Video Game Publishing
Ongoing coverage on Video Game Publishing.
Latest coverage
New James Bond games will be published by Amazon Games
Amazon Games will publish future James Bond titles, following the success of IO Interactive's self-published "007 First Light." Amazon Games general manager Jeff Gattis confirmed the shift, noting Amazon's ownership of the IP through its MGM acquisition. The company also sees opportunities to integrate future games with other media like films and Prime Video content.
Amazon wants to take over from IO Interactive after 007 First Light success
Amazon, the owner of the James Bond franchise, is reportedly interested in taking over publishing duties for future 007 games from developer IO Interactive following the success of 007 First Light. While Amazon acquired the IP through its purchase of MGM Studios, its own game development efforts have been largely unsuccessful, leading to speculation about whether it will develop games in-house or continue its partnership with IO Interactive.
007 First Light sequels will be helmed "by MGM and, theoretically, by Amazon Game Studios", as the corp look to be taking more direct control over his Bondliness
Amazon Game Studios and MGM will be taking over the development and publishing of future 007 games, including sequels to 007 First Light. While IO Interactive developed the initial title, Amazon's acquisition of the full rights means they will have more direct control over the franchise's future. The company sees opportunities in integrating video games with their film and TV properties.
Amazon suggests IO Interactive might not return for 007 First Light sequel
Amazon Games boss Jeff Gattis indicated that future sequels to the game 007 First Light will be developed in-house by MGM and Amazon Game Studios, suggesting developer IO Interactive may not return. While Amazon owns the James Bond IP rights through its acquisition of MGM, the deal for First Light was already in place before this acquisition. Gattis also highlighted Amazon's commitment to expanding its video game offerings, particularly those tied to transmedia properties.
007 First Light Developer Might Not Self-Publish Potential Sequel
Following the success of 007 First Light, developer IO Interactive may not self-publish a potential sequel due to Amazon's acquisition of MGM. Amazon Game Studios is positioned to potentially handle future James Bond game adaptations. The game has achieved over 1.5 million sales in its first 24 hours and received a positive review score.
Morning Gatherings and Events
The Clemmy's BIG (Best Indie Games) Summer Showcase 2026 will feature 21 titles scheduled for release on consoles and PC in Spring and Early Summer 2026. Critical Hit has been announced as a sponsor for the event.
Balatro publisher Playstack could soon belong to the same private equity firm that owns Fandom and GameSpot
Playstack, the publisher behind acclaimed indie titles like Balatro, is set to be acquired by Integrated Media Company, a subsidiary of private equity firm TPG. This move would place Playstack under the same ownership umbrella as Fandom and GameSpot. Despite Playstack's reported success, its current owner, TruFin, is encouraging shareholders to approve the approximately $151 million sale, citing capital allocation strategy.
Fandom and GameSpot owner set to buy Balatro publisher Playstack
Integrated Media Company (IMC), owner of Fandom and Gamespot, has conditionally agreed to purchase Playstack, the publisher behind games like Balatro, from its current owner TruFin for approximately £112.4 million. Playstack CEO Harvey Elliott stated that the change in ownership will not alter the company's strategy or commitment to publishing indie games. TruFin CEO James van den Bergh expressed confidence that IMC is an excellent platform for Playstack's future success.
Balatro Publisher Playstack Is Being Sold to the Parent Company of GameSpot and Fandom
Playstack, the publisher of the hit game Balatro, is being sold to Integrated Media Company (IMC), which also owns Fandom and GameSpot. TruFin, Playstack's majority owner, announced the sale for approximately £112.4 million, with the deal valuing the company at around £125 million pending shareholder approval. Playstack's CEO stated that operations will continue as usual, with no change to the company's strategy or commitment to publishing indie games.
