# Gies - Full Markdown Corpus > Curated full-text archive of Gies (Games Industry Executive Summary) flagship analyses for LLM retrieval. Authored by the Gies team: Emmanuel Rosier (founder), Casey Al-Kaisy (co-founder), and David Thier (contributor). Topics: monetization, platform cycles, M&A, forecasting, player behavior. Updated 2026-06-05. Each issue below is a complete public analysis from giesweekly.substack.com. Citation format: "Gies - Games Industry Executive Summary, [date], [title]". ## GTA VI release date is causing gaming industry chaos | Sony's June State of Play | Nobody's making games for the retired people _Published 2026-06-05 on giesweekly.substack.com. [Read original](https://giesweekly.substack.com/p/nordic-game-hides-a-tough-reality)_ > GTA VI release date is causing gaming industry chaosEverything announced at the PlayStation State of Play June 2026"Nobody's making games for the retired people" . The growing yet underserved market for grey gamers #### Numbers - No numbers! #### News - **[Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis](https://www.ign.com/articles/it-looks-like-tomb-raider-legacy-of-atlantis-is-delayed-to-2027)**[ Release Date Delayed to 2027](https://www.ign.com/articles/it-looks-like-tomb-raider-legacy-of-atlantis-is-delayed-to-2027) | **[Xbox](https://nordic.ign.com/fable-next-gen/107990/xbox-delays-fable-to-2027)**[ Delays ](https://nordic.ign.com/fable-next-gen/107990/xbox-delays-fable-to-2027)**[Fable](https://nordic.ign.com/fable-next-gen/107990/xbox-delays-fable-to-2027)**[ to 2027](https://nordic.ign.com/fable-next-gen/107990/xbox-delays-fable-to-2027) - **[Hell Let Loose: Vietnam](https://www.ign.com/articles/hell-let-loose-vietnam-has-been-delayed-until-august)**[ Has Been Delayed Until August](https://www.ign.com/articles/hell-let-loose-vietnam-has-been-delayed-until-august) - [PUBG creator Brendan Greene halts development on "realistic Minecraft" survival game, plans to make it free and is looking into refunds](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/survival/pubg-creator-brendan-greene-halts-development-on-realistic-minecraft-survival-game-plans-to-make-it-free-and-is-looking-into-refunds/) - **[Dune Awakening](https://www.thesixthaxis.com/2026/06/02/dune-awakening-comes-to-console-in-september-with-a-new-single-player-mode/)**[ comes to console in September with a new single-player mode](https://www.thesixthaxis.com/2026/06/02/dune-awakening-comes-to-console-in-september-with-a-new-single-player-mode/) - **[Control Resonant](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/control-resonant-has-48-hours-early-access-but-only-on-ps5/)**[ Has 48 Hours Early Access, But Only On PS5](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/control-resonant-has-48-hours-early-access-but-only-on-ps5/) - **[ROG Xbox Ally X20](https://www.fonearena.com/blog/483989/rog-xbox-ally-x20-features.html)**[ with 7.4″ 120Hz OLED screen announced](https://www.fonearena.com/blog/483989/rog-xbox-ally-x20-features.html) #### Industry Trends - **[Gabe Newell](https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/gabe-newell-on-steam-monopoly-accusations-gamers-have-enormous-choice-about-where-to-buy-games/)**[ on ](https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/gabe-newell-on-steam-monopoly-accusations-gamers-have-enormous-choice-about-where-to-buy-games/)**[Steam](https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/gabe-newell-on-steam-monopoly-accusations-gamers-have-enormous-choice-about-where-to-buy-games/)**[ monopoly accusations: Gamers have 'enormous choice' about where to buy games](https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/gabe-newell-on-steam-monopoly-accusations-gamers-have-enormous-choice-about-where-to-buy-games/) - **[Tim Sweeney](https://www.gamesradar.com/platforms/pc-gaming/tim-sweeney-goes-after-gabe-newell-following-valves-steam-deck-price-hike-severe-disruptions-in-the-component-parts-supply-chain-for-megayachts/)**[ goes after ](https://www.gamesradar.com/platforms/pc-gaming/tim-sweeney-goes-after-gabe-newell-following-valves-steam-deck-price-hike-severe-disruptions-in-the-component-parts-supply-chain-for-megayachts/)**[Gabe Newell](https://www.gamesradar.com/platforms/pc-gaming/tim-sweeney-goes-after-gabe-newell-following-valves-steam-deck-price-hike-severe-disruptions-in-the-component-parts-supply-chain-for-megayachts/)**[ following ](https://www.gamesradar.com/platforms/pc-gaming/tim-sweeney-goes-after-gabe-newell-following-valves-steam-deck-price-hike-severe-disruptions-in-the-component-parts-supply-chain-for-megayachts/)**[Valve](https://www.gamesradar.com/platforms/pc-gaming/tim-sweeney-goes-after-gabe-newell-following-valves-steam-deck-price-hike-severe-disruptions-in-the-component-parts-supply-chain-for-megayachts/)**['s Steam Deck price hike: 'Severe disruptions in the component parts supply chain for megayachts'](https://www.gamesradar.com/platforms/pc-gaming/tim-sweeney-goes-after-gabe-newell-following-valves-steam-deck-price-hike-severe-disruptions-in-the-component-parts-supply-chain-for-megayachts/) - [Video Games Could Have Movie-Style Product Placement to Counter Rising Costs, Ex-](https://www.ign.com/articles/video-games-could-have-movie-style-product-placement-to-counter-rising-costs-ex-dragon-age-boss-says)**[Dragon Age](https://www.ign.com/articles/video-games-could-have-movie-style-product-placement-to-counter-rising-costs-ex-dragon-age-boss-says)**[ Boss Says](https://www.ign.com/articles/video-games-could-have-movie-style-product-placement-to-counter-rising-costs-ex-dragon-age-boss-says) - **[The best-rated game of 2026](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/adventure/the-best-rated-game-of-2026-is-usd20-because-the-devs-dont-want-people-to-wait-for-a-discount-we-only-get-one-chance-at-this/)**[ is $20 because the devs "don't want people to wait" for a discount: "We only get one chance at this"](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/adventure/the-best-rated-game-of-2026-is-usd20-because-the-devs-dont-want-people-to-wait-for-a-discount-we-only-get-one-chance-at-this/) - **[Forza Horizon 6](https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/forza/forza-horizon-6-breaks-a-three-year-drought-the-first-xbox-game-to-chart-physically-in-japan-since-2023)**[ breaks a three-year drought, the first ](https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/forza/forza-horizon-6-breaks-a-three-year-drought-the-first-xbox-game-to-chart-physically-in-japan-since-2023)**[Xbox](https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/forza/forza-horizon-6-breaks-a-three-year-drought-the-first-xbox-game-to-chart-physically-in-japan-since-2023)**[ game to chart physically in Japan since 2023](https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/forza/forza-horizon-6-breaks-a-three-year-drought-the-first-xbox-game-to-chart-physically-in-japan-since-2023) #### Rumors - **[Baldur's Gate 2](https://www.vgchartz.com/article/467977/rumor-baldurs-gate-2-remake-is-in-development/)**[ Remake is in Development](https://www.vgchartz.com/article/467977/rumor-baldurs-gate-2-remake-is-in-development/) --- We break down these stories on this week’s podcast. Listen on **[YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@giesweekly)** or **[Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/3NiMWvLibANf1tvxFYFQgh)** *The Monthly Takeaway is available to paid subscribers.* --- ## Monthly Takeaway | The Golden Years | Looking for an Edge _Published 2026-06-02 on giesweekly.substack.com. [Read original](https://giesweekly.substack.com/p/monthly-takeaway-the-golden-years)_ ## **Entering Our Golden Years** On a recent trans-oceanic flight, in-between complimentary snacks and toddler maintenance, I played *Pragmata*. I played it on the Switch 2 with remarkable success, which is not what I’m talking about here but still worth noting. Toddler maintenance turned out to be a pretty decent theme for the game, where a workaday astroguy goes to the moon where his entire team is promptly killed but he is curiously unaffected. He dives headfirst into becoming a father figure for a little robot girl and shoots some robots. It had some great design, a satisfying core combat mechanic and a serviceable story. Everyone in the Discord I was in talked about Pragmata for a few days. It popped up in the discourse for a second and then largely receded. I did not finish it, but the flight ended and I can hardly be blamed for that. *Pragmata* is the sort of game that feels rare but can be immensely satisfying when it shows up. A straight-ahead, satisfying little game with a couple surprises but not too many, a well-made thing with an end. The same was true last year with *Mafia: The Old Country*, a classic story-based cover shooter that [Take-Two was apparently very happy with](https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/mafia-the-old-country-did-better-than-take-two-expected-now-please-do-more-contained-story-romps-at-decent-prices). The same seems to be true of *007: First Light*, which I’m actually going to go buy right now. **Buys 007: First Light** These are not the live service forever games that the big publishers lusted after over the last decade or so. These are not the friendslop games from funky little indie teams, these are not explosive UGC successes like *Grow a Garden *or *Steal a Brainrot*, I don’t think there’s really enough of them to even call a trend. These are just games, man. Games like the kind I’ve seen before, games that are basically part of the same console sort of story that started with the PS1. These are not comfort games so much. But they are comforting games. For reasons I cannot remember right now, I was recently looking at [a list of top-grossing musical acts in the world](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_highest-grossing_concert_tours). And yeah, Taylor Swift is on top. There’s no way around that one, think of her *Steal A Brainrot* or whatever. There are some other more modern acts in there, like Ed Sheeran and The Weeknd. The rest though? Not a single name that wasn’t big when I was in highschool, and many that were big for long before that. Elton John, Coldplay, Rammstein, Guns & Roses, Bruce Springsteen, you get the idea. Most creative industries are always trying to engage the new generation. All industries, actually. Relevance must be achieved, financial futures must be secured, the ever-present specter of death batted back with the right marketing campaign. And yeah, you’ve got to do that. But it’s important to remember that people like me exist, and actually quite a few of them. We like games, we’ve got money, and we can pay enough to support high quality AAA games like the kind we grew up with. And I’ve got a lot of video gaming years left in me, knock on wood. This industry will have to grow and change, this much is obvious. This particular style of AAA game is no longer cutting edge and is no longer all that cool. We can swallow that. Games like *007, Pragmata* and *Mafia*: *The Old Country* are still good regardless. And they’ve got more years left in them than you think. There are worse things to be than The Rolling Stones. ***That’s the month. Below, we’ve got one of our members diving deeper into another topic. If you want to hire any of the brilliant minds at Mighty Diamonds, head to [our Website.](https://www.mighty.diamonds/)*** --- ## **Looking for an Edge** I was the bearer of bad news at Nordic Game on Wednesday, and the write-up didn't soften it. Three things I said, and still believe. One, we've hit a technical plateau: PS4-to-PS5 upgrades brought faster loading, not a new medium, and nobody's buying hardware for 8K or 240fps. Two, new releases now compete with a back catalogue that already looks current, so a player can start on Uncharted at a fraction of the price. Three: Asian publishers learned to make great games for Western audiences and increasingly don't need Western partners, and there's a version of the future where production shifts east, the way manufacturing did. None of that is comfortable. I won't pretend otherwise. But "the old growth engines are stalling" is not the same as "growth is over." It's a change in the source of the edge. When hardware cycles and platform power stop doing the work, advantage moves to whoever understands players, spending, and attention better than the next studio. That is exactly the environment where good market intelligence stops being a nice-to-have and starts deciding who makes it through. So yes, it's a hard transition. It's also the moment when the work I do matters most. It's times like these you need to stop guessing and start knowing. ### **What’s Dave Playing?** **Tomodachi Life: **Nintendo’s bonkers life sim about a bunch of Miis that say whatever the hell you want them to in weird robot voices has taken my household by storm. You don’t control these Miis, you merely orchestrate their world as a benevolent of malicious caretaker in this strange little title that my daughter won’t put down. **Dynasty Warriors: Origins: **It had been a tough decade for Dynasty Warriors fans. But this ludicrous take on the Romance of the Three Kingdoms is back in what may be its best form yet, despite some major shifts. There’s also way, way more story than there has ever been before, which I’m loving. I don’t think I’ll ever read Romance of the Three Kingdoms, but I’ve pieced together a fair amount of it over the years through games. --- ## Bungie ends Destiny 2 | Call of Duty launches on Switch 2 | Star Citizen hits $1B _Published 2026-05-29 on giesweekly.substack.com. [Read original](https://giesweekly.substack.com/p/bungie-ends-destiny-2-to-layoffs)_ > Bungie Plans Layoffs After Ending ‘Destiny 2’ DevelopmentCall of Duty's long-awaited Nintendo return comes with Modern Warfare 4 on Switch 2 this yearStar Citizen Hits $1 Billion in Funding, Squadron 42 Release Update Watch Casey and Manu at the Nordic Game 2026: #### Numbers - **[007 First Light](https://www.gematsu.com/2026/05/007-first-light-sales-top-1-5-million-in-24-hours)**[ sales top ](https://www.gematsu.com/2026/05/007-first-light-sales-top-1-5-million-in-24-hours)**[1.5 million](https://www.gematsu.com/2026/05/007-first-light-sales-top-1-5-million-in-24-hours)**[ in 24 hours](https://www.gematsu.com/2026/05/007-first-light-sales-top-1-5-million-in-24-hours) - **[The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt](https://www.rpgsite.net/news/20467-the-witcher-3-wild-hunt-2026-sales-numbers-new)**[ has sold more than ](https://www.rpgsite.net/news/20467-the-witcher-3-wild-hunt-2026-sales-numbers-new)**[65 million](https://www.rpgsite.net/news/20467-the-witcher-3-wild-hunt-2026-sales-numbers-new)**[ copies](https://www.rpgsite.net/news/20467-the-witcher-3-wild-hunt-2026-sales-numbers-new) - **[Red Dead Redemption 2](https://www.ign.com/articles/red-dead-redemption-2-overtakes-wii-sports-in-best-selling-games-of-all-time-list)**[ Just Had Its Highest Level of Annual Sales Since Launch Year, With 85 Million Copies Sold to Date](https://www.ign.com/articles/red-dead-redemption-2-overtakes-wii-sports-in-best-selling-games-of-all-time-list) #### News - **[FIFA](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/fifa-announces-new-digital-football-vision-an-ecosystem-of-games-from-multiple-publishers-and-developers)**[ announces new "Digital Football" vision, an ecosystem of games from multiple publishers and developers](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/fifa-announces-new-digital-football-vision-an-ecosystem-of-games-from-multiple-publishers-and-developers) - [We interview ](https://www.thegamebusiness.com/p/we-interview-remedys-new-ceo-alan)**[Remedy](https://www.thegamebusiness.com/p/we-interview-remedys-new-ceo-alan)**[’s