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Despite calling Grand Theft Auto 'a videogame franchise built around criminal activity,' Miami-Dade sheriff isn't mad about the NBA's 'Vice City' transformation
Despite initial concerns from Miami-Dade Sheriff Cordero-Stutz about Grand Theft Auto's depiction of criminal activity, she has no issue with the NBA's Miami Heat rebranding their arena and team as 'Vice City' for promotional purposes. The sheriff's department clarified that her concerns were focused on the use of public facilities for promotion, not private business decisions.
RuneScape devs take down trailer, apologize to players, and blame "partner" for gen AI after promising not to…
Jagex has removed a trailer for the upcoming RuneScape quest Dragon Slayer 2 after players identified significant generative AI use, which the developer claims originated from an external partner. The company has apologized for the oversight and is overhauling its review processes, reiterating its stance against using AI for game assets. This incident follows a similar controversy involving AI-generated designs from a partnership with 100 Thieves.
Grand Theft Auto 6’s Success Will be Replicated by Another Game in the Future, Says Former Sony Exec
Former Sony executive Shuhei Yoshida believes another game will eventually replicate the immense success and hype of Grand Theft Auto 6, though he acknowledges it might be Rockstar Games itself with Grand Theft Auto 7. He also noted the potential for Chinese companies to compete in the future. The article highlights the massive anticipation for Grand Theft Auto 6, citing its trailer's success on Netflix and Rockstar's commitment to delivering a high-quality product.
GTA 6 marketing stunt reveals none of our UK editors have heard of the Miami Heat
A marketing stunt for Grand Theft Auto 6 involving the Miami Heat basketball team has highlighted a significant cultural divide, with several UK-based editors admitting they had never heard of the NBA franchise. This led to a discussion about the effectiveness and reach of marketing campaigns, particularly concerning niche sports tie-ins.
After 30 years they finally let Ace Combat's director fly in a real jet, and I'm taking credit
Ace Combat brand director Kazutoki Kono finally experienced flying in a real F-16 jet after 30 years of working on the series. This experience, documented in a promotional video for Ace Combat 8: Wings of the Dawn, was described by Kono as beautiful and incredible, highlighting the G-forces and the intimate cockpit environment. The event is framed as a successful marketing initiative by Bandai Namco, fulfilling a long-held desire for Kono and the development team.
GTA 6 fans cancel £350 collector's edition because influencer gifts are better
Fans who pre-ordered the £350 Grand Theft Auto 6 collector's edition are reportedly cancelling their orders due to dissatisfaction with the included items compared to special packages sent to influencers. The collector's box, which does not contain the game, features items like sunglasses and a shot glass, while influencer packages include more practical items like hats and t-shirts, leading to fan outcry over the perceived disparity.
The power of GTA 6 marketing turns NBA goliath Miami Heat into the Vice City Heat for one game, involving an arena…
Rockstar Games and the Miami Heat are collaborating for a unique marketing event ahead of Grand Theft Auto 6's release, transforming the Kaseya Center into 'Vice City Heat' for a November 18th game. The partnership includes special arena branding, merchandise, and unspecified "special activities" during the event.
NBA’s Miami Heat Will Wear GTA 6 Jerseys And Play On A Branded Court The Day Before Release
The NBA's Miami Heat will wear Grand Theft Auto 6-inspired jerseys and play on a branded court on November 18, the day before the game's release. Rockstar Games is heavily promoting the title in Miami, with the team also releasing a 'Vice City Collection' of merchandise. Grand Theft Auto 6 launches on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
GTA 6 – Miami HEAT Will Play as Vice City, Complete With New Uniforms, on November 18
Grand Theft Auto 6 is collaborating with the Miami HEAT basketball team for a special in-game event on November 18th, featuring custom uniforms and court designs inspired by Vice City. This marketing stunt, taking place the day before the game's launch, also promotes Vice City apparel. Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to release on November 19th for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5.
GTA 6 Lights Up Miami's Kaseya Center
Rockstar Games has taken over Miami's Kaseya Center as part of a marketing campaign for Grand Theft Auto 6. The stunt highlights the immense anticipation for the upcoming open-world sequel.
