Franchise Management
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WB Games Montreal Seemingly Hit by Lay-Offs
WB Games Montreal has reportedly experienced a new round of layoffs, with several employees confirming their departures on LinkedIn. This follows Warner Bros. Discovery's stated intention to refocus on its major franchises, with a restructuring into four groups: Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Mortal Kombat, and DC. The company aims to return to its biggest IPs in the coming years, with significant releases expected around 2027-2028.
The gloriously stupid return of Sonic the Hedgehog’s edgiest villain shows that Ian Flynn is the GOAT of the franchise’s writers
Writer Ian Flynn is credited with revitalizing the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, particularly by successfully reintroducing the villain Infinite. Flynn's deep understanding of the series' lore and characters allows him to fix previous narrative missteps and create compelling stories that resonate with fans.
MLB The Show 26 Steps Up To The Plate – Playable Now!
MLB The Show 26 is now available in its Deluxe Edition on Xbox Series X|S, offering early access and in-game bonuses ahead of the Standard Edition's March 17th release. The game features expanded career progression in Road to the Show, new depth in Diamond Dynasty, an overhauled Franchise Mode, and continues the Storylines: The Negro Leagues mode.
Dusk Golem says Capcom scheduled big Resident Evil series meeting in 2027 a bit after Code Veronica remake
Capcom is reportedly planning a major meeting in 2027 to discuss the future of the Resident Evil franchise. This assessment will occur after the release of the Resident Evil: Code Veronica Remake and will consider data and feedback from Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil 9, and the Code Veronica Remake to guide future development.
Hogwarts Legacy 2 and Rocksteady's Batman hinted at for 2028 by Warner
Warner Bros. is reportedly planning to release a sequel to Hogwarts Legacy within the next couple of years, with major franchise returns expected in 2027 and 2028. This strategy aims to revitalize the company's gaming division, which has faced challenges and studio closures. A new Batman game from Rocksteady Studios is also hinted at for this period.
Assassin's Creed gets biggest shake-up yet as Hexe director leaves Ubisoft
Clint Hocking, the creative director for the upcoming Assassin's Creed Hexe, has departed from Ubisoft. Development will continue under new creative director Jean Guesdon, who will also oversee the franchise's direction at Vantage Studios alongside Martin Schelling and François de Billy. This departure follows other recent changes within the Assassin's Creed brand at Ubisoft.
"I think the franchise is dead," says Saints Row design director
Original Saints Row design director Chris Stockman believes the franchise is effectively dead, stating that Embracer Group has shown no ability to move forward with it and has ignored his proposals. His comments follow criticism of the 2022 reboot and the subsequent closure of developer Volition.
Ubisoft says more Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry are coming
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot confirmed that multiple Assassin's Creed titles and two new Far Cry games are in development as part of a company reset. The publisher plans to focus on its major blockbuster franchises to stabilize after a period of layoffs and canceled projects, treating them as long-term ecosystems.