new CEO: “Alan Wake and Control should have sold more”](https://www.thegamebusiness.com/p/we-interview-remedys-new-ceo-alan) - **[Destiny 2](https://kotaku.com/sony-decides-to-add-almost-all-of-destiny-2-to-ps-plus-free-library-the-same-day-as-its-final-update-2000699428)**[ Joins ](https://kotaku.com/sony-decides-to-add-almost-all-of-destiny-2-to-ps-plus-free-library-the-same-day-as-its-final-update-2000699428)**[PS Plus](https://kotaku.com/sony-decides-to-add-almost-all-of-destiny-2-to-ps-plus-free-library-the-same-day-as-its-final-update-2000699428)**[ Library Of Free Games For Final Update](https://kotaku.com/sony-decides-to-add-almost-all-of-destiny-2-to-ps-plus-free-library-the-same-day-as-its-final-update-2000699428) - **[The Witcher 3](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/the-witcher-3-if-officially-getting-a-third-expansion-songs-of-the-past/)**[ is officially getting a third expansion, Songs of the Past](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/the-witcher-3-if-officially-getting-a-third-expansion-songs-of-the-past/) - [Ex-](https://traxion.gg/maverick-games-aaa-driving-game-reveal-teased-for-next-week/)**[Forza Horizon](https://traxion.gg/maverick-games-aaa-driving-game-reveal-teased-for-next-week/)**[ Creative Director’s new AAA driving game teases reveal for next week](https://traxion.gg/maverick-games-aaa-driving-game-reveal-teased-for-next-week/) #### Industry Trends - [I’ve been playing games for 40 years, writing about them for 20, and I’m here to say ](https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/ive-been-playing-games-for-40-years-writing-about-them-for-20-and-im-here-to-say-parts-of-roblox-need-to-be-legislated-out-of-existence/)**[Roblox](https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/ive-been-playing-games-for-40-years-writing-about-them-for-20-and-im-here-to-say-parts-of-roblox-need-to-be-legislated-out-of-existence/)**[’s microtransactions need drastic government intervention](https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/ive-been-playing-games-for-40-years-writing-about-them-for-20-and-im-here-to-say-parts-of-roblox-need-to-be-legislated-out-of-existence/) - **[Rocket League](https://www.thegamer.com/rocket-league-unreal-engine-6-ue-paris-major/)**[ On ](https://www.thegamer.com/rocket-league-unreal-engine-6-ue-paris-major/)**[Unreal Engine 6](https://www.thegamer.com/rocket-league-unreal-engine-6-ue-paris-major/)**[ Announced At Paris Major](https://www.thegamer.com/rocket-league-unreal-engine-6-ue-paris-major/) - [‘](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/may/24/ai-washing-pr-firms-scrambling-rebrand)**[AI washing](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/may/24/ai-washing-pr-firms-scrambling-rebrand)**[’: firms are scrambling to rebrand themselves as tech-focused](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/may/24/ai-washing-pr-firms-scrambling-rebrand) - **[Xbox Game Pass](https://www.polygon.com/luna-abyss-impressions/)**[ quietly just got one of the year’s best shooters](https://www.polygon.com/luna-abyss-impressions/) #### Rumors - [Tom Henderson: ](https://www.reddit.com/r/GamingLeaksAndRumours/comments/1tjivou/tom_henderson_ubisoft_is_testing_generative_ai_in/)**[Ubisoft](https://www.reddit.com/r/GamingLeaksAndRumours/comments/1tjivou/tom_henderson_ubisoft_is_testing_generative_ai_in/)**[ is testing generative AI in ](https://www.reddit.com/r/GamingLeaksAndRumours/comments/1tjivou/tom_henderson_ubisoft_is_testing_generative_ai_in/)**[Far Cry 7](https://www.reddit.com/r/GamingLeaksAndRumours/comments/1tjivou/tom_henderson_ubisoft_is_testing_generative_ai_in/)**[ for R&D and “it looks like shit”](https://www.reddit.com/r/GamingLeaksAndRumours/comments/1tjivou/tom_henderson_ubisoft_is_testing_generative_ai_in/) - **[Xbox](https://www.reddit.com/r/GamingLeaksAndRumours/comments/1tom3i6/xbox_showcase_titles_leaked_early/)**[ Showcase Titles Leaked Early](https://www.reddit.com/r/GamingLeaksAndRumours/comments/1tom3i6/xbox_showcase_titles_leaked_early/) - **[Square Enix](https://www.reddit.com/r/GamingLeaksAndRumours/comments/1tlqpic/square_enix_has_posted_eight_unlisted_videos_on/)**[ has posted EIGHT unlisted videos on the ](https://www.reddit.com/r/GamingLeaksAndRumours/comments/1tlqpic/square_enix_has_posted_eight_unlisted_videos_on/)**[Dragon Quest](https://www.reddit.com/r/GamingLeaksAndRumours/comments/1tlqpic/square_enix_has_posted_eight_unlisted_videos_on/)**[ Playlist](https://www.reddit.com/r/GamingLeaksAndRumours/comments/1tlqpic/square_enix_has_posted_eight_unlisted_videos_on/) - **[Fable](https://www.reddit.com/r/GamingLeaksAndRumours/comments/1tkk3fo/fable_has_received_a_18_rating_in_south_korea/)**[ has received a 18+ rating in South Korea](https://www.reddit.com/r/GamingLeaksAndRumours/comments/1tkk3fo/fable_has_received_a_18_rating_in_south_korea/) --- We break down these stories on this week’s podcast. Listen on **[YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@giesweekly)** or **[Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/3NiMWvLibANf1tvxFYFQgh)** *The Monthly Takeaway is available to paid subscribers.* --- ## PlayStation walks back PC single-player ports | Steam decrees ‘bullet heaven’ | Hasbro cancels Giant Skull D&D _Published 2026-05-22 on giesweekly.substack.com. [Read original](https://giesweekly.substack.com/p/playstation-walks-back-pc-single)_ > PlayStation boss says single-player games won’t come to PC going forwardIt’s official: Steam decrees ‘bullet heaven’ the name of the Vampire Survivors genreHasbro Cancels Dungeons & Dragons Game from Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Director #### Numbers - **[Subnautica 2](https://www.gematsu.com/2026/05/subnautica-2-early-access-sales-top-two-million-in-12-hours)**[ Early Access sales top ](https://www.gematsu.com/2026/05/subnautica-2-early-access-sales-top-two-million-in-12-hours)**[two million](https://www.gematsu.com/2026/05/subnautica-2-early-access-sales-top-two-million-in-12-hours)**[ in 12 hours](https://www.gematsu.com/2026/05/subnautica-2-early-access-sales-top-two-million-in-12-hours) - **[Forza Horizon 6 ](https://www.vgchartz.com/article/467896/forza-horizon-6-tops-6-million-players/)**[Tops ](https://www.vgchartz.com/article/467896/forza-horizon-6-tops-6-million-players/)**[6 Million](https://www.vgchartz.com/article/467896/forza-horizon-6-tops-6-million-players/)**[ Players](https://www.vgchartz.com/article/467896/forza-horizon-6-tops-6-million-players/) - **[ARC Raiders](https://www.vgchartz.com/article/467838/arc-raiders-sales-top-16-million-units/)**[ Sales Top ](https://www.vgchartz.com/article/467838/arc-raiders-sales-top-16-million-units/)**[16 Million Units](https://www.vgchartz.com/article/467838/arc-raiders-sales-top-16-million-units/)** #### News - **[Embracer](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/embracer-announces-plan-to-split-into-2-companies-as-tomb-raider-and-lotr-spun-off/)**[ announces plan to split into 2 companies, as ](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/embracer-announces-plan-to-split-into-2-companies-as-tomb-raider-and-lotr-spun-off/)**[Tomb Raider](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/embracer-announces-plan-to-split-into-2-companies-as-tomb-raider-and-lotr-spun-off/)**[ and ](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/embracer-announces-plan-to-split-into-2-companies-as-tomb-raider-and-lotr-spun-off/)**[LoTR](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/embracer-announces-plan-to-split-into-2-companies-as-tomb-raider-and-lotr-spun-off/)**[ spun off](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/embracer-announces-plan-to-split-into-2-companies-as-tomb-raider-and-lotr-spun-off/) - **[Xbox](https://www.theverge.com/news/931918/microsoft-xbox-rebrand-caps)**[ is now XBOX](https://www.theverge.com/news/931918/microsoft-xbox-rebrand-caps) - **[WWE 2K](https://insider-gaming.com/exclusive-wwe-2k-developers-hit-hardest-by-visual-concepts-layoffs/)**[ Developers Hit Hardest By ](https://insider-gaming.com/exclusive-wwe-2k-developers-hit-hardest-by-visual-concepts-layoffs/)**[Visual Concepts](https://insider-gaming.com/exclusive-wwe-2k-developers-hit-hardest-by-visual-concepts-layoffs/)**[ Layoffs](https://insider-gaming.com/exclusive-wwe-2k-developers-hit-hardest-by-visual-concepts-layoffs/) - [Exclusive Demand Soars To The Top As ](https://tech4gamers.com/exclusive-demand-xbox-player-voice/)**[Xbox](https://tech4gamers.com/exclusive-demand-xbox-player-voice/)**[ Launches "Player Voice" System](https://tech4gamers.com/exclusive-demand-xbox-player-voice/) - [Quantic Dream Cancels ](https://www.ign.com/articles/detroit-become-human-dev-quantic-dream-kills-live-service-game-3-months-after-early-access-launch-insists-star-wars-eclipse-continues-as-planned)**[Spellcasters Chronicles](https://www.ign.com/articles/detroit-become-human-dev-quantic-dream-kills-live-service-game-3-months-after-early-access-launch-insists-star-wars-eclipse-continues-as-planned)**[, Insists Star Wars Eclipse Is Unaffected While Confirming Layoffs](https://www.ign.com/articles/detroit-become-human-dev-quantic-dream-kills-live-service-game-3-months-after-early-access-launch-insists-star-wars-eclipse-continues-as-planned) #### Industry Trends - **[Fortnite](https://www.ign.com/articles/fortnite-nerfs-lethal-fall-damage-in-big-gameplay-shakeup-as-overwatch-update-arrives)**[’s ](https://www.ign.com/articles/fortnite-nerfs-lethal-fall-damage-in-big-gameplay-shakeup-as-overwatch-update-arrives)**[Overwatch](https://www.ign.com/articles/fortnite-nerfs-lethal-fall-damage-in-big-gameplay-shakeup-as-overwatch-update-arrives)**[ Update Brings Huge Changes, and You Can No Longer Die From Fall Damage](https://www.ign.com/articles/fortnite-nerfs-lethal-fall-damage-in-big-gameplay-shakeup-as-overwatch-update-arrives) - **[Arc Raiders](https://frvr.com/blog/news/arc-raiders-is-adding-controversial-denuvo-anti-cheat-as-cheaters-continue-to-plague-the-extraction-shooter/)**[ is adding controversial ](https://frvr.com/blog/news/arc-raiders-is-adding-controversial-denuvo-anti-cheat-as-cheaters-continue-to-plague-the-extraction-shooter/)**[Denuvo](https://frvr.com/blog/news/arc-raiders-is-adding-controversial-denuvo-anti-cheat-as-cheaters-continue-to-plague-the-extraction-shooter/)**[ anti-cheat as cheaters continue to plague the extraction shooter](https://frvr.com/blog/news/arc-raiders-is-adding-controversial-denuvo-anti-cheat-as-cheaters-continue-to-plague-the-extraction-shooter/) - [New research shows gamers anticipate ](https://gamesbeat.com/2000-gamers-reveal-how-much-theyd-pay-for-gta-6/)**[GTA 6](https://gamesbeat.com/2000-gamers-reveal-how-much-theyd-pay-for-gta-6/)**[ will cost $78](https://gamesbeat.com/2000-gamers-reveal-how-much-theyd-pay-for-gta-6/) #### Rumors - **[PS5](https://www.ign.com/articles/sony-testing-new-feature-ps5-player-count)**[ Player Counts for Popular Games May Soon Be Public as Rumors Swirl That Sony Is Testing a New Feature](https://www.ign.com/articles/sony-testing-new-feature-ps5-player-count) --- We break down these stories on this week’s podcast. Listen on **[YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@giesweekly)** or **[Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/3NiMWvLibANf1tvxFYFQgh)** *The Monthly Takeaway is available to paid subscribers.* --- ## Subnautica 2 + Forza 6 + LEGO Batman leak | Switch 2 bundles ahead of price hike | Uncharted 4 turns 10 _Published 2026-05-15 on giesweekly.substack.com. [Read original](https://giesweekly.substack.com/p/subnautica-2-forza-6-lego-batman)_ > Subnautica 2 Images and Gameplay Appear to Have Leaked Online, Just Days After Forza Horizon 6 and LEGO BatmanNew Nintendo Switch 2 bundles coming ahead of price increase10 Years Later, Uncharted 4 Still Feels Ahead Of Its Time #### Numbers - **[Crimson Desert](https://automaton-media.com/en/news/crimson-desert-has-made-over-178-million-developers-report-breakdown-between-pc-and-console-is-50-50/)**[ has made over ](https://automaton-media.com/en/news/crimson-desert-has-made-over-178-million-developers-report-breakdown-between-pc-and-console-is-50-50/)**[$178 million](https://automaton-media.com/en/news/crimson-desert-has-made-over-178-million-developers-report-breakdown-between-pc-and-console-is-50-50/)**[, developers report. Breakdown between PC and console is 50-50](https://automaton-media.com/en/news/crimson-desert-has-made-over-178-million-developers-report-breakdown-between-pc-and-console-is-50-50/) - **[Silent Hill F](https://gamermatters.com/silent-hill-f-sales-pass-2-million-copies-silent-hill-2-remake-has-more-than-6-million-players/)**[ Sales Pass ](https://gamermatters.com/silent-hill-f-sales-pass-2-million-copies-silent-hill-2-remake-has-more-than-6-million-players/)**[2 Million](https://gamermatters.com/silent-hill-f-sales-pass-2-million-copies-silent-hill-2-remake-has-more-than-6-million-players/)**[ Copies, Silent Hill 2 Remake Has More Than ](https://gamermatters.com/silent-hill-f-sales-pass-2-million-copies-silent-hill-2-remake-has-more-than-6-million-players/)**[6 Million](https://gamermatters.com/silent-hill-f-sales-pass-2-million-copies-silent-hill-2-remake-has-more-than-6-million-players/)**[ Players](https://gamermatters.com/silent-hill-f-sales-pass-2-million-copies-silent-hill-2-remake-has-more-than-6-million-players/) - **[Metal Gear](https://games.gg/news/metal-gear-silent-hill-konami-sales/)**[ Hits 66.1 Million Sales, Silent Hill Crosses 17.1 Million](https://games.gg/news/metal-gear-silent-hill-konami-sales/) - **[Battlefield 6](https://gameobserver.com/battlefield-6-drives-record-year-for-ea-as-revenue-hits-7-5-billion-best-performing-battlefield/)**[ Drives ](https://gameobserver.com/battlefield-6-drives-record-year-for-ea-as-revenue-hits-7-5-billion-best-performing-battlefield/)**[EA ](https://gameobserver.com/battlefield-6-drives-record-year-for-ea-as-revenue-hits-7-5-billion-best-performing-battlefield/)**[to ](https://gameobserver.com/battlefield-6-drives-record-year-for-ea-as-revenue-hits-7-5-billion-best-performing-battlefield/)**[$7.5 Billion](https://gameobserver.com/battlefield-6-drives-record-year-for-ea-as-revenue-hits-7-5-billion-best-performing-battlefield/)**[ Record Year](https://gameobserver.com/battlefield-6-drives-record-year-for-ea-as-revenue-hits-7-5-billion-best-performing-battlefield/) - **[Pokémon Pokopia](https://insider-gaming.com/pokemon-pokopia-has-sold-through-over-4-million-units/)**[ Has Sold Through Over ](https://insider-gaming.com/pokemon-pokopia-has-sold-through-over-4-million-units/)**[4 Million](https://insider-gaming.com/pokemon-pokopia-has-sold-through-over-4-million-units/)**[ Units](https://insider-gaming.com/pokemon-pokopia-has-sold-through-over-4-million-units/) #### News - **[Sega](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sega-has-canceled-development-of-its-super-game-as-it-pivots-away-from-f2p/)**[ has canceled development of its ‘super game’, as it pivots away from live service games](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sega-has-canceled-development-of-its-super-game-as-it-pivots-away-from-f2p/) - **[Atari](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-acquires-rights-to-first-five-wizardry-rpgs)**[ acquires rights to first five Wizardry RPGs](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-acquires-rights-to-first-five-wizardry-rpgs) - **[Xbox](https://www.player.one/xbox-discord-partner-offer-cheaper-version-xbox-game-pass-nitro-subscribers-163033)**[, ](https://www.player.one/xbox-discord-partner-offer-cheaper-version-xbox-game-pass-nitro-subscribers-163033)**[Discord ](https://www.player.one/xbox-discord-partner-offer-cheaper-version-xbox-game-pass-nitro-subscribers-163033)**[Partner to Offer Cheaper Version of Xbox Game Pass to Nitro Subscribers](https://www.player.one/xbox-discord-partner-offer-cheaper-version-xbox-game-pass-nitro-subscribers-163033) - **[Guerilla Games](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/guerilla-games-co-founder-and-epic-veteran-building-a-european-alternative-to-unreal-engine/)**[ co-founder and Epic veteran building 'a European alternative' to Unreal Engine](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/guerilla-games-co-founder-and-epic-veteran-building-a-european-alternative-to-unreal-engine/) - **[2K](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/2k-lays-off-staff-working-on-free-to-play-shooter-project-ethos-while-hinting-at-new-direction-and-focus)**[ lays off staff working on free-to-play shooter Project Ethos, while hinting at “new direction and focus”](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/2k-lays-off-staff-working-on-free-to-play-shooter-project-ethos-while-hinting-at-new-direction-and-focus) #### Industry Trends - [What the survival-crafting audience looks like heading into ](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-survival-crafting-audience-looks-like-heading-subnautica-2-km2te/)**[Subnautica 2](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-survival-crafting-audience-looks-like-heading-subnautica-2-km2te/)** - [Steam stats for ](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/roguelike/steam-stats-for-slay-the-spire-2s-engine-godot-show-strong-signs-of-exponential-growth/)**[Slay the Spire 2](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/roguelike/steam-stats-for-slay-the-spire-2s-engine-godot-show-strong-signs-of-exponential-growth/)**['s engine Godot show "strong signs of exponential growth"](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/roguelike/steam-stats-for-slay-the-spire-2s-engine-godot-show-strong-signs-of-exponential-growth/) - [It Seems ‘Destiny 2’ And ‘Marathon’ Cannot Properly Co-Exist At ](https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2026/05/09/it-seems-destiny-2-and-marathon-cannot-properly-co-exist-at-bungie/)**[Bungie](https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2026/05/09/it-seems-destiny-2-and-marathon-cannot-properly-co-exist-at-bungie/)** - **[Motherboard sales](https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/motherboard-sales-collapse-by-more-than-25-percent-as-chipmakers-strangle-enthusiast-pc-market-to-build-more-ai-chips-asus-projected-to-sell-5-million-fewer-boards-in-2025-gigabyte-msi-and-asrock-also-expected-to-see-reduced-sales-numbers)**[ 'collapse' by more than 25% as chipmakers strangle enthusiast PC market to build more AI chips](https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/motherboard-sales-collapse-by-more-than-25-percent-as-chipmakers-strangle-enthusiast-pc-market-to-build-more-ai-chips-asus-projected-to-sell-5-million-fewer-boards-in-2025-gigabyte-msi-and-asrock-also-expected-to-see-reduced-sales-numbers) - **[DeepMind](https://www.technicallyentertaining.com/p/deepmind-just-bought-into-eve-online)**[ Just Bought Into EVE Online. Here's the Layer Even Their Own Research Says Is Missing.](https://www.technicallyentertaining.com/p/deepmind-just-bought-into-eve-online) #### Rumors - [Rockstar may open up GTA 6 pre-orders next week](https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/rockstar-may-open-up-gta-6-pre-orders-next-week/) --- We break down these stories on this week’s podcast. Listen on **[YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@giesweekly)** or **[Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/3NiMWvLibANf1tvxFYFQgh)** *The Monthly Takeaway is available to paid subscribers.* --- ## Steam Controller breaks Steam | Roblox unveils Hybrid Architecture | CoD ditches last-gen _Published 2026-05-08 on giesweekly.substack.com. [Read original](https://giesweekly.substack.com/p/steam-controller-breaks-steam-roblox)_ > Valve’s hardware comeback hit a new mark this week as The Steam Controller sold out in 30 minutes, utterly breaking Steam in the process. Roblox raised the platform stakes with Introducing the Roblox Hybrid Architecture: Democratizing Photorealistic, Multiplayer Gaming. Activision closed an era: Call Of Duty Will No Longer Release On Last-Gen Consoles. #### Numbers - **[PRAGMATA ](https://www.gematsu.com/2026/05/pragmata-sales-top-two-million-in-16-days)**[sales top ](https://www.gematsu.com/2026/05/pragmata-sales-top-two-million-in-16-days)**[two million](https://www.gematsu.com/2026/05/pragmata-sales-top-two-million-in-16-days)**[ in 16 days - Gematsu](https://www.gematsu.com/2026/05/pragmata-sales-top-two-million-in-16-days) #### News - **[GameStop](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-05-03/gamestop-making-56-billion-offer-to-acquire-ebay-wsj-says)**[ Makes $56 Billion Bid for eBay, Four Times Its Size](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-05-03/gamestop-making-56-billion-offer-to-acquire-ebay-wsj-says) - **[Supercell](https://mobilegamer.biz/supercell-to-fully-acquire-merge-mansion-maker-metacore-as-it-restructure-with-160-jobs-at-risk/)**[ to fully acquire Merge Mansion maker Metacore amid restructure, with 160 jobs at risk](https://mobilegamer.biz/supercell-to-fully-acquire-merge-mansion-maker-metacore-as-it-restructure-with-160-jobs-at-risk/) - **[Microsoft](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/05/microsoft-xbox-ceo-asha-sharma-executive-overhaul.html)**[ Xbox CEO overhauls leadership amid sinking sales: ‘We need to evolve how we work’](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/05/microsoft-xbox-ceo-asha-sharma-executive-overhaul.html) - [Hero shooter ](https://www.eurogamer.net/hero-shooter-last-flag-halts-production-just-2-weeks-after-launch-but-vows-to-make-sure-that-the-game-doesnt-disappear)**[Last Flag](https://www.eurogamer.net/hero-shooter-last-flag-halts-production-just-2-weeks-after-launch-but-vows-to-make-sure-that-the-game-doesnt-disappear)**[ halts production just 2 weeks after launch, but vows to “make sure that the game doesn’t disappear”](https://www.eurogamer.net/hero-shooter-last-flag-halts-production-just-2-weeks-after-launch-but-vows-to-make-sure-that-the-game-doesnt-disappear) - [The ](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ea-unveils-new-clothing-item-category-and-reworked-toddlers-in-huge-sims-4-base-game-update/1100-6539783/)**[Sims 4](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ea-unveils-new-clothing-item-category-and-reworked-toddlers-in-huge-sims-4-base-game-update/1100-6539783/)**[ Is Getting A Massive (And Desperately Needed) Overhaul](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ea-unveils-new-clothing-item-category-and-reworked-toddlers-in-huge-sims-4-base-game-update/1100-6539783/) #### Industry Trends - [The ](https://georgzoeller.com/blog/posts/the-video-game-industries-very-dark-night/)**[Video Game Industries](https://georgzoeller.com/blog/posts/the-video-game-industries-very-dark-night/)**[ Very Dark Night](https://georgzoeller.com/blog/posts/the-video-game-industries-very-dark-night/) - [Don’t Expect Product Placement in ](https://www.ign.com/articles/dont-expect-product-placement-in-gta-6-the-ceo-of-take-two-says-it-wont-do-real-world-brand-partnerships-because-all-the-brands-are-made-up)**[GTA 6](https://www.ign.com/articles/dont-expect-product-placement-in-gta-6-the-ceo-of-take-two-says-it-wont-do-real-world-brand-partnerships-because-all-the-brands-are-made-up)**[, the CEO of Take-Two Says It Won’t Do Real World Brand Partnerships Because ‘All the Brands Are Made Up’](https://www.ign.com/articles/dont-expect-product-placement-in-gta-6-the-ceo-of-take-two-says-it-wont-do-real-world-brand-partnerships-because-all-the-brands-are-made-up) - [Anti-cheat incompatibility on Linux is unacceptable from game developers and publishers, and ](https://www.techradar.com/gaming/steam-deck/rocket-league-has-a-new-easy-anti-cheat-addition-and-it-still-works-on-the-steam-deck-its-about-time-for-other-game-devs-to-follow-suit)**[Rocket League](https://www.techradar.com/gaming/steam-deck/rocket-league-has-a-new-easy-anti-cheat-addition-and-it-still-works-on-the-steam-deck-its-about-time-for-other-game-devs-to-follow-suit)**[ just proved why](https://www.techradar.com/gaming/steam-deck/rocket-league-has-a-new-easy-anti-cheat-addition-and-it-still-works-on-the-steam-deck-its-about-time-for-other-game-devs-to-follow-suit) - [“If people are saying ‘dead game,’ that means our game is alive:” how ](https://www.pcgamesn.com/apex-legends/dead-game-interview)**[Apex Legends](https://www.pcgamesn.com/apex-legends/dead-game-interview)**[ is winning back players](https://www.pcgamesn.com/apex-legends/dead-game-interview) - **[62% of hardcore players](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/62-of-hardcore-players-no-longer-buy-full-price-games-survey-suggests/)**[ no longer buy full-price games, survey suggests](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/62-of-hardcore-players-no-longer-buy-full-price-games-survey-suggests/) #### Rumors - [New ](https://www.dexerto.com/smash/new-super-smash-bros-reportedly-releasing-as-early-as-2027-3360836/)**[Super Smash Bros](https://www.dexerto.com/smash/new-super-smash-bros-reportedly-releasing-as-early-as-2027-3360836/)**[ reportedly releasing as early as 2027](https://www.dexerto.com/smash/new-super-smash-bros-reportedly-releasing-as-early-as-2027-3360836/) - **[Rockstar Games](https://respawnfirst.com/gta-6-studio-under-fire-again-as-reported-dev-claims-crunch/)**[ QA Analyst Reveals Insane Overtime, Workdays Extending Till 3AM Amid GTA 6 Crunch](https://respawnfirst.com/gta-6-studio-under-fire-again-as-reported-dev-claims-crunch/) --- We break down these stories on this week’s podcast. Listen on **[YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@giesweekly)** or **[Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/3NiMWvLibANf1tvxFYFQgh)** *The Monthly Takeaway is available to paid subscribers.* [Subscribe now](https://giesweekly.substack.com/subscribe?) --- ## Microsoft Brings Xbox Back, Scraps Microsoft Gaming | Denuvo May Have Reached the End | South Korean PM Calls Crimson Desert Turning Point for K-Gaming _Published 2026-05-01 on giesweekly.substack.com. [Read original](https://giesweekly.substack.com/p/microsoft-brings-xbox-back-scraps)_ > Microsoft brings Xbox back, scraps Microsoft Gaming: The Verge reports the corporate “Microsoft Gaming” brand is being unwound and the Xbox name is moving back to the front of the org, reversing the post-Activision identity reshuffle.Denuvo may have reached the end as every protected PC game is now crackable: cracking groups have neutralized the latest builds across every currently-protected PC title, undermining the dominant anti-piracy DRM the AAA industry has paid into for a decade.South Korean PM Calls Crimson Desert Turning Point for K-Gaming: Pearl Abyss’ open-world action RPG is being framed at the head-of-government level as a national milestone, signaling Seoul’s industrial-policy bet on Korea breaking out of the live-service MMO mold. #### Numbers - **[Clair Obscur: Expedition 33](https://techraptor.net/gaming/news/clair-obscur-expedition-33-sales-8m)**[ Sales Hit 8m on First Anniversary](https://techraptor.net/gaming/news/clair-obscur-expedition-33-sales-8m) - **[Resident Evil Requiem](https://techraptor.net/gaming/news/resident-evil-requiem-sales-7m)**[ Sales Have Now Passed 7m](https://techraptor.net/gaming/news/resident-evil-requiem-sales-7m) #### News - **[Garry’s Mod](https://kotaku.com/garrys-mod-sbox-steam-reviews-facepunch-ai-2000691298)**[ Successor Faces Flood Of AI Slop On Steam](https://kotaku.com/garrys-mod-sbox-steam-reviews-facepunch-ai-2000691298) - **[Alien: Isolation 2](https://www.dsogaming.com/news/alien-isolation-2-will-use-unreal-engine-5-and-not-the-cathode-engine/)**[ will use Unreal Engine 5 and not the Cathode Engine](https://www.dsogaming.com/news/alien-isolation-2-will-use-unreal-engine-5-and-not-the-cathode-engine/) - **Rocket League** adds Easy Anti-Cheat with Steam Deck / Linux still supported - [Christopher McQuarrie, ](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/battlefield-movie-michael-b-jordan-chris-mcquarrie-1236574195/)**[Michael B. Jordan](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/battlefield-movie-michael-b-jordan-chris-mcquarrie-1236574195/)**[ to Tackle Adaptation of ‘Battlefield’ Video Game](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/battlefield-movie-michael-b-jordan-chris-mcquarrie-1236574195/) - **[Valve](https://www.gamesradar.com/hardware/desktop-pc/valve-says-it-can-sell-the-steam-controller-while-the-steam-machine-is-in-ai-limbo-because-this-doesnt-have-ram-in-it/)**[ says it can sell the Steam Controller while the Steam Machine is in AI limbo because “this doesn’t have RAM in it”](https://www.gamesradar.com/hardware/desktop-pc/valve-says-it-can-sell-the-steam-controller-while-the-steam-machine-is-in-ai-limbo-because-this-doesnt-have-ram-in-it/) - **[GALAX](https://wccftech.com/galax-exit-graphics-card-market-palit-assumes-full-control/)**[, Creators of Iconic HOF Graphics Cards, Exits PC Business After 30 Years, Palit Takes Over Business & All RMA Support](https://wccftech.com/galax-exit-graphics-card-market-palit-assumes-full-control/) #### Industry Trends - [Why ](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/why-xbox-took-call-of-duty-out-of-game-pass)**[Xbox](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/why-xbox-took-call-of-duty-out-of-game-pass)**[ took Call of Duty out of Game Pass](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/why-xbox-took-call-of-duty-out-of-game-pass) - **[Xbox boss](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/xbox-boss-warns-memory-costs-will-impact-pricing-will-impact-availability-when-it-comes-to-project-helix)**[ warns “memory costs will impact pricing, will impact availability” when it comes to ](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/xbox-boss-warns-memory-costs-will-impact-pricing-will-impact-availability-when-it-comes-to-project-helix)**[Project Helix](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/xbox-boss-warns-memory-costs-will-impact-pricing-will-impact-availability-when-it-comes-to-project-helix)** - [Dead by Daylight studio ](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/dead-by-daylight-studio-behaviour-interactive-confirms-layoffs)**[Behaviour Interactive](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/dead-by-daylight-studio-behaviour-interactive-confirms-layoffs)**[ confirms layoffs](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/dead-by-daylight-studio-behaviour-interactive-confirms-layoffs) - [Steelrising Studio ](https://gameinformer.com/2026/04/28/report-steelrising-studio-spiders-shutting-down-just-six-weeks-after-the-launch-of)**[Spiders](https://gameinformer.com/2026/04/28/report-steelrising-studio-spiders-shutting-down-just-six-weeks-after-the-launch-of)**[ Shutting Down Just Six Weeks After The Launch Of ](https://gameinformer.com/2026/04/28/report-steelrising-studio-spiders-shutting-down-just-six-weeks-after-the-launch-of)**[GreedFall 2](https://gameinformer.com/2026/04/28/report-steelrising-studio-spiders-shutting-down-just-six-weeks-after-the-launch-of)** - **[Call Of Duty](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-movie-director-said-war-games-are-pathetic-and-for-weak-people/1100-6539638/)**[ Movie Director Said War Games Are Pathetic And For “Weak” People](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-movie-director-said-war-games-are-pathetic-and-for-weak-people/1100-6539638/) - **[Roblox](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/roblox-cant-seem-to-keep-anyone-happy-right-now/1100-6539510/)**[ Can’t Seem To Keep Anyone Happy Right Now](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/roblox-cant-seem-to-keep-anyone-happy-right-now/1100-6539510/) - [Discomfort with modern technology shapes ](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/discomfort-modern-technology-gen-z-desire-live-past-poll-rcna340897)**[Gen Z’s](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/discomfort-modern-technology-gen-z-desire-live-past-poll-rcna340897)**[ desire to live in the past](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/discomfort-modern-technology-gen-z-desire-live-past-poll-rcna340897) #### Rumors - **[Star Wars: Galactic Racer](https://www.ign.com/articles/star-wars-galactic-racer-release-date-leaked-steam)**[ Release Date Seemingly Leaked on Steam](https://www.ign.com/articles/star-wars-galactic-racer-release-date-leaked-steam) - [Leaked ](https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/leaked-xbox-game-pass-starter-edition-looks-to-bundle-a-small-library-of-games-with-your-discord-nitro-membership)**[Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition](https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/leaked-xbox-game-pass-starter-edition-looks-to-bundle-a-small-library-of-games-with-your-discord-nitro-membership)**[ looks to bundle a small library of games with your Discord Nitro membership](https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/leaked-xbox-game-pass-starter-edition-looks-to-bundle-a-small-library-of-games-with-your-discord-nitro-membership) - **[Intel](https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/gpus/intel-has-reportedly-killed-discrete-gaming-gpus-for-the-upcoming-xe3p-arc-celestial-family-gaming-gpu-remains-uncertain-even-for-the-next-gen-xe4-druid-lineup-that-lands-in-2027)**[ has reportedly cancelled discrete gaming GPUs for the upcoming Xe3P Arc “Celestial” family . gaming GPU remains uncertain even for the next-gen Xe4 “Druid” lineup that lands in 2027](https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/gpus/intel-has-reportedly-killed-discrete-gaming-gpus-for-the-upcoming-xe3p-arc-celestial-family-gaming-gpu-remains-uncertain-even-for-the-next-gen-xe4-druid-lineup-that-lands-in-2027) --- We break down these stories on this week’s podcast. Listen on **[YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@giesweekly)** or **[Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/3NiMWvLibANf1tvxFYFQgh)** *The Monthly Takeaway is available to paid subscribers.* [Subscribe now](https://giesweekly.substack.com/subscribe?) --- ## Xbox Game Pass Drops to $22.99 and Loses Day-One Call of Duty | Ubisoft Cancels Alterra | Roblox Releases Agentic AI Tools for Creators _Published 2026-04-24 on giesweekly.substack.com. [Read original](https://giesweekly.substack.com/p/xbox-game-pass-drops-to-2299-and)_ > Microsoft Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Price Update: the service drops from $29.99 to $22.99 a month, and future Call of Duty releases will no longer be added at launch, joining Game Pass about a year later.Ubisoft Cancels Animal Crossing-Inspired Game - Report: its Project Alterra life sim is shelved after nearly three years in development at Ubisoft Montreal. It is the seventh game Ubisoft has cancelled this year.Roblox releases agentic AI tools for creators, promising ability to “build a game with a single prompt”, pushing the platform's UGC flywheel further into generative AI territory. #### Numbers - **[Pragmata](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/third-person-shooter/pragmata-has-sold-over-1-million-copies-in-just-2-days-after-3-delays-dragged-out-development-by-4-years/)**[ has sold over ](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/third-person-shooter/pragmata-has-sold-over-1-million-copies-in-just-2-days-after-3-delays-dragged-out-development-by-4-years/)**[1 million](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/third-person-shooter/pragmata-has-sold-over-1-million-copies-in-just-2-days-after-3-delays-dragged-out-development-by-4-years/)**[ copies in just 2 days, after 3 delays dragged out development by 4 years](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/third-person-shooter/pragmata-has-sold-over-1-million-copies-in-just-2-days-after-3-delays-dragged-out-development-by-4-years/) - **[Windrose](https://www.ign.com/articles/windrose-celebrates-1-million-copies-sold-as-player-counts-climb)**[ Celebrates ](https://www.ign.com/articles/windrose-celebrates-1-million-copies-sold-as-player-counts-climb)**[1 Million](https://www.ign.com/articles/windrose-celebrates-1-million-copies-sold-as-player-counts-climb)**[ Copies Sold as Player Counts Climb](https://www.ign.com/articles/windrose-celebrates-1-million-copies-sold-as-player-counts-climb) #### News - **[Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced](https://insider-gaming.com/black-flag-resynced-release-date/)**[ Releases July 9, 2026](https://insider-gaming.com/black-flag-resynced-release-date/) - **[Nintendo](https://nintendoeverything.com/nintendo-announces-splatoon-raiders-switch-2-release-date-with-new-trailer/)**[ announces ](https://nintendoeverything.com/nintendo-announces-splatoon-raiders-switch-2-release-date-with-new-trailer/)**[Splatoon Raiders](https://nintendoeverything.com/nintendo-announces-splatoon-raiders-switch-2-release-date-with-new-trailer/)**[ Switch 2 release date with new trailer](https://nintendoeverything.com/nintendo-announces-splatoon-raiders-switch-2-release-date-with-new-trailer/) - **[Koei Tecmo](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/koei-tecmo-revises-fy26-results-following-success-of-pokemon-pokopia-and-nioh-3)**[ revises FY26 results following success of ](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/koei-tecmo-revises-fy26-results-following-success-of-pokemon-pokopia-and-nioh-3)**[Pokémon Pokopia](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/koei-tecmo-revises-fy26-results-following-success-of-pokemon-pokopia-and-nioh-3)**[ and ](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/koei-tecmo-revises-fy26-results-following-success-of-pokemon-pokopia-and-nioh-3)**[Nioh 3](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/koei-tecmo-revises-fy26-results-following-success-of-pokemon-pokopia-and-nioh-3)** #### Industry Trends - **[CoD Launches Are Gone](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/cod-launches-are-gone-but-game-pass-should-ditch-all-the-other-games-youve-heard-of-too/1100-6539528/)**[, But Game Pass Should Ditch All The Other Games You've Heard Of, Too](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/cod-launches-are-gone-but-game-pass-should-ditch-all-the-other-games-youve-heard-of-too/1100-6539528/) - **[Iron Galaxy Studios](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/iron-galaxy-studios-lays-off-a-number-of-workers-as-it-reduces-company-size)**[ lays off employees as it reduces company size](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/iron-galaxy-studios-lays-off-a-number-of-workers-as-it-reduces-company-size) - [“You need a crystal ball really to predict any of this stuff” - an indie game health check with Hotline Miami and Enter the Gungeon's ](https://www.eurogamer.net/indie-game-health-check-with-devolver-digital)**[Devolver Digital](https://www.eurogamer.net/indie-game-health-check-with-devolver-digital)** - **[GTA 5](https://www.polygon.com/gta-5-snowball-riot-videos-youtube-tiktok-trend/)**[ fans keep starting NPC riots in the silliest way possible](https://www.polygon.com/gta-5-snowball-riot-videos-youtube-tiktok-trend/) - **[Enshrouded](https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/enshrouded-approaches-the-roblox-event-horizon-with-the-addition-of-adventure-sharing-in-its-latest-update)**[ approaches the Roblox event horizon with the addition of Adventure Sharing in its latest update](https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/enshrouded-approaches-the-roblox-event-horizon-with-the-addition-of-adventure-sharing-in-its-latest-update) - [Long live the ‘](https://www.theguardian.com/games/2026/apr/15/pushing-buttons-uncslop-unc-millennials-game-culture)**[unc game](https://www.theguardian.com/games/2026/apr/15/pushing-buttons-uncslop-unc-millennials-game-culture)**[’](https://www.theguardian.com/games/2026/apr/15/pushing-buttons-uncslop-unc-millennials-game-culture) #### Rumors - **[Meta](https://nypost.com/2026/04/17/business/meta-to-cut-8000-jobs-in-major-bloodbath-next-month-report/)**[ to cut 8,000 jobs - 10% of workforce - in major bloodbath next month](https://nypost.com/2026/04/17/business/meta-to-cut-8000-jobs-in-major-bloodbath-next-month-report/) --- We break down these stories on this week’s podcast. Listen on **[YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@giesweekly) **or **[Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/3NiMWvLibANf1tvxFYFQgh)** *The Monthly Takeaway is available to paid subscribers.* [Subscribe now](https://giesweekly.substack.com/subscribe?) --- ## GTA Online Hack Reveals $1.3M Daily Revenue | Xbox CEO Says Game Pass 'Too Expensive' | Amazon Luna Cuts Third-Party Games _Published 2026-04-17 on giesweekly.substack.com. [Read original](https://giesweekly.substack.com/p/gta-online-hack-reveals-13m-daily)_ > A data breach at Rockstar Games exposed GTA Online’s internal financials, showing $1.3 million in average daily revenue and approximately $500 million annually; Take-Two’s stock rose by over $1 billion in response. New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma acknowledged in a leaked memo that Game Pass has “become too expensive for players,”Amazon Luna ended all third-party game purchases and subscriptions, shifting to a subscription-only model. #### Numbers - **[Super Battle Golf](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/after-1-million-sales-super-battle-golfs-free-frozen-fairway-update-out-now-and-ramps-up-the-chaos/1100-6539278/)**[ surpasses 1 million sales, launches free Frozen Fairway update](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/after-1-million-sales-super-battle-golfs-free-frozen-fairway-update-out-now-and-ramps-up-the-chaos/1100-6539278/) - **[eFootball](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/konami-s-efootball-tops-1-billion-downloads)**[ crosses ](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/konami-s-efootball-tops-1-billion-downloads)**[1 billion downloads](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/konami-s-efootball-tops-1-billion-downloads)**[ as Konami launches Master League Sprint event](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/konami-s-efootball-tops-1-billion-downloads) #### News - **[Subnautica 2](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/subnautica-2s-messy-publisher-drama-takes-another-turn/1100-6539382/)**[ quietly removes Krafton as publisher amid ongoing legal battle with Unknown Worlds](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/subnautica-2s-messy-publisher-drama-takes-another-turn/1100-6539382/) - [Get Ready to Melt Your Mind: The ](https://www.fiaformulae.com/en/news/1020522/get-ready-to-melt-your-mind-the-brainrot-takeover-hits-formula-e-electric-lap-)**[Brainrot ](https://www.fiaformulae.com/en/news/1020522/get-ready-to-melt-your-mind-the-brainrot-takeover-hits-formula-e-electric-lap-)**[Takeover Hits ](https://www.fiaformulae.com/en/news/1020522/get-ready-to-melt-your-mind-the-brainrot-takeover-hits-formula-e-electric-lap-)**[Formula E](https://www.fiaformulae.com/en/news/1020522/get-ready-to-melt-your-mind-the-brainrot-takeover-hits-formula-e-electric-lap-)**[: Electric Lap!](https://www.fiaformulae.com/en/news/1020522/get-ready-to-melt-your-mind-the-brainrot-takeover-hits-formula-e-electric-lap-) #### Industry Trends - **[Marvel](https://gameranx.com/updates/id/562312/article/marvel-lays-off-8-of-their-staff-as-part-of-disney-restructuring-how-is-marvel-games-affected/)**[ lays off 8% of staff as Disney restructuring impacts gaming division](https://gameranx.com/updates/id/562312/article/marvel-lays-off-8-of-their-staff-as-part-of-disney-restructuring-how-is-marvel-games-affected/) - [The ](https://www.eurogamer.net/super-mario-galaxy-movie-highest-grossing-film-of-2026)**[Super Mario Galaxy Movie](https://www.eurogamer.net/super-mario-galaxy-movie-highest-grossing-film-of-2026)**[ becomes the highest-grossing film of 2026 in the US](https://www.eurogamer.net/super-mario-galaxy-movie-highest-grossing-film-of-2026) - **[Valve](https://www.gamesradar.com/hardware/desktop-pc/valve-is-now-sitting-on-lots-of-steam-controllers-so-releasing-them-before-the-steam-machine-is-a-no-brainer/)**[ receives first bulk Steam Controller shipments as Steam Machine launch approaches](https://www.gamesradar.com/hardware/desktop-pc/valve-is-now-sitting-on-lots-of-steam-controllers-so-releasing-them-before-the-steam-machine-is-a-no-brainer/) #### Rumors - **[Fable](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/rpg/as-gta-6-reportedly-spooks-xbox-into-delaying-fable-playground-games-reiterates-its-rpg-remains-on-track-for-autumn-2026/)**[ reportedly delayed internally as Xbox weighs GTA 6 launch window; Playground Games reiterates Autumn 2026](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/rpg/as-gta-6-reportedly-spooks-xbox-into-delaying-fable-playground-games-reiterates-its-rpg-remains-on-track-for-autumn-2026/) - **[Nvidia](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/graphics-cards/nvidia-denies-report-that-it-is-in-talks-to-acquire-a-major-pc-company-but-dell-hp-lenovo-and-asus-share-prices-jumped-at-the-thought/)**[ rumored to be negotiating acquisition of major PC manufacturer; company denies report](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/graphics-cards/nvidia-denies-report-that-it-is-in-talks-to-acquire-a-major-pc-company-but-dell-hp-lenovo-and-asus-share-prices-jumped-at-the-thought/) --- We break down these stories on this week’s podcast. Listen on **[YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@giesweekly) **or **[Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/3NiMWvLibANf1tvxFYFQgh)** *The Monthly Takeaway is available to paid subscribers.