Licensing
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Multiple Switch 2 Editions Were Announced Today, But One Big Exception Remains
Despite multiple games receiving enhanced 'Nintendo Switch 2 Editions' after the latest Nintendo Direct, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate remains conspicuously absent. This omission is puzzling, especially considering the game's sales success and the potential logistical and licensing hurdles that might be preventing an updated version.
CD Projekt Red Is Still Raking In The Cash As We Wait For The Witcher 4
CD Projekt Red reported strong financial results for the first half of 2026, with revenue up 23% year-over-year to 435 million PLN and net profit up 37% to 249 million PLN. These gains were driven by sales of The Witcher and Cyberpunk games, as well as increasing licensing revenue from deals involving Cyberpunk 2077 and the Cyberpunk TCG. The company anticipates further growth with upcoming releases like The Witcher 3 Remastered and The Witcher 4.
CD Projekt Red sees profit climb 37% in H1 2026
CD Projekt Red reported a 37% increase in net profit for the first half of 2026, reaching $66.7 million. The company detailed a three-year release plan including a remastered The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and a new expansion, alongside strong sales for both The Witcher and Cyberpunk franchises. Licensing is also becoming a more significant revenue stream.
EA SPORTS FC 27 Doubles Down On Authenticity With A Huge Licensing Boost
EA SPORTS FC 27 is enhancing its authenticity with a significant boost in licensing, including the return of Liga MX with all 18 clubs. The game will also feature renewed partnerships with clubs like Aston Villa and Liverpool FC, extended deals with the Bundesliga and ROSHN Saudi League, and new stadiums. These additions, alongside over 21,000 players and 35 leagues, aim to make FC 27 a comprehensive celebration of global football.
Sony's mad legal argument for digital PS5 games says there's only ever one copy
Sony is making a legal argument that digital game purchases are licenses, not sales, and that only one person can ever own a digital copy of a game. This stance is being taken in court following a lawsuit over alleged violations of consumer rights laws regarding digital storefront clarity. The company's reasoning suggests that if a consumer truly owned a digital game, no one else could play it, a logic that contradicts their own reported digital sales figures.
The best new Lego sets in September 2026, from Spongebob to Batman
Lego is releasing a diverse range of new sets in September 2026, including a Spongebob Squarepants Bikini Bottom model, the Ministry of Magic from Harry Potter, and the Batman Returns Batmobile. The article highlights these and other notable releases, such as Star Trek and Gremlins themed sets, alongside various advent calendars.
Just Five Minutes of Checks Beats Losing Your Deposit | Invision Game Community
This article provides a guide on how to avoid fake online casino sites, which are often cheap copies of legitimate ones. It highlights small clues like malfunctioning live chat or payment options, and emphasizes the importance of checking a casino's license and reading player complaints to identify potential scams before depositing money.
Four Studio Ghibli Builds Are Alive in LEGO Ideas Review — the Closest Fans Have Ever Come
Four Studio Ghibli-themed LEGO Ideas concepts have advanced to the review stage, marking the furthest any Ghibli pitch has ever come. While previous submissions have failed, the current progress, especially with two sets tied to the franchise's 40th anniversary, suggests a potential official LEGO build may be on the horizon. The primary hurdle remains securing licensing agreements directly with Studio Ghibli, unlike sets derived from established partnerships with companies like Disney or Warner Bros.
Six Penguins Wanted: SOLYD Opens Pudgy Licensing Deal for Its Debut iPhone Cases
Accessories brand SOLYD has opened a licensing deal on OverpassIP, seeking six Pudgy Penguins NFTs to feature on its debut iPhone case line. This partnership follows SOLYD's existing Pudgy Penguins: Pengu Edition case for the Solana Mobile Seeker. The submission window for the new iPhone cases is three weeks, with chosen NFT owners receiving royalties on sales.
What’s Leaving PlayStation Plus in September 2026: Madden, Toy Story and More
Sony's PlayStation Plus service will see several games removed in September 2026, including Madden NFL 26, Persona 5 Tactica, and two Toy Story titles. The Shadowrun trilogy is also listed as a "last chance to play." The article notes that while August was a strong month for the service, September's departures are confirmed while new additions remain unannounced.
