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"Honestly, it's still getting worse" - Valve Steam Machine engineer says component prices are still rising, potentially paving the way for a price increase
Valve engineer Yazan Aldehayyat stated that consumer electronics component prices are still rising, potentially leading to price increases for products like the Steam Machine and Steam Deck. This trend is also impacting consoles, with Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo having already raised prices or planning to do so. Separately, Bethesda Game Studios leader Todd Howard thanked fans for their support following recent announcements about Fallout and The Elder Scrolls projects, emphasizing that the company listens to community feedback.
The Daily Grind: Does your MMO have a rivalry with another game?
This article discusses the phenomenon of rivalries between Massively Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Games (MMORPGs), using examples like Destiny 2 and Marathon, and the long-standing perceived competition between World of Warcraft, Guild Wars 2, and Final Fantasy XIV. It questions the legitimacy and origins of these rivalries, encouraging readers to share their own experiences.
UK Retailer Game Collapses Due to Almost £16 Million in Debt
UK-based video game retailer Game has entered administration, owing approximately £15.8 million to creditors. The company, which once operated 300 stores, has faced significant financial challenges due to shifts towards digital game sales, economic pressures, and a lack of major console releases. This collapse follows Sony's announcement to cease PlayStation disc production in 2028, a move criticized by the Entertainment Retailers Association for harming retailers and consumer choice.
Sony’s Digital-Only Future Is Facing Its Biggest Fight Yet
Sony's move towards a digital-only future for PlayStation is facing significant backlash and legal challenges, including an antitrust motion filed by Mexican lawmakers. Critics argue this strategy limits consumer choice, harms the second-hand market, and raises concerns about true game ownership and long-term access, especially given potential issues with regional availability and internet dependency. Organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation and even other companies like GOG have voiced strong opposition, highlighting the erosion of trust and the need for Sony to address these issues.
Call of Duty movie will be set in the Modern Warfare universe
The upcoming Call of Duty movie will be set in the Modern Warfare universe, as confirmed by director Peter Berg. Activision producer Rob Kostich emphasized the importance of authenticity and epic scope for the film, which is slated for a June 30, 2028 release. In other news, Marathon director Joe Ziegler has departed Bungie, passing leadership to Del Chafe III and Julia Nardin amidst ongoing studio layoffs and legal disputes.
Marathon director Joe Ziegler leaves Bungie just four months after launch
Joe Ziegler, the director of Bungie's upcoming game Marathon, has departed the studio after three and a half years. He announced his last day was July 17th and that he is passing the game director role to Del Chafe III and Julia Nardin. This news comes amidst ongoing controversy for Bungie, including recent layoffs affecting hundreds of employees across multiple teams.
God of War Laufey star Deborah Ann Woll isn't phased by the negative reactions to its announcement: 'I feel…
Actress Deborah Ann Woll, who voices Laufey in the upcoming God of War Laufey, is unfazed by negative online reactions to the game's female protagonist. Woll stated she is not bothered by the criticism, believing the game is good regardless of personal preference. The article also speculates on the game's potential PC release, given Sony's recent shift towards PlayStation exclusivity.
I’m giving up on modern gaming and I know I’m not the only one - Reader’s Feature
A long-time gamer expresses disillusionment with the modern gaming industry, citing the shift from complete, creative experiences to live service models, microtransactions, and endless monetization. The author feels current trends alienate veteran players and that younger generations are indoctrinated into a system that prioritizes profit over artistic integrity. This sentiment leads the author to abandon modern gaming in favor of retro titles and physical media.
Marvel's Wolverine Trailer Flooded With Comments as Physical Disc Backlash Against PlayStation Continues
A new trailer for Insomniac Games' Marvel's Wolverine has been met with negative comments from fans upset by Sony's decision to stop producing physical discs for PlayStation games. The backlash highlights ongoing player dissatisfaction with the shift away from physical media.
Does anyone know how to drive this thing?
The article critiques the current state of the video game industry, highlighting a perceived lack of direction and a focus on short-term profits over sustainable development. It points to Sony's struggles with live-service games and Microsoft's costly acquisition spree and subsequent layoffs as examples of poor management. The author argues that this trend of layoffs and uncertainty is detrimental to game development and player experience, contrasting it with companies like Capcom and Larian that have maintained stability and achieved success.
