Christopher Dring
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GamesIndustry.biz to host panel at Game Republic's Investment Summit at MCM Comic Con October 2026
GamesIndustry.biz will host an Investment Panel at Game Republic's Investment Summit at MCM Comic Con, featuring discussions on game funding, development, and building sustainable studios. Separately, Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery have completed their $111 billion merger, now operating under the name Skydance, with potential for "difficult decisions" and "changes and impacts" as the new entity integrates.
Xbox Is Paying A Lot Less Than Normal For Kojima’s Physint, Possibly Under $200 Million – Report
Xbox is reportedly paying significantly less than typical for Hideo Kojima's new game, Physint, with figures possibly under $200 million, a stark contrast to earlier rumors of a $400 million Sony deal. Sony reportedly dropped the project due to budget and delays, while Xbox's agreement also includes film and TV rights. This deal, along with the horror game OD, marks a new publishing partnership between Xbox and Kojima.
PHYSINT Reportedly Alters Budgets Following Xbox Switch
Reports suggest that Hideo Kojima's new Xbox game, Physint, has a significantly smaller budget than initially rumored, potentially around $150 million, compared to the $400 million figure speculated for Sony's involvement. This comes amid Xbox's efforts to improve its image and Sony's struggles with live-service titles, with sources indicating Physint is behind schedule.
Hideo Kojima's Physint isn't costing Xbox $400 million after all, with new reports suggesting the Metal Gear successor's actual budget is "significantly less"
New reports suggest that Xbox's deal for Hideo Kojima's upcoming game Physint is significantly less than the rumored $400 million. While Sony reportedly canceled the game, Xbox has picked it up for publishing. Despite ongoing rumors about budget concerns, sources indicate the actual cost is much lower, though still substantial for a AAA title.
Physint Cost Xbox “A Fraction” of Alleged $400 Million Budget – Rumor
Reports suggest that Xbox's deal with Kojima Productions for the game Physint is significantly less than the rumored $400 million figure that PlayStation was reportedly considering. While the exact cost for Xbox is described as a 'fraction' of that amount, the deal may include enhanced terms for Hideo Kojima's horror title OD. The article also touches on previous reports of missed deadlines and the project's distant release window.
State of Decay 3 Studio Was Going to Be Acquired by Splash Damage Before Deal Fell Through – Rumor
Xbox is reportedly divesting four studios, including Undead Labs, developer of State of Decay 3. A rumored acquisition of Undead Labs by Splash Damage fell through, as did potential deals for Ninja Theory. These moves are part of a larger business "reset" by Xbox, which has also involved significant layoffs and studio reorganizations.
The people of video games on what gives them cause for hope
Industry professionals share their reasons for optimism despite current challenges, highlighting the resilience of game developers, the innovation within the indie scene, the growing cultural impact of games, and the enduring passion of players. They emphasize community support, creative freedom, and the potential for new ideas to emerge from difficult times, suggesting a bright future for the medium.
Resident Evil Requiem is selling just as many physical copies as digital globally, with near-50% splits according to…
Resident Evil Requiem is experiencing a near 50/50 split between physical and digital sales globally, with significant regional variations. While the US heavily favors digital sales (78%), countries like France (55% physical) and Japan (51% physical) show a stronger preference for physical copies, highlighting the ongoing debate about digital-only gaming.
UK: Nintendo Switch 2 has now overtaken lifetime sales of GameCube
UK video game journalist Christopher Dring reported that the Nintendo Switch has surpassed the lifetime sales of the GameCube in the United Kingdom. The next sales milestone for the Nintendo Switch is the Nintendo 64 console.
"A hammer blow for games retail" - Experts weigh in on PlayStation's discless future, and the impact it will have on traditional game stores
Sony will cease large-scale production of new physical game discs in January 2028, a move industry experts are calling a "hammer blow" to the already struggling physical game retail market. This decision significantly impacts brick-and-mortar stores and the pre-owned games market, as physical copies lose their resale value and collectability. Experts suggest retailers will need to innovate with digital sales in-store to survive.
