Gaming Industry
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GTA 6 Breaks A Record, And It’s Not Even Out Yet
Grand Theft Auto 6 has set a new record for purchase intent among US console and PC gamers, with nearly one in three planning to buy the game upon release. This unprecedented demand, fueled by a 13-year gap since Grand Theft Auto 5, is expected to boost sales of hardware and accessories. Despite the immense commercial anticipation, experts believe the game will not solve deeper issues within the industry.
"Taking several years with several thousand people… It's almost impossible" – PlayStation creator Ken Kutaragi on the current state of gaming
PlayStation's 'father,' Ken Kutaragi, expressed concerns about the current state of the gaming industry, citing the excessive cost and time required for modern game development as 'meaningless.' He believes platforms have become prohibitively expensive and suggests the future of entertainment may lie beyond traditional video games, potentially merging with AI and robotics.
Evening Reading - October 27, 2026
This edition of Evening Reading covers several game-related news items including Pokemon Unite ending service in March 2027, Valorant's latest patch, and a cyberattack on Warhorse Studios. It also notes the announcement of a Nintendo Indie World Showcase, Capcom delisting Street Fighter 5, and Evo Brazil's confirmed dates. Business news includes investments from Nvidia and AMD into Facebook, and Seagate's earnings report.
GTA 6 Fan Can Get Paid Nearly $900 to Play the Game, But There’s a Catch
Virgin Media Ireland is offering one fan the chance to earn approximately $900 for playing Grand Theft Auto 6 for eight hours and sharing a review. The competition is open to residents of the Republic of Ireland and requires applicants to explain why they deserve the opportunity. Grand Theft Auto VI is set to release on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Nintendo veteran Shigeru Miyamoto to receive Japan's Order of Culture award
Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto, creator of Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda, will be the first game developer to receive Japan's prestigious Order of Culture award. The ceremony is scheduled for November 3, 2026. Separately, Capcom has confirmed a data breach affecting over 11.7 million Capcom ID accounts, with customer information accessed by an unauthorized third party.
A hardware market freeze could transform the industry forever | Opinion
The gaming industry faces a potential long-term transformation due to prohibitively high console and GPU prices, leading to a market re-centering around existing hardware like smartphones and Macs. This shift could permanently alter platform dominance and development priorities, with Sony potentially benefiting from a frozen market while Microsoft struggles, and mobile gaming gaining significant traction.
Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show 2026 announces four additional pavilions from Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and the US
Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show 2026 has announced four new national pavilions from Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and the US, bringing the total to 20 from 12 markets. The event will feature exhibitors from 29 countries and regions, marking its most international line-up to date. The show will take place from October 29 to November 1 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.
Games Inbox: What video game console is best to get for Christmas?
Readers debate which console to purchase for Christmas, weighing the merits of the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5. Discussions touch on upcoming games like Grand Theft Auto 6 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, alongside opinions on Gears of War: E-Day and concerns about AI in game development.
Ben Affleck says "all I did was stay home for 3 years and play StarCraft" after finding fame, but nowadays he's on Valorant getting cussed out by 11-year-olds
Actor Ben Affleck revealed that during his early years of fame, he spent three years exclusively playing StarCraft. He also mentioned playing modern titles like Valorant, where he is frequently bested by younger players, and expressed fondness for games like Doom, Myst, Madden, Civilization, and NBA 2K.
Gamescom | Game Developer
This article discusses Gamescom as a major event for the gaming industry, highlighting its role in game reveals, developer interviews, and industry updates. It emphasizes the platform's ability to provide critical insights and informed decisions across business priorities.
Our time at PAX Aus 2026! Pure Nintendo Podcast E184
The Pure Nintendo Podcast episode E184 covers Jemma's experience at PAX Aus 2026, highlighting Nintendo, SEGA, Square Enix, and indie developers. The hosts also discuss the final DLC for Dave the Diver, a scary Halloween game recommendation, and various titles they are currently playing, including Resident Evil remakes, LEGO Batman, Woodo, Defender of the Crown, and Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave.
Weekend Discussion - October 11, 2026
This Weekend Discussion from Shacknews reflects on the past week, mentioning articles on Gears of War: E-Day, Order of the Sinking Star, Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, and Total War: Warhammer 3's Lords of End Times DLC. It also touches on Halo 3 ranks, retro graphics cards, and music.
Now Playing at SUPERJUMP, Issue 44
This issue of SUPERJUMP's 'Now Playing' features a diverse range of titles, including a deep dive into the enduring appeal of Shadow of the Colossus and a reflection on the legacy of Cave Story+. Grand Theft Auto III is revisited for its timeless sandbox experience, while the social game Big Walk is praised for fostering connection among friends. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is also highlighted for its impressive recompilation on handheld devices.
Video games aren't the enemy of kids' mental health – ignoring them is | Opinion
This opinion piece argues that video games are not inherently detrimental to children's mental health and that ignoring their positive roles is a greater risk. The author, from the charity Safe In Our World, highlights how games can foster social connection, competence, and coping mechanisms for young people, especially those who struggle elsewhere. A better approach involves parental curiosity and engagement rather than outright bans.
The Download Nobody Installs Until It's Too Late: First Aid for Gaming and Studio Crews | Invision Game
This article emphasizes the critical importance of first aid training and preparedness within gaming communities, esports events, and game development studios. It highlights common health risks in these environments, such as dehydration, fainting, and cardiac arrest, and outlines the basic steps for responding to emergencies: Check, Call, CPR, and AED. The piece advocates for designating trained individuals within gaming groups, akin to a raid party composition, and details workplace requirements for first aid certification in Ontario.
Weekend Discussion - October 4, 2026
This Weekend Discussion from Shacknews reflects on recent gaming news and articles. Topics include excitement for Grand Theft Auto 6, frustrations with Halo: Reach's Armor Lock, and mentions of Street Fighter 6, Dragon Quest Heroes, End of Abyss, and Fallout 76 updates. The article also highlights Shacknews' commitment to original content and introduces Sam Chandler, Head of Guides.
Xbox Mythic Achievements roll out to Insiders and are retroactively awarded as far back as Xbox 360 games
Microsoft has officially announced and begun rolling out "Mythic Achievements" for Xbox Insiders, which function similarly to PlayStation's Platinum Trophies. These achievements are awarded for unlocking all other achievements in a game and are retroactively applied to titles as far back as the Xbox 360 era. This feature is part of a broader Achievement and profile update, though a full public release date has not yet been announced.
Xbox’s New Mythic Achievements Will Show Exactly How Close You Are To 100%
Microsoft is rolling out Mythic Achievements for Xbox Insiders, a new system that awards players for unlocking all original achievements in a game, similar to PlayStation's Platinum Trophies. This feature will be retroactive and will include a new Gaming tab on player profiles to track progress. The rollout occurs amidst significant layoffs and restructuring within Microsoft's gaming division, impacting studios like Ninja Theory and Undead Labs.
Jag har blivit den som säger att allt var bättre förr
The author reflects on how the perception of older games changes with age, moving from childhood enjoyment to critical re-evaluation in adulthood. While acknowledging that games themselves may not have been objectively better, the surrounding experiences and nostalgia significantly color memories, leading to a complex relationship with remakes and the past.
Evening Reading - September 24, 2026
Shacknews' Evening Reading for September 24, 2026, rounds up various gaming news items including updates on Dragon Quest 11, Total War: Warhammer 3, Marathon, and Tetris Effect: Mixed Realities. The digest also touches on changes for Quake Champions and Counter-Strike 2, and mentions State of Decay 3's development.
