Gaming Industry
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The Original Xbox Is Back, And This Time You Have To Build It Yourself
Mattel is releasing a 1:1 scale replica of the original Xbox console, featuring 3,509 pieces, realistic lights and sounds, and a buildable Duke controller. The replica also includes three dioramas themed around Halo: Combat Evolved, Psychonauts, and The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, with shipping expected in October. This release coincides with Xbox's 25th anniversary amidst a turbulent period for Microsoft's gaming division, marked by layoffs and revenue declines.
Evening Reading - August 17, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers various gaming news, including reviews for Mortal Shell 2 and Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, and the upcoming DLC for Marvel Cosmic Invasion. It also notes the passing of Hayden Panettiere and discusses the exclusivity of Grand Theft Auto 6 content on Netflix.
So Videogames Episode 501: The Ramble
This article discusses episode 501 of the "So... Videogames!" podcast, titled "The Ramble." The episode likely covers various gaming-related topics in a conversational format.
Welcome To GameSpot Cheap Week
GameSpot is launching 'Cheap Week,' a series of features dedicated to exploring the rising costs of video games and consoles. The initiative aims to provide readers with insights into why games are so expensive and offer practical advice on how to play more while spending less, including tips on mods, game libraries, and budget-friendly titles.
Weekend Discussion - August 16, 2026
This Weekend Discussion article from Shacknews covers various topics including reflections on the past week's articles, reviews for Madden NFL 27 and Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, and a discussion about the Grand Theft Auto 6 trailer exclusivity on Netflix. It also mentions older games like Heretic and Hexen, and features music recommendations.
EA Is Now Privately Owned After a Record $55 Billion Buyout What It Means for Players | Gamedoper
Electronic Arts has been acquired for $55 billion by a consortium including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners, making it the largest all-cash leveraged buyout in history. This move takes EA private, removing public shareholder oversight and potentially allowing for longer-term investments, with a focus on AI in game development highlighted by Silver Lake. While EA's current game pipeline remains unaffected, the long-term impact on monetization and game development strategies under the new ownership is yet to be seen.
GamesAid appoints six new trustees as it raises £82,000 in funding during 2025/26
GamesAid has appointed six new trustees, including Dom Shaw as vice chair, Catherine Anderson as secretary, and Amelia Suchy as treasurer, to its board. The charity successfully raised £82,000 during the 2025/26 period, distributing the funds equally among four children's charities: AFK, Autistica, Rays of Sunshine Children's Charity, and Solving Kids' Cancer UK. These funds will support various initiatives, including providing mobility equipment, granting wishes for ill children, and supporting neurodivergent youth.
Evening Reading - August 5, 2026
This article is a roundup of various gaming news items from August 5, 2026. It includes updates on Xbox 360 games potentially coming to PC, EA appointing new executives, patch notes for Pokemon Pokopia and Beast of Reincarnation, and teases for the next season of Fortnite. Additionally, it mentions the release of Fields of Mistria 1.0 and new Fire Emblem content.
Evening Consolidation
Xbox Wire highlighted indie game selections for August 2026 and new features for Xbox Insiders, including more control over captures, saves, and wishlists. The article also briefly mentions the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2.
EA has officially been sold to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund
Electronic Arts (EA) has been acquired by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) in a leveraged buyout valued at approximately $55 billion. The deal, which also includes investment firms Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, marks EA's return to private ownership after 36 years. CEO Andrew Wilson addressed staff, emphasizing continued innovation and the importance of interactive entertainment, while concerns remain about potential layoffs and the use of AI.
EA clears US regulatory approvals in take-private deal
Electronic Arts' major take-private deal, involving a consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, has received all necessary regulatory approvals in the US and Europe. The approximately $55 billion deal is expected to close on August 4, 2026, despite concerns raised about Saudi Arabia's control and potential cultural implications.
Louise Blain of Blumhouse Games joins the GamesRadar+ G+RLS podcast as our first guest
Louise Blain, Creative Director at Blumhouse Games, is the first guest on the new GamesRadar+ G+RLS podcast. She discusses her journey into the games industry, why women enjoy horror games, Blumhouse Games' unique approach, and offers game recommendations. Blain brings over 13 years of experience in journalism and the games industry to her role.
EA Says Saudi Takeover Deal Is Set To Close Next Week
Electronic Arts is set to become a private company next week as its acquisition by an investors’ group led by the Saudi Arabian government is expected to close around August 4, 2026. The $55 billion deal, which has received all necessary regulatory approvals, includes partners Silver Lake and Affinity Partners. Concerns have been raised regarding potential influence on EA's game content due to the Saudi government's involvement.
Celebrating Age in 2026 – Where We’re At, and Where We’re Going
This article discusses the topic of age within the gaming industry and its future trajectory. It also touches upon the website's use of optional cookies for personalized advertising and social media connections, with options to manage cookie preferences.
Morning Legal Briefs
This article discusses legal cases involving gamers, including one instance where a gamer was imprisoned for 18 months due to a typo. It also mentions a YouTuber facing a 12-year prison sentence over a LEGO-related situation.
Adult-Mode Play: Gaming for Real Life | TAG
This article discusses the concept of 'adult-mode play,' which caters to gamers with limited time and finite budgets, contrasting it with the industry's focus on engagement metrics and extended play sessions. It highlights games that support shorter playtimes and suggests a mindset shift for adult gamers to enjoy their hobby without guilt or FOMO.
Console Players Already Get How Ontario Casinos Work
Console players possess skills transferable to navigating Ontario's regulated online casino market, including understanding certification, variable reward mechanics, and spending controls. The article draws parallels between game store page evaluations and vetting casino sites, highlighting how gaming literacy prepares players for regulated gambling platforms. It emphasizes using built-in spending controls and checking official iGaming Ontario registration for a safer experience.
We get inked with Splatoon Raiders! Pure Nintendo Podcast E172
The Pure Nintendo Podcast episode E172 features hosts Jemma and Kirk discussing Splatoon Raiders and other Nintendo news. Topics include Octopath Traveler's Switch 2 Editions, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Star Fox sales, Gamescom, a new Resident Evil movie trailer, and personal gaming updates.
Evening Consolidation
Microsoft has begun testing ad-supported game streaming, with initial reports from XBOX Wire. Separately, the Halo franchise is noted to be available on PlayStation after 25 years, and a story trailer for Marvel's Wolverine on PlayStation 5 has been released.
I’m giving up on modern gaming and I know I’m not the only one - Reader’s Feature
A long-time gamer expresses disillusionment with the modern gaming industry, citing the shift from complete, creative experiences to live service models, microtransactions, and endless monetization. The author feels current trends alienate veteran players and that younger generations are indoctrinated into a system that prioritizes profit over artistic integrity. This sentiment leads the author to abandon modern gaming in favor of retro titles and physical media.