Xbox Layoffs 2026: What Microsoft's Reset Means for Average Gamers
Microsoft's Xbox division has undergone a massive restructuring, cutting approximately 3,200 jobs in fiscal year 2027 and shuttering or spinning off five studios, including Ninja Theory and Arkane Lyon. This move comes despite Microsoft's overall profitability, with Xbox reportedly struggling with low profit margins and a failed attempt to achieve a 30% accountability margin. The article analyzes the business decisions, including Game Pass accounting and price hikes, that led to these layoffs and discusses the implications for gamers, including potential changes to hardware strategy and game exclusivity.
"This is all about control" - industry experts speak on Sony's move away from discs, and what this means for the PlayStation 6 and the cost of games
Sony has announced it will cease production of physical game discs in January 2028, a move industry experts believe signals a disc-less PlayStation 6 likely launching in 2028. This decision is expected to reduce console manufacturing costs and shift the market further towards digital distribution, impacting game pricing and consumer ownership. While some see it as a necessary evolution, concerns remain about preservation and the second-hand market.
80% of single-player game sales are on PS5 over Xbox reveals combined data
New data indicates that single-player game sales on PlayStation 5 significantly outperform Xbox Series X/S, with 75%-80% of global launch sales occurring on Sony's console. This trend is attributed to higher PlayStation 5 unit sales and Xbox Game Pass potentially reducing individual game purchases. While Microsoft has disputed some figures, the console sales disparity suggests a substantial market advantage for PlayStation in the single-player space.
New report suggests retailers may run out of PS5 and Xbox stock 'around the launch of GTA 6' — 'Demand will likely outstrip supply during the year end period'
Retailers may face shortages of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles around the launch of Grand Theft Auto 6 due to ongoing hardware component availability issues. Demand is expected to outstrip supply during the year-end period, despite assurances from Sony about PS5 stock for 2026. Xbox has acknowledged existing supply limitations.
Leaks, price control, no second-hand sales: why Grand Theft Auto 6 physical editions won't come with a disc, according to experts
Grand Theft Auto 6 physical editions will not include a disc, instead featuring only a download code, a move experts attribute to Rockstar Games' desire for greater price control, elimination of the second-hand market, and prevention of game leaks. This approach, while a deviation from traditional norms, aligns with a growing trend in digital distribution and offers benefits for publisher cash flow and development timelines.
GTA 6's leaked prices are "possible and plausible," analysts say, but a high barrier to entry "would…
Analysts believe that leaked pricing for Grand Theft Auto 6, with potential base prices around $100, is plausible given the game's anticipated scale and Rockstar's market position. However, some suggest a lower price point could be strategically beneficial for long-term revenue through Grand Theft Auto Online and to accommodate players affected by the cost-of-living crisis.
PlayStation 5 hardware sales dropped dramatically in the UK last month vs Xbox
In May, PlayStation 5 hardware sales in the UK dropped by 50 percent, allowing Xbox Series X/S to narrowly trail by only 400 units sold. This dip occurred despite the strong performance of Forza Horizon 6 on Xbox and PC, while the Nintendo Switch maintained its top-selling position. The exclusive title Saros did not significantly boost PlayStation hardware sales.
Lego Batman outsells Forza Horizon 6 and Yoshi in UK sales chart
Lego Batman: Legacy Of The Dark Knight has topped the UK physical sales chart, outselling Forza Horizon 6 and Yoshi And The Mysterious Book. While Forza Horizon 6 performed well for an Xbox title, its digital sales likely surpass physical. Nintendo titles like Yoshi typically perform strongly in physical retail, though exact figures were close.
Pokémon Pokopia Leads to Koei Tecmo Raising Net Profit Forecast for FY 2026 to ¥41.5 billion
Koei Tecmo has significantly raised its net profit forecast for the fiscal year ending March 2026 to ¥41.5 billion, driven by the unexpected success of Pokémon Pokopia on the Nintendo Switch 2. The game has achieved record sales, boosting Nintendo's hardware sales by 154% in the UK and causing a 10% jump in Nintendo's share prices.
GamesIndustry.biz to host The Games Investment Panel at MCM Comic Con's Indie Game Summit
GamesIndustry.biz will host The Games Investment Panel at Game Republic's Indie Games Summit during MCM London Comic Con. Editorial director Jon Hicks will moderate the panel on May 22, featuring industry professionals discussing investment and funding options for game developers. The summit includes various talks, roundtables, and networking opportunities.
