Video Game Industry
Ongoing coverage on Video Game Industry.
Latest coverage
Rare added to the list of Xbox studios under threat
Rumors suggest that Microsoft is planning significant layoffs across several Xbox studios, including Rare, Bethesda, and Arkane, with some studios potentially facing closure or sale. This follows recent layoffs at Bungie and Microsoft pulling out of a partnership with IO Interactive. The reported motivation behind these potential cuts is a focus on profitability by new Microsoft management.
I love Baldur's Gate 3's queer representation, but triple-A games can still do so much more to explore lesbian stories with the depth they deserve
This article discusses the queer representation in Baldur's Gate 3, particularly focusing on lesbian stories and the limited options available in mainstream AAA games. While praising Baldur's Gate 3 for its characters like Shadowheart and the Isobel/Aylin romance, the author argues that games often fail to cater to a specific lesbian gaze, assuming lesbian sexuality aligns with heteronormative dynamics. The piece calls for more diverse and nuanced lesbian narratives in games, from indie titles to major blockbusters.
Evening Reading - July 2, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers various game reviews and updates, including Rhythm Heaven Groove and Doom: The Dark Ages. It also highlights industry news such as PlayStation ending physical disc production in January 2028, Godot banning generative AI code, and Krafton paying bonuses while CEO Ted Gill resigns. The article also features internet curiosities and memes.
FZ High Score – Veckans rävsax skakar om
The latest review scores for Star Fox place it at an average of 83, with player scores averaging 82. The article highlights the game's enduring appeal despite being a fifth iteration of its story. Other games like Dave the Diver and Gothic 1 Remake also received scores.
Another giant US company is looking to expand into gaming claims report
NBCUniversal, the company behind Universal Pictures and the streaming service Peacock, is reportedly considering expanding into the video game business. This potential move comes as the company is preparing for a spin-off from Comcast. While no specific plans have been revealed, NBCUniversal is assessing various growth opportunities, with gaming being one of them.
Even Hideo Kojima is afraid that 'digital data will no longer be owned by individuals' and that access to art…
Hideo Kojima has expressed concerns about the future of digital ownership, fearing that players will eventually lose control over their digital data and access to art. This sentiment is amplified by Sony's reported move towards a fully digital PlayStation ecosystem by 2028, raising anxieties about game preservation and the potential loss of access to purchased content due to external factors like server shutdowns or company closures.
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.
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 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.
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.
