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Tomoland Raises $2M to Expand Mobile-First UGC Platform With Crypto.
Tomoland has secured $2 million in a funding round led by Sky9 Capital to expand its mobile-first user-generated content (UGC) platform with Web3 integration. The company, built on BUD World technology and featuring veterans from Tencent and NetEase, aims to enable creators to own and monetize their digital assets through an on-chain framework. This funding will support the integration of Web2 scale with Web3 ownership for content, gameplay, and AI tools, following a successful NFT sale of its Blueprint Founder Pass.
The future of European publishing is diversity, not concentration | Opinion
Despite financial struggles at major European publishers like Ubisoft and Embracer, the continent's game publishing sector is thriving with smaller, focused companies. These firms prioritize creative niches, sensible scale, and long-term stability over rapid growth, producing successful titles across various genres and demonstrating a diverse and healthy industry landscape.
PLANETPLAY'S GREEN GAMES SHOWCASE JOINS OFFICIAL SUMMER GAME FEST 2026 LINE-UP
PlanetPlay's Green Games Showcase will be featured in the official Summer Game Fest 2026 line-up on June 6. The showcase will highlight PC games focused on nature and environmental themes, hosted by Anjali Bhimani and Jude Ower. Profits generated will support environmental projects in Kenya.
New Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry and Ghost Recon games will release by early 2029 say Ubisoft, who're also dumping cash into a "first playable generative AI experience"
Ubisoft plans to release new installments in the Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Ghost Recon franchises by early 2029, aiming to revitalize its financial performance. The company is also increasing investment in its "first playable generative AI experience" called Teammates, alongside other AI applications for game development.
This indie dev's dungeon crawling 'descent into madness' was inspired by motherly love
Indie developer Christopher Yabsley is creating Heathen, a dark fantasy dungeon crawler inspired by a cherished childhood memory of playing Diablo with his mother. The game will feature first-person combat, randomized loot, and online co-op, with an early access release planned for Steam.
"Seven or eight years is not that unusual": Diablo 4 lead says AAA games are taking longer to make, which is bad news for junior applicants
Diablo 4 lead engine engineer Marcin Undak stated that AAA game development cycles are lengthening, often reaching seven to eight years. This trend leads to fewer junior positions being available as companies prefer to hire less experienced staff at the beginning of projects. Undak emphasized that balanced teams with all seniority levels are crucial for success, bringing both fresh ideas and seasoned expertise.
Nintendo’s Patent Application For Pokémon-Like Gameplay on Touch Screens Rejected by JPO
Nintendo's patent application for monster-catching gameplay mechanics on touchscreen devices has been rejected by the Japan Patent Office (JPO). The JPO cited a lack of "inventive step" and existing "prior art," including Pokémon games, as reasons for the rejection. This decision impacts Nintendo's efforts to prevent games like Palworld from appearing on mobile platforms.
Arc Raiders tops 16 million sales and could be heading to China
Arc Raiders has surpassed 16 million sales worldwide, with publisher Nexon reporting significant playtime and revenue contributions from the extraction shooter. Nexon has also secured an ISBN license for China and plans closed beta tests, indicating a potential expansion into the lucrative market. The company is also restructuring its development efforts, cancelling some projects and reallocating resources to others, including a mobile title being co-developed with Tencent.
Amazon Cancels Lord of the Rings MMORPG - GameHaunt
Amazon Games has canceled its Lord of the Rings MMORPG, which was in development since 2023 with Embracer Group. The company cited economic and technical challenges, opting instead to pursue a smaller, single-player or co-op experience in Tolkien's universe. This marks the second time Amazon has failed to launch a Lord of the Rings MMO, with a previous attempt canceled in 2021 due to disputes with Tencent.
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GOG has introduced support for Czech Crowns and regional pricing. Additionally, Nexon has extended its publishing partnerships for the FC Franchise in Korea with Electronic Arts and for Dungeon&Fighter with Tencent.