As PlayStation declares nobody wants physical discs anymore, Gen Z is helping fuel a 16% surge in US music CD sales
Despite PlayStation's move away from physical discs, CD sales in the US have seen a 16% surge, driven by Gen Z and Millennials who view CDs as affordable collectibles. This trend highlights a growing appreciation for physical media and direct artist support, contrasting with the predominantly digital game sales market where similar benefits of ownership and collectibility still hold value.
Marathon Game Director Leaves Bungie At A Tumultuous Time
Joe Ziegler, the game director for Bungie's upcoming title Marathon, has announced his departure from the studio to pursue a new opportunity. Del Chafe III will take over as game director, working with creative director Julia Nardin. Ziegler's exit occurs during a turbulent period for Bungie, which recently underwent layoffs impacting both the Destiny and Marathon teams.
Zero Parades Dev Announces Layoffs Despite Game’s Critical Acclaim
Despite critical acclaim, Zero Parades: For Dead Spies developer ZA/UM has announced layoffs affecting up to 32 staffers due to the game's commercial performance. The studio stated that while the team's shape is changing, its artistic standards remain unchanged. This news comes amidst a wave of layoffs across the gaming industry, with companies like Xbox and Sony also making significant staff reductions.
This PC Gamer Is Making His Own Physical Steam Games, One Expensive Cartridge At A Time
A PC gamer has created custom physical "cartridges" for their Steam games using SSDs and a custom script, allowing for a plug-and-play experience. This project revives the idea of physical media for PC games, which has largely been replaced by digital distribution. The creator has shared their code for others to use, though they note it may require adjustments for different systems.
Physical Games Are “Irrelevant” To GameStop’s Business, Says CEO
GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen stated that physical games are irrelevant to the company's business, with software now making up less than 12% of revenue while collectibles and hardware comprise the majority. He expressed indifference to PlayStation's potential shift away from physical discs, emphasizing the company's focus on other revenue streams like collectibles and his ambition to acquire eBay.
Star Wars: KOTOR remake is alive and eyeing a 2028 release window, according to Sabre Interactive's chief business office
Sabre Interactive's Chief Business Officer Steve Allison has indicated that the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Remake is still in development and could be released around 2028. The project has faced numerous development challenges, including being moved from Aspyr to Sabre Interactive by Embracer Group. Despite past delays and uncertainty, Allison's comments offer a glimmer of hope for fans of the classic RPG.
GameStop CEO says Sony's axing of physical games 'doesn't matter at all' in a statement sure to…
GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen stated that Sony's decision to end physical game production for PlayStation titles from 2028 is 'totally irrelevant' to the company. He noted that physical and digital games only account for 18% of GameStop's revenue, with collectibles making up the majority of their business. This stance comes amidst consumer backlash over the move away from physical media and concerns about digital ownership.
Big Hollywood studios are fighting over new director on the block Kane Parsons ahead of his Backrooms sequel
Director Kane Parsons, fresh off the success of his feature film debut 'Backrooms,' is reportedly in negotiations for a lucrative first-look deal with A24. However, other major studios like Warner Bros., Universal, and Sony are also vying to sign the young director. The article highlights a trend of original, lower-budget films with new directors outperforming major blockbusters.
Labor unions challenge Xbox, GameStop CEO says physical game sales are 'irrelevant,' and Glen Schofield retires - Patch Notes #61
Labor unions have filed unfair labor practice charges against Microsoft for allegedly mishandling recent Xbox layoffs, citing "coercive actions" and "unilateral changes." Meanwhile, Dead Space co-creator Glen Schofield has retired from game development, and GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen stated that physical game sales are "irrelevant" to the company's business.
The new Marvel's Wolverine cinematic trailer has been swarmed by PlayStation fans still angry at Sony ditching discs
A newly released cinematic trailer for Insomniac Games' Marvel's Wolverine has been inundated with comments from PlayStation fans expressing anger over Sony's decision to phase out physical disc media. Despite the trailer showcasing new gameplay elements and characters like Lady Deathstrike and Sabretooth, the comment sections on YouTube and X are dominated by criticism of Sony's move towards digital-only distribution, with many drawing parallels to Wolverine's struggle to protect a physical photo in the trailer.
