Ziff Davis
Ziff Davis business and news from across the web.
Report: Payment for some TheGamer staff now tied to per-article sessionsValnet, the parent company of TheGamer, has reportedly shifted its payment structure for some staff from flat rates to a per-article session model. This new system means writers may not be paid if their articles do not reach a minimum viewership threshold, leading to concerns of "soft layoffs" and drastic pay cuts.
Ziff Davis announces new IGN France partnership, as part of international licencing expansionZiff Davis, owner of IGN Entertainment, has partnered with European media group eMense to operate IGN France. This move is part of Ziff Davis's broader international licensing expansion, which also includes a new French edition of CNET. The partnership aims to leverage eMense's expertise in competitive European markets to grow IGN France's reach and value.
IGN Entertainment is exclusive media sponsor for Nite to Unite 2026IGN Entertainment has been named the exclusive media partner for the Nite to Unite 2026 fundraising event, which supports the ESA Foundation's initiatives for diversity and inclusion in the video game industry. The event aims to fund scholarships, workforce development, and other programs to support underrepresented voices. This marks IGN Entertainment's third consecutive year sponsoring the event.
Good Games Group Acquires Humble Games, Now Called Balor Games | Console CreaturesGood Games Group, founded by former Humble Bundle employees, has acquired Humble Games from Ziff Davis and rebranded as Balor Games. The new entity will continue to publish over 60 independent titles, focusing on stability and expanded support for partner studios with a renewed commercial strategy.- Humble Games' former bosses buy the studio's back catalogGood Games Group, led by former Humble Games leaders Alan Patmore and Mark Nash, has acquired the back catalog of over 50 titles from Humble Games, rebranding as Balor Games. This acquisition includes popular indie titles like Slay the Spire and Coral Island, and also encompasses the catalog of Firestoke Games. Balor Games aims to be a developer-friendly publisher focused on "triple-I" gaming.
Ex-Humble Games Heads Buy Back Label and Rename It to Balor GamesFormer Humble Games heads Alan Patmore and Mark Nash have acquired the indie publishing label and rebranded it to Balor Games. The new entity, formerly Good Games Group, has secured the back catalog of Humble Games, including titles like A Hat in Time and Slay the Spire, and aims to become a leading "triple-I" publisher.
Good Games Group acquires Ziff Davis' publishing business to launch Balor GamesGood Games Group has launched a new publishing label, Balor Games, by acquiring Ziff Davis' publishing business. This move consolidates over 60 indie titles, including Slay the Spire and SIGNALIS, under Balor Games, which aims to provide resources and autonomy to partner studios. Balor Games will also selectively invest in new projects like SCP: 5K while supporting its existing portfolio.
Good Games Group has bought the Humble and Firestoke back catalogues. Now, newly renamed as Balor Games, it wants to invest in triple-IGood Games Group, now rebranded as Balor Games, has acquired the back catalogues of Humble Games and Firestoke, encompassing over 50 titles. Led by Alan Patmore and Mark Nash, the company aims to become a leading 'triple-I' publisher, focusing on high-quality, impactful games and supporting developers across various budget levels.
Attempt to get copyright on wholly AI-generated art gunned down by US Supreme CourtThe US Supreme Court has declined to hear a case concerning copyright for AI-generated art, upholding previous rulings that human authorship is a requirement. This decision impacts the ability to copyright works created by AI systems like Stephen Thaler's DABUS, with potential consequences for AI development in the creative industry. The article also touches on related patent issues and the broader debate around intellectual property in the age of generative AI, noting a lawsuit by Ziff Davis against OpenAI.- Downdetector and Speedtest have been sold for over $1 billionZiff Davis has sold its Connectivity division, which includes Speedtest and Downdetector, to Accenture for $1.2 billion. This sale allows Ziff Davis to focus on its core brands like IGN and Mashable, while Accenture aims to enhance its network intelligence services with the acquired assets.
Valve in hot water, Discord begs forgiveness, and more game media layoffs - Patch Notes #42This week's gaming news roundup covers significant industry events including Microsoft's Xbox leadership changes, Valve facing a lawsuit over gambling in Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2, and layoffs at companies like Riot Games and Eurogamer. Additionally, Krafton appointed a chief AI officer, Embark Studios' CEO became Nexon's executive chairman, and Discord delayed its age verification rollout.