Video Game Industry
Ongoing coverage on Video Game Industry.
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Video Games With Loot Boxes Will Now Have a 16 Age Rating Across Europe as Part of Huge PEGI Shakeup - IGN
The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) age-rating body is introducing new categories starting July 2026 to classify games with in-app purchases, paid random items (loot boxes), and other interactive features. Games containing paid random items will default to a PEGI 16 rating, impacting titles like EA's FC series. These changes aim to provide clearer warnings to parents about potential risks within games.
Morning Gatherings and Events
Newsweek reports on concerns about the sustainability of the US video game industry, particularly in the context of the Game Developers Conference. The article suggests that current industry practices may be unsustainable in the long term.
XSOLLA RELEASES NEW INDUSTRY REPORT IDENTIFYING THE BIGGEST OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE FUTURE OF VIDEO GAMES FOR DEVELOPERS
Xsolla's latest report identifies key opportunities for video game developers, highlighting the growing importance of direct-to-player commerce, expansion into high-growth global markets like India and Southeast Asia, and the strategic use of AI to improve operations. The report emphasizes that studios adapting their commercial strategies and embracing these trends are best positioned for future success.
Nintendo Shares Surge After Reports of Pokémon Pokopia Success - IGN
Nintendo's stock price surged by 10.5% following reports of the success of Pokémon Pokopia, with physical copies reportedly selling out and Amazon increasing the game's price. Analysts have described the game as a 'viral hit' and a 'dark horse', contributing to investor confidence despite broader industry concerns about AI and rising costs.
Historic, First-Ever Union Formed By Workers At 2K Games
Motion-capture performers at 2K Games' Petaluma studio have formed the first union for such workers in the US, named RPG-IATSE. They have unanimously ratified their first contract with parent company Take-Two Interactive, securing benefits like wage minimums, bonuses, and protections against AI likeness reproduction. This follows similar labor actions in the games industry, including a SAG-AFTRA strike.
14 years later, former EA exec is still mad about getting the "Worst Company in America" award over BP and Bank of America just because "f***ing Colonel Shepard dies in Mass Effect 3"
Former Electronic Arts executive Peter Moore expressed frustration that EA was voted "Worst Company in America" twice, arguing that the award was disproportionately focused on the ending of Mass Effect 3. He contrasted this with environmental disasters by BP and economic issues caused by Bank of America, suggesting the gaming industry's controversies were unfairly amplified. Moore acknowledged other criticisms like SimCity's launch and microtransactions but defended EA's inclusive goals.
Scopely hits $15 billion in lifetime revenue
Scopely has announced it has surpassed $15 billion in lifetime revenue after 15 years in the mobile gaming industry. The company's portfolio includes major titles like Pokémon Go and Monopoly Go, contributing to over 150 billion hours of playtime. Scopely has grown to over 3,000 employees globally and has made significant acquisitions, including Niantic and Loom Games, with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia now holding a majority stake.
RPG legend advises new devs to be like Hideo Kojima and create their own style – or if all else fails, "have…
Veteran game designer Don Daglow, known for early RPGs like Dungeon and MMOs like Neverwinter Nights, advises new developers to cultivate a unique personal style, comparing it to recognizable artists like Lady Gaga. He also emphasized the lasting impact games have on players' lives, encouraging developers to create meaningful experiences.
Best-selling shooter Battlefield 6 is not immune to layoffs as EA slashes an unknown number of positions
Electronic Arts has conducted layoffs across multiple studios involved with Battlefield 2042, including Criterion, DICE, Ripple Effect, and Motive. The company stated these changes are part of a realignment to better focus on community priorities for the franchise. Despite its initial high sales and awards, the game has seen a significant drop in player count on Steam.
Fallout 3 PS5 Is Fast Becoming One of the Worst Kept Secrets in Gaming
A new product listing from McFarlane Toys suggests a remaster of Fallout 3 may be in development, potentially for PlayStation 5. This aligns with earlier rumors about remasters for both Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, though neither are expected soon. The popularity of the recent Fallout TV show is likely contributing to renewed interest in these titles.
Gaming’s Female Lead Renaissance Takes Center Stage on International Women’s Day
International Women's Day 2026 highlighted a growing trend in gaming: upcoming major titles are increasingly featuring female protagonists. This shift reflects a broader evolution in representation within the industry, with studios prioritizing complex character development and narrative agency across diverse genres and established franchises.
Games Inbox: When will the next big Super Mario game be announced?
Readers express anticipation for a new Super Mario game announcement, speculating it might coincide with or follow the Super Mario Galaxy movie. Other topics include concerns about the rising cost of consoles and amiibo, the precarious nature of game development jobs, and the potential impact of dynamic pricing and AI on the industry.
EA Lays Off Multiple Employees Amid Battlefield 6’s Current Woes – Rumor
Electronic Arts has reportedly laid off multiple employees working on Battlefield 6 as part of an organizational realignment. Studios including Motive Studios, Ripple Effect, Criterion, and DICE have been affected. EA stated that Battlefield remains a top priority and that changes were made to better align teams with community needs.
Battlefield 6 developers face layoffs despite making one of the best-selling games of 2025
Electronic Arts has confirmed layoffs within its Battlefield organization, affecting studios like Criterion, DICE, Ripple Effect, and Motive Studios, despite Battlefield 6 being the best-selling game of 2025. EA stated these changes are to better align teams around community priorities, though the exact number of affected employees remains unspecified. The company is also undergoing a sale to a consortium of investors.
Battlefield developers laid off by EA months after Battlefield 6 'shatters records'
Electronic Arts has conducted layoffs within its Battlefield division, impacting studios like Criterion, DICE, Ripple Effect, and Motive. This occurs months after Battlefield 6 achieved record-breaking launch sales. The company stated these changes are to better align teams with community priorities and continue investment in the franchise.
Shock layoffs hit Battlefield Studios despite recent success, incoming acquitision
Electronic Arts has conducted layoffs across its Battlefield studios, citing a "realignment" as the reason, despite the recent success of Battlefield 6 which has sold 20 million copies. The company stated that Battlefield remains a priority and they will continue to invest in the franchise, with no confirmed link between the layoffs and the upcoming acquisition of EA.
Electronic Arts is laying off workers at the Battlefield 6 studios
Electronic Arts has laid off an unknown number of employees across four studios involved with the Battlefield franchise, including Criterion, Dice, Ripple Effect, and Motive. The company stated these changes are to better align teams with community priorities, despite Battlefield 6's strong initial sales and awards. This follows recent redundancies at the Skate developer Full Circle.
Master Chief actor calls out White House's use of Halo footage in "disgusting and juvenile war porn" propaganda
Steve Downes, the voice actor for Master Chief in Halo, has demanded the removal of his voice from a White House propaganda video that glorified the war in Iran. Downes stated he was not consulted and does not endorse the video's message, calling it "disgusting and juvenile war porn." The Pokémon Company also recently objected to the White House's use of its intellectual property in political content.
8 Years Later: How Smash Ultimate’s Reveal Changed Everything for Nintendo Switch
Eight years ago, Nintendo announced Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for the Nintendo Switch, a reveal that significantly boosted the console's trajectory. The game's success, selling over 30 million copies, solidified the Switch as Nintendo's main platform and revitalized the competitive Smash Bros. scene, becoming a global phenomenon.
WWE 2K26 Review | The Outerhaven
This review criticizes WWE 2K26 for its "offscription" business model, where yearly releases are seen as recompiled versions of old code rather than new products. The author suggests that developers should focus on creating one product per console generation instead of charging annually.
