fenris Creations – then called CCP Games – said that it was planning to [make its Carbon game engine open source](https://www.game ... ⌘ Read more
UK workers request voluntary union recognition at Rockstar
Rockstar employees in the UK have requested voluntary union recognition from the developer to address pay transparency, flexible working, and overtime.
Xbox ends deal to fund and publish IO Interactive's Project Fantasy; redundancies expected
Xbox has exited a deal to fund and publish IO Interactive's online fantasy RPG, codenamed Project Fantasy, a move that may lead to job losses.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/xbox-ends-deal-to-fund-and-publish-io-interactives-project-fantasy-redund ... ⌘ Read more
Slitherine acquires Warhammer Blood Bowl licence from troubled French publisher Nacon
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Wargame and strategy specialist Slitherine Software has acquired the licence, publishing rights and back catalogue for the Warhammer-derived Blood Bowl franchise from Nacon, following the latter's [filing for insolvency](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/styx-blades-of-greed ... ⌘ Read more
Rokky launches unofficial Steam tool for checking if bundle and press keys have been used
Key distribution platform Rokky has debuted a free browser plugin for publishers and developers to monitor if distributed Steam keys have been used. The firm described it as a tool for "partner reconciliation and sales forecasting" and "safe post-bundle verification". ... ⌘ Read more
Ubisoft Barcelona staff go on strike over 51 staff being laid off
Staff at Ubisoft's Barcelona studio are going on strike over proposed layoffs that could see 51 workers lose their jobs.
Griffin Gaming Partners invests in TinyBuild
Venture capital firm Griffin Gaming Partners has bought a 3.24% equity stake in developer and publisher TinyBuild.
CWA union says Xbox workers are not "disposable" as layoffs loom
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) union has come out in support of its members at Xbox as reports of mass layoffs continue to loom.
nDreams founder launches new studio Atmospheric to create "original IP across games and music"
The founder of VR studio nDreams, Patrick O'Luanaigh, has launched a new studio called Atmospheric, described as "a new independent entertainment company creating original intellectual property across games and music." ... ⌘ Read more
PlayStation once again pulls purchased StudioCanal content from user libraries because of "licensing arrangements"
Sony PlayStation has written to players informing them that previously purchased StudioCanal movies will be pulled from libraries from September 1.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindu ... ⌘ Read more
"I literally built an investment firm that wouldn't have funded my own pitch" – Why the money isn't reaching the games that need it
A roundtable workshop at this year's Madeira Games Summit, at which executives and studio leaders spoke under the condition of anonymit ... ⌘ Read more
SK Hynix, Samsung and Micron sued over allegations of "concerted anticompetitive behaviour" in DRAM market
Chip giants SK Hynix, Samsung and Micron are the subject of a class action lawsuit claiming that the three have engaged in "concerted anticompetitive behaviour" in the DRAM market.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustr ... ⌘ Read more
CD Projekt rebrands to CD Projekt Red
Polish games firm CD Projekt has opted to change its name to CD Projekt Red.
PlayStation CEO says company wants to "revitalise" live-service games
The CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, Hideaki Nishino, has said that he wants to "revitalise" live-service projects through a combination of first- and third-party content.
PlayStation hardware sales fall to their lowest May total since 2000 | US Monthly Charts
PlayStation 5 unit sales in the United States dropped 58% year on year in May, according to Circana, reaching their lowest May total since 2000. Xbox unit sales, meanwhile, reached their lowest ever recorded figures for May, dropping 12% year on year.
[Read mo ... ⌘ Read more
Valve can afford a niche, pricey hardware launch; Sony and Microsoft can't | Opinion
The great hardware pricing crisis may feel like it's been going on for ages, but in truth, its full effects have only been felt in certain specific consumer sectors so far ... ⌘ Read more
Five things to avoid when marketing your indie game | Opinion
Axel Fälth and Linn Stjernlöf of Mi5 Communications share over two decades of experience within PR and marketing in the tech and games industry, and have worked with clients including Raw Fury, Ubisoft, Sega, Low Drag Labs, IO Interactive, Bethesda, and Krufs Productions.
[Read mo ... ⌘ Read more
Italy's 34BigThings spins out from Embracer Group
Italian studio 34BigThings has spun out of games conglomerate Embracer Group.
Epic's Sweeney claims Steam AI labels are "really irresponsible of Valve"
The CEO of Epic Games, Tim Sweeney, has said that Valve's decision to have disclosure labels for projects on Steam that make use of AI is "really irresponsible".
Sony cuts 292 jobs at Destiny maker Bungie
Sony Interactive Entertainment is cutting jobs at Destiny maker Bungie.
