Video Game Industry
Ongoing coverage on Video Game Industry.
Latest coverage
New Super Luckys Tale Review - Thumb Culture
This review of New Super Lucky's Tale reflects on the simple joys of 3D platformers from a bygone era. The author contrasts the carefree nature of childhood gaming with the current industry trends of incomplete games and microtransactions.
Ken Kutaragi announced as first keynote speaker at Game Republic New Horizons 2026
Ken Kutaragi, known as the 'Father of the PlayStation,' has been announced as the first keynote speaker for Game Republic New Horizons 2026. He will share his experience and insights on future opportunities in the video game industry. The article also reports on alleged layoffs at Pixelberry Studios, the developer of the mobile game Choices, following its acquisition by Series Entertainment.
Games Inbox: How expensive will the PS6 be?
Readers discuss the rising cost of gaming hardware, with concerns about the potential price of the PlayStation 6 and the recent price increase of the PS5 Pro. The article also touches on Nintendo's franchise priorities for the Switch 2 and the surprising success of the Fallout TV show.
Grand Theft Auto 6 Development Costs May Exceed $2 Billion, Per UK Public Records
Public records from the UK indicate that Rockstar North may have spent approximately $2.11 billion on Grand Theft Auto 6 development as of March 31, 2025, primarily on employee wages since March 2019. This figure does not include marketing costs and could exceed $3 billion by the game's November 19th launch, potentially making it the most expensive game ever developed.
New numbers show GTA 6 development might cost more than previous estimates, which were already staggering
New financial analysis suggests Grand Theft Auto 6's development costs may exceed $3 billion, making it the most expensive entertainment product ever created. Rockstar Games has reportedly spent over $2.1 billion on personnel wages alone since 2019. The game is scheduled to launch on November 19.
UK software sales chart for the week ending March 28, 2026 – Mario Kart World still doing well
The UK software sales chart for the week ending March 28, 2026, shows Mario Kart World holding strong at number two. Super Mario Bros. Wonder re-entered the top ten, boosted by its Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. The chart features a wide range of titles from various publishers, including EA SPORTS FC 26, Resident Evil Requiem, and Assassin's Creed Shadows.
Marathon och Screamer låsta – FZ High Score-ledaren rycker
The FZ High Score competition has locked two games: Marathon, which received an average score of 80/100 on Opencritic, and the arcade racer Screamer, which scored 79/100. The current leader, @alx242, has extended their lead to 10 points. Two games remain in the season: World of Warcraft: Midnight and Life is Strange: Reunion.
Disney Should Buy Fortnite And Epic Games, Former Exec Says
A former Disney executive suggests that CEO Josh D'Amaro should consider acquiring a gaming company like Epic Games to drive growth. While Disney has invested in Epic's Fortnite project, a full buyout is seen as a potential bold step. Executives reportedly are interested in acquiring Epic, though founder Tim Sweeney retains control, and past acquisition talks with Electronic Arts did not materialize.
Ubisoft Shaped The Games Industry, Only To Be Left Behind By Its Creation
Ubisoft, celebrating its 40th anniversary, is examined for its significant role in shaping the modern video game industry since its debut with Zombi in 1986. The company has grown into a major player with best-selling franchises like Assassin's Creed and Just Dance, impacting players globally.
'$1,000+ Consoles Could Become the Norm': PS6's Price Touted to Touch Four Figures
Industry analysts predict that the PlayStation 6 could launch with a price tag of around $999.99, making four-figure consoles the new norm. Factors such as global economic conditions, inflation, and component shortages are contributing to the potential price increase for next-generation hardware.
Brenda Romero believes the video games industry might be worse off than the 1983 crash
Brenda Romero believes the current state of the video game industry is more precarious than the crash of 1983. She suggests that the industry is currently in a worse condition than it was during the historical market downturn.
PS5 Pricing Strategy Gives Flexibility for Deals if 'Things Surprisingly Get Better'
Sony has implemented a significant price increase for the PlayStation 5 console, with the Digital Edition now costing $599.99 and the PS5 Pro at $899.99. Analyst Serkan Toto suggests this strategy allows Sony flexibility for future deals if economic conditions improve, opting for one large increase rather than frequent smaller adjustments.
Business and Finance
Epic Games has implemented significant layoffs, signaling deeper issues within the broader video game industry. This move is seen as a symptom of larger economic and structural challenges affecting game development and publishing companies.
Evening Interviews
John and Brenda Romero reflect on the current state of the video game industry, comparing it to the crash of the 1980s. They suggest the present situation is more severe than the historical downturn.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake could be launching this year on Switch 2, prominent Nintendo leaker claims, but don't expect a new 3D Mario until 2027
Prominent Nintendo leaker NateTheHate claims a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is planned for a holiday 2026 release on the Nintendo Switch 2. The leaker also suggests a new Star Fox game with online multiplayer is coming, potentially announced by April 2026. While a new 3D Mario game is not expected until 2027, Capcom may also port Devil May Cry 5 to the Switch 2.
PS6 and Xbox Project Helix "will start at a 50% higher price" than PS5 and Xbox Series X, predict analysts following Sony price hike – and $999 "is not impossible"
Analysts predict that the PlayStation 6 and Xbox Project Helix will launch at significantly higher prices than current-generation consoles, potentially reaching $999. This projection follows Sony's recent price increase for the PlayStation 5, with experts citing economic factors and a shift towards console gaming becoming a luxury expenditure.
New PlayStation Studio PS5 Game’s Launch Sales Bombed – Report
A report indicates that Bungie's new game, Marathon, has had disappointing launch sales, selling an estimated 1.2 million copies across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The PlayStation 5 version accounted for approximately 217,000 of these sales. These figures are concerning for both Bungie and Sony, especially given the high costs associated with game development and studio acquisition.
Record Sales, Declining Stock Prices, Production Decreases: Is Switch 2 A Massive Success Or Not?
Despite record-breaking sales in the US, Nintendo is reportedly cutting Switch 2 production by 30% due to weaker-than-expected overseas demand and holiday sales. Analysts suggest this is a calculated move for inventory stabilization amidst challenging macroeconomic conditions, rather than a sign of failure. The console's success is attributed to strong initial demand and titles like Pokemon Pokopia, but future growth may depend on major first-party releases and strategic pricing.
Nintendo cuts Switch 2 production, layoffs at Epic and PlayStation, and another Saudi acquisition - Patch Notes #45
This week's Patch Notes covers significant industry news including over 1,000 layoffs at Epic Games, Savvy Games Group's $6 billion acquisition of Moonton, and Nintendo's decision to cut Switch 2 production by over 30 percent due to weak US sales. Additionally, Sony has shuttered Dark Outlaw Games, and French studios Spiders, Kylotonn, and Cyanide have filed for insolvency.
Games Inbox: Will there be a Super Smash Bros. movie?
Readers discuss the possibility of a Super Smash Bros. movie following cameos in the Mario movie, and debate the rising costs of game development and the impact of review embargoes. Other topics include the narrative of Life Is Strange: Reunion and the mechanics of Crimson Desert.
