Game Industry
Ongoing coverage on Game Industry.
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PEGI Rating Changes Will See Loot Box Games Classified Much Higher
PEGI is updating its rating system to classify games featuring loot boxes and similar randomized microtransactions at PEGI 16. Games with battle passes or time-limited systems will be rated PEGI 12, with an option to lower to PEGI 7 if in-game purchase toggles are available. These changes, aimed at closing loopholes and addressing concerns about predatory monetization, will take effect in June.
Jeff Kaplan Drops Bombshell About ‘Contentious’ Activision Exit
Overwatch co-creator Jeff Kaplan described his 2021 departure from Activision Blizzard as the biggest "f**k you moment" of his career, suggesting a deeply contentious exit. This revelation sheds light on potential issues within Blizzard during the development of Overwatch 2 and contributes to a broader discussion about how major game studios treat their creative talent.
Unions band together to launch new game industry conference 'by workers, for workers'
The United Videogame Workers of CWA has launched the Game Workers Conference (GWC), an online event scheduled for May 22-23, 2026, designed by and for game industry workers. The conference will feature discussions on industry skills, union campaigns, and the relationship between press and workers, with participation from organizations like SAG-AFTRA. Sessions will be freely accessible online, with optional watch parties in select cities.
Highguard (XS) Review | VGChartz
This review of Highguard criticizes the disproportionate amount of hate directed towards games, particularly live service titles, by players who claim not to care. The author argues that this negativity, seen across both single-player and live service games, has a more detrimental impact on the industry than developers creating more live service games.
Original founders of Bossfight Entertainment re-launch studio as Bossfight
Several companies within the game industry have announced new leadership appointments and expansions in March 2026. ProbablyMonsters added three executives to its leadership team, Kasedo Games appointed Timea Edvi as publishing director, and Sixteen Tons named Sebastian Nußuam as CCO. Microsoft Gaming, Midwest Games, and Escape Velocity Entertainment also saw new hires in key roles.
Sony Rated the Best Big Game Company to Work for in Japan, Beating Nintendo, Capcom, More
Sony Interactive Entertainment has been rated the best major game company to work for in Japan based on employee satisfaction data. The company ranked highest in average yearly income and lowest in monthly overtime, surpassing competitors like Nintendo, Capcom, and Bandai Namco. While Sony's satisfaction rating was slightly lower than Bandai Namco's, its overall score placed it at the top of the industry.
As the Marathon player count discourse reaches peak stupidity, Warframe and Overwatch devs speak up in solidarity: 'This is big unemployed, maidenless behavior'
Developers from Warframe and Overwatch have spoken out against the intense scrutiny of Marathon's player count on Steam, calling it "unemployed, maidenless behavior." Rebecca Ford of Warframe highlighted the increased competition in the market since the game's launch, while Dylan Snyder of Overwatch pointed out the limitations of using SteamDB for player count analysis. The discussion touches on the challenges faced by new live service games in a crowded market.
Great, dynamic pricing is seemingly coming to game sales – just when you thought you couldn’t hate big tech any more: Here’s what we know about consumerism’s new favorite toy
The article discusses the potential introduction of dynamic pricing in video game sales, drawing parallels to controversies in ticket sales and ride-sharing services. It highlights user complaints about varying prices on the PlayStation Store and questions the transparency of such practices, arguing for predictable pricing structures.
Games Inbox: Will Project Helix be a successful comeback for Xbox?
Readers discuss the potential success of Microsoft's 'Project Helix' for Xbox, with concerns about its high cost and whether it's too late for a comeback. Other topics include the aging audience for single-player games, Nintendo's Direct presentations, and the challenges of reviving the Prince of Persia franchise.
Concord and Highguard show that even Fortnite would struggle with its 1.0 version today
The article discusses how games like Concord and Highguard, despite their struggles, highlight the challenges even a massive title like Fortnite would face with its initial 1.0 version today. It contrasts Fortnite's evolution from Save The World to its Battle Royale success with the comebacks of Rainbow Six Siege and the continued support for Quake Champions, questioning whether modern publishers would show similar restraint.
Australian mobile studio Halfbrick to cut 41 members of staff
Australian mobile game developer Halfbrick Studios is laying off 41 employees due to challenging industry conditions and strategic priorities. The company, known for hits like Fruit Ninja and Jetpack Joyride, is seeking new opportunities for the affected staff.
Issues and Activism
Veteran developer Greg Costikyan has criticized the GDC 2026 "Festival of Gaming" rebrand, calling it out amidst a significant industry crisis. The article also touches on issues with The Marathon's battle pass, suggesting it is poorly implemented.
The craft of voice acting with Jennifer Hale
Veteran voice actress Jennifer Hale discusses her career, collaboration with game developers, and her upcoming sessions at the 2026 GDC Festival of Gaming. Hale also shares insights on the craft of voice acting and its importance in game development.
Maverick Games reveals first screenshot of new AAA driving game
Maverick Games has revealed the first screenshot of its upcoming AAA driving game. In separate news, mobile developer Halfbrick has laid off 41 employees, citing a challenging period for the games industry and organizational priorities.
Highguard's failure is emblematic of something that has tormented videogame investors for years now: past live service hits do not equal future live service hits
The failure of live service games like Highguard highlights a persistent problem for investors: past success does not guarantee future hits. Even experienced developers like those from Apex Legends and major companies like Riot Games and Valve have struggled to replicate live service success, leading to cancellations and layoffs across the industry.
Killing Floor studio Tripwire Interactive lays off 23 people because of 'business realities' and all the other…
Tripwire Interactive, the developer behind Killing Floor and Rising Storm, has laid off 23 employees, citing 'business realities' and the evolving video game industry. The studio described the decision as difficult, impacting various departments. This follows a trend of significant layoffs across the game industry since 2022.
Killing Floor Studio Tripwire Interactive Hit by Layoffs
Tripwire Interactive, the developer behind the Killing Floor series, has laid off 23 employees, citing industry changes and business realities. The studio stated it is committed to supporting those affected and continuing with its current projects, including Killing Floor 3, despite the game's low player count on Steam.
Halfbrick cuts 41 jobs as it navigates "challenging period for the games industry"
Australian mobile studio Halfbrick has laid off 41 employees, citing a challenging period for the games industry and strategic priorities. The developer of Fruit Ninja and Jetpack Joyride is navigating these changes with care for affected staff. Their latest title, Bluey's Quest for the Gold Pen, was released on mobile in late 2025/early 2026 with console and PC versions planned for May 2026.
Fruit Ninja studio Halfbrick hit with layoffs: 'we are navigating a challenging period for the games industry'
Australian studio Halfbrick Studios, known for Fruit Ninja and Jetpack Joyride, has announced layoffs affecting 41 staff in Australia and concluding international engagements. The company cited a challenging period for the games industry and organizational priorities as reasons for the decision. The PC release of Bluey's Quest for the Gold Pen remains unaffected.
How Fortnite Hurt The Gaming Industry - The Game Fanatics
Fortnite's transition to a battle royale model and its subsequent massive success has significantly impacted the gaming industry, leading many companies to chase its formula. This pursuit, coupled with overestimations of profits post-COVID, has contributed to industry layoffs and studio closures, though the author anticipates a resurgence of AA games with unique experiences.