Microsoft significantly increases Xbox prices worldwide and withdraws 2TB model citing "components crisis"
Microsoft has announced that it is increasing the price of Xbox worldwide from August 2, blaming increased costs for console storage and memory. The 512 GB models will increase by $100 and the 1TB model will increase by $150; the ... ⌘ Read more
"Mission Impossible is high on my list" – how Paramount plans to use co-dev to exploit its archive, while building its own all-new IP
Just before Summer Games Fest kicked off, Paramount Skydance announced it was merging its video games divisions into a new entity called Paramount Games Studio.
[Read more](https: ... ⌘ Read more
VC fund Vgames launches new $10m Indie Fund
Venture capital firm Vgames is launching a new $10 million Indie Fund.
Circana: Nintendo Switch 2 helped US physical game spending increase year-on-year for first time since 2009
The Nintendo Switch 2 helped US physical games spending see its first year-on-year increase since 2009.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/circana-nintendo-switch-2-helped-us-physical-game-spending-increase-year-on-ye ... ⌘ Read more
Tencent, Xbox, Game Angels, Ansible and Flick to speak on Game Republic New Horizons investor stage
The organisers of the Game Republic New Horizons conference have announced the first speakers to take to the stage in its Investor Zone.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/tencent-xbox-game-angels- ... ⌘ Read more
Micron says chip shortage will "improve gradually" in 2028
The CEO of chip giant Micron, Sanjay Mehrotra, has said that the AI-fueled global RAM and NAND shortage will continue through 2027 and "improve gradually" the following year.
FromSoftware parent CEO keeps position following activist investors' disappointment in firm's handling of Elden Ring
The CEO of FromSoftware parent company Kadokawa Corporation, Takeshi Natsuno, has retained his position after an activist investor group tried to oust him.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/fromsoftware- ... ⌘ Read more
Sony is reportedly enforcing "stricter guidelines" against so-called "shovelware" PlayStation games
Sony is seemingly enforcing "stricter guidelines" by cutting ties with alleged "shovelware" publishers like the Brazilian-based Afil Games.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/sony-is-reportedly-enforcing-stricter-guidelines-a ... ⌘ Read more
Jagex confirms "landmark publishing partnerships" to bring RuneScape to Japan, South Korea, and South East Asia
RuneScape developer Jagex has announced two publishing partnerships to bring RuneScape: Dragonwilds to Japan, South Korea, and South East Asia.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/jagex-confirms-landmark-publishing-par ... ⌘ Read more
Why new investment house Denmu has $50m to give to "auteur" developers
Denmu is a new investment firm with $50 million to play with. The organisation was founded in 2025 by general partners Ryan You and Michael Fan, who act as the firm's CEO and creative director, respectively. Both coming from an investment background, including some shared time at VC ... ⌘ Read more
GTA 6: Will $80 be the new standard, and will more publishers start to skip physical releases?
With a release date committed to and huge sales guaranteed, one of the last big questions around GTA 6 was the price tag. Today, we received the answer: $79.99 for the sta ... ⌘ Read more
GTA 6 sales predictions: how many copies will Rockstar sell at $80?
We already know the GTA 6 release date, and now we know how much it will cost – a slightly elevated but not unprecedented price of $79.99, with a $100 special edition adding a series of additional content to t ... ⌘ Read more
GTA 6 will launch at $79.99 and will be download only
Update, June 25: The pricing for standard and ultimate editions of GTA 6 in other territories has been announced:
Appcharge: Direct-to-consumer market worth around $17bn today
New research suggests that direct-to-consumer (DTC) spending on mobile was around $17 billion in 2025.
Valve admits Steam Machine is "more expensive" than it hoped
Games giant Valve has admitted that its Steam Machine hardware has a higher cost than it would have liked.
Mobygames announces new suite of pro tools for users to maintain their career profile, find jobs and see industry insights
Atari-owned industry database MobyGames has launched a new suite of tools for industry professionals, including rich profiles for people to record and share their career progress and achievements, and acces ... ⌘ Read more
Bungie devs reportedly pitched Destiny dating game
Staff at Bungie apparently pitched the idea of making a dating game based on its smash hit sci-fi shooter Destiny.