* [Subscribe now](https://giesweekly.substack.com/subscribe?) --- ## Monthly Takeaway | The Harder They Come! | The Great Decentralization - Tectonic shifts of 2026 _Published 2026-04-16 on giesweekly.substack.com. [Read original](https://giesweekly.substack.com/p/monthly-takeaway-the-harder-they)_ *Every week, Gies give you the bullet points on what you need to know about the news in the video game industry. But once a month, we’re here to go a little deeper. Come for the headlines, stay for the metaphors. * ## The Harder They Come! What can you buy with billions in annual revenue and one of the most popular games in the world? Not 1,000 people’s jobs, I’ll tell you that. Epic Games, makers of the Unreal Engine, *Jazz Jackrabbit*, *Fortnite: Save the World* and its spin-off *Fortnite: Battle Royale* just cut 1,000 jobs, citing an overall decline in *Fortnite* engagement and the need to keep the lights on. This is the gaming industry, so we can’t get up to numbers quite as impressive as Oracle’s 30,000 layoffs, but even so this was a bloodbath. From one angle, this looks like a classic modern story magnified to the scale of global phenomenon. A company stumbles into a hit and then expands quickly and ferociously, spending and expanding with the idea that interest will never decline, and they can keep making this amount of money forever. The winds change quicker than new projects come to fruition, and the whole thing comes crashing down. That definitely happened here, but it’s not the whole story. Epic Games in no way intended to be this reliant on *Fortnite: Battle Royale* in 2026. Sweeney and co. used their windfall to make a series of bets commensurate with the size of said windfall. Other companies use their hit game to fund another game. Epic funded a PC gaming storefront intended to rival Steam, a massive lawsuit against some of the most valuable companies in the world, a spree of acquisitions and a broad-reaching attempt to transform their battle royale game into a UGC platform. It also managed to force the broader gaming industry’s hand on cross-platform play. I’m probably missing some things here. What can you buy with something like $5 billion in annual revenue? Not a PC gaming storefront, I’ll tell you that, too. Epic Games ran up against modern monopolies. It did so intentionally, forcefully, and with success that can only be called mixed. Steam was entrenched to the point where people were simply not going to change their buying patterns no matter how many free games they got. The company managed to defeat Apple and Google but spent ludicrous amounts of money in the process: Apple and Google seem more or less fine. On the UGC platform front, player counts remain a rounding error next to Roblox. Sweeney always couched the company’s anti-monopolistic activity as a moral responsibility as much as a business strategy, and there is likely a significant degree of truth to that. There was always something remarkable about a billionaire willing to spend hundreds of millions of dollars[ while saying stuff like this:](https://www.gamefile.news/p/epic-apple-google-fortnite-eu-tim-sweeney?hide_intro_popup=true) “There’s really no price that isn’t worth paying for freedom, for all developers and the future of gaming… And if we spent a billion dollars so far, that’s a small price to pay for the future freedom of our company and of all of the others who want to participate in the market.” In the end, however, monopoly is enforced through a range of different mechanisms, and all of those that Epic sought to challenge were able to weather the storm with minor inconvenience. And when we say Epic paid the price for that, what we really mean is that Epic’s employees paid the price for that, in 2023 and again last week. I wonder if those that got laid off would agree with the above quote. *Fortnite* has got life left in it, that’s for sure. But like so many games in a similar position, this life will be lived as a successful, fun title, rather than an infinite ATM capable of funding untold miles of pipe dream. The harder they come, the harder they fall. ***That’s the month. Below, we’ve got a pair of case studies from some of our consultants diving into how their specialties intersect with the headlines this month.  If you want to hire any of the brilliant minds at Mighty Diamonds, head to [our Website.](https://www.mighty.diamonds/)*** --- ## The Great Decentralization - Tectonic Shifts of 2026 The old guard lie in ruin, and the people will rule. The world of video games has been cracking open for years now, but here in 2026 the last walls of the gatekeepers are being torn down. Democracy has come for games. Tools, engines and middleware allow single-person studios to create the kind of million dollar games that previously would have required specialized tools years of development and serious investment. Putting your game in front of a couple hundred million potential players on Steam requires $100 and a couple of hours of documentation reading. Getting them to pay any attention is another problem, but that’s just part and parcel with democracy. Valve, so far, has owned an increasingly large slice of this shifting market, and it’s hard to imagine that will do anything but accelerate. The slow Valve rollout of hardware attracted a niche, but appears to now be becoming a genuine threat to the console markets. On paper, there’s little the average console can do against a platform that presents a high fidelity experience in the living room, with better access to new and experimental games at better prices with no monthly online fee to play. The “Console Wars” are over, replaced by platforms less interested in walling their gardens. And yet even there, the rules never stop changing. Take for example the upcoming UGC platform S&Box (Release date: April 26, 2026), the successor to Garrys Mod (a 20 year old game), now allows developers to be able to export their games as standalone products to be published on Steam with no fee attached. Let’s read that again, **NO FEE ATTACHED!!!** There are so many layers to this, on the platform front, content and asset front and on the engine front. What already seemed like a frighteningly open platform chips away at its last few barriers to clear skies for millions of potential game makers. It is, in many ways, terrifying. Particularly if you’re a professional that has built your skills and career inside a totally different ecosystem. And yet creativity has a way of bubbling from the bottom up, in games or elsewhere. People forget that both Counter-Strike and Dota, the top 2 games the past 10 years on Steam are both born out of the modding scene, coming out of early UGC platforms like Half Life and World of Warcraft. Allowing people to use the bones of something that came before to build something new is as old as games: [a couple of college students made the precursor to ](https://people.ece.cornell.edu/land/courses/ece4760/FinalProjects/s2002/bci2/Pong_Intro.html)*[Pong](https://people.ece.cornell.edu/land/courses/ece4760/FinalProjects/s2002/bci2/Pong_Intro.html)*[ using an oscilloscope.](https://people.ece.cornell.edu/land/courses/ece4760/FinalProjects/s2002/bci2/Pong_Intro.html) And we’ve been talking about Steam so far: A developer from 10 years ago would barely recognize the Steam of today, and they would sure as hell not recognize Roblox, a wide-open fever dream with CCU numbers that read like exorbitant punchlines to industry veterans. Forget $100: here you really just need an enthusiastic 10-year old. (correction, is the Roblox enshittification just starting? Read:“[New Publishing Requirements & Evaluation Process for Games](https://devforum.roblox.com/t/new-publishing-requirements-evaluation-process-for-games/4573166)”) The decentralization of power in games is real, and it is moving fast. Investments and publishing deals are going to look very different from what is available today. As has been the case for the last couple of decades, we can look to the music industry for a glimpse of the future, where radical openness has reshaped the industry and stitched portions of it back together again ever since Napster. Where once record labels were the all powerful starmakers and arbiters of trend, now the biggest names are the artists themselves: who rake in massive paydays from tours, while companies like Spotify fill the “platform” role by making a huge amount of money and generally not doing anything. Thank God for Valve! --- ### **What are Casey’s kids playing?** **Arc Raiders: **I guess they are burnt out at the moment and taking a break, it’s been an intense 4 months of fun shooting arcs. But we crave more content that can make us come back. However, my youngest is contemplating building the big project and starting over progression. **Balatro: **Gambling is haram for a reason people. If anything, this is the game that will teach you why gambling should not be allowed in society. However, the kids are having fun doing math, unlocking jokers to min/max their strategies and I guess that is a bit less haram than gambling. **Slay the Spire II: **This is the game that is played the most on our Steam Deck at the moment. Why you ask? Because the game is not available on PlayStation, and we have our Steam Deck hooked up to the tv in the living room. Prior to StSII releasing, we were playing the first game non-stop. With more content and options, we are enjoying the new game immensely. --- *Gies is a **free-for-all **newsletter | *Press **F** to support us! [F](https://giesweekly.substack.com/subscribe) --- --- ## Take-Two Lays Off AI Team | Mario Galaxy Movie Hits $370M | Hazelight Studio celebrates 50 million games _Published 2026-04-10 on giesweekly.substack.com. [Read original](https://giesweekly.substack.com/p/apple-takes-epic-fight-to-supreme)_ > Take-Two Interactive laid off its head of AI and multiple team members, weeks after the company’s CEO publicly endorsed generative AI. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie earned over $370 million globally in its first five days of release.Hazelight Sales Data Shows How Much Money Can Be Made Without Being Anti-Player ** We break down these stories on this week’s podcast. Listen on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@giesweekly) or [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/3NiMWvLibANf1tvxFYFQgh)** #### Numbers - No numbers! #### News - [Social gaming platform ](https://techcrunch.com/2026/03/31/social-gaming-platform-rec-room-once-valued-at-3-5b-is-shutting-down/)**[Rec Room](https://techcrunch.com/2026/03/31/social-gaming-platform-rec-room-once-valued-at-3-5b-is-shutting-down/)**[, once valued at $3.5B, is shutting down](https://techcrunch.com/2026/03/31/social-gaming-platform-rec-room-once-valued-at-3-5b-is-shutting-down/) - **[007 First Light](https://insider-gaming.com/007-first-light-nintendo-switch-2-delayed/)**[ is delayed on the Nintendo Switch 2](https://insider-gaming.com/007-first-light-nintendo-switch-2-delayed/) - **[PUBG: Battlegrounds](https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/pubg-battlegrounds-new-pve-mode-is-all-about-fighting-off-an-alien-invasion-andor-hiding-in-a-big-man-made-dirt-hole)**[‘ new PvE mode is all about fighting off an alien invasion, and/or hiding in a big man-made dirt hole](https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/pubg-battlegrounds-new-pve-mode-is-all-about-fighting-off-an-alien-invasion-andor-hiding-in-a-big-man-made-dirt-hole) - **[Star Wars Eclipse](https://insider-gaming.com/star-wars-eclipse-development-is-very-slow-going/)**[ development is ‘very slow going’, remains years from completion](https://insider-gaming.com/star-wars-eclipse-development-is-very-slow-going/) #### Industry Trends - **[Arc Raiders ](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/third-person-shooter/arc-raiders-is-a-trojan-horse-for-demonstrating-ai-tool-usage-in-game-development-according-to-nexon-after-embark-built-two-hits-at-a-fraction-of-the-cost-youd-expect/)**[is a 'Trojan Horse' for demonstrating AI tool usage in game development, according to Nexon, after Embark built two hits at 'a fraction of the cost you’d expect'](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/third-person-shooter/arc-raiders-is-a-trojan-horse-for-demonstrating-ai-tool-usage-in-game-development-according-to-nexon-after-embark-built-two-hits-at-a-fraction-of-the-cost-youd-expect/) - **[GTA 5](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/grand-theft-auto/my-20-year-tenure-is-no-longer-good-enough-gta-5-red-dead-redemption-veteran-says-getting-a-job-is-a-toss-of-coin-right-now-when-everyone-is-as-experienced-as-you-are/)**[ and ](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/grand-theft-auto/my-20-year-tenure-is-no-longer-good-enough-gta-5-red-dead-redemption-veteran-says-getting-a-job-is-a-toss-of-coin-right-now-when-everyone-is-as-experienced-as-you-are/)**[Red Dead Redemption](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/grand-theft-auto/my-20-year-tenure-is-no-longer-good-enough-gta-5-red-dead-redemption-veteran-says-getting-a-job-is-a-toss-of-coin-right-now-when-everyone-is-as-experienced-as-you-are/)**[ veteran says 20-year tenure is ‘no longer good enough’ to land a job](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/grand-theft-auto/my-20-year-tenure-is-no-longer-good-enough-gta-5-red-dead-redemption-veteran-says-getting-a-job-is-a-toss-of-coin-right-now-when-everyone-is-as-experienced-as-you-are/) - **[The First Descendant](https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2026/04/02/the-first-descendent-has-no-staying-power-admits-nexon/)**[ has no staying power, admits Nexon](https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2026/04/02/the-first-descendent-has-no-staying-power-admits-nexon/) - ["Any update is a bonus not a right": ](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/co-op/any-update-is-a-bonus-not-a-right-peak-co-developer-landfall-reminds-impatient-fans-its-not-a-live-service-studio/)**[Peak ](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/co-op/any-update-is-a-bonus-not-a-right-peak-co-developer-landfall-reminds-impatient-fans-its-not-a-live-service-studio/)**[co-developer Landfall reminds impatient fans it's not a live-service studio](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/co-op/any-update-is-a-bonus-not-a-right-peak-co-developer-landfall-reminds-impatient-fans-its-not-a-live-service-studio/) #### Rumors - **[Nintendo](https://9to5toys.com/2026/04/07/nintendo-2026-leak-rumor-roundup-new-zelda-metroid-starfox-special-edition-switch-2-more/)**[ 2026 leak roundup: Zelda Ocarina of Time remake, new Star Fox, Metroid reportedly in the pipeline](https://9to5toys.com/2026/04/07/nintendo-2026-leak-rumor-roundup-new-zelda-metroid-starfox-special-edition-switch-2-more/) - **[Assassin's Creed Black Flag](https://insider-gaming.com/black-flag-remake-reveal-date-revealed/)**[ Remake Announcement is Planned for Next Week - Insider Gaming](https://insider-gaming.com/black-flag-remake-reveal-date-revealed/) - **[Mass Effect](https://www.ign.com/articles/mass-effect-prime-video-series-amazon-tv-boss-reportedly-requested-rewrites-to-make-it-more-appealing-to-non-gamers)**[ Prime Video series reportedly rewritten at Amazon boss’s request to appeal to non-gamers](https://www.ign.com/articles/mass-effect-prime-video-series-amazon-tv-boss-reportedly-requested-rewrites-to-make-it-more-appealing-to-non-gamers) --- We break down these stories on this week’s podcast. Listen on **[YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@giesweekly)** or **[Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/3NiMWvLibANf1tvxFYFQgh)** *The Monthly Takeaway is available to paid subscribers.