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Game Industry

All articles tagged with #game industry

Nippon Ichi CEO Signals Potential Compromise on Sony's 2028 Disc Phase-Out
gaming14 days ago

Nippon Ichi CEO Signals Potential Compromise on Sony's 2028 Disc Phase-Out

Nippon Ichi Software CEO Kenzo Saruhashi confirmed ongoing discussions with Sony regarding the discontinuation of physical game discs in January 2028. While Sony maintains its plan to end disc production for new titles, Saruhashi suggests the company is listening to customer feedback and may explore alternatives like 'code in the box' or limited physical exceptions. The move follows a broader industry backlash, with other publishers like PM Studios adapting to digital-only models while mourning the loss of physical ownership.

Sony's Developer Survey and Industry Pushback Signal Potential Shift in PlayStation Disc Strategy
gaming14 days ago

Sony's Developer Survey and Industry Pushback Signal Potential Shift in PlayStation Disc Strategy

Sony is reportedly surveying developers about its plan to end PlayStation disc production in 2028, potentially signaling a willingness to adjust its strategy amid significant industry and consumer backlash. While the company initially cited digital dominance as the reason for the shift, recent feedback from publishers and data on physical sales suggest a possible compromise, such as a phased reduction or continued support for limited editions, rather than a complete reversal.

Tim Schafer Blames Greed for Prolonged Industry Layoffs After Double Fine Exits Xbox
gaming15 days ago

Tim Schafer Blames Greed for Prolonged Industry Layoffs After Double Fine Exits Xbox

Tim Schafer, founder of Double Fine Productions, has officially separated his studio from Xbox, citing a strategic misalignment as Microsoft shifts toward fewer, larger intellectual properties. In a recent interview with the BBC, Schafer expressed confusion over the prolonged economic downturn in the games industry, noting that while consumer spending and revenue remain high, job losses have persisted for four years. He attributed this paradox to corporate greed, suggesting that executives are prioritizing profit margins over workforce stability. Despite the split, Schafer praised Xbox for its previous support of Double Fine’s creative autonomy and remains optimistic about the future of Game Pass and independent game development.

Indie-Dev Aid Bundle Sparks Support, Plus a Fresh Roundup of New Indie Games
technology2 months ago

Indie-Dev Aid Bundle Sparks Support, Plus a Fresh Roundup of New Indie Games

A weekend indie games roundup paired with Necrosoft’s Itch bundle, a $10 fundraiser benefiting US/Canada developers via United Videogame Workers to cover essentials like food and rent. The feature highlights several new and upcoming titles such as Truck-kun is Supporting Me from Another World?!, Turnip Mountain (notably with dual-mouse controls), Dystopicon, Rita, and previews for Blood Dungeon, CloverPit, Yashi – Sand Driver, Rhythm Doggo, and Dressmaker, with platforms and launch details noted (and discounts where applicable).

Xbox maps out a structured exclusive pipeline to revive its business
business4 months ago

Xbox maps out a structured exclusive pipeline to revive its business

Xbox CSO Matthew Ball outlined a formal exclusives policy aimed at delivering a reliable pipeline of exclusive titles to turn around the business, noting that most live-service games like CoD will remain non-exclusive, a third bucket covers titles already committed with partners, and a new slate of exclusives will be defined later; the plan, described as the start of a program, will be communicated externally and internally to clarify decision-making for players and developers.

Borders, not demos: international devs skip GDC 2026 amid US climate
technology8 months ago

Borders, not demos: international devs skip GDC 2026 amid US climate

International game developers are skipping GDC 2026 as escalating US border controls, visa hurdles, and safety concerns intersect with the conference’s pivot to a broader ‘festival of games.’ Interviews describe detentions, social-media scrutiny, and prohibitive costs, prompting some to call for relocating or regionalizing events to maintain global industry connections and preserve GDC’s relevance.

2025 Gaming Highlights: Top Games, Trends, and Co-Op Favorites
technology9 months ago

2025 Gaming Highlights: Top Games, Trends, and Co-Op Favorites

The article reviews the tumultuous year of 2025 in the game industry, highlighting trends such as the rise of generative AI, deprofessionalization, union activity, indie studio funding via Kickstarter, and the impact of tariffs on costs, while also noting the industry's ongoing struggles with economic contraction, exploitation, and social issues.

Naughty Dog's Straley Exits Over Workload Concerns
entertainment9 months ago

Naughty Dog's Straley Exits Over Workload Concerns

Bruce Straley, a veteran game developer known for his work on The Last of Us and Uncharted, left Naughty Dog in 2017 due to a desire for ownership and new challenges, and has since founded his own studio, Wildflower Interactive, emphasizing creative independence. He also expressed dissatisfaction over not being credited for his contributions to The Last of Us TV adaptation.

Rockstar's Red Dead Redemption 2 Faced Budget and Schedule Challenges, Says Co-founder
entertainment11 months ago

Rockstar's Red Dead Redemption 2 Faced Budget and Schedule Challenges, Says Co-founder

Dan Houser revealed that the development of Red Dead Redemption 2 was extremely challenging, being behind schedule and over budget, with significant pressure to succeed, but the game ultimately became critically acclaimed. He highlighted the game's themes of searching for meaning in a violent setting and praised the team's dedication to realism. Additionally, Rockstar recently faced layoffs amid union disputes, and Houser has since started a new studio working on a sci-fi game.

Hell is Us Director Criticizes Hollow Knight: Silksong's Surprise Release
gaming1 year ago

Hell is Us Director Criticizes Hollow Knight: Silksong's Surprise Release

Hell is Us' creative director Jonathan Jacques-Belletête criticized Team Cherry's surprise release of Hollow Knight: Silksong, calling it 'a little callous' due to the short notice and impact on other games like Hell is Us, which was released on the same day. He highlighted the challenges of releasing games in a crowded market and the difficulty of securing a quiet release window today.