Publishing
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Shift Up announced it will self-publish Stellar Blade 2 to reach a global audience immediately, diverging from Sony's previous publishing role for the first game. Separately, PLAYSTUDIOS, Inc. released its first-quarter financial results.
Shift Up Plans To Reveal Stellar Blade and Project Spirits Details This Year | Console Creatures
Shift Up plans to reveal details for Stellar Blade and its new project, formerly known as Project: Unbound, later this year. The company will self-publish both titles, leveraging global talent to strengthen its in-house publishing capabilities. Development for the next Stellar Blade title is progressing smoothly, with a focus on a direct and effective go-to-market strategy.
The Next Stellar Blade Game Will Be Revealed This Year
Developer SHIFT UP announced that new information for the next Stellar Blade game and its project 'Project Spirits' will be revealed this year. The company also confirmed that both titles, along with those from the recently acquired UNBOUND studio, will be self-published. The financial report also highlighted the continued success of Goddess of Victory: NIKKE.
Shift Up says Stellar Blade 2 news is on the way this year, and it could be a day-one PC launch
Shift Up has announced that news regarding Stellar Blade 2 will be released this year, with the possibility of a simultaneous PC launch. The developer is also preparing to share details on its new unnamed IP, Project Spirits. Shift Up is transitioning to a first-party publishing model, moving away from Sony's exclusivity clauses.
Shift Up teases new details on Stellar Blade sequel and Project Spirits
Shift Up has announced that more details regarding the Stellar Blade sequel and its new IP, Project Spirits, will be revealed in 2026. The Stellar Blade sequel is progressing smoothly, with Shift Up planning to self-publish the title. Project Spirits, an Eastern Fantasy cross-platform game developed on Unreal Engine 5, is targeting a 2027 release and is co-developed with a Tencent affiliate.
The Jackbox Party Pack 12 announced for release later this year
Jackbox Games has announced The Jackbox Party Pack 12 for release in Fall 2026, featuring five new party games playable on smartphones, tablets, or browsers. This announcement follows a partnership with Netflix to bring select games to their streaming service and Jackbox Games' first foray into publishing with Toot Games' debut title, My Arms Are Longer Now.
Winners of the 2026 50th Kodansha Manga Awards
Kodansha has announced the winners of its 50th annual Manga Awards, recognizing excellence in shounen, shoujo, and general manga categories. GACHIAKUTA by Kei Urana and Hideyoshi Ando won Best Shounen Manga, Re-Living My Life with a Boyfriend Who Doesn’t Remember Me by Eiko Mutsuhana, Yugiri Aika, and Gin Shirakawa won Best Shoujo Manga, and Shun Umezawa's work won Best General Manga. Winners receive a certificate, statuette, and monetary prizes.
Stellar Blade 2 is Published by Shift Up, Could Launch on More Platforms
Shift Up, the developer of Stellar Blade, has announced it will self-publish the sequel, Stellar Blade 2, potentially allowing for wider platform availability beyond PlayStation. The studio is actively exploring further platform expansion for the original Stellar Blade, including a possible Nintendo Switch 2 port, and aims for the sequel to launch before 2027. Stellar Blade has been a financial success for Shift Up, generating significant revenue since its release.
Take-Two boss Strauss Zelnick is as "deeply disappointed" as players at the absence of a new BioShock
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed deep disappointment regarding the prolonged development of the next BioShock game, acknowledging that the company has invested significant resources into exploring creative directions. While the project has faced challenges and potential creative resets, Zelnick is now more optimistic, stating that the team is committed to delivering a great experience rather than just a good one.
Paradox Interactive announced as publisher for Transport Fever 3
Paradox Interactive has been announced as the publisher for Urban Games' upcoming simulation title, Transport Fever 3, set to release later this year. While Paradox will handle publishing duties, Urban Games retains full rights to the series. The game will feature native support for Linux and macOS, along with an extensive modding program.
