Tencent
Tencent business and news from across the web.
EXPLORE THE ART AND CREATIVITY BEHIND 40 GAME TITLES THROUGH “WORLDS OF PLAY” GLOBAL ART EXHIBITION IN COLOGNE, AUGUST 27 TO 29Tencent announced "Worlds of Play: The Game Art Exhibition," a global art show featuring 40 game titles from over 20 studios. The exhibition will take place in Cologne, Germany, from August 27 to 29 during gamescom 2026. It will showcase artworks and installations across five themed zones, celebrating the artistry and cultural significance of game creation.
Epic Games settles lawsuit against former contractor accused of leaking unannounced Fortnite collaborationsEpic Games has settled a lawsuit against a former contractor, Hayden Cohen, accused of leaking confidential information about unannounced Fortnite collaborations, including those with Minecraft and Game of Thrones. The settlement prohibits Cohen from possessing, using, or disclosing any of Epic's confidential or trade secret information. This action follows similar legal pursuits by other major game companies against prolific leakers.
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden on Sony's years-long debate over scrapping discs, and why this time it's probably "a straight spreadsheet decision"Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden discusses Sony's decision to end disc production, calling it a 'spreadsheet decision' driven by the shift to digital sales. He believes this move, accelerated by the pandemic, suggests future consoles like the PlayStation 6 may omit disc drives entirely. Layden also noted that concerns over second-hand sales are no longer a significant factor for the business.
World Premiere: Cats in the Shell, a Mecha-Customizing Roguelike with Thrilling BattlesRaven Studio, formed by veterans from Tencent and NetEase, has revealed its debut title, Cats in the Shell, a mech-building roguelike auto battler published by Infini Fun. The game will feature strategic cat pilots, over 1,000 customizable equipment parts, and dynamic auto-battler sequences. It is set to launch on PC via Steam Early Access in Q4 2026, with a public playtest available now.
GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE’S SUMMER UPDATE ‘WAVE TO YOU’ AVAILABLE NOWLevel Infinite and SHIFT UP have launched the summer update 'Wave To You' for the sci-fi RPG shooter Goddess of Victory: Nikkke. The update is available on PC and mobile devices and introduces new characters, swimsuit costumes, a boss battle, and a mini-game. The game has been downloaded over 45 million times since its launch.
Sega Europe vet Post steps down as West Studios COO, Rovio's Pelletier-Normand taking his placeJurgen Post is stepping down as COO of Sega Europe's West Studios and will be replaced by Rovio's CEO, Alex Pelletier-Normand, who will hold both positions. Post will remain with Sega Europe in an advisory capacity, while Tatsuyuki Miyazaki takes over his regional managing director responsibilities. This transition follows Sega's acquisition of Rovio in 2023.
Ubisoft taps former 2K president Christoph Hartmann to oversee shooter franchisesUbisoft has appointed former 2K president Christoph Hartmann to lead its new 'Creative House 2' division, which focuses on shooter franchises like The Division, Ghost Recon, and Splinter Cell. This move comes as Ubisoft restructures its studio ecosystem, which has also involved significant cost-cutting measures and layoffs.
Ubisoft Barcelona staff goes on strike over proposed layoffsUbisoft Barcelona employees have initiated strikes lasting until July 17, protesting proposed layoffs that could affect 51 workers. The studio is set to be restructured to focus solely on the Rainbow Six franchise. Workers are demanding job security, adherence to internal promotions, improved salary and benefits, and a return to a 60% remote work model.- Conan Exiles announces four-part Legacy of the Giant-Kings story arc as the game sets new concurrency recordFuncom and Inflexion Games have announced 'Legacy of the Giant-Kings,' a four-part story arc for Conan Exiles Enhanced, with the first part launching on July 21st. This update follows a record-breaking surge in concurrent players for the game's Enhanced version and will introduce new content, including the ability to repair Legendary gear.
