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MMO Business Roundup: Pocketpair rejects AI tools, Valorant opens a pub, and Epic Games Store unveils updates
This MMO business roundup covers several industry updates, including Pocketpair's rejection of AI development tools, Riot Games opening a temporary Valorant-themed pub in London for an esports event, and Epic Games Store announcing "Launcher V2" with personalized store pages and other improvements planned over the next year.
‘Cruel math’ is reportedly the reasoning for Destiny 2’s shutdown, not ‘revenge’ from Sony
The reasoning behind the reported shutdown of Destiny 2 is attributed to financial considerations rather than retaliatory actions by Sony. The article suggests that 'cruel math' dictates the decision, implying that the game is no longer financially viable.
Business and Finance
Auditors have warned that the game developer Don't Nod may run out of cash by November if it fails to secure additional financing. The company is actively seeking new funding to continue its operations.
Take-Two CEO reaffirms GTA 6 release date and says the wait is so long because Rockstar 'seek to do something…
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick has reaffirmed that Grand Theft Auto 6 will launch on November 19. He stated that Rockstar Games is taking a long time to develop the game because they aim to create something unprecedented. Zelnick also discussed the company's strong financial performance and offered business advice.
Auditors warn Don't Nod will run out of cash by November if it is unable to secure financing
French game developer Don't Nod is at risk of running out of cash by November if it cannot secure additional financing, according to its auditor. The company has sought capital from its largest shareholder, Tencent, without success, and has also failed to secure funding from other industry players. Don't Nod, known for Life is Strange, has previously restructured and made staff redundant.
Business and Finance
This article analyzes the reasons behind the unsuccessful $776 million acquisition of Rovio Entertainment, the company behind the Angry Birds franchise, by Sega. It delves into the business and financial aspects that led to the deal's failure.
id Software, Bethesda, Quantic Dream and More to Face Major Layoffs, Studio Closures Soon – Rumor
Reports suggest significant layoffs are imminent across the gaming industry, affecting studios like id Software, Bethesda, Quantic Dream, and BioWare. Microsoft's Xbox division is expected to implement these cuts after its fiscal year ends on June 30th, with CEO Asha Sharma citing declining revenue and a need for increased accountability margins. These layoffs are described as potentially just the beginning of a larger industry downturn.
Microsoft CEO admits "there's more monetization of Xbox games happening on YouTube" than the company as it tries to "turn this into a sustainable business"
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that the company needs to make Xbox a sustainable business, noting that more monetization of Xbox games occurs on YouTube than within Microsoft itself. He acknowledged industry-wide challenges like rising manufacturing costs and the need to define Xbox's future strategy to ensure economic relevance for both the company and its customers.
FromSoftware boss Hidetaka Miyazaki references 'yet to be announced' games while commenting on controversy at…
FromSoftware president Hidetaka Miyazaki stated that the studio is working on unannounced games and is satisfied with its current development environment under parent company Kadokawa. While declining to comment on Kadokawa's recent investor drama, Miyazaki emphasized the importance of maintaining creative freedom for game development. He also hinted at upcoming titles, both announced and unannounced, for fans to look forward to.
Evening Tech Bits
This article touches on Elon Musk's wealth and mentions a BBC report about his rise to trillionaire status. It also references an Ars Technica report about data center projects being blocked due to protests, totaling $130 billion.
Out of the Blue
The article notes the concurrent start of the World Cup alongside ongoing NBA and NHL finals, highlighting the abundance of sporting events for fans. It also mentions the prevalence of beer commercials during this period.
Xbox CEO says current margins 'cannot continue' in public letter to staff
Xbox CEO Phil Spencer has indicated in a letter to staff that the company's current profit margins are unsustainable. This statement suggests potential shifts in business strategy or pricing models for the Xbox division in the future.
Xbox Reportedly Planning Big Layoffs For Next Month
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly planning significant layoffs after June 30, following statements from new CEO Asha Sharma about the business's financial health. Sharma cited declining revenue, increased hardware component costs, and strategic overextension as reasons for the impending cuts. These layoffs come after a period of studio expansion under previous leadership.
Terkonfirmasi, Giorgio Antonio Bukan CEO PT GLI
PT Global Loyalty Indonesia (GLI) has officially stated that Giorgio Antonio is not the CEO of the company. Giorgio Antonio, who is known for his relationship with Sarwendah, had previously claimed to be a CEO with multiple companies, leading to public doubt after GLI clarified his role was only as a guest star at an event in 2025.
Embracer-owned VR developer Vertigo Games closes Amsterdam studio
Embracer Group-owned Vertigo Games has closed its Amsterdam studio, the team behind the VR title Metro Awakening. CEO Richard Stitselaar cited challenging conditions in the VR market for the decision. Metro Awakening launched in 2024 to critical acclaim but did not meet sales expectations.
Business and Finance
Paramount has officially formed Paramount Games Studio, consolidating the operations of Skydance Interactive and Skydance New Media. This move signals a significant expansion of Paramount's presence in the video game industry.
Comings and Goings
This article rounds up notable employment changes in the gaming industry for June 2026. It specifically highlights leadership shifts at the gaming service provider Side.
'There is no world where it makes sense,' Warframe creative director says of Destiny 2's demise:…
Warframe creative director Rebb Ford stated that the discontinuation of Destiny 2 development is an unthinkable business decision. He emphasized that the business side of gaming should not overshadow creative vision, drawing parallels to Warframe's own history and its relationship with Bungie's legacy. Ford also touched upon past acquisition talks involving Sony and Leyou, Warframe's parent company.
Jobs roundup: June 2026 | Bernard Kim joins Appcharge advisory board
Several key appointments and elections have occurred in the games industry. Bernard Kim has joined Appcharge's advisory board, Romain Dijoux is the new studio head at Netflix's Night School Studio, and the German Games Industry Association has elected a new executive board. Other notable moves include Sam Hilary at Team17, Charlotte Spurgeon and Celeste Valentine at Imprint Studios, and leadership changes at Side.
MMO Business Roundup: Gamers sue Microsoft, Skull and Bones on Steam Deck, and NetEase’s Q1
This MMO business roundup covers several industry updates, including Skull and Bones achieving Steam Deck verification. NetEase reported a strong first quarter for 2026 with a 6.9% rise in games revenue. Additionally, a lawsuit has been filed against Microsoft, accusing the company of colluding with Valve to maintain higher prices on the Steam store.