Candy Crush Saga
News, coverage and analysis tracking Candy Crush Saga across the outlets.
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Almost 1,900 Blizzard workers ratify first union contract with Microsoft
Blizzard Entertainment employees, represented by newly formed unions, have ratified their first collective bargaining agreement with parent company Microsoft. The contract, lasting four to five years, includes protections for generative AI use, crediting, remote work, and layoffs, establishing a 60-day notice period for job cuts and 14 months of recall rights. Meanwhile, Activision's subsidiary King has rejected a collective bargaining agreement with Swedish trade unions.
Playdate maker Panic refunds tariff surcharges to customers
Playdate maker Panic is refunding customers who paid tariff surcharges, following a US Supreme Court ruling that President Trump's tariffs were unlawful. The company had added a 19% tariff line item to Playdate orders during a specific period. Separately, a report indicates the European games industry generated €30 billion in 2025, with mobile and tablets being the leading platforms.
European games industry revenue reached €30bn in 2025
The European games industry generated €30 billion in 2025, with digital purchases making up 91% of revenue. While the original five major markets saw a slight decline, the overall revenue figure is bolstered by the inclusion of 11 new countries in the report. Mobile and tablets were the leading platforms for both usage and revenue generation.
McDonald’s Halo: Campaign Evolved Skin Has Me Loathin’ It
McDonald's has partnered with Xbox to offer a new red and gray "Campaign Evolved" skin for Master Chief in Halo: Infinite in the UK and Ireland. The skin, named "Side Mission," can be obtained through the McDonald's app for 1,500 rewards points. The promotion also includes rewards for other Xbox-owned titles like Forza Horizon 6 and Fallout 76.
EA taken private by Saudi Arabia, GTA marketing jumps the shark, and Devolver's huge mistake - Patch Notes #64
Electronic Arts has been taken private by an investor consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund for $55 billion. Devolver Digital is seeking to delist from the London Stock Exchange due to the incompatibility of short-term investor demands with the volatile video game industry. Additionally, the next trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI will premiere exclusively on Netflix before a wider release.
Xbox After The Layoffs: Studios Left And What They’re Making
Xbox has undergone significant restructuring, including layoffs and the divestment of five studios, as it aims to increase profitability and focus on major intellectual properties. This shake-up impacts numerous development teams and projects across Xbox Game Studios, Activision, Blizzard, and Bethesda, with a renewed focus on core franchises and a shift in business strategies like the exclusion of Call of Duty from Xbox Game Pass day-one launches.
While several Xbox studios regained independence or found new owners yesterday, Arkane's staff must negotiate their own future
Xbox has announced significant restructuring, spinning off five studios and implementing widespread layoffs. While some studios regain independence or find new owners, the fate of Arkane Studios, specifically Arkane Lyon in France, remains undecided as negotiations involving Microsoft, studio management, and employee representatives are ongoing. This situation highlights differing labor law protections between France and the US, with Arkane Lyon's future potentially involving sale, management buyout, or closure.
The Gaming Industry Is Eating Itself Alive
Xbox is undergoing a massive restructuring, including 3,200 layoffs, impacting numerous studios and divisions like Activision, Bethesda, and Blizzard. While some studios regain independence and first-party projects remain safe for now, the article criticizes Xbox's overall strategy, citing Game Pass's performance and declining hardware revenue. The piece also touches on PlayStation's similar issues with digital ownership and preservation, painting a bleak picture for the future of gaming costs and ownership.
Xbox cutting 3,200 jobs and parting ways with Double Fine, Compulsion, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs
Microsoft has initiated a significant restructure of its Xbox division, eliminating 3,200 jobs and parting ways with four studios: Double Fine, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs. New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated the cuts are necessary due to underperforming bets on Xbox Game Pass and multiplatform releases, as well as a severe hardware crisis impacting component prices. The company aims to streamline operations, reduce management layers, and foster a more efficient development environment.
Well, Professor Pippin Barr, you've done it again: you've ruined chess
Experimental game developer Pippin Barr has released another set of eight browser-based chess variants, continuing his trend of playfully subverting the classic strategy game. These new variations include concepts like 'chess but on a travelator' and 'chess but also Candy Crush Saga,' challenging players to adapt to absurd rule changes. The article expresses mock outrage at these 'grievous injuries' to chess, suggesting Barr should instead target games like Monopoly.
