Video Game Publishing
Ongoing coverage on Video Game Publishing.
Latest coverage
Star Wars Games Could Get More Interesting As Lucasfilm Looks Beyond The Big Studios
Lucasfilm Games is looking to partner with smaller, independent studios to create a wider variety of Star Wars titles beyond traditional AAA releases. VP Douglas Reilly stated that the strategy involves finding the best partners for specific experiences, not just major publishers, highlighting recent successes like Star Wars Zero Company and Star Wars Galactic Racer. This approach aims to explore diverse genres and fulfill various player fantasies within the Star Wars universe.
Star Wars Games Will “Continue to Surprise” Fans, Says Lucasfilm Exec
Lucasfilm Games executive Douglas Reilly stated that the company plans to be more flexible with the Star Wars license, allowing pitches from a wider range of developers, not just major publishers. Recent successes like Star Wars Zero Company and Star Wars: Galactic Racer on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S have encouraged this approach, with more varied and surprising game experiences expected in the future.
Xbox Is Paying A Lot Less Than Normal For Kojima’s Physint, Possibly Under $200 Million – Report
Xbox is reportedly paying significantly less than typical for Hideo Kojima's new game, Physint, with figures possibly under $200 million, a stark contrast to earlier rumors of a $400 million Sony deal. Sony reportedly dropped the project due to budget and delays, while Xbox's agreement also includes film and TV rights. This deal, along with the horror game OD, marks a new publishing partnership between Xbox and Kojima.
Why a publisher you've probably not heard of is spending millions of dollars on its Gamescom presence
Publisher 4Divinity is making a significant investment, spending millions of dollars on an expansive booth at Gamescom to showcase its portfolio of upcoming AA titles, including Showa American Story and Guns of Eschaton. This strategy aims to establish a strong presence in the Western market, leveraging the success of Chinese-developed games like Black Myth: Wukong and targeting a gap in the market for single-player experiences.
Amazon Wants to “Do What’s Right By” 007 First Light, Open to IO Interactive Returning for Sequel
Amazon Game Studios general manager Jeff Gattis stated that while no sequel discussions for 007 First Light have occurred, the door is open for IO Interactive to return. Amazon owns the rights to the game and aims to "do what's right by the game," suggesting IO Interactive would likely develop any sequel. Gattis also discussed Amazon's broader vision for cross-media properties and integrating IP across platforms like Prime Video and Amazon.com.
After its Baldur's Gate 3-era splurge, Hasbro is scaling back its gaming ambitions following $56m loss, but Warlock and Mass Effect-like Exodus are safe
Hasbro is scaling back its video game ambitions following a $56 million write-down, leading to project cancellations and layoffs. CEO Chris Cocks confirmed that existing projects like the sci-fi RPG Exodus and Warlock: Dungeons and Dragons remain on track for a 2027 release. The company is shifting focus to major owned franchises and high-conviction titles, citing successes like Baldur's Gate 3 and Magic: The Gathering Arena.
Epic Games Store boss quits after 8 years to take up new role at Saber Interactive
Steve Allison, former vice president and general manager of the Epic Games Store, has departed Epic Games after eight years to become chief business officer at Saber Interactive. Allison expressed admiration for Saber's studios and upcoming projects, including Space Marine 3 and a John Wick game. His move follows a significant tenure at Epic, where he helped launch the Epic Games Store and grow its user base.
Anime Expo 2026 | Aksys Games Announces New Titles
During Anime Expo 2026, Aksys Games announced new titles that are scheduled to be released later this year. The publisher hosted a panel to reveal their upcoming lineup of games.
Blood Bowl's videogame rights have been acquired by Slitherine and at this point I'll take any change as a…
Slitherine has acquired the publishing rights for the Blood Bowl videogame series from Nacon, which recently filed for insolvency. Cyanide, the developer, will continue to work with Slitherine to support and grow the series, including plans to update Blood Bowl 3 to align with the latest tabletop rules. Despite initial issues with bugs and microtransactions, Blood Bowl 3 is slated for a rerelease under the name Warhammer Blood Bowl.
Let's Play Two More! Rock It™ Games Launches Jaleco Sports Classics, Bases Loaded II: Second Season and Goal! Two on Steam and GOG
Rock It Games has released Jaleco's Bases Loaded II: Second Season and Goal! Two on PC via Steam and GOG for $7.99 each, with a 20% discount available until July 7th. These releases follow successful launches on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5, and include new features like a VHS rewind function and a retro CRT filter.
