Video Game Industry
Ongoing coverage on Video Game Industry.
Latest coverage
GTA 6's leaked prices are "possible and plausible," analysts say, but a high barrier to entry "would…
Analysts believe that leaked pricing for Grand Theft Auto 6, with potential base prices around $100, is plausible given the game's anticipated scale and Rockstar's market position. However, some suggest a lower price point could be strategically beneficial for long-term revenue through Grand Theft Auto Online and to accommodate players affected by the cost-of-living crisis.
Business and Finance
Tencent is reportedly in discussions to divest its stakes in several Japanese game studios, potentially incurring a loss. Meanwhile, Italy's second-largest independent game studio has successfully bought back its independence from Embracer Group.
Tencent reportedly negotiating exits from various Japanese studios including Marvelous
Tencent is reportedly negotiating to sell its minority stakes in several Japanese game studios, including Marvelous, potentially at a loss. Investments in PlatinumGames, FromSoftware, and Kadokawa Corporation are unaffected. The company is shifting its focus towards user-generated content games and its existing portfolio teams.
Report: Tencent mulling exits from multiple Japanese studios
Chinese conglomerate Tencent is reportedly considering selling off minority stakes in several Japanese game studios, potentially at a financial loss. This move is part of a portfolio reassessment aimed at refocusing on user-generated content platforms. While investments in PlatinumGames Inc and FromSoftware are reportedly safe, the future of other studios like Marvelous remains uncertain.
Evening Reading - June 22, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers various gaming news and features. It includes reviews for The Adventures of Elliot and UFC 6, a preview of Rhythm Heaven Groove, and updates on Sega's new titles, Steam Machine components, and a potential Sea of Thieves live-action movie. The article also touches on Final Fantasy 7 Remake director's desire for original projects and the possibility of custom Steam Machines with an updated SteamOS.
Call of Duty is “Bigger Than The Marvel Cinematic Universe”, Claims Xbox CEO
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and CCO Matt Booty discussed the immense success and cultural impact of Xbox's franchises in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. Sharma claimed Call of Duty is larger than the Marvel Cinematic Universe, while Booty detailed upcoming adaptations for Gears of War and the continued investment in Halo.
Steam Week in Review: spammy, AI-generated capsule art is a pox, and it makes browsing Steam less fun
The proliferation of AI-generated capsule art on Steam is diminishing the browsing experience, making it harder to discover genuine indie gems. This trend creates a disconnect between appealing art and actual game quality, potentially leading to wasted time and a less enjoyable user experience for curious players.
The 100-Yen Democracy: The Hero with a Thousand Faces
This article analyzes how Nintendo's philosophy, exemplified by Mario and the "It's You" concept, democratized the Hero's Journey, making mythic experiences accessible to all. It contrasts this with modern business models like subscriptions and free-to-play, arguing they dilute game quality and introduce real-world inequality. The piece advocates for mature technology and a return to the creator-player dialogue championed by figures like Hiroshi Yamauchi to preserve gaming as a cultural cornerstone.
Persona 6 boss wants his games to be like "poison," something "that shakes people's values or gives…
Persona series producer and director Kazuhisa Wada shared his philosophy on game creation, describing his aim to create games that act like 'poison' by challenging players' values and offering something thought-provoking. While not directly confirming details about Persona 6, Wada has previously used this 'poison' metaphor to describe the series' appeal, aiming for games that are both widely appealing and distinct.
SAFE IN OUR WORLD REVEALS IT HAS SUPPORTED OVER 70,000 VIDEO GAME INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES WITH FREE MENTAL HEALTH TOOLS, TRAINING, AND RESOURCES IN ITS FIRST-EVER PUBLIC IMPACT REPORT
The mental health charity Safe In Our World has released its 2025-26 Impact Report, revealing it has supported over 70,000 video game industry employees with free mental health resources and training. The charity also launched the Mental Health Star Accreditation and collaborated with Ubisoft and AbleToPlay on initiatives for both industry professionals and gamers.