* [Subscribe now](https://giesweekly.substack.com/subscribe?) --- ## Sony Hikes PS5 Prices Again | Eidos Montreal Cancels Wildlands | Ninth Circuit Rules Against Apple in Epic Case _Published 2026-04-03 on giesweekly.substack.com. [Read original](https://giesweekly.substack.com/p/sony-hikes-ps5-prices-again-eidos)_ > Sony announced price increases of $100 to $150 across all PS5 hardware effective April 2, the second hike in under a year. > Eidos Montreal cancelled Wildlands, a 7+ year project that cost hundreds of millions, triggering 124 layoffs. > PUBG Blindspot will shut down forever after this weekend. ** We break down these stories on this week’s podcast. Listen on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@giesweekly) or [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/3NiMWvLibANf1tvxFYFQgh)** ####  Numbers - [As ](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/as-crimson-desert-nears-5-million-sales-pearl-abyss-ceo-says-its-looking-into-a-switch-2-port/)**[Crimson Desert](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/as-crimson-desert-nears-5-million-sales-pearl-abyss-ceo-says-its-looking-into-a-switch-2-port/)**[ nears 5 million sales, Pearl Abyss CEO says it’s looking into a Switch 2 port](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/as-crimson-desert-nears-5-million-sales-pearl-abyss-ceo-says-its-looking-into-a-switch-2-port/) - **[Death Stranding 2](https://www.eurogamer.net/death-stranding-2-on-the-beachs-pc-release-takes-sequels-total-sales-past-2-million)**[: On the Beach’s PC release takes sequel’s total sales past 2 million](https://www.eurogamer.net/death-stranding-2-on-the-beachs-pc-release-takes-sequels-total-sales-past-2-million) ####  News - **[Bungie](https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2026/03/were-in-it-for-the-long-haul-bungie-rejects-rumours-it-could-move-on-from-marathon-after-unremarkable-ps5-sales)**[ Rejects Rumours It Could Move on from Marathon After Unremarkable PS5 Sales](https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2026/03/were-in-it-for-the-long-haul-bungie-rejects-rumours-it-could-move-on-from-marathon-after-unremarkable-ps5-sales) - [France’s leading consumer association files lawsuit against ](https://www.eurogamer.net/new-lawsuit-filed-in-france-against-ubisoft-over-the-crew-shutdown)**[Ubisoft](https://www.eurogamer.net/new-lawsuit-filed-in-france-against-ubisoft-over-the-crew-shutdown)**[ over The Crew shutdown](https://www.eurogamer.net/new-lawsuit-filed-in-france-against-ubisoft-over-the-crew-shutdown) - [Resident Evil director’s new AAA studio joins forces with ](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/action-rpg/resident-evil-directors-new-aaa-studio-is-joining-forces-with-stellar-blade-developer-shift-up-to-create-a-masterpiece-of-a-game-and-no-this-isnt-an-april-fools-joke/)**[Shift Up](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/action-rpg/resident-evil-directors-new-aaa-studio-is-joining-forces-with-stellar-blade-developer-shift-up-to-create-a-masterpiece-of-a-game-and-no-this-isnt-an-april-fools-joke/)**[ to create a new game](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/action-rpg/resident-evil-directors-new-aaa-studio-is-joining-forces-with-stellar-blade-developer-shift-up-to-create-a-masterpiece-of-a-game-and-no-this-isnt-an-april-fools-joke/) ####  Industry Trends - [It turns out ](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/it-turns-out-fortnite-isnt-the-forever-game-after-all-opinion)**[Fortnite](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/it-turns-out-fortnite-isnt-the-forever-game-after-all-opinion)**[ isn’t the forever game after all](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/it-turns-out-fortnite-isnt-the-forever-game-after-all-opinion) - [‘This is definitely crashier’: John and Brenda ](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/we-were-there-in-the-80s-for-the-crash-and-this-is-definitely-crashier-john-and-brenda-romero-reflect-on-the-industry-crisis)**[Romero](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/we-were-there-in-the-80s-for-the-crash-and-this-is-definitely-crashier-john-and-brenda-romero-reflect-on-the-industry-crisis)**[ reflect on the industry crisis](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/we-were-there-in-the-80s-for-the-crash-and-this-is-definitely-crashier-john-and-brenda-romero-reflect-on-the-industry-crisis) - [A new breed of ‘outsider ](https://www.polygon.com/new-aaa-studios/)**[AAA](https://www.polygon.com/new-aaa-studios/)**[‘ studios is taking over the games industry](https://www.polygon.com/new-aaa-studios/) - **[PlayStation](https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2026/03/playstation-studios-mobile-push-seems-dead-as-layoff-reports-continue)**[ Studios’ Mobile Push Seems Dead as Layoff Reports Continue](https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2026/03/playstation-studios-mobile-push-seems-dead-as-layoff-reports-continue) - [Here’s how US ](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/heres-how-us-tariffs-have-affected-pc-gaming-hardware-from-paused-shipments-to-new-investments/)**[tariffs](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/heres-how-us-tariffs-have-affected-pc-gaming-hardware-from-paused-shipments-to-new-investments/)**[ have affected PC gaming hardware, from paused shipments to new investments](https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/heres-how-us-tariffs-have-affected-pc-gaming-hardware-from-paused-shipments-to-new-investments/) #### 狼 Rumors - No rumors! --- *Subscribe and support!* [Subscribe now](https://giesweekly.substack.com/subscribe?) --- ## Epic Games Cuts 1,000 Jobs | Savvy Acquires Moonton for $6B | Crimson Desert AI Apology _Published 2026-03-27 on giesweekly.substack.com. [Read original](https://giesweekly.substack.com/p/epic-games-cuts-1000-jobs-savvy-acquires)_ > Epic Games cut over 1,000 employees on March 24, attributing the decision to Fortnite’s declining engagement since 2025 and costs that now exceed revenue.Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group agreed to acquire Moonton, developer of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, from ByteDance for $6 billion in one of the six largest gaming acquisitions on record. Pearl Abyss apologized for including AI-generated assets in Crimson Desert’s launch version and issued a patch, pledging a full audit and replacement of affected content. #### Numbers - [Pearl Abyss confirms ](https://www.altchar.com/game-news/pearl-abyss-confirm-crimson-desert-has-sold-3-million-copies-since-launch-a2vJN7L6a7kU)**[Crimson Desert](https://www.altchar.com/game-news/pearl-abyss-confirm-crimson-desert-has-sold-3-million-copies-since-launch-a2vJN7L6a7kU)**[ has sold ](https://www.altchar.com/game-news/pearl-abyss-confirm-crimson-desert-has-sold-3-million-copies-since-launch-a2vJN7L6a7kU)**[3 million](https://www.altchar.com/game-news/pearl-abyss-confirm-crimson-desert-has-sold-3-million-copies-since-launch-a2vJN7L6a7kU)**[ copies since launch](https://www.altchar.com/game-news/pearl-abyss-confirm-crimson-desert-has-sold-3-million-copies-since-launch-a2vJN7L6a7kU) #### News - [Nintendo to cut ](https://www.gonintendo.com/contents/59134-bloomberg-nintendo-to-cut-switch-2-production-by-30-this-quarter-after-slower-than)**[Switch 2](https://www.gonintendo.com/contents/59134-bloomberg-nintendo-to-cut-switch-2-production-by-30-this-quarter-after-slower-than)**[ production by 30% this quarter after slower-than-expected holiday season sales](https://www.gonintendo.com/contents/59134-bloomberg-nintendo-to-cut-switch-2-production-by-30-this-quarter-after-slower-than) | **[Nintendo ](https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-switch-2-physical-games-will-now-be-more-expensive-than-digital-versions-with-10-price-difference-for-yoshi-and-the-mysterious-book)**[Clarifies ‘The Cost of Physical Games Is Not Going Up’](https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-switch-2-physical-games-will-now-be-more-expensive-than-digital-versions-with-10-price-difference-for-yoshi-and-the-mysterious-book) - **[Metacritic](https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/metacritic-2025-rankings-show-a-major-shift-in-top-publishers/2900-7637/)**['s 2025 Rankings Show A Major Shift In Top Publishers](https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/metacritic-2025-rankings-show-a-major-shift-in-top-publishers/2900-7637/) - **[PlayStation ](https://insider-gaming.com/playstation-shuts-down-dark-outlaw-games/)**[Shuts Down ](https://insider-gaming.com/playstation-shuts-down-dark-outlaw-games/)**[Dark Outlaw Games](https://insider-gaming.com/playstation-shuts-down-dark-outlaw-games/)** - **[Fortnite ](https://www.polygon.com/fortnite-star-wars-uefn-update-assets-maps-how-does-it-work-disney/)**[creator update will change ](https://www.polygon.com/fortnite-star-wars-uefn-update-assets-maps-how-does-it-work-disney/)**[Star Wars](https://www.polygon.com/fortnite-star-wars-uefn-update-assets-maps-how-does-it-work-disney/)**[ video games forever](https://www.polygon.com/fortnite-star-wars-uefn-update-assets-maps-how-does-it-work-disney/) - **[Disney ](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/michielbuijsman_%F0%9D%90%83%F0%9D%90%A2%F0%9D%90%AC%F0%9D%90%A7%F0%9D%90%9E%F0%9D%90%B2-%F0%9D%90%9D%F0%9D%90%A2%F0%9D%90%9D%F0%9D%90%A7%F0%9D%90%AD-%F0%9D%90%A2%F0%9D%90%A7%F0%9D%90%AF%F0%9D%90%9E%F0%9D%90%AC%F0%9D%90%AD-%F0%9D%9F%8F-activity-7441973901200351232-kgkC/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAAd2aYBQojVQj1jsMnok4JWaGO-SSYQRc4)**[didn’t invest $1.5B into ](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/michielbuijsman_%F0%9D%90%83%F0%9D%90%A2%F0%9D%90%AC%F0%9D%90%A7%F0%9D%90%9E%F0%9D%90%B2-%F0%9D%90%9D%F0%9D%90%A2%F0%9D%90%9D%F0%9D%90%A7%F0%9D%90%AD-%F0%9D%90%A2%F0%9D%90%A7%F0%9D%90%AF%F0%9D%90%9E%F0%9D%90%AC%F0%9D%90%AD-%F0%9D%9F%8F-activity-7441973901200351232-kgkC/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAAd2aYBQojVQj1jsMnok4JWaGO-SSYQRc4)**[Epic ](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/michielbuijsman_%F0%9D%90%83%F0%9D%90%A2%F0%9D%90%AC%F0%9D%90%A7%F0%9D%90%9E%F0%9D%90%B2-%F0%9D%90%9D%F0%9D%90%A2%F0%9D%90%9D%F0%9D%90%A7%F0%9D%90%AD-%F0%9D%90%A2%F0%9D%90%A7%F0%9D%90%AF%F0%9D%90%9E%F0%9D%90%AC%F0%9D%90%AD-%F0%9D%9F%8F-activity-7441973901200351232-kgkC/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAAd2aYBQojVQj1jsMnok4JWaGO-SSYQRc4)**[to sell lightsaber skins](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/michielbuijsman_%F0%9D%90%83%F0%9D%90%A2%F0%9D%90%AC%F0%9D%90%A7%F0%9D%90%9E%F0%9D%90%B2-%F0%9D%90%9D%F0%9D%90%A2%F0%9D%90%9D%F0%9D%90%A7%F0%9D%90%AD-%F0%9D%90%A2%F0%9D%90%A7%F0%9D%90%AF%F0%9D%90%9E%F0%9D%90%AC%F0%9D%90%AD-%F0%9D%9F%8F-activity-7441973901200351232-kgkC/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAAd2aYBQojVQj1jsMnok4JWaGO-SSYQRc4) #### Industry Trends - **[Behaviour Interactive](https://www.gematsu.com/2026/03/behaviour-interactive-acquires-the-fun-pimps)**[ acquires ](https://www.gematsu.com/2026/03/behaviour-interactive-acquires-the-fun-pimps)**[The Fun Pimps](https://www.gematsu.com/2026/03/behaviour-interactive-acquires-the-fun-pimps)** - [Why Kids Will Be the First True ](https://medium.com/arbitrum-gaming-ventures/why-kids-will-be-the-first-true-ai-native-creators-8dba27337429)**[AI-Native Creators](https://medium.com/arbitrum-gaming-ventures/why-kids-will-be-the-first-true-ai-native-creators-8dba27337429)** - **[Ubisoft](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/ubisoft-ends-game-development-at-tom-clancy-studio-red-storm-resulting-in-105-job-losses/)**[ ‘ends game development’ at Tom Clancy studio, Red Storm, resulting in 105 job losses](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/ubisoft-ends-game-development-at-tom-clancy-studio-red-storm-resulting-in-105-job-losses/) - [Ex-](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/ex-blizzard-president-says-gamers-need-to-man-up-over-ai-usage-in-games-after-crimson-desert-devs-issue-apology/)**[Blizzard](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/ex-blizzard-president-says-gamers-need-to-man-up-over-ai-usage-in-games-after-crimson-desert-devs-issue-apology/)**[ president says gamers need to ‘man up’ over AI usage in games after Crimson Desert devs issue apology](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/ex-blizzard-president-says-gamers-need-to-man-up-over-ai-usage-in-games-after-crimson-desert-devs-issue-apology/) #### Rumors - [New Nintendo ](https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-switch-2-with-removable-battery-in-production-report-reveals-but-only-for-europe)**[Switch 2](https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-switch-2-with-removable-battery-in-production-report-reveals-but-only-for-europe)**[ Model in Production for Europe, Report Reveals](https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-switch-2-with-removable-battery-in-production-report-reveals-but-only-for-europe) --- We break down these stories on this week’s podcast. Listen on **[YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@giesweekly)** or **[Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/3NiMWvLibANf1tvxFYFQgh)** *The Monthly Takeaway is available to paid subscribers.* [Subscribe now](https://giesweekly.substack.com/subscribe?) --- ## Loot Boxes Get PEGI 16 | Meta Kills Horizon Worlds VR | Subnautica 2 CEO Reinstated by Court _Published 2026-03-20 on giesweekly.substack.com. [Read original](https://giesweekly.substack.com/p/w11-2026)_ Loot boxes will carry a minimum PEGI 16 rating from this summer, the first binding age-gate tied specifically to randomized monetization in Europe. A US judge ordered Krafton to reinstate the fired Subnautica 2 studio CEO and hand him full control of the Early Access launch, a rare legal override of a publisher's internal authority. Meanwhile, Newzoo projects that PC will overtake console revenue by 2028, and Saudi money continues to flow into Japanese IP with a 5% stake in Capcom.  We break down these stories on this week’s podcast. Listen on **[YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@giesweekly)** or **[Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/3NiMWvLibANf1tvxFYFQgh)** ####  Highlights - [All games with loot boxes in them will be rated minimum ](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/all-games-with-loot-boxes-in-them-will-be-rated-minimum-pegi-16-starting-this-summer/)**[PEGI 16](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/all-games-with-loot-boxes-in-them-will-be-rated-minimum-pegi-16-starting-this-summer/)**[, starting this summer](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/all-games-with-loot-boxes-in-them-will-be-rated-minimum-pegi-16-starting-this-summer/) - [Judge Orders ](https://kotaku.com/subnautica-2-ted-gill-unknown-worlds-lawsuit-krafton-2000679131)**[Subnautica 2](https://kotaku.com/subnautica-2-ted-gill-unknown-worlds-lawsuit-krafton-2000679131)**[ Studio CEO Fired By ](https://kotaku.com/subnautica-2-ted-gill-unknown-worlds-lawsuit-krafton-2000679131)**[Krafton](https://kotaku.com/subnautica-2-ted-gill-unknown-worlds-lawsuit-krafton-2000679131)**[ To Be Reinstated And Gives Him Full Control Over Early Access Steam Launch](https://kotaku.com/subnautica-2-ted-gill-unknown-worlds-lawsuit-krafton-2000679131) ####  News - **[Meta ](https://www.theshortcut.com/p/meta-is-shutting-down-horizon-worlds-vr-despite-investing-billions-into-the-metaverse?hide_intro_popup=true)**[is shutting down ](https://www.theshortcut.com/p/meta-is-shutting-down-horizon-worlds-vr-despite-investing-billions-into-the-metaverse?hide_intro_popup=true)**[Horizon Worlds VR](https://www.theshortcut.com/p/meta-is-shutting-down-horizon-worlds-vr-despite-investing-billions-into-the-metaverse?hide_intro_popup=true)**[, despite investing billions into the metaverse](https://www.theshortcut.com/p/meta-is-shutting-down-horizon-worlds-vr-despite-investing-billions-into-the-metaverse?hide_intro_popup=true) - [Pearl Abyss stock dives as ](http://PC will overtake console revenue by 2028, says Newzoo)**[Crimson Desert](http://PC will overtake console revenue by 2028, says Newzoo)**[ reviews miss expectations](http://PC will overtake console revenue by 2028, says Newzoo) - **[Monster Hunter Stories 3](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/monster-hunter/monster-hunter-stories-3-hits-a-record-player-count-on-steam-for-capcoms-cozier-spin-off-rpg-series/)**[ Hits a Record Player Count on Steam for ](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/monster-hunter/monster-hunter-stories-3-hits-a-record-player-count-on-steam-for-capcoms-cozier-spin-off-rpg-series/)**[Capcom](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/monster-hunter/monster-hunter-stories-3-hits-a-record-player-count-on-steam-for-capcoms-cozier-spin-off-rpg-series/)**[‘s Cozier Spin-Off RPG Series](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/monster-hunter/monster-hunter-stories-3-hits-a-record-player-count-on-steam-for-capcoms-cozier-spin-off-rpg-series/) - **[Nintendo Switch 