Warhammer Blood Bowl Video Game Franchise Saved From Nacon Collapse by Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector Publisher
The Blood Bowl video game franchise has been saved from potential collapse by the publisher of Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector. This intervention ensures the future of the Blood Bowl series in the video game market.
Slitherine snaps up the Blood Bowl license from Nacon, with Cyanide S
British publisher Slitherine has acquired the Blood Bowl video game license, publishing rights, and back catalogue from French publisher Nacon. Cyanide Studio, a subsidiary of Nacon, will continue to develop the series, including the next Blood Bowl game which will rebuild Blood Bowl 3 with updated rules and features. This acquisition comes as Cyanide Studio faces financial difficulties due to Nacon's struggles.
Big companies told Hideo Kojima he's 'crazy' for making OD: 'it's something that no one has…
Hideo Kojima revealed that major companies rejected his new horror game concept, OD, deeming it too unconventional. The game, co-written with Jordan Peele and published by Xbox Game Studios, is described by Kojima as a new game system unlike anything seen before. Despite initial skepticism from other companies, Xbox leadership, including Phil Spencer and Asha Sharma, supported Kojima's vision for the project.
Claude Guillemot, co-founder of Ubisoft, dies in plane crash
Claude Guillemot, co-founder of Ubisoft and President of Guillemot Corporation, has died at the age of 69 in a plane crash in France. He was instrumental in the founding and growth of Ubisoft, which became a major video game publisher known for franchises like Assassin's Creed and Far Cry.
Japan: Nintendo tops nationwide survey of gamers favourite video game publisher
A nationwide survey conducted by Famitsu in Japan revealed Nintendo as the most favored video game publisher among gamers. Square Enix, Capcom, Atlus, and FromSoftware rounded out the top five, indicating strong brand loyalty and positive reception for these companies' offerings.
Playstack CEO: new owner will keep it separate from its games media brands including GamesSpot and Fandom
Playstack, the publisher behind games like Balatro and Abiotic Factor, has been acquired by Integrated Media Company (IMC), the owner of Fandom and GameSpot. CEO Harvey Elliott stated that Playstack will remain a separate entity and continue its strategy as a "variety publisher" with a commitment to an eclectic lineup through 2028. The new ownership structure is expected to provide scale without operational integration, ensuring no staff changes and continued respect for Playstack's creative decisions.
'We're Going to Be Smart About This': Amazon Games Boss Addresses 007 First Light Concerns
Amazon Games head Jeff Gattis clarified comments regarding the James Bond game 007 First Light, assuring fans that IO Interactive will continue to develop the series. Despite initial confusion, Gattis emphasized a strong partnership and stated that future sequels will be made if there is market appetite. The game has been successful, and IO Interactive plans to support it with new content.
007 First Light Sequel “Should Be Made,” Says Amazon’s Head of Gaming
Amazon Game Studios Head of Gaming Jeff Gattis clarified that while he did not confirm Amazon is publishing the next James Bond game, he believes a sequel to 007 First Light "should be made." Gattis stated that IO Interactive has been a great partner and that the decision to proceed with a sequel depends on market appetite and the profitability of the current game, with Amazon MGM owning the James Bond IP rights.
Happy Birthday, Owlcat! Owlcat Games Celebrates Ten-Year Anniversary
Owlcat Games is celebrating its 10th anniversary, marking a decade since its founding with the goal of developing CRPGs. The studio has released successful titles such as Pathfinder: Kingmaker, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, and Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, and has also expanded into third-party publishing. Upcoming titles include Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy and The Expanse: Osiris Reborn.
"Trust that we're going to be smart about this" Amazon Game Studios boss says of 007 First Light sequels, while insisting he didn't confirm who'll publish them
Amazon Game Studios general manager Jeff Gattis clarified comments regarding potential sequels to IO Interactive's 007 First Light, stating he did not confirm Amazon Game Studios as the publisher. While acknowledging that MGM and theoretically Amazon Game Studios would be involved post-acquisition of Bond rights, Gattis emphasized that it's too early to discuss future projects and that the focus should be on the current game's success.
