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Gamescom 2026 is "proof that the game industry is working towards a better tomorrow"
Despite widespread layoffs and studio closures in the game industry during 2026, Gamescom Director Tim Endres and Stefan Heikhaus, Head of Gamescom at Game, express optimism. They believe the event's full capacity and focus on networking, fan engagement, and future technologies demonstrate the industry's resilience and drive towards a better tomorrow.
Gamescom 2026: Seven Games at the Top of Our Watchlist
Gamescom 2026 is set to feature major announcements and gameplay reveals for highly anticipated titles. Highlights include updates on Final Fantasy 7 Revelation, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt DLC, Microsoft's Fable and Gears of War: E-Day, Metro 2039, Persona 4 Revival, Daniel Mullins' next project Pony Island 2: Panda Circus, and the real-time strategy game Game of Thrones: War for Westeros.
Nobody Knows Who Built Ox Alpha — And That’s the Point of a Stealth Model
A new, unnamed AI model called Ox Alpha has been released on OpenRouter, sparking speculation about its developer, with theories ranging from Chinese entities to Microsoft. The model is described as a 'stealth model' with an anonymous third-party provider, a strategy intended to gather user data and feedback before revealing its identity. Stripe CEO Patrick Collison praised the model, though his company is in the process of acquiring OpenRouter.
Games Inbox: Is the PS5 boycott still happening?
Readers discuss various gaming topics, including a boycott of the PlayStation 5 due to the discontinuation of physical media, impressions of The Duskbloods network test, and reactions to Grand Theft Auto 6 leaks. Other topics include the relevance of Xbox's 25th anniversary, Nintendo Switch 2 impressions, and the debate around physical vs. digital game sales.
Ori 3 Rumors Are “Nonsense,” Claims Moon Studios CEO
Moon Studios CEO Thomas Mahler has dismissed rumors of a new Ori title as "nonsense," stating that the studio would develop a third game if given the go-ahead by Microsoft. While some insiders suggested Saber Interactive might be involved and an announcement could be imminent, Mahler clarified that the decision is not up to his studio. The last game in the series, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, was released in 2020.
'We didn't have layoffs before, and now all of a sudden we have yearly layoffs': Bethesda artist says 'something has changed' under Microsoft
Bethesda artist Alex Nguyen stated that yearly layoffs have become a norm under Microsoft's ownership, contrasting with the studio's past. He highlighted the erosion of institutional knowledge and the impact on long-term commitment among staff. This comes amidst industry-wide concerns about corporate greed and job security, with Microsoft also implementing significant job cuts in its gaming divisions.
Why Local Payment Methods Matter for Global Gaming Companies
Global gaming companies must prioritize local payment methods beyond credit cards to succeed in international markets. Methods like Brazil's Pix and India's UPI are crucial for reaching a significant portion of the population, especially those without credit cards, and ignoring them leads to higher acquisition costs and lost market share. Supporting local currencies and payment preferences is essential for improving conversion rates and achieving true market access.
GTA 6 Leaker Keeps Posting Gameplay Clips While Take-Two Subpoenas Microsoft and Discord
Despite Take-Two Interactive issuing subpoenas to Microsoft and Discord, the leaker known as 'CyberLeek' has continued to release gameplay clips of Grand Theft Auto 6. These leaks are being used to promote a memecoin, suggesting a cryptocurrency scheme. Rockstar Games is reportedly frustrated and unsure how the leaks are occurring, but plans to proceed with the upcoming Netflix reveal.
GTA 6 Leaker Releases More Gameplay Videos Despite Rockstar Owner Take-Two's Microsoft and Discord Subpoenas
Despite Take-Two Interactive, the owner of Rockstar Games, issuing subpoenas to Microsoft and Discord for identifying information, an alleged leaker has released two more gameplay videos for Grand Theft Auto 6. This incident highlights ongoing issues with game leaks and the legal measures taken to combat them.
Compulsion Games' buyout is complete, so now Microsoft won't get a cut if you buy South of Midnight
Compulsion Games has completed a management buyout, regaining ownership of its intellectual property from Microsoft's Xbox Game Studios. This separation allows Compulsion to retain a larger share of revenue from games like South of Midnight, which received an 83% review score. The studio, also known for We Happy Few and Contrast, is now independent after rumors of closure following recent layoffs.
