Dead Island
News, coverage and analysis tracking Dead Island across the outlets.
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Why switching main characters for your game's sequel might be a mistake
Consultant Christian Fonnesbech argues that switching main characters in game sequels is a significant business risk, as characters are a primary emotional connection for players and a valuable IP asset. While artistic choices like introducing female protagonists in Hades 2 can be successful, Fonnesbech questions their long-term business impact and suggests maintaining character continuity is crucial for franchise success, citing examples like Tomb Raider and James Bond.
Gamescom Opening Night Live 2026 — live build-up and all the ONL announcements as they come in
Gamescom Opening Night Live 2026 is set to officially kick off the event on August 25, 2026, featuring major reveals from publishers like Ubisoft, Bandai Namco, and Capcom. Hosted by Geoff Keighley, the two-hour show will include trailers and announcements, with potential leaks of a new Worms game and Humankind 2 surfacing beforehand.
New UK developer Pretty Cool Games founded by Human: Fall Flat developers
Pretty Cool Games, a new UK-based game development studio, has been founded by Sitara Shefta and Will Dudley, original developers of the hit indie game Human: Fall Flat. The studio, based in Leeds, is hiring and plans to develop an AA title with physics-based gameplay, aiming for innovation and a sustainable development model amidst industry challenges like layoffs and funding difficulties. Shefta highlighted the importance of long-term vision and supporting talent within the UK development community.
Human: Fall Flat veterans launch new UK studio Pretty Cool Games
Veterans of Human: Fall Flat, Sitara Shefta and Will Dudley, have launched a new UK-based independent studio called Pretty Cool Games. The fully-remote outfit has secured financing from Hypergryph's investment arm, Coreblazer, for its debut project, a double-A, physics-based game focused on player expression.
PlayStation Plus Subscribers Have 9 Games To Finish Before August Ends
Nine games will be removed from the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog on August 18, including Dead Island 2 and Harold Halibut. Subscribers have until this date to play these titles. Additionally, new games are being added to the catalog throughout July and August, with classic titles also becoming available for Premium-tier members.
Playstation Plus is saying goodbye to these games in August 2026
Sony Interactive Entertainment's PlayStation Plus service will remove Dead Island 2, Harold Halibut, and seven other titles in August 2026. This affects subscribers who may lose access to these games on PlayStation 5.
Steam Week in Review: Steam just got its first 'dopamine site', so you can fatten a fake backlog without…
The article discusses the phenomenon of 'dopamine sites' that simulate the pleasure of online purchases without spending money, drawing parallels to the Steam backlog and the addictive nature of accumulating games. It highlights a website called Steam Sale Simulator that replicates the Steam storefront experience, allowing users to 'buy' games endlessly. The piece also touches on the rise of idle games and the psychological aspects of consumerism in gaming.
Best Amazon Prime Day 2026 UK deals for PS5, Xbox, and Switch consoles and games
Amazon's Prime Day 2026 sale is offering discounts on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles, including refurbished models. Several games for PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch are also on sale. Additionally, Prime members can claim numerous free PC games during the event.
Daily Video Game Deals Jun 13 – Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap, Nioh 3, Silent Hill 2, Sengoku Dynasty Ultimate Edition, Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero, ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN, Persona 5 Royal & More
Daily Video Game Deals for June 13, 2026, are now live across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The sale features discounts on numerous titles including Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap, Nioh 3, Silent Hill 2, Sengoku Dynasty Ultimate Edition, Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero, ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN, and Persona 5 Royal.
ILL is the most violent horror game I've ever seen, it makes Resident Evil and Dying Light look kinda cute
The upcoming horror game ILL, developed by Team Clout, is described as one of the most violent games seen, drawing comparisons to Resident Evil and Dying Light for its gory melee and shooter action. The game features detailed anatomical damage, similar to Dead Island 2's FLESH system, and appears to blend elements from various popular horror titles. ILL is slated for release in 2027.
Daily Video Game Deals Jun 6 – Skull and Bones, The Precinct, Persona 3 Reload, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, Alan Wake 2 & More
Daily Video Game Deals for June 6, 2026, are now live across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The sale features significant discounts on titles such as Skull and Bones, The Precinct, Persona 3 Reload, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, and Alan Wake 2, among many others.