FanimeCon 2026 | Capcom Cosplay Gathering
FanimeCon 2026 hosted a Capcom Cosplay Gathering where fans celebrated characters from franchises like Mega Man, Street Fighter, and Resident Evil. The event featured photo opportunities for cosplayers dressed as characters from various Capcom titles, including recent releases like Resident Evil Requiem and Monster Hunter Stories 3.
Zool Returns on Sega Mega Drive as 33 Games Opens Reservations for Its First Collection
UK-based publisher 33 Games has opened reservations for its first collection of premium physical editions, vinyl soundtracks, and collector's items. The debut collection features an officially licensed release of Zool for the Sega Mega Drive, alongside a vinyl soundtrack celebrating Gremlin Interactive and a collaboration on the indie title Astro Burn. The company aims to give classic and indie games a lasting physical presence.
Hasbro cancels Dungeons & Dragons game from God of War and Star Wars Jedi veteran after seeing early concept
Hasbro, through its subsidiary Wizards of the Coast, has canceled its exclusive publishing agreement with Stig Asmussen's studio Giant Skull for a new single-player Dungeons & Dragons action-adventure game. The decision was made after reviewing the game's early concept, though Wizards of the Coast expressed openness to future pitches from Giant Skull.
WIRED PRODUCTIONS IS OFF THE LEASH
Wired Productions is celebrating its 18th anniversary in the video game industry. The company highlights its journey of hard work, evolution, and commitment to remaining independent while bringing unique games from storytellers to gamers worldwide. They hint at a new chapter with a "no holds barred" plan for their future.
More PLAYISM Announcements
During its recent showcase, Japanese publisher PLAYISM announced several new games scheduled for release this year. The presentation also included a look at other upcoming titles from the company.
The Party Returns To Tens Of Millions Of Players - Jackbox Games Announces The Jackbox Party Pack 12
Jackbox Games has announced The Jackbox Party Pack 12, featuring five new games and launching in 2026 for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and other platforms. This release follows a year of expansion for the company, including a partnership with Netflix to bring select Jackbox titles to subscribers and the launch of a new publishing label with their first title, My Arms Are Longer Now.
NACON CONNECT: SEE YOU TOMORROW FOR AN EVENING PACKED WITH NEWS
NACON will host its annual NACON Connect event on May 7th, showcasing new games and accessories. The presentation will feature exclusive information and footage for titles like The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu, Edge of Memories, Endurance Motorsport Series, and Hunter: The Reckoning - Deathwish. A separate "News From The Pits" show will follow for racing game enthusiasts.
ININ Games Confirms Timely Digital Launch of R-Type Dimensions III
ININ Games has announced that R-Type Dimensions III will launch digitally on May 19, 2026, while the physical edition has been delayed to August 11, 2026, due to manufacturing constraints. The Collector's Edition, featuring a figure crafted by Wētā Workshop, is now slated for a winter 2026 release. Physical copies will include the latest game build on-disc, eliminating the need for a Day One patch.
SAVE THE DATE — NACON CONNECT IS BACK ON MAY 7, 2026
NACON Connect 2026 is scheduled to take place on May 7th, following a postponement. The event will showcase new projects from NACON's video game publishing and accessories divisions, including anticipated titles like The Mound, Edge of Memories, Endurance Motorsport Series, and Hunter: The Reckoning – Deathwish. The conference will be broadcast live on NACON's official YouTube and Twitch channels.
Rocket Books Ltd. announced as a new independent UK publishing house specialising in video game-related publications.
Rocket Books Ltd. has launched as a new independent UK publishing house focused on video game-related publications. Founded by veteran game developer and journalist Andy Roberts, the company aims to celebrate video games as an art form. Their first release will be a reprint of Andy Kelly's fanzine "One More Win," an unofficial tribute to Ridge Racer Type 4.
Playism Game Show Returns May 10 With World Premieres and Updates
Playism announced its Game Show will return on May 10, 2026, featuring 11 world premieres, release dates, and updates for games in its catalog. The broadcast will be available on the Playism YouTube channel with English and Chinese subtitles.