Don't Nod pursuing 'several levers' to secure financial future after Tencent decides against short-term investment
Developer Don't Nod is actively seeking financial solutions to extend its cash runway after Tencent decided against a short-term investment. The company is working to optimize its cost base and secure funding for 'Project P14' amidst a challenging industry environment.
Jingle Jam Reveals 2026 Charity Partners and Celebrates 2025 Fundraising Success | Invision Game Community
Jingle Jam has announced its eight charity partners for the 2026 event, including new additions like Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity. The announcement follows a successful 2025 campaign that raised over £3.5 million, bringing the event's lifetime total to over £31 million. The 2026 event is scheduled for December 1st to December 14th.
Take-Two boss asserts GTA 6 launch date in 'man-on-the-street'-style TikTok interview
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick reaffirmed that Grand Theft Auto 6 is scheduled to launch on November 19. In a TikTok interview, Zelnick stated that Rockstar Games' pursuit of creating an unprecedented experience is the reason for the extended development time. The company anticipates a significant revenue increase this year, projecting $8 billion.
Evening Interviews
Thatgamecompany is celebrating its 20th anniversary, reflecting on its journey from an anti-Columbine school project to a company known for its artistic and emotional games. The article discusses the studio's evolution and its impact on the gaming landscape.
Thatgamecompany's 20-year journey from anti-Columbine school project to a celebration of Van Gogh
Thatgamecompany, co-founded by Jenova Chen, celebrates 20 years of creating emotionally resonant games like Flow, Flower, Journey, and Sky: Children of the Light. The studio's journey began as an anti-violence project and evolved into a platform for artistic expression, overcoming financial struggles and shifting industry trends. Their latest venture, 'Dear Van Gogh,' is an immersive experience within Sky: Children of the Light, exploring the life of Vincent Van Gogh.
New TIGA Board reinforces commitment to championing the UK games industry
TIGA, the UK video games industry's trade association, has appointed new members to its Board of Directors, including Gemma Brown, Ben Gunstone, Dan Hett, Greg Howson, Marco A. Minoli, Stuart Muckley, Tim Repa-Davies, Sitara Shefta, and John Tearle. These appointments aim to strengthen TIGA's advocacy for games businesses across the country, focusing on growth, skills development, and policy initiatives. The new board members bring diverse expertise from various studios and specialisms within the UK games sector.
Several studios at risk of closure amid Xbox restructuring
Several internal Xbox studios, including Double Fine, Compulsion Games, and Ninja Theory, are reportedly at risk of closure or being shut down as part of a global restructuring. These studios are in discussions with Xbox to potentially go independent or secure their future. This move follows previous closures of Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin and comes as Xbox shifts focus to major IPs like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout, amidst broader industry challenges including layoffs at Ubisoft.
Games Inbox: What is happening to Xbox and can it recover?
Readers express significant concern over the future of Xbox, citing massive layoffs, studio closures, and a perceived lack of direction from Microsoft. There is widespread pessimism about Xbox's ability to recover from its current struggles, with some suggesting it's past the point of no return. The discussion also touches on other gaming news, including the upcoming release of Forgotlings, the secrecy surrounding the Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, and opinions on Grand Theft Auto 5's themes.
It would take you 90 straight days to play each of Steam Next Fest's demos for just 30 minutes
Steam Next Fest is currently featuring 4,347 game demos, a number expected to grow. Playing each demo for 30 minutes would require approximately 90 days of continuous playtime. This vast selection highlights the sheer volume of upcoming PC game releases.
Report: Two former Rare execs are leaving Xbox
Two former Rare executives, Craig Duncan and Louise O’Connor, are departing from Xbox. Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios, and O'Connor, chief of staff, leave amidst reports of a 'business reset' and potential layoffs within Xbox. These departures follow a period of significant changes and discussions about the future sustainability of the Xbox division.