2](https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/nintendo/nintendo-switch-2-update-brings-handheld-mode-boost-unlocks-higher-resolutions-and-tv-mode-performance-for-original-switch-games)**[ Update Brings Handheld Mode Boost . Unlocks Higher Resolutions and TV-Mode Performance for Original Switch Games](https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/nintendo/nintendo-switch-2-update-brings-handheld-mode-boost-unlocks-higher-resolutions-and-tv-mode-performance-for-original-switch-games) - [Minecraft meets Wind Waker . Hytale with airships, ](https://www.eurogamer.net/minecraft-meets-wind-waker-hytale-with-airships-everwind-is-steams-latest-big-early-access-release-and-it-could-be-a-winner-with-time)**[Everwind](https://www.eurogamer.net/minecraft-meets-wind-waker-hytale-with-airships-everwind-is-steams-latest-big-early-access-release-and-it-could-be-a-winner-with-time)**[ is Steam’s latest big early access release and it could be a winner with time](https://www.eurogamer.net/minecraft-meets-wind-waker-hytale-with-airships-everwind-is-steams-latest-big-early-access-release-and-it-could-be-a-winner-with-time) ####  Industry Trends - **[PC](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/pc-will-overtake-console-revenue-by-2028-says-newzoo)**[ will overtake console revenue by 2028, says ](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/pc-will-overtake-console-revenue-by-2028-says-newzoo)**[Newzoo](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/pc-will-overtake-console-revenue-by-2028-says-newzoo)** - **[Hasbro](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/hasbro-ceo-thinks-the-video-game-industry-needs-to-think-about-things-differently)**[ CEO thinks the video game industry needs to think about things differently](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/hasbro-ceo-thinks-the-video-game-industry-needs-to-think-about-things-differently) - [Saudi Investment Firm Acquires a 5% Stake in ](https://insider-gaming.com/saudi-investment-firm-acquires-major-stake-in-capcom/)**[Capcom](https://insider-gaming.com/saudi-investment-firm-acquires-major-stake-in-capcom/)** - [Why Free Games Still Matter to ](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/why-free-games-still-matter-to-epic-hundreds-of-giveaways-later/1100-6538866/)**[Epic](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/why-free-games-still-matter-to-epic-hundreds-of-giveaways-later/1100-6538866/)**[, Hundreds of Giveaways Later](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/why-free-games-still-matter-to-epic-hundreds-of-giveaways-later/1100-6538866/) - **[ASUS](https://www.eteknix.com/asus-co-ceo-says-macbook-neo-is-a-blow-to-the-pc-market/)**[ Co-CEO Says ](https://www.eteknix.com/asus-co-ceo-says-macbook-neo-is-a-blow-to-the-pc-market/)**[MacBook Neo](https://www.eteknix.com/asus-co-ceo-says-macbook-neo-is-a-blow-to-the-pc-market/)**[ Is a Blow to the PC Market](https://www.eteknix.com/asus-co-ceo-says-macbook-neo-is-a-blow-to-the-pc-market/) #### 狼 Rumors - No rumors! ####  Numbers - [As it passes ](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/as-it-passes-6-million-sales-capcom-officially-confirms-resident-evil-requiem-is-the-series-fastest-selling-game/)**[6 million](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/as-it-passes-6-million-sales-capcom-officially-confirms-resident-evil-requiem-is-the-series-fastest-selling-game/)**[ sales, ](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/as-it-passes-6-million-sales-capcom-officially-confirms-resident-evil-requiem-is-the-series-fastest-selling-game/)**[Capcom](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/as-it-passes-6-million-sales-capcom-officially-confirms-resident-evil-requiem-is-the-series-fastest-selling-game/)**[ officially confirms ](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/as-it-passes-6-million-sales-capcom-officially-confirms-resident-evil-requiem-is-the-series-fastest-selling-game/)**[Resident Evil Requiem](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/as-it-passes-6-million-sales-capcom-officially-confirms-resident-evil-requiem-is-the-series-fastest-selling-game/)**[ is the series’ fastest selling game](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/as-it-passes-6-million-sales-capcom-officially-confirms-resident-evil-requiem-is-the-series-fastest-selling-game/) --- *Subscribe and support! * [Subscribe now](https://giesweekly.substack.com/subscribe?) --- ## Valve Fights Loot Box Lawsuit | Epic Raises V-Bucks Prices | Xbox Unveils Project Helix _Published 2026-03-13 on giesweekly.substack.com. [Read original](https://giesweekly.substack.com/p/w10-2026)_ Valve compared loot boxes to Magic cards and Labubu toys in its defense against New York’s gambling lawsuit, while Epic raised V-Bucks prices to cover rising costs. Xbox revealed Project Helix, a console designed to play PC games, and Nintendo sued the U.S. government over tariffs. ** We break down these stories on this week’s podcast. Listen on [YouTube ](https://www.youtube.com/@giesweekly)or [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/3NiMWvLibANf1tvxFYFQgh)** ####  Highlights - **[Valve ](https://www.polygon.com/valve-response-new-york-attorney-general-lawsuit-loot-boxes-gambling/)**[fires back at New York lawsuit over](https://www.polygon.com/valve-response-new-york-attorney-general-lawsuit-loot-boxes-gambling/)**[ loot boxes](https://www.polygon.com/valve-response-new-york-attorney-general-lawsuit-loot-boxes-gambling/)**[, says they’re like Magic cards or Labubu](https://www.polygon.com/valve-response-new-york-attorney-general-lawsuit-loot-boxes-gambling/) - [Epic raises price of ](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c70kypnl4w8o)**[Fortnite](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c70kypnl4w8o)**['s V-Bucks to 'help pay the bills'](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c70kypnl4w8o) | [Fortnite's ](https://news.instant-gaming.com/en/articles/18472-fortnite-s-save-the-world-will-be-free-from-april-16)**[Save the World](https://news.instant-gaming.com/en/articles/18472-fortnite-s-save-the-world-will-be-free-from-april-16)**[ will be free from April 16](https://news.instant-gaming.com/en/articles/18472-fortnite-s-save-the-world-will-be-free-from-april-16) ####  News - **[Xbox ](https://www.purexbox.com/news/2026/03/xbox-announces-new-project-helix-console-says-it-will-play-pc-games)**[Announces New '](https://www.purexbox.com/news/2026/03/xbox-announces-new-project-helix-console-says-it-will-play-pc-games)**[Project Helix](https://www.purexbox.com/news/2026/03/xbox-announces-new-project-helix-console-says-it-will-play-pc-games)**[' Console, Says It Will Play PC Games](https://www.purexbox.com/news/2026/03/xbox-announces-new-project-helix-console-says-it-will-play-pc-games) - [Sales data indicates Sony's ](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/sales-data-indicates-sonys-ps5-ports-are-increasingly-losing-audience-share-on-pc-but-only-because-of-release-timing)**[PS5 ](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/sales-data-indicates-sonys-ps5-ports-are-increasingly-losing-audience-share-on-pc-but-only-because-of-release-timing)**[ports are increasingly losing audience share on PC, but only because of release timing](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/sales-data-indicates-sonys-ps5-ports-are-increasingly-losing-audience-share-on-pc-but-only-because-of-release-timing) - **[Nintendo ](https://aftermath.site/nintendo-tariffs-sue/)**[Suing U.S. Government Over Tariffs](https://aftermath.site/nintendo-tariffs-sue/) - **[The Division 2](https://www.eurogamer.net/the-division-2-breaks-its-own-concurrent-steam-record-7-years-after-it-was-first-released)**[ breaks its own concurrent Steam record, 7 years after it was first released](https://www.eurogamer.net/the-division-2-breaks-its-own-concurrent-steam-record-7-years-after-it-was-first-released) - [After listening to your complaints, Bungie is making it just a tad less annoying to buy cosmetics in ](https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/after-listening-to-your-complaints-bungie-is-making-it-just-a-tad-less-annoying-to-buy-cosmetics-in-marathon)**[Marathon](https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/after-listening-to-your-complaints-bungie-is-making-it-just-a-tad-less-annoying-to-buy-cosmetics-in-marathon)** | [Bungie asks sites to delay Marathon reviews, with release date Steam player count below 100K](https://www.notebookcheck.net/Bungie-asks-sites-to-delay-Marathon-reviews-with-release-date-Steam-player-count-below-100K.1243596.0.html) ####  Industry Trends - [A ](https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/a-steam-machine-update-reignited-release-date-fears-but-valve-say-the-new-hardware-is-still-shipping-this-year)**[Steam Machine](https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/a-steam-machine-update-reignited-release-date-fears-but-valve-say-the-new-hardware-is-still-shipping-this-year)**[ update reignited release date fears, but Valve say the new hardware is still shipping this year](https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/a-steam-machine-update-reignited-release-date-fears-but-valve-say-the-new-hardware-is-still-shipping-this-year) - [Iran War Threatens ](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-12/iran-war-threatens-saudi-arabia-s-38-billion-video-game-push)**[Saudi Arabia](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-12/iran-war-threatens-saudi-arabia-s-38-billion-video-game-push)**[’s $38 Billion Video Game Push](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-12/iran-war-threatens-saudi-arabia-s-38-billion-video-game-push) - [Overwatch co-creator ](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/overwatch-co-creator-jeff-kaplan-on-his-exit-from-activision-blizzard-it-was-the-biggest-f-k-you-moment-ive-had-in-may-career/)**[Jeff Kaplan](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/overwatch-co-creator-jeff-kaplan-on-his-exit-from-activision-blizzard-it-was-the-biggest-f-k-you-moment-ive-had-in-may-career/)**[ on his exit from Activision Blizzard: 'It was the biggest f**k you moment I've had in my career'](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/overwatch-co-creator-jeff-kaplan-on-his-exit-from-activision-blizzard-it-was-the-biggest-f-k-you-moment-ive-had-in-may-career/) - [Sony is testing dynamic pricing: one game - different prices on the ](https://psprices.com/news/sony-ab-testing-prices/)**[PlayStation ](https://psprices.com/news/sony-ab-testing-prices/)**[Store](https://psprices.com/news/sony-ab-testing-prices/) - [EA Lays Off Staff Across All Battlefield Studios Following Record-Breaking ](https://www.ign.com/articles/ea-lays-off-staff-across-all-battlefield-studios-following-record-breaking-battlefield-6-launch)**[Battlefield 6](https://www.ign.com/articles/ea-lays-off-staff-across-all-battlefield-studios-following-record-breaking-battlefield-6-launch)**[ Launch](https://www.ign.com/articles/ea-lays-off-staff-across-all-battlefield-studios-following-record-breaking-battlefield-6-launch) #### 狼 Rumors - No rumors! ####  Numbers - **[Slay the Spire 2](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/slay-the-spire-2-hits-nearly-575000-concurrent-players-almost-beating-silksongs-record)**[ hits nearly ](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/slay-the-spire-2-hits-nearly-575000-concurrent-players-almost-beating-silksongs-record)**[575,000 concurrent players](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/slay-the-spire-2-hits-nearly-575000-concurrent-players-almost-beating-silksongs-record)**[, almost beating Silksong's record](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/slay-the-spire-2-hits-nearly-575000-concurrent-players-almost-beating-silksongs-record) - **[Silent Hill 2](https://www.vgchartz.com/article/467265/silent-hill-2-remake-tops-5-million-players/)**[ Remake Tops ](https://www.vgchartz.com/article/467265/silent-hill-2-remake-tops-5-million-players/)**[5 Million Players](https://www.vgchartz.com/article/467265/silent-hill-2-remake-tops-5-million-players/)** - **[Pokemon Pokopia ](https://www.vgchartz.com/article/467264/pokemon-pokopia-sales-top-22-million-units-in-4-days/)**[Sales Top ](https://www.vgchartz.com/article/467264/pokemon-pokopia-sales-top-22-million-units-in-4-days/)**[2.2 Million Units](https://www.vgchartz.com/article/467264/pokemon-pokopia-sales-top-22-million-units-in-4-days/)**[ in 4 Days](https://www.vgchartz.com/article/467264/pokemon-pokopia-sales-top-22-million-units-in-4-days/) Emmanuel Rosier · Dave Thier · Casey Al-Kaisy All links · [YouTube ](https://www.youtube.com/@giesweekly)· [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/3NiMWvLibANf1tvxFYFQgh) --- *Gies is a **free-for-all **newsletter | *Press **F** to support us! [F](https://giesweekly.substack.com/subscribe) --- ##### About Mighty Diamonds Mighty Diamonds is a strategic video game consultancy specializing in Publishing, Design, Production, Marketing, and Business. Our mission is to empower developers in creating exceptional games. Learn more at [mighty.diamonds](https://www.mighty.diamonds). --- ## Sony Ends PC Exclusives | Highguard Shuts Down After 31 Days | Resident Evil Requiem Hits 5M _Published 2026-03-06 on giesweekly.substack.com. [Read original](https://giesweekly.substack.com/p/w09-2026)_ Get in touch through **[Linktree](https://linktr.ee/Gies.weekly)** **Want a deep dive into the week's biggest stories? Check out our podcast on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@giesweekly)&[Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/3NiMWvLibANf1tvxFYFQgh)** #### Highlights - [Sony No Longer Releasing Single-Player ](https://insider-gaming.com/sony-no-longer-releasing-single-player-playstation-exclusives-on-pc/)**[PlayStation ](https://insider-gaming.com/sony-no-longer-releasing-single-player-playstation-exclusives-on-pc/)**[Exclusives On PC](https://insider-gaming.com/sony-no-longer-releasing-single-player-playstation-exclusives-on-pc/) - **[Assassin's Creed: Black Flag ](https://www.nettosgameroom.com/2026/03/assassins-creed-black-flag-resynced.html)**[Resynced Confirmed, Assassin's Creed Unity to Receive 60 FPS PS5 and Xbox Series Patch on March 5th](https://www.nettosgameroom.com/2026/03/assassins-creed-black-flag-resynced.html) #### News - **[Highguard ](https://kotaku.com/highguard-shutting-down-less-than-50-days-after-launch-2000675453)**[Is Already Shutting Down After Only Lasting 31 Days Longer Than Concord](https://kotaku.com/highguard-shutting-down-less-than-50-days-after-launch-2000675453) - **[Steam Deck OLED ](https://twistedvoxel.com/steam-deck-oled-getting-price-hike-march-6-across-japan-south-korea-and-taiwan/)**[Getting Price Hike March 6 Across Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan](https://twistedvoxel.com/steam-deck-oled-getting-price-hike-march-6-across-japan-south-korea-and-taiwan/) - [390TB ](https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/390tb-video-game-archive-being-taken-offline-due-to-skyrocketing-ram-ssd-and-hard-drive-prices-ai-driven-supply-squeeze-results-in-closure-of-one-of-the-largest-online-video-game-archives)**[video game archive ](https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/390tb-video-game-archive-being-taken-offline-due-to-skyrocketing-ram-ssd-and-hard-drive-prices-ai-driven-supply-squeeze-results-in-closure-of-one-of-the-largest-online-video-game-archives)**[being taken offline due to skyrocketing RAM, SSD, and hard drive prices](https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/390tb-video-game-archive-being-taken-offline-due-to-skyrocketing-ram-ssd-and-hard-drive-prices-ai-driven-supply-squeeze-results-in-closure-of-one-of-the-largest-online-video-game-archives) - [Games