Game Industry
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Games Inbox: What is the best game of 2026 that’s not GTA 6?
This collection of reader letters discusses potential Game of the Year contenders for 2026, the possibility of Grand Theft Auto 6 having a troubled launch, and concerns about AI's impact on game development. Readers also debate Resident Evil's narrative consistency and the underutilization of Jill Valentine, while expressing a desire for improved Zelda remakes.
Games Inbox: Will Red Dead Redemption 3 be Rockstar’s next game?
Readers discuss Rockstar Games' next project, with speculation leaning towards Red Dead Redemption 3 over new IPs, despite a desire for experimentation. Other topics include the perceived high pricing of PlayStation Store digital games, the mismanagement of BioWare leading to the decline of franchises like Mass Effect and Dragon Age, and concerns about future online security threats and the impact of piracy on the games industry.
You just can't win—despite Ghost of Yōtei selling millions of copies, 24 people are reportedly being let go…
Despite Ghost of Yōtei selling over 5 million copies, developer Sucker Punch Productions has reportedly laid off 24 employees, approximately 10% of its staff. This decision comes amidst broader challenges in the videogame industry, including rising development costs and market instability, leading to a critical view of the industry's health.
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 Developer Hit by Layoffs Affecting 25 Percent of its Employees
Auroch Digital, the developer behind Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun and Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2, has announced significant layoffs affecting 25 percent of its workforce due to challenging market conditions. Despite critical acclaim for its recent titles, the studio cited industry turbulence as the reason for the restructuring. Auroch Digital is seeking industry partners to help place the affected employees and has assured players that post-launch support for Boltgun 2 and development for Warhammer Survivors will continue.
'This is the bit where the comet hits the earth and the dinosaurs die:' Tim Sweeney revisits scathing 26-year-old eulogy for beloved studio Looking Glass
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney's 2000 statement on the closure of Looking Glass Studios, which described the event as an 'economically realistic day' and criticized the studio's overhead and niche appeal, has resurfaced. While Sweeney stands by his assessment that game businesses must be profitable, industry figures have criticized his 'asshole CEO' mindset, highlighting the artistic impact of studios like Looking Glass and the often illogical reasons behind modern studio shutdowns and layoffs.
'No other studio in the world did it better' than BioWare at its peak, says former Dragon Age lead writer…
Former BioWare lead writer David Gaider expressed sadness over the studio's closure, reflecting on its peak as an unparalleled institution in game development. He shared fond memories of the positive fan reception to Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn, which solidified his career choice. The article notes that while the closure was predictable given industry trends, it represents a significant loss for RPG development.
Xbox is reportedly planning three waves of layoffs between now and January as part of its plan to cut 3,200 jobs by the…
Xbox is reportedly planning three more waves of layoffs in November and January 2027 as part of its plan to cut 3,200 jobs by the end of the fiscal year. These cuts have reportedly demoralized employees and led to the separation from several studios, with Ninja Theory at risk of closing. The article also touches on internal projections for the next-gen Xbox and an upcoming Xbox Game Pass overhaul.
PS5’s Biggest Physical Games Look Very Different From Its Biggest Digital Hits
Data from Alinea Analytics reveals a significant split in PlayStation 5 game sales in 2026, with physical copies dominated by single-player AAA titles like Resident Evil Requiem, while digital sales hold a 70/30 lead overall. This trend is particularly pronounced in Japan for certain Capcom titles, though Sony is pushing digital-only consoles and digital versions of sports games.
Games Inbox: What is the best Nintendo game of 2026?
Readers discuss the best Nintendo games of 2026, with Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave emerging as a strong contender. Concerns are raised about the high cost of current-generation consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, and their potential impact on the industry's future. The discussion also touches on the evolution of graphics, digital versus physical media, and the ongoing debate about console generations.
If this is the best year for Star Wars games it's not for the reason you think - Reader’s Feature
A reader's feature argues that 2026 is shaping up to be a standout year for Star Wars games, not due to big-budget titles, but because of a diverse range of smaller experiences and community-driven content. Games like Star Wars: Galactic Racer and PowerWash Simulator 2's expansion, alongside ongoing support for Star Wars: The Old Republic and community mods for Star Wars: Battlefront II, contribute to a feeling of a lived-in galaxy.