Rainbow Six Siege developers go on strike through July to protest mass layoffs and RTO policies at Ubisoft BarcelonaStaff at Ubisoft Barcelona, the studio behind Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege, are striking throughout July to protest mass layoffs and return-to-office policies. The industrial action, organized by the Spanish union La Confederación General del Trabajo, includes demands for protection against future dismissals, reinstatement of promotion packages, and a return to hybrid working.
Steam Machine sticker shock, even more Ubisoft layoffs, and another Xbox price hike - Patch Notes #58This week's gaming news highlights include the high pricing of the Steam Machine starting at $1,049, Ubisoft laying off 93 employees and closing studios, and Microsoft increasing Xbox console prices again. Grand Theft Auto 6 will retail for $79.99, while Kingdom Come: Deliverance II has surpassed 6 million sales. Tencent is reportedly considering exiting some Japanese studios.
Tencent, Xbox, Game Angels, Ansible and Flick to speak on Game Republic New Horizons investor stageThe Game Republic New Horizons conference will feature speakers from Tencent, Xbox, The Game Angels, Ansible, and Flick Games on its investor stage. The event, co-hosted by Games London, aims to connect game studios with investors and funders. Separately, Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra discussed the ongoing global chip shortage, predicting gradual improvement in 2028 due to increased demand from data centers powering AI.
FromSoftware parent CEO keeps position following activist investors' disappointment in firm's handling of Elden RingTakeshi Natsuno will remain CEO of Kadokawa Corporation, the parent company of FromSoftware, despite a significant drop in shareholder support. Activist investor group Oasis Management had pushed for his removal, citing concerns over Kadokawa's handling of Elden Ring's success and potential profit leakage. The company has stated it will review its management structure and business plans.
Tim Sweeney says only hope for new games is to 'connect to economies of other games'Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney believes that connecting virtual economies between different games is the only way for new titles to succeed against established giants like Fortnite and Roblox. He suggests that enabling players to transfer in-game items and investments across games, even those from different companies, will reinvigorate the market and drive player engagement towards in-game purchases over buying full games.
Atari and MobyGames launch new career development platform called Moby ProfessionalAtari and its subsidiary MobyGames have launched Moby Professional, a new online platform designed to help game industry professionals find jobs, network, and develop their careers. The platform offers free and premium tiers, with the premium features available for free during a beta period expected to last through summer 2026. Moby Professional leverages MobyGames' extensive database of game development credits to provide personalized career insights and job recommendations.
Evening Reading - June 23, 2026This edition of Evening Reading covers various gaming industry happenings, including Tencent's reported exits from Japanese studios, EA layoffs, and new game announcements like Montabi and Tanuki: Pon's Summer. It also touches on the upcoming EVO 2026 fighting game tournament and reflections on Sonic's 35th birthday and the legacy of 3D graphics in gaming.- Business and FinanceTencent is reportedly considering withdrawing from several gaming investments, while GameStop's Ryan Cohen has withdrawn a CEO performance award as the company shifts its focus to eBay. These developments highlight shifts in the business and finance landscape of the gaming industry.
- Business and FinanceTencent is reportedly in discussions to divest its stakes in several Japanese game studios, potentially incurring a loss. Meanwhile, Italy's second-largest independent game studio has successfully bought back its independence from Embracer Group.
Tencent reportedly negotiating exits from various Japanese studios including MarvelousTencent is reportedly negotiating to sell its minority stakes in several Japanese game studios, including Marvelous, potentially at a loss. Investments in PlatinumGames, FromSoftware, and Kadokawa Corporation are unaffected. The company is shifting its focus towards user-generated content games and its existing portfolio teams.
Report: Tencent mulling exits from multiple Japanese studiosChinese conglomerate Tencent is reportedly considering selling off minority stakes in several Japanese game studios, potentially at a financial loss. This move is part of a portfolio reassessment aimed at refocusing on user-generated content platforms. While investments in PlatinumGames Inc and FromSoftware are reportedly safe, the future of other studios like Marvelous remains uncertain.