Jobs roundup: October | Playstack CEO Harvey Elliott voted chair of UKIE
Several key appointments have been made across the UK games industry. Harvey Elliott, CEO of Playstack, has been voted chair of UKIE, succeeding Maria Sayans. Murray Pannell joins Steel City Interactive as head of publishing, while Dean Anderson leads MV&P's APAC partnerships. Catherine Bygrave is the new head of commercial at Code Wizards Group, and Michał Platkow-Gilewski has been promoted to VP of global communications and marketing at CD Projekt Red.
Jobs roundup: October | Code Wizards Group appoints Catherine Bygrave as head of commercial
Several key figures have moved into new roles within the games industry. Michał Platkow-Gilewski was promoted to VP of global communications and marketing at CD Projekt Red, while Catherine Bygrave was appointed head of commercial at Code Wizards Group. Other notable appointments include Daniel Smith as executive producer at Playground Games, Gero Micciché as lead producer at 2K and Hangar 13 Games, and Tymon Smektala as executive producer at Bloober Team's Broken Mirror Games.
GTA 6 influencers sent a mysterious package that fans say sure looks better than those $400 Collector's Boxes
Rockstar Games is sending out mysterious marketing packages for Grand Theft Auto 6 to influencers, which fans are comparing favorably to the expensive Collector's Boxes. The packages include items like hats, t-shirts, stickers, and lighters, leading to online discussions about their perceived value compared to the official merchandise.
Putting Together A Game Showcase Means Treating 45 Minutes Like A Puzzle
Evil Empire's co-founder Benjamin Laulan discusses the meticulous process of curating the Triple-I Initiative video game showcases, emphasizing respect for viewer time with a 45-minute, trailer-only format. The initiative focuses on high-quality indie games and aims to be a cornerstone of marketing campaigns, with plans to expand reach and collaborations.
Mr. Hytale is offering $15,000 to the first person to beat a ridiculous challenge in next month's update, and he's sending out game keys to prove he's serious
Simon Collins-Laflamme, founder of Hypixel Studios, is offering a $15,000 reward to the first streamer who defeats the 'Gobliterator' boss in Hytale's upcoming Chapter 1 update on hard mode, hardcore, no armor, no potions, and no glitches. The update is set to launch in early access on October 12, and Collins-Laflamme has been sending out game keys to interested players.
"Crowdfunding is fundamentally a marketing and a community exercise" – What developers need to know about funding a game with Kickstarter in 2026
Crowdfunding, particularly on platforms like Kickstarter, remains a viable, albeit challenging, method for game developers to secure partial funding and build community. While headline figures have decreased since 2015, 2025 saw $26 million raised across 443 successful projects, with 55 exceeding $100,000. Success now requires a near-complete game, significant marketing, and an engaged audience, shifting crowdfunding's focus from a funding source to a marketing and community exercise.
GTA 6's $1 million billboard goes up despite protests from local police as Rockstar's real-life Miami takeover…
Rockstar Games has launched an extensive marketing campaign for Grand Theft Auto 6 in Miami, featuring a $1 million billboard at the Kaseya Center. Despite some local police protests, the campaign is underway, generating significant fan excitement. The article also briefly mentions Grand Theft Auto 6's potential competition for awards in future years.
Grand Theft Auto 6's Miami Takeover Begins as Rockstar Spends Nearly $1 Million on 'Welcome to Vice City' Signage
Rockstar Games has reportedly invested nearly $1 million in installing a "Welcome to Vice City" sign in Miami as part of the marketing campaign for Grand Theft Auto 6. This move signals the beginning of the game's promotional efforts.
GTA 6 Is Taking Over Miami, One Airlifted Letter At A Time
Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive are launching an extensive marketing campaign for Grand Theft Auto 6 in Miami, featuring large "Welcome to Vice City" letters installed at the Kaseya Center. The campaign includes a 34-song album and has generated some local criticism regarding its cost and perceived glorification of crime.
Strauss Zelnick stresses a well-known franchise like GTA still needs marketing: "You always have to go out and create enthusiasm"
Take-Two Interactive president Strauss Zelnick emphasized that even highly established franchises like Grand Theft Auto 6 require significant marketing campaigns to generate enthusiasm and maintain awareness. He compared the marketing strategy to that of the Barbie movie, highlighting the importance of creating excitement and showcasing the product.