Embracer Group cuts itself into pieces, this is its last resort: Bifurcation, new listing—licensing out Kain and…
Embracer Group is splitting into two separate companies to improve focus and value creation. One entity, Fellowship Entertainment, will house studios like 4A Games and Crystal Dynamics, managing IPs such as Tomb Raider and The Lord of the Rings. The remaining Embracer will include THQ Nordic and other studios, with properties like Biomutant and Wreckfest. CEO Lars Wingefors indicated a more active exploration of external partnerships for IPs like Saints Row and Legacy of Kain.
Franchises Like Deus Ex And TimeSplitters Might Just Have A Future
Embracer Group will split into two companies in 2027, with Fellowship Entertainment retaining major video game intellectual properties. The company is seeking partners to develop titles such as Deus Ex, TimeSplitters, and Saints Row, while also exploring collaborations on franchises like Metro and Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Dark Horse Comics will also play a role in utilizing Embracer's IP.
Franchises Like Deus Ex And TimeSplitters Might Just Have A Future
Embracer Group will split into two companies in 2027, with Fellowship Entertainment retaining major video game intellectual properties. The company is seeking partners to develop titles such as Deus Ex, TimeSplitters, and Saints Row, while also exploring collaborations on franchises like Metro and Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Dark Horse Comics will also play a role in utilizing Embracer's IP.
Embracer Plans On Letting Licensing Out Saints Row, Deus Ex, Timesplitters And More
Embracer Group CEO Lars Wingefors announced plans to explore external partnerships for licensing out several of the company's intellectual properties, including Saints Row, Deus Ex, and TimeSplitters. This strategy aims to revive dormant franchises and expand their reach beyond gaming into other media. A new entity, Fellowship Entertainment, will focus on major franchises like Tomb Raider and The Lord of the Rings.
Embracer is splitting in half again, sending Fellowship Entertainment on its merry way
Embracer Group is splitting into two segments, creating a new company called Fellowship Entertainment to house major IPs like The Lord of the Rings and Tomb Raider, with an IPO planned for 2027. This move aims to better communicate Embracer's diverse operations and unlock the potential of its undervalued assets. The company has undergone previous splits and significant layoffs following financial difficulties.
Embracer Group announces plans to spin-off Fellowship Entertainment
Embracer Group announced plans to spin off Fellowship Entertainment, which will focus on premium intellectual property and development, including titles like Kingdom Come: Deliverance and Tomb Raider. The remaining Embracer entity will implement a more efficient structure with tighter cost control. This news coincides with Embracer's Q4 financial results, which showed a 24% net sales decline and a significant non-cash impairment.
Deus Ex, Saints Row and TimeSplitters might be lent out to external partners, Embracer say, possibly paving the way for new entries
Embracer Group is exploring licensing out major IPs like Deus Ex, Saints Row, and TimeSplitters to external partners, potentially leading to new game entries or media adaptations. This strategy is part of the company's recent corporate restructuring into two main entities, Embracer and Fellowship Entertainment, with CEO Lars Wingefors highlighting the potential for these well-known franchises.
Lord of the Rings, Tomb Raider, Kingdom Come: Deliverance, and more now overseen by new company from Embracer that'll make at least 2 "outstanding AAA products" a year
Embracer Group has established a new entity called Fellowship Entertainment to oversee a portfolio of major intellectual properties, including The Lord of the Rings, Tomb Raider, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance. The company aims to increase management focus and unlock the potential of these IPs, with a goal of releasing at least two outstanding AAA products annually starting in fiscal year 2027-2028. Fellowship Entertainment will also explore licensing opportunities and the adaptation of new technologies, including AI.
Embracer to spin off major video game franchises and studios
Embracer Group is spinning off its major video game franchises and studios into a new publicly listed company called Fellowship Entertainment, set to launch in 2027. This move aims to provide sharper management focus and clearer accountability for its diverse portfolio. Fellowship Entertainment will house key IPs like Darksiders, Dead Island, and Tomb Raider, alongside studios such as 4A Games and Crystal Dynamics.
