Video Game Industry
Ongoing coverage on Video Game Industry.
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Evening Reading - July 1, 2026
This edition of Evening Reading covers several gaming news items, including patch notes for Mario Kart World, PlayStation's planned discontinuation of physical disc production in January 2028, and the reworking of the Endless Legend 2 dev roadmap. It also mentions Krafton's bonuses, Lethal Wedding hitting a Kickstarter goal, and a new Doom: The Dark Ages trailer. Additionally, the article touches on the shutdown of PS3 and PS Vita PlayStation Stores and a review of Rhythm Heaven Groove.
Taipei Game Show 2027 Opens Exhibitor Registration and Indie Game Award Submissions
Taipei Game Show 2027 has opened exhibitor registration and submissions for the Indie Game Award 2027. The event aims to connect global companies with the Asia-Pacific market, which accounts for 46% of the global video game industry. The show will feature B2B and B2C zones, an INDIE HOUSE, and a Board Game Wonderland, running from January 21-24, 2027.
MMO Week in Review: Guild Wars goes mobile, Bungie gets layoffs
This week's MMO news includes Guild Wars launching on mobile, Star Trek Online's new update, and Throne & Liberty's summer expansion. However, the industry also saw significant layoffs at Sony and Bungie, impacting hundreds of developers working on Destiny 2 and Marathon. Other news includes Valve's Steam Machine pricing, the ongoing Ashes of Creation lawsuit, and updates on Grand Theft Auto VI's online multiplayer.
CA Senate Kills Stop Killing Games Bill
The California State Senate has killed AB 1921, also known as the Protect Games Act. This bill, which had previously passed a floor vote, failed to advance in committee. The legislation aimed to regulate certain business practices within the video game industry.
CWA union says Xbox workers are not "disposable" as layoffs loom
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) union is supporting Xbox employees facing potential layoffs, stating they will not be treated as "disposable." Union representatives highlighted Microsoft's financial resources, including recent console price increases and executive compensation, as evidence that layoffs are a choice. An Xbox spokesperson acknowledged the company respects employees' rights and is negotiating in good faith with the CWA.
Palworld lead says there's no "bad blood" between rival survival games like Valheim and Rust: "We all get along really well because we all have something in common!"
Pocketpair's John Buckley stated that there is no rivalry between survival game developers, emphasizing that they all share a common passion for the genre. This sentiment is highlighted by the "Super Survival Summer" bundle on Steam, featuring Palworld, Valheim, Rust, and other titles at a discounted price. Buckley also shared his personal involvement in curating the bundle as a side project.
The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past proves that older games are just as relevant as new ones
The upcoming 2027 expansion for The Witcher 3, 'Songs of the Past,' highlights a growing trend of developers revisiting older games with new content. This phenomenon is driven by a plateau in technological advancement, making older titles still feel relevant, and a rising sentimentality within the industry, with studios paying homage to classics that inspired them.
Looks like there's no firm favourite for 2026's GOTY just yet, though there are two standouts
As 2026 progresses, the race for Game of the Year is still wide open, with no clear frontrunner among players. Resident Evil Requiem and Crimson Desert are currently the top two contenders based on a reader poll, though many participants felt none of the provided options were their definitive choice. The article highlights various other games receiving votes, including 007 First Light, Slay the Spire 2, and Marathon.
Xbox console prices are about to rise for the second time in a year, just before GTA VI launches — so you really don't want to miss this Xbox Series X deal at Walmart while it lasts
Microsoft has announced that the prices for Xbox Series X and Series S consoles will increase by $100 and $150 respectively, effective August 1, 2026. The company will also discontinue its 2 TB model. This price hike comes shortly before the launch of Grand Theft Auto VI, with a current Walmart deal offering a discount on the 1 TB Xbox Series X model.