Simpsons creator himself leaks that Hit & Run video game is coming back
The Simpsons creator Matt Groening may have accidentally revealed that The Simpsons: Hit & Run is returning in some form, during a recent D23 event panel. While showrunner Matt Selman seemed to backtrack, Groening's comment has fueled fan speculation for a remake or remaster of the beloved 2003 game. Licensing issues have previously prevented any re-release, but the involvement of former Radical Entertainment staff at New Radical Games offers renewed hope.
2K funds new AAA sports studio as EA Sports FC faces potential new rival
Take-Two Interactive, through its 2K label, has established Small Axe Studios in Vancouver, staffed by veterans from EA Sports FC and FIFA. The new studio aims to create a AAA sports game, potentially challenging EA Sports FC's market dominance. While the specific sport is unconfirmed, evidence suggests a focus on football, with key personnel having extensive experience in football game development.
Jobs roundup: August 2026 | CodeDev Group appoints Ben Board as CEO of The Performance Guys
This article rounds up recent hires and promotions across the gaming industry. Key appointments include Ben Board as CEO of The Performance Guys, Nate Nanzer as EVP at Paramount Games, and Tracey Thompson returning to Bethesda as VP of communications. Several other companies like Epic Games, Amazon, and Microsoft also saw personnel changes.
The Pokemon Company made $15.7 billion in retail sales in 2025
The Pokemon Company achieved $15.7 billion in retail sales in 2025, a significant increase of $12 billion from the previous year. This performance has positioned the company as the sixth largest global licensor.
Xbox ber om ursäkt för gårdagens strul och avbrott
Xbox has apologized for a widespread service outage that prevented players from logging in, accessing their game libraries, and launching games. Scott Van Vliet, CTO for Xbox, explained the issue stemmed from a licensing service and promised improvements in error detection and communication. The company plans to share more details on platform improvements in the coming weeks.
Baldur's Gate 4 should just be an "oversized expansion pack for Baldur's Gate 3," BioWare veteran says: "Get Larian to agree to license out the Divinity Engine"
Former BioWare producer Mark Darrah suggests that Baldur's Gate 4 should be developed as an 'oversized expansion pack' for Baldur's Gate 3, proposing that Larian Studios license out its Divinity Engine. However, Larian CEO Swen Vincke has stated the studio is moving on from the Baldur's Gate series. Hasbro is reportedly exploring options for Baldur's Gate 4 with other developers.
"The market is becoming much more diverse" – Will the proliferation of football video games last?
The football video game market is experiencing increased diversity following the split between FIFA and Electronic Arts, with new titles like UFL and Netflix's FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition emerging. While established players like EA Sports FC and eFootball remain dominant, industry figures believe the market can support a range of experiences catering to different player preferences, from full simulations to mobile and social games. Challenges include high development costs, complex licensing, and meeting player expectations for authenticity and continuous updates in a competitive landscape.
Hasbro (HAS) signs deal with Nintendo (NTDOY) to make Legend of Zelda toys ahead of the film
Hasbro and Nintendo have signed a deal to produce The Legend of Zelda toys, with initial prototypes to be revealed at San Diego Comic Con in July 2026. The full toy line is expected to launch in 2027, coinciding with the release of the live-action The Legend of Zelda film. This partnership aims to capitalize on the upcoming movie's release and expand the franchise's merchandising.
Hasbro wins license to make Legend of Zelda toys, action figures, and more from 2027
Hasbro has secured a licensing agreement with Nintendo to produce The Legend of Zelda toys and merchandise starting in 2027. The partnership will cover a wide range of products, including action figures, plushies, and potentially board games. The first product reveals are expected at San Diego Comic Con, with three 6-inch figures set to be unveiled.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 Has Disappeared From Game Pass Without Explanation
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 has been mysteriously removed from the Xbox Game Pass July lineup without explanation. While Microsoft owns the IP, theories suggest potential licensing issues with music and brands may be the cause for its disappearance from the subscription service.