EA: AI is delivering "faster prototyping" and a "real rise in creativity" in its studios
As reported by Eurogamer, EA's president of enterprise development, Laura Miele, has said that AI has led to a "real rise in creativity" ... ⌘ Read more
Report: Tencent plans to exit investments in Japanese studios like Story of Seasons developer Marvelous
A report from Bloomberg suggests that Tencent is in talks to exit some of its minority investmen ... ⌘ Read more
"This is going to be a niche device" – Analysts react to the $1,000+ Steam Machine price reveal
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Yesterday, Valve finally revealed the launch price for its hotly anticipated Steam Machine console/PC hybrid. Prices ... ⌘ Read more
EA is reportedly laying off recruitment, customer support, safety, and IT staff
Electronic Arts (EA) is allegedly initiating another round of cuts, primarily impacting recruitment, customer support, trust and safety, and IT teams.
Volunteer-led RTS BAR signs publishing deal with Hooded Horse
Beyond All Reason (BAR), the volunteer-led "epic scale RTS" game, has signed a publishing deal with Hooded Horse.
Obsidian sued in class action lawsuit over alleged "systematic pattern of wage and hour violations"
Fallout: New Vegas and The Outer Worlds developer Obsidian Entertainment is being sued in a class action lawsuit that accuses the studio of "a systematic pattern of wage and hour violations under the Califo ... ⌘ Read more
Valve's Steam Machine price starts at $1049 / £879; original pricing "no longer viable" due to hardware supply issues
Steam has announced pricing and extremely limited availability for the Steam Machine, the desktop/living room sibling of the successful Steam Deck. It will be available in 512GB and 2TB vers ... ⌘ Read more
"You just look at the number and go, 'What happened?'" – The developers of RV There Yet? on their surprise, multi-million selling success
When Nuggets Entertainment set out to build RV There Yet? from a game jam project to full release, co-founder and C ... ⌘ Read more
Marvel Contest of Champions studio Kabam lays off unknown number of staff in LA office consolidation
The developer of Marvel Contest of Champions, Kabam, has laid off an unknown number of employees as part of a consolidation of its office in Los Angeles, California.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/marvel-contest-of-champions-studio-k ... ⌘ Read more
CD Projekt joint-CEO says it's "fair" that the studio "lost the faith" of some of its audience after Cyberpunk 2077 launch
One of the joint-CEOs at Polish giant CD Projekt, Michał Nowakowski, has admitted that the company lost the trust of some of its audience due to the messy launch of Cyberpunk 2077.
[Read more](https://ww ... ⌘ Read more
Ubisoft co-founder Claude Guillemot has died in a plane crash
One of the co-founders of French games giant, Ubisoft, Claude Guillemot, has been killed in a plane crash.
As AI costs rise, there’s little evidence of major utility in game development | Opinion
It’s been almost impossible to avoid the conversation about Generative AI in the games industry over the past couple of years. No matter which side you fall on personally – from starry-eyed evangelists, vi ... ⌘ Read more
European Commission aims to facilitate code of conduct for managing "end of life" for games following Stop Killing Games petition
The European Commission has responded to the Stop Killing Games petition, saying that it is unable to "propose a legal obligation" to keep games playable after they are no ... ⌘ Read more
Roblox details how much creators will pay for brand integrations
Games platform Roblox has finally announced how large a cut it will take from brand integrations.
Report: PlayStation changed first-party single-player PC strategy due to lack of revenue
Platform holder PlayStation reportedly has changed its strategy regarding first-party titles on PC, partly due to the fact that they weren't generating enough revenue.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/report-playstation-changed-first-party-single-pla ... ⌘ Read more
Newzoo: Global games market made over $200bn in 2025
Research from data firm Newzoo shows that the games market generated over $200 billion in revenue during 2025.
"We're not trying to replace it. This is very much a love letter": Why Crystal Dynamics is remaking the original Tomb Raider (again)
The future of Tomb Raider begins with a return to its past. Crystal Dynamics [announced a brand new Tomb Raider in 2022 alongside a publishing deal with Amazon](https://www.game ... ⌘ Read more
Why one in three new games at SGF has got their launch wrong | Opinion
The enormous energy put into announcing games, versus the energy put into the follow up is astonishing. The idea that anyone could think that SGF was some kind of goal or end game rather than the start of an uphill struggle is mind-blowing.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/why-one-in-three- ... ⌘ Read more
Don't Nod says it has "several levers" to secure financial position after auditors detailed cash woes
French developer Don't Nod has said that it is hard at work to secure more cash after an auditor's report suggested the company could run out of money by November.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/ ... ⌘ Read more
OtherSide Entertainment cuts 17 jobs after Argos cancellation
Developer OtherSide Entertainment has made 17 members of staff redundant after an in-development project fell through.
UK employment tribunal denies Rockstar's request to have 'blacklisting' claims removed from upcoming trial
A UK employment tribunal has refused Rockstar Games' request to have allegations of 'blacklisting' removed in the case brought against it by fired workers, represented by the IWGB Game Workers union.
