Video Game Launches
Ongoing coverage on Video Game Launches.
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"Why should we just give up the entire month of November?" – The indie games going head to head with GTA 6
Several indie games, including Flame, Forest and Flood and Volvy's Adventure: Reslimed, are set to launch on November 19, directly competing with the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6. While analysts caution against this strategy due to GTA 6's massive marketing pull, developers like Fairy Mount Games and Devolver Digital see it as an opportunity to stand out by offering distinct experiences, particularly on PC where GTA 6 will not initially release.
Cyberpunk 2077 designer doesn't think Phantom Liberty's success "erases" the terrible launch of the…
CD Projekt Red designer Pawel Sasko acknowledges that the success of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty does not erase the disastrous original launch of Cyberpunk 2077. Despite Phantom Liberty selling over 15 million copies and the game's overall redemption arc, the initial technical issues and widespread problems, including Sony offering refunds on PlayStation 4, remain a significant scar on the developer's resume.
Manor Lords publisher isn't worried about launching a game on GTA 6's release date - PC players "looking to steal cars" might check out its new management sim instead
Hooded Horse, the publisher of Blacksmith Master, is not concerned about launching their medieval management sim on the same day as Grand Theft Auto 6. Publisher CEO Tim Bender stated it's a deliberate strategy, humorously suggesting players looking to 'steal cars' might discover the appeal of their game instead. He believes that while AAA console-focused games should avoid this date, indie titles have little to fear.
Gears of War: E-Day – Prepare for Emergence Day with Us in Los Angeles
Xbox is hosting a promotional event in Los Angeles on September 30 to celebrate the upcoming launch of Gears of War: E-Day. The event will feature an Emergence Hole and Corpser statue, early gameplay access for the first 500 attendees, prize giveaways, and themed food and beverages. Attendees aged 18 and older are welcome, with those wearing Gears of War merchandise receiving priority access.
Twitch Boss Says Game Companies Are Right to Avoid Competing With GTA 6 for Attention — Expects GTA Online 2 Next Year
Twitch CEO Dan Clancy anticipates a massive launch for Grand Theft Auto 6 in November, predicting that other game companies are wise to avoid competing for attention during its release window. He also expects Grand Theft Auto 6's multiplayer component, or a potential Grand Theft Auto Online 2, to dominate online attention when it launches next year.
Releasing Cyberpunk 2077 In Its Poor State “Was For Sure Wrong,” CD Projekt Admits
CD Projekt joint-CEO Michał Nowakowski admitted that releasing Cyberpunk 2077 in its poor technical state in December 2020 was "for sure wrong." He cited team exhaustion and external pressure as factors, but pushed back against the idea that investors forced the launch. Despite the rocky start, the game has since sold over 40 million copies and received significant improvements.
Games Inbox: How much disruption will GTA 6 launch cause?
Readers discuss the potential disruption caused by the Grand Theft Auto 6 launch, comparing it to Pokémon Go and anticipating media coverage. Other topics include the success of recent Star Wars games, competition between publishers like Activision and EA, the Amiga retro scene, the high cost of Star Citizen, concerns about Bethesda's game development quality post-layoffs, and the secrecy surrounding Nintendo's Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake.
This Business Is Observing a Day Off for GTA 6 Launch, and It Won't Be the Only One
Burger Motorsports, a US-based retailer, will be closing for the day on November 19, 2026, to allow employees to play Grand Theft Auto 6. The company cited numerous employee requests for time off as the reason for this "company-wide operational pause." It is speculated that other businesses may follow suit due to the anticipated impact of the game's release.
Palworld launches July 10
The open-world survival crafting game Palworld will officially launch out of Early Access on July 10, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Xbox One. Developer Pocketpair unveiled a new cinematic trailer at Summer Game Fest 2026, showcasing new content and hinting at the game's narrative. The game is currently available at a discount on Steam.
Forza Horizon 6 is XBOX’s Biggest Steam Launch in History
Forza Horizon 6 achieved the biggest Steam launch in Xbox Game Studios history, surpassing 273,000 concurrent players shortly after its Standard Edition release. This figure significantly outclasses previous records set by titles like Halo Infinite. The game is also available on PC via the Microsoft Store and Game Pass, with player numbers expected to rise further, especially on Xbox Series X/S.
PS Studios Celebrates the Launch of PS5 Exclusive Saros with Brilliant Artwork
Housemarque's new PlayStation 5 exclusive, Saros, has launched, accompanied by celebratory artwork from various PlayStation Studios developers including Sucker Punch Productions, Naughty Dog, Santa Monica Studio, and Insomniac Games. Atomic Heart developer Mundfish also joined in the well wishes. The article praises Saros as a fantastic and accessible experience, particularly for fans of Returnal.
GTA 6 flu to return as boss expects fans to call in 'sick' at game's launch
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick anticipates that Grand Theft Auto 6's November 19 launch will cause many players to call in sick from work. He expects the game to be a massive entertainment event, building on the success of Grand Theft Auto 5. Marketing for the highly anticipated title is expected to ramp up over the summer.
Steam's Wild Week: Pottery Brawler Flops While Old Games Get Mysterious Second Wind | HappyGamer
Steam experienced a turbulent week with the underperformance of the multiplayer pottery brawler Kiln, while older games saw unexpected surges in popularity. Developers are grappling with the unpredictable nature of Steam's discovery algorithms and the challenges of launching new titles. The article highlights the importance of strong execution, community building, and adaptability for indie developers navigating the platform's evolving dynamics.
Pokemon Champions devs squash a bug that left 'mons trapped between Pokemon Home, and promise to continue fixing…
Pokemon Champions has received a bug fix addressing an issue that would trap Pokemon between the game and Pokemon Home. The free-to-play PvP battler launched with mixed reviews concerning its visuals and features, but the urgent bug fix aims to improve the player experience.
"Feels Like A Fleshed Out Beta" - Fans Are Unhappy With Pokémon Champions At Launch
Fans are expressing disappointment with the launch of Pokémon Champions on Nintendo Switch, citing a limited roster of approximately 180 Pokémon and the absence of key competitive staples like rental teams and certain items. Issues such as patchy performance, bugs affecting item and move functionality, and a lack of 6v6 battles have led players to describe the experience as a "fleshed out beta." The Pokémon Company and Game Freak are expected to address these concerns through future updates.
Nintendo Switch 2 UK Sales Surge 154% in March Following Pokémon Pokopia Launch
Nintendo Switch sales in the UK saw a significant surge of 154% in March, coinciding with the launch of the new Pokémon game, Pokopia. This increase indicates strong consumer interest following the release of a major title.