"Buying any of our games helps support the studio": Psychonauts studio Double Fine are the latest former Xbox-owned studio to get the rights to their games back
Double Fine Productions, the studio behind Psychonauts, has regained the publishing rights to its games from Microsoft. CEO Tim Schafer confirmed the transfer, stating that sales of their games now directly support the studio. The studio also announced the return of their Amnesia Fortnight game jam, with a Kickstarter launching August 31st to fund the initiative.
The Library Is A Gateway To Free Video Games
This article explores how public libraries can serve as a gateway to free video games, offering a more cost-effective alternative to subscription services like Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus. It highlights the value of library cards for accessing gaming content without significant personal expense.
GTA 6 Leak Hunt Escalates: Take-Two Hits Microsoft and Discord With DMCA Subpoenas
Take-Two Interactive, parent company of Rockstar Games, has issued DMCA subpoenas to Microsoft and Discord to identify the source of Grand Theft Auto 6 leaks. The subpoenas seek information on user accounts, including those associated with content creator Matthew Judge, and internal Microsoft files related to the investigation. Leaks have continued despite legal action, occurring just ahead of an official extended look at the game on Netflix.
Is this the end of the GTA 6 leaks? Take-Two's legal crusade appears to shut down the hubs behind them
Take-Two Interactive's legal actions appear to have shut down CyberLeek, a primary hub for Grand Theft Auto 6 leaks, and its associated Telegram channel. The company has issued subpoenas to Microsoft and Discord seeking information to identify those responsible for the leaks. Despite these efforts, it remains uncertain if this marks the definitive end of the leaks or merely a temporary pause.
Leaked Xbox Series X25 Price Would Make It the Costliest Xbox Ever
A leaked report suggests Microsoft's 25th-anniversary Xbox Series X25 console will be priced at $899.99, making it the most expensive Xbox ever. The translucent green console is reportedly launching on November 27, Black Friday, and will feature the same internal specifications as the standard Xbox Series X.
Double Fine confirms it owns all its games' IP and publishing rights after Xbox split
Double Fine has confirmed it retains ownership of the intellectual property and publishing rights for all its games following its split from Xbox. CEO Tim Schafer stated that while some games are still processing, buying their titles directly supports the studio. The company also plans to revive its Amnesia Fortnight game jam as a Kickstarter campaign.
Evening Reading - August 21, 2026
This is the final full Evening Reading before Gamescom, with the author departing for Germany to cover the event. The article rounds up recent gaming news including Take-Two Interactive's subpoena for the GTA 6 leaker, Marvel's Wolverine going gold, and updates on Call of Duty, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and Dead by Daylight. It also highlights new game maps, download deals, and a look at the Metal Gear Solid series.
GTA 6 Studio Leaders and Employees “Angry” at Leaks, “All Hands on Deck” to Find Source – Rumor
Rockstar Games is reportedly angered by recent Grand Theft Auto 6 leaks, with "all hands on deck" to identify the source. Despite enhanced security measures implemented after a 2022 leak, the perpetrator, known as CyberLeek, remains unidentified. The game is set to launch on November 19th for Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, with an extended trailer reveal planned for August 27th.
Xbox is "working closely" with GTA 6 makers Take-Two and Rockstar following leaks, tech chief says, "to support efforts to protect creative works"
Xbox's Chief Technology Officer Scott Van Vliet confirmed that the company is working with Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive to protect creative works following a massive Grand Theft Auto 6 leak. The leaker has threatened further disclosures unless Take-Two abandons its digital-only plan for the game. Take-Two has reportedly subpoenaed Microsoft and Discord to identify the individual responsible for the leaks.
Rockstar employees frustrated by GTA 6 leaks, though they may have only whet appetites for the reveal
Rockstar employees are reportedly frustrated by new Grand Theft Auto 6 gameplay leaks, despite enhanced security measures following a previous hack. The leaks have not impacted pre-orders, which Take-Two reports are unprecedented. The article also touches on recent firings at Rockstar related to labor organizing discussions.
