Video Game Industry
Ongoing coverage on Video Game Industry.
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Union slams Microsoft for "unfair labor practice", alleging Xbox "unlawfully" laid off staff
Microsoft's Xbox division is facing accusations of unfair labor practices, including unlawfully laying off staff without proper union notification or discussion. The Communications Workers of America (CWA) has filed complaints alleging refusal to bargain and coercive actions. Meanwhile, Netflix reported a 600% surge in kids' game engagement, driven by its dedicated mobile app, and expressed confidence in scaling its cloud gaming offerings.
Marathon’s game director resigned from Bungie for ‘something new, somewhere else’
Joe Ziegler, game director for Bungie's upcoming game Marathon, has announced his resignation from the company. He expressed gratitude to fans for their support and stated that the mission for Marathon will continue under new leadership, with Del Chafe III and Julia Nardin taking over. Ziegler is moving on to a new opportunity elsewhere.
"Honestly, it's still getting worse" - Valve Steam Machine engineer says component prices are still rising, potentially paving the way for a price increase
Valve engineer Yazan Aldehayyat stated that consumer electronics component prices are still rising, potentially leading to price increases for products like the Steam Machine and Steam Deck. This trend is also impacting consoles, with Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo having already raised prices or planning to do so. Separately, Bethesda Game Studios leader Todd Howard thanked fans for their support following recent announcements about Fallout and The Elder Scrolls projects, emphasizing that the company listens to community feedback.
Grand Theft Auto 6 Could Shatter Launch Week Sales Records
Newzoo reports that Grand Theft Auto 6 is projected to shatter launch week sales records, potentially earning between $3.25 billion and $5.2 billion globally. Pre-orders on the PlayStation Store have already reached $180 million in the US and five major European markets within the first week. The article also discusses the implications of digital-only sales and the game's potential impact on the lagging video game market.
ZA/UM are set for more layoffs only two months after launching Zero Parades: For Dead Spies
ZA/UM is reportedly laying off over 30 employees, approximately one-third of its studio, just two months after the release of Zero Parades: For Dead Spies. The company cited the game's commercial performance as the reason for the layoffs, despite its critical acclaim. This follows previous controversies and the formation of the ZA/UM Workers' Alliance, the UK's first recognized video game union.
Bethesda Roadmap: Fallout 5, Fallout 3 & New Vegas Remasters — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
Bethesda Game Studios has outlined its future game development roadmap, confirming Fallout 5 is in pre-production and will follow The Elder Scrolls VI. The studio also announced remasters for Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, and revealed that Obsidian Entertainment is collaborating on a new Fallout title. Continued support for Starfield and Fallout 76 is also planned, with a Raven Rock expansion for Fallout 76 targeted for 2027.
As PlayStation declares nobody wants physical discs anymore, Gen Z is helping fuel a 16% surge in US music CD sales
Despite PlayStation's move away from physical discs, CD sales in the US have seen a 16% surge, driven by Gen Z and Millennials who view CDs as affordable collectibles. This trend highlights a growing appreciation for physical media and direct artist support, contrasting with the predominantly digital game sales market where similar benefits of ownership and collectibility still hold value.
"Don't fall for it": Union says Fallout 5 and Elder Scrolls 6 news shouldn't distract you from huge Bethesda layoffs as Xbox CEO praises the series' "remarkable" achievements
The United Videogame Workers-CWA union claims Bethesda's announcements about Fallout 5 and The Elder Scrolls 6 are a deliberate distraction from recent mass layoffs at Bethesda and Obsidian Entertainment. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma praised the franchises' achievements, while unions filed unfair labor practice complaints against Microsoft regarding the layoffs.
Nintendo reveals Japan’s best-selling Switch 2 and Switch eShop games for first half of 2026
Nintendo has released its list of best-selling games in Japan for the first half of 2026 on both the Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch platforms. Pokemon Pokopia topped the charts for the Switch 2, while Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream led sales on the original Switch. The lists feature a mix of new releases and enduring popular titles.