[Read more](htt ... ⌘ Read more
Everything you need to know from State of Unreal 2026: Unreal Engine 6, Unreal Engine 5.8, and $1bn paid to UEFN devs
Today's State of Unreal keynote at Unreal Fest Chicago formally unveiled Unreal Engine 6 and confi ... ⌘ Read more
President of Germany to open Gamescom Congress and attend Gamescom 2026
Federal President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier will attend Gamescom and open Gamescom Congress, the event's summit on the intersection of games and culture, politics and technology. Steinmeier will be the first German head of state to attend gamescom.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustr ... ⌘ Read more
Kwalee Labs shut down following launch of Luna Abyss
Kwalee Labs, the developer behind the well-received PC and PS5 shooter Luna Abyss, has been shuttered only a month after the game launched. The firm was originally founded as Bonsai Collective, which Kwalee purchased out of administration in September, according to [a LinkedIn post by former creative director Benni Hill](https://www.linkedin.c ... ⌘ Read more
The devs of Chinese hit The Scroll of Taiwu on what Western devs get wrong in China - and why they rejected generative AI
Long before the global success of Genshin Impact and Black Myth: Wukong, The Scroll of Taiwu from ConchShip Games pointed towards the po ... ⌘ Read more
Thatgamecompany's 20-year journey from anti-Columbine school project to a celebration of Van Gogh
Jenova Chen, the co-founder of Thatgamecompany, never seriously considered making video games when he was younger. "Where I grew up, video games were seen as gambling, and oversexualized kind of soft porn, and overviolenced. Nobody respected video games. My ... ⌘ Read more
Auditors warn Don't Nod will run out of cash by November if it is unable to secure financing
French game developer Don't Nod could run out of money by November if it is unable to secure further financing.
TIGA appoints nine industry veterans to board of directors
UK video games trade body TIGA has added nine new members to its board of directors.
Research suggests exercise games like Ring Fit Adventure could treat early stages of depression
New research shows that exercise games – or 'exergames' – like Nintendo's Ring Fit Adventure could help people deal with the early stages of depression.
[Read more](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/research-suggests-exercise-games-like-ring-fit-a ... ⌘ Read more
Xbox is reportedly considering closing South of Midnight studio, Compulsion Games, with Double Fine and Ninja Theory also allegedly at risk
Update, June 16: Staff at Senua developer Ninja Theory were apparently told on a call on Monday, June 15, that the studio was a ... ⌘ Read more
Toys for Bob says Spyro: Reignited's 11m sales proved "there's an audience that woke up to show up for that series"
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Spyro: A Realm Beyond developer Toys for Bob revealed that while it was a "massive, massive risk" to go independent, Spyro Reignited Trilogy's 11 million sales proved "there's an audience that woke up to show up ... ⌘ Read more
Blizzard sues private World of Warcraft server for "large-scale, egregious, and ongoing infringement of Blizzard's intellectual property"
Blizzard has filed a copyright lawsuit against the private World of Warcraft server project, Project Ascension.
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HR veteran Liz Prince awarded MBE for services to the games industry and diversity
Liz Prince, veteran business manager at gaming recruitment specialist Amiqus, has been awarded an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours list for services to the Games Industry and Diversity.
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Xbox Game Studios boss Craig Duncan and Chief of Staff Louise O'Connor step down
Craig Duncan, the leader of Xbox Games Studios, has departed the business after eighteen months in the role, according to a report in The Game Business. His chief of staff Louise O'Connor is also leaving, les ... ⌘ Read more
What went wrong with Sega's $776m acquisition of Angry Birds giant Rovio?
In 2023, Japanese games giant Sega Sammy acquired Angry Birds maker Rovio for $776 million.
EA rolls out Advertising platform to let companies market "directly into gameplay"
US publishing giant Electronic Arts is launching EA Advertising, a new platform that allows brands to market directly to consumers via gameplay.
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Sonic lead says AAA developers have much to learn from indie studios
Takashi Iizuka, the producer on Sega's Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, has said that AAA developers can take lessons from how indie studios operate.
UKIE welcomes video games being classed separately from social media as UK government announces ban
UK video games trade body UKIE has welcomed the government's decision to classify video games as being distinct from social media, as a ban on the latter for under-16s is set to be introduced.
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Report: Microsoft weighing up spinning off Xbox
Tech giant Microsoft is reportedly considering spinning off Xbox as a separate entity or restructuring the games division as a wholly owned subsidiary.
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