Game Crossovers and Collaborations
A new gameplay trailer showcases a collaboration between PUBG and PAYDAY, while Assassin's Creed announced an upcoming stage show. Separately, the publisher of Clair Obscur explained the decision to launch a physical gaming magazine in 2026.
Transport Fever 3 dev's new deal with Cities Skylines 2 publisher Paradox "will have nothing but positive effects"
Urban Games, the developer of Transport Fever 3, has announced a publishing deal with Paradox Interactive, the publisher of Cities Skylines 2. The partnership, set to launch in 2026, aims to leverage Paradox's expertise while Urban Games retains full creative control over the IP. Despite concerns stemming from Cities Skylines 2's rocky launch and subsequent internal studio changes, both companies emphasize a shared player-first approach and commitment to the game's original vision.
Subnautica 2 launches May 14 in early access on Steam, Epic, and Xbox – with Krafton not listed as publisher after…
Subnautica 2 will launch in early access on May 14 for PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, and on Xbox, included with Game Pass. The game's developer, Unknown Worlds, is co-publishing with Krafton, despite a recent legal dispute that saw Krafton removed as publisher from store pages. The early access trailer hints at a narrative involving a colony ship and survival on an alien world.
Just Hours After Closing Its RPG Studio, Nacon Confirms Showcase Date for Next Week
French publisher Nacon has confirmed its Nacon Connect 2026 showcase will take place on May 7th, despite recent financial difficulties and the closure of its RPG studio, Spiders. The event will feature gameplay from upcoming titles including The Mound, Edge of Memories, Endurance Motorsport Series, and Hunter: The Reckoning - Deathwish.
Inkle's Jon Ingold on why self-publishing is where it's at
Inkle co-founder Jon Ingold argues that self-publishing offers greater freedom and control over intellectual property, despite potential benefits from publishers like marketing and distribution. Ingold highlights Inkle's success with titles like 80 Days and TR-49, emphasizing the ability to experiment with game design and pricing without publisher interference. While acknowledging the marketing advantages publishers can offer, Ingold ultimately advocates for developers to maintain ownership and flexibility.
Subnautica 2, Steam's Most-Wishlisted Game, Gets Release Date Amid Publisher Drama
Subnautica 2 is set to launch in early access on May 14 for PC and Xbox Series X|S, priced at $30. Despite ongoing legal disputes between developer Unknown Worlds and publisher Krafton, the game will be co-published by both entities. The title is currently the most-wishlisted game on Steam.
Dark Fantasy Dungeon Crawler HellSlave II: Judgement of the Archon Launching in Q3 2026
HellSlave II: Judgement of the Archon, a dark fantasy dungeon crawler with tactical combat and hand-drawn art, is set to launch for PC in Q3 2026. Developed by Ars Goetia and Dear Villagers, the game will feature six classes, a top-down overworld, and a return to its turn-based combat system. Solo developer Baptiste Miny stated the game aims to exceed player expectations.
Mass Effect Andromeda 'Done Dirty' by Publisher EA, Actor Says
A lead actor from BioWare's Mass Effect Andromeda has criticized publisher Electronic Arts for the game's poor reception. The actor believes EA bears significant responsibility for the title's disappointing critical and commercial performance.
People Can Fly acquires Cooldown Games to establish dedicated publishing vertical
People Can Fly has acquired Texas-based publisher Cooldown Games, which was founded by former Gearbox Publishing veterans. This acquisition establishes a dedicated publishing vertical for People Can Fly, allowing them to internalize their go-to-market strategy and pursue third-party publishing agreements. Cooldown Games will operate as an independent division within the People Can Fly Group.
Bulletstorm dev People Can Fly acquires Cooldown Games
People Can Fly has acquired Dallas-based Cooldown Games for an undisclosed sum, establishing a new publishing vertical. The acquisition will see People Can Fly provide capital and operational support for Cooldown's current and upcoming third-party titles, strengthening its publishing activities and revenue streams.
