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Disney Has 9 Gaming Franchises That Have Generated $1 Billion+ At Retail, Including Kingdom Hearts
Disney has identified video games as a fundamental part of its future entertainment strategy, with nine gaming franchises having generated over $1 billion in retail sales. The company's gaming division, Disney Games, has achieved approximately $3.5 billion in annual consumer spending for the past four years, exceeding $4 billion in the last fiscal year. Disney is focusing on creating original game content rather than movie tie-ins and sees significant opportunity in its partnership with Epic Games for Fortnite.
Epic Games Store is going to support Linux 'soon' — and that's great news for Steam Deck owners
Epic Games has announced that its PC storefront will soon offer native support for Linux, a move that will greatly benefit Steam Deck owners and other Linux gamers. This development coincides with Nvidia's official launch of its GeForce Now app for Linux and GOG's work on a native Linux client for its Galaxy platform. However, games with anti-cheat measures, such as Epic's own Fortnite, will likely remain incompatible.
Gears of War movie producer believes that video game adaptations should "contribute" to game lore rather than…
Producer Kelly McCormick discussed the upcoming Gears of War movie adaptation, emphasizing that it should contribute to the game's lore rather than simply retell existing stories. She revealed that the script is progressing well and that the film aims to create an ecosystem where the movie and future games enhance each other. The movie will serve as a prequel, set 14 years before the first game, aligning with the narrative of the upcoming title, Gears of War: E-Day.
Apple proposes taking a 5-to-15 percent cut from external App Store payments
Apple is proposing to take a 5-to-15 percent commission on external App Store payments. This proposal comes amidst ongoing legal battles between Apple, Google, and Epic Games regarding App Store policies.
Kingdom Hearts is One of Nine $1 Billion Franchises Under Disney
Disney has revealed that the Kingdom Hearts franchise is one of nine under its Games Group portfolio valued at over $1 billion. EVP Sean Shoptaw highlighted the importance of games in Disney's future strategy, mentioning successful partnerships with Epic Games and upcoming titles like Marvel's Wolverine. The company is preparing for a D23 panel on Kingdom Hearts, potentially offering more details on Kingdom Hearts 4, which is slated for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2.
When does Fortnite Season 4 in Chapter 7 start?
Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4, titled "Override," is set to launch on August 20, 2026, with the tagline "Break the rules. Change the game." The season will introduce new map areas, characters, and mechanics, alongside a Sprite Garden feature for collected Sprites. Leaked teasers suggest major crossovers with Tetris and Sonic the Hedgehog, and a new "Recap" website will allow players to view and share their seasonal stats.
Stop Killing Games has joined a lawsuit against Sony's move to digital-only sales: 'You won't have any…
The consumer group Stichting Massaschade & Consument, supported by Stop Killing Games, is suing Sony over its move towards digital-only game sales. They argue that eliminating physical discs by 2028 will create a monopoly for Sony, allowing them to dictate game prices and usage rights, removing the second-hand market and alternative purchasing options.
Epic Games sells ArtStation and Sketchfab to KitBash
Epic Games has sold its portfolio platform ArtStation and 3D model marketplace Sketchfab to KitBash, a company known for its own 3D art platforms. This divestment allows Epic to refocus on developing Unreal Engine 6, Fortnite, and the Epic Games Store. The sale comes as Epic Games continues to implement cost-cutting measures, including significant layoffs earlier this year.
When the Reward Becomes Part of the Game
Modern games increasingly integrate rewards systems, such as Battle Passes and subscription perks, that can become as engaging as the core gameplay. These systems, exemplified by Fortnite and Battlefield 6, offer layered progression and visible unlocks, turning the pursuit of prizes into a significant part of the player experience. Even store credit and betting promotions come with complex conditions that players must understand to gauge their true value.