Fallout 3 and New Vegas are getting remastered, and Bethesda just promised more Starfield support
Bethesda Game Studios announced remasters for Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, alongside continued support for Starfield with new content and improvements. The studio is also collaborating with Obsidian Entertainment on a new Fallout project, while Fallout 5 and The Elder Scrolls 6 remain in early development.
Star Wars: KOTOR remake is alive and eyeing a 2028 release window, according to Sabre Interactive's chief business office
Sabre Interactive's Chief Business Officer Steve Allison has indicated that the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Remake is still in development and could be released around 2028. The project has faced numerous development challenges, including being moved from Aspyr to Sabre Interactive by Embracer Group. Despite past delays and uncertainty, Allison's comments offer a glimmer of hope for fans of the classic RPG.
"Far more interesting than the RPGs we see today": Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto preferred casual physics sandboxes to cutting-edge graphics even in 1996
In a 1996 interview, Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto expressed a preference for simple physics-based games over graphically intensive RPGs, citing an old Macintosh game where players adjusted cannon launch angles. He felt that the focus on high production values and justifying price tags stifled creativity and the joy of player discovery, contrasting it with the more interactive potential he envisioned for games like Super Mario 64.
GTA 6 Just Got A Jaw-Dropping Sales Prediction
Research firm Newzoo predicts Grand Theft Auto 6 could generate between $3.3 billion and $5.2 billion in its first week, potentially selling over 51 million copies. These projections are based on its classification of GTA 6 as a 'Proven Sequel' and strong preorder numbers. Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to launch on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Comings and Goings
Microsoft's Xbox division has undergone significant layoffs, impacting numerous studios and projects. Industry figures like Jason Schreier have reported on the scale of these cuts, with outlets like Game Developer and BBC analyzing the implications for the gaming giant's future.
KRAFTON UNVEILS ITS GAMESCOM 2026 BOOTH EXPERIENCES
KRAFTON has revealed its plans for gamescom 2026, featuring five upcoming titles with playable demos, themed missions, and exclusive merchandise. The booth will showcase an unannounced title from PUBG STUDIOS, NO LAW, Project ZETA, Age Twisters, and TARAE: The Unbound, offering interactive experiences beyond traditional game demos. The event will take place at Koelnmesse from August 26-30.
Comings and Goings
The video game industry in Quebec is facing uncertainty as multiple studios are implementing cutbacks. This situation has put the future of many development teams in the region in limbo.
Sunday Interviews
Developers at Digital Extremes, the studio behind Warframe, are taking a cautious approach following recent industry layoffs. The team is focused on ensuring the continued success and stability of the game and its community.
Can a top-down, focused software strategy save Xbox? | Opinion
Xbox has undergone significant layoffs and studio closures, impacting 20% of its workforce and five internal studios, including Compulsion Games and Double Fine. This strategic shift, led by Asha Sharma, aims to address financial issues and improve first-party development, though the article questions the effectiveness of these measures and criticizes the company's past spending and treatment of developers.
Ubisoft Barcelona Faces Layoffs After Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced Launch
Ubisoft Barcelona is experiencing layoffs despite the successful launch of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced. Several employees, including QA lead Isabel Codina García, have been affected by these redundancies. The studio proposed new Assassin's Creed projects, but Vantage Studios indicated no further mandates for the Barcelona location, leading to significant workforce reduction and employee protests.
MMO Business Roundup: Marathon’s lawsuit, the Sony petition, TGS 2026, and Minecraft’s fate
This MMO business roundup covers several key events, including the settlement of a lawsuit filed by former Marathon game director Christopher Barrett against Sony and Bungie. It also highlights an online petition by PNP Games urging Sony to continue supporting physical media, which has garnered a significant number of signatures. Additionally, Nexon announced its presence at Tokyo Game Show, and an article from Gamespot questions Microsoft's strategy for Minecraft's future, suggesting a focus on competing with Roblox could be detrimental.