Weekend Discussion - October 17, 2026
This Weekend Discussion covers various topics including the arcade version of Street Fighter: The Movie: The Game, an exploration of 'god words', tips for surviving horror movies, and a mention of Grand Theft Auto. The article also touches on the author's personal gaming history and preferences.
GTA 6 has not massacred video game sales this year as everything sells well
Despite the highly anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6, the video game market has seen strong sales across numerous titles. Games like Control, Onimusha: Warlords, and Marvel's Wolverine have all achieved significant sales milestones, indicating a healthy and diverse market. This suggests that the industry can support multiple successful releases simultaneously, challenging the notion of a zero-sum game for player attention and spending.
Xbox Has Started Surveying Users About Future Games Being Exclusive – Rumor
Xbox is reportedly surveying users about making future games, excluding Call of Duty, console exclusive to the Xbox ecosystem. Franchises like DOOM, The Elder Scrolls, Minecraft, Diablo, and Fallout were mentioned as potential exclusives. This move aims to gauge player interest in investing in Xbox for exclusive content, with titles like Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution already confirmed as non-timed exclusives.
Jeff Kaplan Was An Industry Icon, Now Peers Ignore His Emails: Ex-Overwatch Director Talks “Humbling” Reality Of Indie Dev
Former Overwatch director Jeff Kaplan discusses the humbling transition from AAA development at Blizzard to leading his independent studio, Kintsugiyama, and its debut title, The Legend of California. He reflects on the challenges of indie development, including industry contacts ignoring his emails, and emphasizes the importance of a developer-run studio focused on creative integrity over corporate mandates. Kaplan also shares personal inspirations for The Legend of California, drawing from his upbringing in California and his father's love for Westerns.
Dead Space creator says he was 'forced to ship' The Callisto Protocol by Krafton: 'We had f*cking…
Glen Schofield, the creator of Dead Space, stated he was 'forced to ship' The Callisto Protocol by Krafton due to development pressures exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Schofield expressed frustration with Krafton's perception of the game as a failure, highlighting the extensive post-launch patching efforts made by Striking Distance Studios to improve performance and content.
Games Inbox: What is the next FromSoftware game?
Readers discuss upcoming game releases like The Duskbloods and Phantom Blade Zero, express concerns about Activision's Call of Duty franchise, and praise the unique experience of Big Walk. There are also requests for PlayStation 3 repair services and commentary on EA's acquisition history and the impact of AI on game emulation.
Nier creator Yoko Taro says he's achieved his career dreams, but he continues working because it's 'good…
Nier creator Yoko Taro stated that he has achieved his career dreams, particularly with his directorial debut Drakengard, and now views subsequent work as a way to prevent dementia and earn money. He also expressed a desire to fill gaps in the industry rather than compete with perfect games or AI-assisted creations.
Gravity Well Hit by Layoffs Affecting Over 40 Employees, Leadership Says “Future is Uncertain”
Independent studio Gravity Well, founded by former Respawn Entertainment and Infinity Ward employees, has laid off over 40 workers due to a loss of funding. The studio's leadership is actively seeking a new partner but acknowledges the future is uncertain given the current state of the gaming industry. The company was founded with a focus on developer well-being and profit-sharing.
Steam discoverability is "the big issue" in gaming right now, Peter Molyneux says. "There's just too much choice."
Veteran developer Peter Molyneux believes Steam's discoverability is the biggest issue facing the gaming industry today, citing an overwhelming amount of choice that buries good games. He also expresses concern over the rapid pace of development from Chinese studios and the pervasive influence of AI, contributing to a challenging environment for indie developers.
Perfect Ten: Revisiting our last ten ‘Stormiest Future’ winners
This article revisits Massively Overpowered's past predictions for MMORPGs with 'stormy futures,' analyzing the outcomes for games like New World, Cryptic Studios' library, Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen, and Star Citizen. Many of the predicted 'stormy' futures materialized, with some games shutting down or facing significant challenges, while others, like World of Warcraft and Cryptic Studios, have shown resilience or recovery.