Analysts expect GTA 6 could sell up to 30 million copies at launch, but are unsure if it can "surpass the incredible longevity and massive sales of 5" in the long run
Analysts predict Grand Theft Auto 6 will achieve massive launch sales, potentially reaching 30 million units, but question its long-term longevity compared to Grand Theft Auto 5's sustained success. Factors like the game's $80 price point and the limited initial console install base are discussed as potential influences on its long-term performance, with some analysts expecting per-player spending to be higher despite potentially lower overall sales than its predecessor.
Ubisoft Co-Founder Claude Guillemot Passes
Ubisoft co-founder Claude Guillemot has passed away at the age of 69. He was a key figure in the growth of Ubisoft and also led the Guillemot Corporation, which produced PC, console, and mobile peripherals. Guillemot's passing occurred after the Cessna aircraft he was traveling in crashed.
Grand Theft Auto 6 Will Cost $80, Ultimate Edition Retails for $100
Rockstar Games has announced that Grand Theft Auto 6 will launch on November 19th for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S with a Standard Edition price of $80 and an Ultimate Edition for $100. This pricing decision is being discussed as a potential industry shift, with analysts noting its impact on future game releases and sales projections for current-generation consoles.
PS6 Could Use AI Features Like Frame Generation to Offer The “Feel” Of 4K120 FPS – Rumor
Rumors suggest the PlayStation 6 may utilize AI-driven frame generation to achieve the visual experience of 4K 120 FPS while keeping costs down. Leaks indicate features like AI, ray tracing, and PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution will be key. Despite concerns over RAM prices, industry insiders believe Sony will stick to a 2027 launch, with AMD already testing PS6 chips.
Grand Theft Auto 6 Trailer 3 Could Drop Soon – Here’s Why
Speculation is mounting that a third trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6 could be released on June 25th, coinciding with the pre-order launch date. This theory is fueled by a cryptic comment from YouTube's official channel and historical marketing patterns from Rockstar Games, similar to Red Dead Redemption 2's release cycle. The article also touches on recent pricing details and industry rumors of layoffs.
GTA 6's leaked prices are "possible and plausible," analysts say, but a high barrier to entry "would…
Analysts believe that leaked pricing for Grand Theft Auto 6, with potential base prices around $100, is plausible given the game's anticipated scale and Rockstar's market position. However, some suggest a lower price point could be strategically beneficial for long-term revenue through Grand Theft Auto Online and to accommodate players affected by the cost-of-living crisis.
Business and Finance
Tencent is reportedly in discussions to divest its stakes in several Japanese game studios, potentially incurring a loss. Meanwhile, Italy's second-largest independent game studio has successfully bought back its independence from Embracer Group.
Tencent reportedly negotiating exits from various Japanese studios including Marvelous
Tencent is reportedly negotiating to sell its minority stakes in several Japanese game studios, including Marvelous, potentially at a loss. Investments in PlatinumGames, FromSoftware, and Kadokawa Corporation are unaffected. The company is shifting its focus towards user-generated content games and its existing portfolio teams.
Report: Tencent mulling exits from multiple Japanese studios
Chinese conglomerate Tencent is reportedly considering selling off minority stakes in several Japanese game studios, potentially at a financial loss. This move is part of a portfolio reassessment aimed at refocusing on user-generated content platforms. While investments in PlatinumGames Inc and FromSoftware are reportedly safe, the future of other studios like Marvelous remains uncertain.
Evening Reading - June 22, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers various gaming news and features. It includes reviews for The Adventures of Elliot and UFC 6, a preview of Rhythm Heaven Groove, and updates on Sega's new titles, Steam Machine components, and a potential Sea of Thieves live-action movie. The article also touches on Final Fantasy 7 Remake director's desire for original projects and the possibility of custom Steam Machines with an updated SteamOS.
Call of Duty is “Bigger Than The Marvel Cinematic Universe”, Claims Xbox CEO
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and CCO Matt Booty discussed the immense success and cultural impact of Xbox's franchises in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. Sharma claimed Call of Duty is larger than the Marvel Cinematic Universe, while Booty detailed upcoming adaptations for Gears of War and the continued investment in Halo.