XBOX CEO wants XBOX to become the number one gaming company by 2030
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has set an ambitious goal for Microsoft's gaming division to become the number one gaming and entertainment company by 2030. Sharma emphasized that success will be measured by Xbox's overall industry position, not just profit margins, citing recent acquisitions like Activision Blizzard and ZeniMax Media as evidence of commitment. While acknowledging challenges, she believes continued investment in games, services, and major franchises will solidify Xbox's dominance.
Main Types of Online Games and Why They Are Popular | Invision Game Community
This article analyzes the popularity of various online game types, including MMORPGs, mobile games, online casino games, competitive titles, and browser-based games. It highlights factors like social commitment, convenience, accessibility, and competitive environments that contribute to their widespread appeal and sustained player engagement.
How Casual and Mobile Gaming Became a Mainstream Hobby for Busy Adults - Walkthrough, Tips, Review
Casual and mobile gaming have become mainstream hobbies for adults, with players in their 20s, 30s, and beyond forming a significant market share. These games are favored for their short, pick-up-and-play sessions that fit into busy adult schedules, contrasting with the longer time commitments required by AAA titles. The perception of gaming as a niche activity for younger males is outdated, as gaming is now a popular and widely adopted activity across diverse adult demographics.
Best Games to Play When You Are Bored (2026 Guide)
This 2026 guide identifies games that effectively combat boredom by offering quick starts, short sessions, and instant engagement. Trends show a rise in mobile and browser games for short breaks, while PC and multiplayer titles cater to longer sessions. Relaxing and offline games are also highlighted for specific moods and connectivity situations.
Titanium Court mashes together genres and cultural references to tell a strange, funny tale
Titanium Court is a unique roguelite that blends match-three mechanics with tower defense and adventure game elements. Developed by AP Thomson and published by Fellow Traveller, the game features smart, funny writing and unexpected narrative turns. It recently won the Seumas McNally Grand Prize at the Independent Games Festival Awards and is available on PC and Mac, with a demo also available.
Reddit posts can be more important than data, and other lessons from maintaining Candy Crush as a forever game
Eva Ryott, King's head of live operations, discusses maintaining Candy Crush Saga as a 'forever game' by focusing on player needs and leveraging AI for content creation and workflow support. She highlights the importance of combining data-driven insights with innovation and listening to player feedback, even from platforms like Reddit, to keep the long-running mobile title engaging.
Historien om det svenska spelundret
This article traces the history of the Swedish video game industry, highlighting its rise from humble beginnings to a global powerhouse. It details key companies like DICE, Starbreeze Studios, Paradox Interactive, and Mojang Studios, alongside influential games such as Minecraft, Battlefield, and Crusader Kings. The piece also touches upon the impact of the demoscene, home computer adoption, and the growth of indie development in fostering Sweden's success.
Why UX/UI Is the Real Reason Players Come Back
Player retention in modern gaming is primarily driven by effective User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design, rather than just content volume. Intuitive interfaces, clear feedback, and smooth gameplay flow are crucial for keeping players engaged and reducing costly user acquisition efforts. Games that prioritize effortless interaction and emotional connection are more likely to foster long-term player loyalty.
Why Users Are Choosing Simpler, More Immediate Digital Experiences
Modern digital experiences are increasingly prioritizing accessibility and immediate usability, driven by mobile-first design and fragmented user attention spans. This trend favors intuitive interfaces, quick session completion, and seamless resumption of activities across various platforms, from casual mobile games like Candy Crush Saga to streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video. The focus is on reducing friction and cognitive load to better integrate technology into daily routines.
US game spending declines by 15% in January 2025
US video game spending in January 2025 decreased by 15% year-over-year, reaching $4.5 billion, partly due to a shorter tracking period. While mobile gaming and subscription services saw growth, significant drops in hardware sales, particularly for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch, contributed to the overall decline. Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth saw a surge in sales following its Steam release, though Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 remained the best-selling game.
