Video Game Industry
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Evening Reading - October 15, 2026
This edition of Evening Reading covers a variety of gaming news, including the first playable demo for El Paso, Elsewhere 2, the launch trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6, and an announcement for Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave Expansion Pass. Arc System Works has established a new Tokyo studio, and Sega has apologized for and delisted Total War: Shogun 2. The Long Dark: Iron Road DLC is set for release, and Activision Quality Assurance workers are voting to authorize a strike. The article also touches on gaming-related topics like Star Wars, reviews for Tales of Eternia Remastered and Tenebris Somnia, and early access for Poly Fighter.
GTA 6’s Reported PC Timeline Could Mark a Major Shift for Rockstar
A report suggests Grand Theft Auto 6 may launch on PC in the first quarter of 2027, a significant departure from Rockstar Games' traditional staggered release strategy. This potential shift, if true, would mark an unprecedented move for the company, which historically prioritizes console releases before PC ports, with Grand Theft Auto 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2 seeing delays of over a year and several months respectively.
An oral history of the Tomb Raider game no one wanted to make
This oral history details the reluctant development of Tomb Raider Chronicles, the fifth game in the series released on the original PlayStation in 2000. Core Design and Eidos Interactive pushed for the title to maintain financial momentum, despite the team's desire to move to the PlayStation 2 for the next installment. Many developers expressed burnout and frustration, feeling bribed into completing the project before eventually transitioning to next-gen development, which itself faced significant issues.
Big Walk devs explain why it isn't on Xbox and likely never will be, 'not until Microsoft and/or Xbox have been removed as BDS boycott targets'
Developer House House has confirmed that their co-op game Big Walk will not be released on Xbox due to the Palestinian-led BDS movement's call to boycott Microsoft and Xbox. The studio cited Microsoft's alleged use of Azure for storing intercepted telecommunications data from Gaza and The West Bank as the reason for the boycott target designation. While acknowledging the decision will disappoint some players, House House stated their belief in collective action for meaningful change.
Evening Reading - October 14, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers several gaming news items, including Rockstar Games' statement on future development timelines after Grand Theft Auto 6, details on The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake features like an enemy gallery and Amiibo support, and the announcement of the pocket-sized Xbox Nano Controller. Epic Games is bringing Fortnite to Linux, and World of Warcraft: Forever is implementing a Temporary Economy Holds system. The article also notes renewed interest in Star Wars games and celebrates the anniversary of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky.
GTA 6 Reviews: When They Could Be Released
Reviews for Rockstar Games' highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 are expected to be released before its November 19 launch date, following historical patterns from Grand Theft Auto 5 and Red Dead Redemption II. While the exact timing remains unconfirmed, the game is slated for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with significant revenue projections and recent details emerging about its development and scope.
"I wanted to make the show I wanted to watch": how Galaxies found a place in the crowded showcase landscape
Galaxies Showcase, founded by Chris Thomas, has carved a niche in the crowded digital showcase landscape by offering a tightly curated, hour-long program of game trailers. The "tapas-style" approach aims to respect viewer time and has seen significant audience growth. The venture, bootstrapped by Thomas, leverages his industry connections to secure game placements and co-streamers, balancing paid slots with free exposure for indie developers.
Report claims Grand Theft Auto 6 will launch on PC sooner than anyone expected
A report citing anonymous industry sources suggests Grand Theft Auto 6 will launch on PC in early 2027, potentially only four months after its console release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. This would be a significantly shorter gap than previous Rockstar Games titles, which often had PC versions releasing much later. The article speculates on the potential impact of an early PC release on sales, especially given the premium edition's $100 price point.
Rockstar's Multi-Million Dollar Miami Takeover Continues to Expand Ahead of GTA 6 Launch, Despite Protests from Some Officials
Rockstar Games is continuing its extensive marketing campaign for Grand Theft Auto 6, featuring a Vice City blimp and NFL promotions. This expansion is proceeding despite protests from some Miami officials regarding the game's setting and promotion.
SNL's viral Zelda: Ocarina of Time vs GTA 6 sketch probably went down fine at Nintendo, former marketing leads say, even if it framed Link as being "for nerds"
Former Nintendo marketing leads Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang believe Nintendo would have a positive internal reaction to the recent Saturday Night Live sketch comparing The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time to Grand Theft Auto 6. Despite the sketch framing Link as 'for nerds,' they argue that Nintendo would appreciate the game being positioned as a significant title alongside GTA 6, and that the audience's loud reaction to Zelda in the sketch ultimately undermined the joke.
