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The MOP Up: RIFT’s Razorback Roundup is back, yeehaw!
This week's MMO news roundup includes the return of RIFT's Razorback Roundup event, updates for Marvel Rivals and Uncharged Waters Origin, and news from various games like Wizard101, Fiesta Online, and Gloria Victis. Gamigo announced upcoming releases, while War Thunder reported on bans, and Myth of Empires: Throne secured a publishing deal.
Disney says that Kingdom Hearts is now a 'billion dollar franchise'
The Walt Disney Company has announced that the Kingdom Hearts series is now a 'billion dollar franchise,' according to an investor-focused article. This achievement places it among Disney's top-grossing properties, alongside mobile game Marvel Strike Force. The article also touches on Disney's relationship with Epic Games and the success of Marvel Rivals.
Saber CEO hides jab at Randy Pitchford in game trailer as payback for Pitchford dumping on Embracer: 'Without Embracer, Randy is performing magic tricks at birthday parties for a living'
Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch has confirmed that subtle jabs in the trailer for their upcoming game 'Rideshare 'Stimulator'' are directed at Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford. These references are reportedly payback for Pitchford's perceived insults towards Embracer Group in Borderlands 4 following Gearbox's sale. Karch stated that without Embracer's acquisition, Pitchford would be struggling financially.
Saber Interactive’s New Taxi Game Is Beefing With Randy Pitchford
Saber Interactive's upcoming taxi simulation game, Ride Stimulator, features subtle digs at Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford, referencing his past controversies like the USB drive incident and his interest in magic. Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch confirmed these jabs are a response to perceived criticisms from Gearbox towards their former owner, Embracer Group, in Borderlands 4.
As GTA 6 anticipation builds and the games industry buckles, Take-Two boss says "I don't love winning by…
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick discusses the current state of the video game industry, marked by layoffs, acquisitions, and cancellations, while anticipating the release of Grand Theft Auto 6. Zelnick expresses a preference for growth through innovation rather than attrition and highlights the benefits of being a transparent public company. He also touches on the increasing audience size and monetization potential within the gaming market.
Unity credits AI advertising platform for driving its 'best quarter ever'
Unity reported its best quarter ever, with total revenue reaching $546 million, a 24% increase year-over-year, driven primarily by its AI-driven advertising platform, Vector AI. Despite a net loss of $23 million, the company has significantly reduced its losses compared to the previous year. CEO Matthew Bromberg highlighted the company's "ecosystem" strategy and anticipates growth from generative AI's impact on game development.
Sega reports 17.3% rise in Q3 net sales; games segment exceeds expectations
Sega Sammy reported a 17.3% increase in net sales for its first quarter, with the Entertainment Contents segment, including games, exceeding expectations at ¥68.4 billion. While free-to-play games slightly underperformed, the company plans to strengthen existing titles and anticipates strong performance from upcoming full-game releases like Stranger Than Heaven and Persona 4 Revival. Sega also addressed a $200 million impairment loss on Rovio, citing market changes and integration challenges.
How Two Point Studios Repaid Sega in 60 Hours — and Stayed 10 Years
Two Point Studios achieved remarkable financial success with Two Point Hospital, repaying Sega's advance in just two and a half days, far exceeding the initial 18-month projection. The studio, founded by veterans of Lionhead Studios, focused on creating simulation games with charm and depth, a genre they believed was underserved. This success led to a long-term partnership with Sega, with Two Point Studios remaining a valuable first-party developer.
Business and Finance
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. has reported its financial results for the first fiscal quarter of 2027. Additionally, Devolver Digital is reportedly planning to go private, according to GamesIndustry.biz.
Indie publisher Devolver Digital plans to go private
Indie publisher Devolver Digital has announced plans to return to being a privately operated company by delisting from the London Stock Exchange's AIM market. This move comes after a significant drop in share price since going public in November 2021. The company cites industry volatility and the challenges of meeting market expectations as reasons for the decision, aiming to save costs and reinvest in future growth.
Unity records "best quarter in history" following continued success of Vector AI
Unity reported its best financial quarter in history, with revenue reaching $546 million, a 24% year-on-year increase. This growth was primarily driven by the success of its AI-driven advertising platform, Vector AI, and the upcoming Unity 7 engine, scheduled for release in Q1 2027. The company also saw a significant reduction in net loss compared to the previous year.
Business and Finance
Devolver Digital has been valued at $950 million as it prepares to float on the London Stock Exchange. Additionally, Corsair reported strong profit growth and cash generation for the second quarter of 2026.
Devolver Digital wants to get off the stock market, because 'the ongoing challenge of delivering growth in line with market expectations' just isn't worth the headaches
Indie publisher Devolver Digital intends to delist from the London Stock Exchange and return to private ownership. The company cites the challenges of meeting market expectations in the volatile video game industry and believes it is undervalued. Devolver Digital also expects to save approximately $1.6 million annually by going private.
Business and Finance
The UK antitrust authority has cleared Paramount's takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, while a consumer lawsuit challenging the merger was dismissed. Unity reported its second quarter 2026 financial results.
Devolver Digital intends to go private
Indie publisher Devolver Digital has announced its intention to delist from the UK's AIM market and become a private company. Shareholders will vote on the matter in September, with the delisting potentially taking effect on September 16. The company cites the turbulent video game market and a share price that does not reflect its true value as reasons for the move, which is also expected to save the company approximately $1.6 million annually.
Nintendo (NTDOY) recognized $300 million in tariff refunds during Q1 FY27
Nintendo reported a significant increase in operating profit for Q1 FY27, partly due to recognizing approximately $300 million in refunds for tariffs previously paid. The company stated that these tariff costs were primarily borne by Nintendo and not passed on to consumers through product pricing.
Business and Finance
Roblox is facing criticism from Wall Street for allegedly directing young users towards other games. The article also briefly mentions the UK Global Screen Fund and its support for international video game distribution through the BFI.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance star is opening a real 'medieval-inspired bar' in Prague
Luke Dale, the actor who voices Hans Capon in Kingdom Come: Deliverance, is opening a medieval-inspired bar named Nobleman in Prague. The bar aims to be a local gathering spot with good beer and food, inspired by the Czech Republic's culture. Dale, who has a significant online following from streaming, plans to open Nobleman on October 1.
MMO Business Roundup: Roblox claims it’s safe, dev charity bundle, and Xbox 360 games on PC
This MMO business roundup covers several key developments, including Microsoft's alleged plans to bring Xbox 360 games to PC and future consoles. Roblox Corp asserts its platform is safe for users despite ongoing allegations, while the World of Warcraft union highlights developer struggles with RTO mandates. Additionally, a charitable game bundle for laid-off developers has raised over $146,000.
Roblox shares plunge 30% as it complains fans aren't making enough viral hits
Roblox Corporation is experiencing a significant downturn, with shares dropping nearly 30% following a Q2 2026 earnings report. The company cited a decline in per-hour monetization among younger players and changes to its discovery algorithm as primary reasons for projected slower revenue growth in the upcoming quarter. Despite these challenges, CFO Naveen Chopra expressed confidence in the long-term strategy.