Console Game Development Is Moving to Unreal Engine, and Halo Just Proved It
Halo Studios has transitioned from its proprietary Slipspace engine to Unreal Engine 5 for Halo: Campaign Evolved, marking a significant shift in console game development. This move aims to reduce internal engine maintenance costs, allowing more resources for game creation and faster content delivery to platforms like PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
Saber Interactive "replaced me with ChatGPT midway through development" but AI use is not disclosed on Steam,…
Publisher Saber Interactive is accused of extensively using generative AI, including ChatGPT, in its upcoming driving simulator "Rideshare Stimulator," allegedly replacing staff without proper disclosure on Steam. Former lead writer Stella Sacco claims she was replaced by AI midway through development, and that passenger voices were also AI-generated. Valve requires disclosure for AI-generated content shipped with games, a requirement that appears to have been missed for "Rideshare Stimulator."
Remedy Entertainment touts pricing Control Resonant 'attractively for an AAA title'
Remedy Entertainment CEO Jean-Charles Gaudechon stated that Control Resonant will be priced attractively at $60 for an AAA title, aiming to stand out in a competitive autumn release window. The company is self-publishing the game after mixed results with previous efforts and is facing financial challenges, with Q2 2026 revenue down 40 percent. Despite this, Remedy is confident in Control Resonant's potential, citing over 1.5 million wishlists and strong pre-order rankings.
Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4 start date
Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4, subtitled Override, is set to begin on August 20, 2026, following the conclusion of Season 3 on August 19. The new season will introduce a new Battle Pass, cosmetics, weapons, map changes, and collaborations, including rumored partnerships with Persona and Kingdom Hearts, in addition to an existing collaboration with Sonic the Hedgehog.
Fortnite Mastery Monday start and end times
Fortnite's Mastery Monday event, which offers double Sprite Dust and Sprite XP, begins every Monday at 6 a.m. PT/9 a.m. ET and lasts for 24 hours. This event is available in standard Battle Royale modes, including Zero Build, and helps players level up their Sprites more efficiently.
Unity credits AI advertising platform for driving its 'best quarter ever'
Unity reported its best quarter ever, with total revenue reaching $546 million, a 24% increase year-over-year, driven primarily by its AI-driven advertising platform, Vector AI. Despite a net loss of $23 million, the company has significantly reduced its losses compared to the previous year. CEO Matthew Bromberg highlighted the company's "ecosystem" strategy and anticipates growth from generative AI's impact on game development.
What time is Gem Hour in Fortnite?
Fortnite is hosting a special in-game event called Gem Hour on August 8th, featuring increased spawn rates for Gem Sprites and other rare items. The event will have two sessions, running from 11 AM PT/2 PM ET and 6 PM PT/9 PM ET, each lasting two hours, to accommodate players across different time zones.
Fortnite’s Item Shop Has Become An Increasingly Annoying Labyrinth Of Frustration
The Fortnite item shop has become a source of frustration due to its inconsistent inventory, complex pricing, and the discontinuation of direct V-Buck gift cards. Epic Games' implementation of 'exact purchase' features and the limited availability of cosmetics contribute to a confusing and potentially exploitative buying experience for players.
Weekend PC Download Deals for Aug. 7: Steam Cyberpunk Fest
This weekend's PC gaming deals include a Steam Cyberpunk Fest featuring discounts on titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Deus Ex games. Several storefronts like Epic Games Store, GOG.com, and Humble Bundle are also offering significant sales on various games, with some titles available for free. Additionally, Ubisoft is celebrating 25 years of Ghost Recon with deep discounts and a free trial for Ghost Recon Wildlands.
Investors hate Roblox’ new direction – but a reversal may be impossible | Opinion
Roblox's stock has significantly declined as investors question its shift away from aggressive growth strategies towards more sustainable practices, a move more suited for a mature company. This transition is partly driven by increasing global regulatory scrutiny, particularly concerning child safety and online platform responsibilities, forcing Roblox to adapt despite the impact on its growth-oriented valuation. The company is likely to be valued as a games company rather than a tech firm in the future.
This week's Epic Games Store free games drops you into a novel, or tasks you and a friend to escape a haunted castle
The Epic Games Store is offering two free PC games: Beacon Pines, a narrative adventure with branching story paths, and We Were Here Together, a co-op puzzle game set in Antarctica. Both titles are available for PC players to claim between August 6 and August 13.