The happiest man in gaming hates generative AI
Dwarf Fortress co-creator Tarn Adams expresses immense enthusiasm for game development, particularly the procedural generation of magic systems in the upcoming Myth and Magic update. However, he voices strong concerns about generative AI, fearing its potential to devalue human work and its bloated code. Adams also discusses the success of Dwarf Fortress on Steam, the community's incredible modding achievements, and the financial realities of running Bay 12 Games.
Games Inbox: Will there be a new GTA 6 trailer before launch?
Readers discuss the potential for a new Grand Theft Auto 6 trailer to counter recent leaks, with one suggesting it's the best way for Rockstar Games to manage the situation. Other topics include the enduring quality of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on Nintendo Switch, the appeal of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt's remaster, and concerns about Sony's future disc policy.
Is The BioShock Movie Ever Going To Happen? Director Weighs In
Director Francis Lawrence provided an update on the long-in-development BioShock movie, stating that a script is nearing completion and he is optimistic about its chances of materializing. While the project has faced numerous setbacks and regime changes at Netflix, Take-Two Interactive is reportedly eager for the film to coincide with new game releases, including the upcoming BioShock 4.
Cyberpunk 2077 is Getting a Film Adaptation Produced by Paramount Pictures – Rumor
Paramount Pictures is reportedly producing a film adaptation of CD Projekt RED's Cyberpunk 2077, with Lorenzo di Bonaventura attached as a producer. CD Projekt RED will also be involved in the project, though no specific details have been revealed yet. This news follows the success of Cyberpunk 2077 and its expansion, Phantom Liberty, which have collectively sold over 55 million copies.
NBA 2K27 Tops Madden NFL 27 In August, Shocking Absolutely Nobody
Circana's August 2026 report shows NBA 2K27 as the best-selling game, continuing its streak against Madden NFL 27. New releases like Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls and Star Wars Zero Company also performed well, with five new titles in the top 10. NBA 2K27 is now third in year-to-date sales, behind Resident Evil Requiem and 007 First Light, with Grand Theft Auto 6 anticipated to be a major seller later in the year.
Best-selling games in the U.S. for August 2026 – Nintendo Switch 2 boosts Elden Ring to the top 10, Big Walk makes the list
Circana's August 2026 US sales chart shows NBA 2K27 and Madden NFL 27 leading, with Elden Ring surging to seventh place following the Nintendo Switch 2 launch. The list also features Mario Kart World and Splatoon Raiders, with Big Walk making an appearance. The year-to-date chart is topped by Resident Evil Requiem.
NBA 2K27 tops US August charts, becomes third-best selling game of 2026 | US Monthly Charts
NBA 2K27 topped the US sales charts for August 2026, becoming the third-best-selling game of the year according to Circana data. New releases like Madden NFL 27 and Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls also performed well. Overall consumer spending on video games in the US fell 9% in August, with hardware unit sales reaching their lowest point since 2013, though PlayStation 5 hardware sales saw a 17% increase.
US Video Game Hardware Sales Just Had Their Worst August In 13 Years
US video game hardware sales experienced their worst August in 13 years, with a 15% year-over-year decline in unit sales. Despite fewer consoles sold, higher prices, including those for mid-generation upgrades like the PlayStation 5 Pro, led to a significant increase in dollar sales for Sony. Market saturation and price increases are cited as key factors for the overall downturn.
Bobby's back
Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick has joined the board of Skydance as an independent director, marking his return to the gaming industry after leaving Activision Blizzard following its acquisition by Microsoft. Skydance praised Kotick's leadership in building Activision Blizzard into a successful company, despite his controversial tenure marked by allegations of harassment and discrimination lawsuits.
Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick named to the board of post-merger Skydance
Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick has been appointed to the board of directors for the newly formed Skydance company, which resulted from the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Skydance's media conglomerate includes a video game division that will merge Paramount Games Studio with WB's internal developers. Despite past controversies surrounding Activision Blizzard, Skydance chairman David Ellison praised Kotick's leadership and ability to build enduring franchises.