Nexon Q1 net income rises 118% to $360.7m
Nexon reported a 118% year-over-year increase in net income for the first quarter, reaching $360.7 million, driven by strong performance from Embark Studios' Arc Raiders and the MapleStory franchise. The company also announced a ten-year publishing partnership extension with Tencent for Dungeon & Fighter in China.
Amazon Cancels Lord of the Rings MMORPG - GameHaunt
Amazon Games has cancelled its Lord of the Rings MMORPG, ending a partnership with Embracer Group due to high technical costs and a strategic pivot away from massive online worlds. This marks Amazon's second failed attempt at a Tolkien-based MMO. The company is still working on a smaller, single-player Middle-earth game, potentially developed by Warhorse Studios, while its other MMO, New World, is scheduled to shut down on October 31, 2027.
Lord Of The Rings MMO cancelled as Amazon explores ‘new game experience’
Amazon Games has cancelled its Lord of the Rings MMO, which had been in development in various forms since 2019. While the MMO is scrapped, Amazon Games head Jeff Grattis stated the company is exploring a new game experience within Tolkien's world. This cancellation follows significant layoffs within Amazon's games division and the upcoming shutdown of their MMO New World.
Amazon reportedly cancels Lord of the Rings MMO
Amazon has reportedly cancelled its Lord of the Rings MMO, with sources indicating the decision followed layoffs in its Games division. While not confirming the cancellation, Amazon Games head Jeff Gattis stated the company is exploring a new game experience within the franchise. Layoffs impacted teams working on both the Lord of the Rings MMO and the New World game.
Amazon Still Eyeing A Lord Of The Rings Game After Reported MMO Cancellation
Amazon Games is still pursuing a new The Lord of the Rings game, despite multiple MMORPG projects being canceled. The company's latest attempt at a Lord of the Rings MMO, in partnership with Embracer, was reportedly canceled in 2025 amid layoffs. Amazon previously partnered with Leyou for another Lord of the Rings MMO that was canceled in 2021.
Shift Up teases new details on Stellar Blade sequel and Project Spirits
Shift Up has announced that more details regarding the Stellar Blade sequel and its new IP, Project Spirits, will be revealed in 2026. The Stellar Blade sequel is progressing smoothly, with Shift Up planning to self-publish the title. Project Spirits, an Eastern Fantasy cross-platform game developed on Unreal Engine 5, is targeting a 2027 release and is co-developed with a Tencent affiliate.
MMO Week in Review: The big rebranding of CCP Games
CCP Games, the studio behind EVE Online, has rebranded to Fenris Creations and announced a partnership with Google DeepMind for AI development. This news comes amidst other MMO updates including Guild Wars 2's new zone, Conan Exiles' Enhanced version, and acquisitions like Daybreak buying Cold Iron Studios.
Conan Exiles Enhanced is officially live for Steam gamers today with an engine upgrade and boosted graphics
Funcom, in partnership with Inflexion Games, has released Conan Exiles Enhanced, a free upgrade for Steam players featuring an engine overhaul to Unreal Engine 5, boosted graphics, and a revitalized UI. This significant update, launching just before the game's 8th anniversary, unifies the Exiled Lands and Isle of Siptah into a single experience. The enhancements are exclusive to Steam and will not be available on consoles.
Metacore restructuring to the tune of 'up to 160' redundancies
Metacore is planning a significant restructuring, potentially leading to up to 160 redundancies in Finland, due to the plateaued growth of its hit game Merge Mansion and unsuccessful new investments. Concurrently, Supercell, already a major shareholder, will acquire the rest of Metacore, aiming to scale Merge Mansion back into a leading position within its category.
Rumored PVP Assassin’s Creed game could be the next one on the chopping block after ‘f**king awful’ private playtest
Ubisoft's rumored PVP Assassin's Creed game, codenamed Invictus, is reportedly facing delays or cancellation following a poorly received private playtest. Sources describe the game, which is said to resemble Fall Guys with an Assassin's Creed twist, as 'fucking awful.' This comes as Ubisoft has been canceling multiple projects amid significant financial losses and a decline in stock value.