media set for more layoffs, as IGN-owned ](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/games-media-set-for-more-layoffs-as-ign-owned-eurogamer-cuts-editorial-staff/)**[Eurogamer ](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/games-media-set-for-more-layoffs-as-ign-owned-eurogamer-cuts-editorial-staff/)**[cuts editorial staff](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/games-media-set-for-more-layoffs-as-ign-owned-eurogamer-cuts-editorial-staff/) - [Splash Damage acquires ](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/splash-damage-acquires-scum-dev-gamepires-from-jagex)**[Scum ](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/splash-damage-acquires-scum-dev-gamepires-from-jagex)**[dev Gamepires from Jagex](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/splash-damage-acquires-scum-dev-gamepires-from-jagex) #### Industry Trends - [A Year-By-Year Breakdown Of Phil Spencer's Mixed Legacy As ](https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/a-year-by-year-breakdown-of-phil-spencers-mixed-legacy-as-xbox-boss/2900-7553/)**[Xbox ](https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/a-year-by-year-breakdown-of-phil-spencers-mixed-legacy-as-xbox-boss/2900-7553/)**[Boss - GameSpot](https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/a-year-by-year-breakdown-of-phil-spencers-mixed-legacy-as-xbox-boss/2900-7553/) - ['We Don't Nickel-and-Dime People to Death' . ](https://www.ign.com/articles/we-dont-nickel-and-dime-people-to-death-warhammer-40000-space-marine-2-isnt-a-live-service-game-tim-willits-says-its-something-else)**[Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 ](https://www.ign.com/articles/we-dont-nickel-and-dime-people-to-death-warhammer-40000-space-marine-2-isnt-a-live-service-game-tim-willits-says-its-something-else)**[Isn't a Live Service Game, Tim Willits Says, It's Something Else](https://www.ign.com/articles/we-dont-nickel-and-dime-people-to-death-warhammer-40000-space-marine-2-isnt-a-live-service-game-tim-willits-says-its-something-else) - **[Stellar Blade ](https://automaton-media.com/en/news/stellar-blade-developer-shift-up-looking-to-strengthen-its-self-publishing-capabilities/)**[developer Shift Up is looking to strengthen its self-publishing capabilities](https://automaton-media.com/en/news/stellar-blade-developer-shift-up-looking-to-strengthen-its-self-publishing-capabilities/) - **[Smartphone ](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/27/smartphone-market-poised-for-sharpest-decline-on-record-in-2026-according-to-reports-memory-chip-data-center-ai-samsung-apple-google-meta.html)**[market poised for ‘sharpest decline on record’ in 2026](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/27/smartphone-market-poised-for-sharpest-decline-on-record-in-2026-according-to-reports-memory-chip-data-center-ai-samsung-apple-google-meta.html) - [Trump administration debates allowing ](https://www.reuters.com/world/china/trump-administration-debates-whether-let-tencent-keep-its-gaming-stakes-ft-2026-03-04/)**[Tencent ](https://www.reuters.com/world/china/trump-administration-debates-whether-let-tencent-keep-its-gaming-stakes-ft-2026-03-04/)**[to keep its gaming stakes, FT reports](https://www.reuters.com/world/china/trump-administration-debates-whether-let-tencent-keep-its-gaming-stakes-ft-2026-03-04/) #### Rumors - **[Resident Evil ](https://wccftech.com/resident-evil-requiem-dlc-rumor-leon-kennedy/)**[Requiem DLC "Late in Development," Code Veronica Remake Coming in 2027, RE1 Remake Has Entered Production](https://wccftech.com/resident-evil-requiem-dlc-rumor-leon-kennedy/) #### Numbers - **[Resident Evil Requiem ](https://www.capcom.co.jp/ir/english/news/html/e260304.html)**[Surpasses ](https://www.capcom.co.jp/ir/english/news/html/e260304.html)**[5 Million ](https://www.capcom.co.jp/ir/english/news/html/e260304.html)**[Units!](https://www.capcom.co.jp/ir/english/news/html/e260304.html) - **[US Physical Video Game Sales ](https://www.vgchartz.com/article/467179/us-physical-video-game-sales-falls-to-just-15-billion-in-2025/)**[Falls to Just $1.5 Billion in 2025](https://www.vgchartz.com/article/467179/us-physical-video-game-sales-falls-to-just-15-billion-in-2025/) --- *Gies is a **free-for-all **newsletter | *Press **F **to support us! [F](https://giesweekly.substack.com/subscribe) --- ##### About Mighty Diamonds Mighty Diamonds is a strategic video game consultancy specializing in Publishing, Design, Production, Marketing, and Business. Our mission is to empower developers in creating exceptional games. Learn more at [mighty.diamonds](https://www.mighty.diamonds). --- ## Monthly Takeaway | Will Xbox Survive the Xbox One? | Brand Integration in Games: Visibility vs Value _Published 2026-03-03 on giesweekly.substack.com. [Read original](https://giesweekly.substack.com/p/gies-monthly-takeaway-16)_ *Every week, GIES is here to give you the bullet points on what you need to know about the news in the gaming industry. Every month, we’re here to go a little deeper. Come for the headlines, stay for the metaphors. * ## Will Xbox Survive the Xbox One? The fact that Xbox is hurting is not exactly news. The house that Halo built has struggled to sell consoles, struggled to wrest any hits out of its power made studio acquisition spree, has struggled to earn new Game Pass subscribers, and just shed both CEO Phil Spencer and his heir apparent Sarah Bond in exchange for a new CEO straight from the world of AI: it’s bleak. It’s bleak all over, but it’s particularly bleak here. It is all too easy to Monday morning quarterback this thing and say that Bethesda just couldn’t produce the hits it needed, that Call of Duty is past its prime, that they shouldn’t have shut down Tango Gameworks, or whatever myriad things that are all ultimately true but besides the point. Phil Spencer was the replacement for Don Mattrick, that was the guy we’re really talking about here. Mattrick launched the Xbox One, and Xbox was never going to survive the Xbox One. The launch of the PS4 and Xbox One was an inflection point in the industry. Connectivity went from being a feature to an assumption: discs remained but digital storefronts began to exert their dominance, and eventually this allowed games like *Warframe* and *Destiny* to prove that live service was just as potent on console as it was on PC. But most importantly, over the course of this generation backwards compatibility became an expectation. Ironically, Xbox did a lot to make this happen, but it was going to happen anyways. And that was what ensured that Xbox was never going to live this one down. If you, a dedicated Xbox 360 player, wanted to transition to PS4, it was a pretty simple process: you just started buying PlayStation games instead. None of your Xbox 360 games were going to work on your next console anyways, no matter what it was. We don’t really need to go into why, exactly, Xbox One lost quite so badly to PS4, because there were a ton of reasons. Point being: it did. It put the company in the bind that saw Phil Spencer’s rise in the first place, and for a time there was some genuine excitement about this charming, inoffensive guy with an indie game T-shirt under his blazer: this was a gamer, there was no doubt about it. And he offered things up like Game Pass, which we were all into at the time. The ship was still leaking. Mid-generation, Xbox began its push towards backwards compatibility, and by the end of the generation nobody really questioned whether or not Xbox One and PS4 games would work on the next machines. This meant that the opportunity cost for switching teams went through the roof. To get a PS4 player to switch to the Series X, Microsoft had to convince them to go with a machine that couldn’t access any of the games they had bought in the previous generation. For two x86 machines that played the same suite of AAA multiplatform titles, it was pretty easy to just stick with the one where you had games. Xbox’s exclusives didn’t just need to be good, they needed to be so much better than PlayStation’s that people would be willing to make that sacrifice. Even if they were a little bit better (they weren’t), it wouldn’t have been enough. Clearly, a lot of things went sideways at Microsoft over the past 10 years or so that may or may not have made this whole thing a little bit easier. But it’s easy to forget what an uphill battle this whole thing was. If Xbox wasn’t so far on the back foot, if Spencer and co. had a little margin to make the massive plays that defined its post-Covid era, maybe this whole thing looks a little different. But it wasn’t, because Xbox One killed Xbox. We’re going to be having this same conversation with different details with the PlayStation 6. But that’s next time. ***That’s the month. Below, we’ve got a pair of case studies from some of our consultants diving into how their specialties intersect with the headlines this month.  If you want to hire any of the brilliant minds at Mighty Diamonds, head to [our Website.](https://www.mighty.diamonds/)*** --- ## Brand Integration in Games: Visibility vs Value The “Hot Bull” can in PUBG was never officially branded. No logo. No partnership. Yet every player knew exactly what it was. That detail exposes a blind spot in many gaming brand deals: visibility is not the same as value. Yet most brand budgets in gaming are still allocated as if it were. FMCG brands tend to live in the background of games. A soda on a shelf. A snack in a vending machine. Safe, low scrutiny . but also low impact. And when developers control that space entirely, they often choose parody instead. GTA’s Sprunk, Burger Shot, Cluckin’ Bell. These aren’t placeholders. They are deliberate worldbuilding tools. In many cases, the fictional brand serves the experience better than a real one could. Everything changes when a brand enters the gameplay loop. In racing games, cars are not props. They are the interaction system. Players expect a Porsche to handle like a Porsche. They expect a Ferrari to behave like a Ferrari. When authenticity fails at that level, it is not perceived as weak licensing. It is perceived as weak gameplay. Mil sim titles operate under the same constraint. Weapons, optics, and tactical gear are gameplay systems. These communities are highly knowledgeable. Small inaccuracies immediately break immersion and credibility. The same pattern appears across categories. Fashion works in Fortnite when it reinforces player identity. Sports equipment works in EA Sports FC or NBA 2K because it strengthens broadcast realism. Hardware integrations work when they support performance fantasy. Brand integration in games consistently operates across three layers: → Environmental: supports worldbuilding, low risk → Cultural: reinforces identity and tone → Mechanical: directly shapes gameplay The commercial upside increases at each layer. So does the execution risk. Mechanical integration raises player expectations, increases development complexity, and constrains creative flexibility. Most partnerships still optimize for layer one because it is safe. The brands building durable equity are increasingly experimenting in layer three, where integration shifts from visibility to player agency. As games evolve into persistent worlds and identity-driven ecosystems, the real divide is emerging between brands that are simply seen inside games and brands that function inside gameplay systems. That divide is where long-term brand equity in gaming will be built. --- ### **What’s Dave playing?** **Ender Magnolias: **A good solid Metroidvania. Loving the concept of having all your abilties represented as characters, but I have yet to see the sort of level design that really takes a Metroidvania from good to great. My favorite Metroidvania of the last however many years has still got to be *Blasphemous 2*. And yes, that includes *Hollow Knight: Silksong. * --- *Gies is a **free-for-all **newsletter | *Press **F** to support us! [F](https://giesweekly.substack.com/subscribe) --- ##### --- ## Phil Spencer Exits Microsoft | New York Sues Valve Over Loot Boxes | Resident Evil Requiem Sells Out _Published 2026-02-27 on giesweekly.substack.com. [Read original](https://giesweekly.substack.com/p/w08-2026)_ Get in touch through **[Linktree](https://linktr.ee/Gies.weekly)** **Want a deep dive into the week's biggest stories? Check out our podcast on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@giesweekly)&[Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/3NiMWvLibANf1tvxFYFQgh)** #### Highlights - **[Xbox ](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq6q8l81d9qo)**[fans react as Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond leave Microsoft](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq6q8l81d9qo) - **[Resident Evil Requiem ](https://www.ign.com/articles/resident-evil-requiem-physical-copies-sold-out-online-united-states-ps5-xbox-switch-2)**[is Almost Entirely Sold Out Online, With Physical Copies Only Available at Select Retailers](https://www.ign.com/articles/resident-evil-requiem-physical-copies-sold-out-online-united-states-ps5-xbox-switch-2) #### News - **[Marvel's Wolverine ](https://www.ign.com/articles/marvels-wolverine-carves-a-out-a-september-release-date-at-last)**[Carves Out a Release Date at Last: Sept 15, 2026](https://www.ign.com/articles/marvels-wolverine-carves-a-out-a-september-release-date-at-last) - **[Overwatch Rush ](https://gameinformer.com/preview/2026/02/24/blizzards-first-person-hero-shooter-goes-top-down)**[Preview - Blizzard’s First-Person Hero Shooter Goes Top-Down](https://gameinformer.com/preview/2026/02/24/blizzards-first-person-hero-shooter-goes-top-down) - **[Meta](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/meta-shifts-focus-of-horizon-worlds-platform-from-quest-vr-to-mobile)**["shifts focus" of ](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/meta-shifts-focus-of-horizon-worlds-platform-from-quest-vr-to-mobile)**[Horizon Worlds ](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/meta-shifts-focus-of-horizon-worlds-platform-from-quest-vr-to-mobile)**[platform from Quest VR to mobile](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/meta-shifts-focus-of-horizon-worlds-platform-from-quest-vr-to-mobile) - **[Amazon ](https://www.thegamebusiness.com/p/amazon-abandons-its-open-world-driving)**[abandons its open world driving game with ](https://www.thegamebusiness.com/p/amazon-abandons-its-open-world-driving)**[Maverick Games](https://www.thegamebusiness.com/p/amazon-abandons-its-open-world-driving)** #### Industry Trends - [New York sues video game developer ](https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/new-york-sues-video-game-developer-valve-says-its-loot-boxes-are-gambling-2026-02-25/)**[Valve](https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/new-york-sues-video-game-developer-valve-says-its-loot-boxes-are-gambling-2026-02-25/)**[, says its 'loot boxes' are gambling](https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/new-york-sues-video-game-developer-valve-says-its-loot-boxes-are-gambling-2026-02-25/) - **[Nacon ](https://traxion.gg/nacon-files-for-insolvency/)**[files for insolvency amid financial turmoil](https://traxion.gg/nacon-files-for-insolvency/) - **[skate](https://www.vgchartz.com/article/467128/skate-developer-full-circle-hit-with-layoffs/)**[. Developer Full Circle Hit With Layoffs](https://www.vgchartz.com/article/467128/skate-developer-full-circle-hit-with-layoffs/) - [Weeks after ](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/action/weeks-after-nioh-3s-release-developer-team-ninja-is-being-split-into-3-as-koei-tecmo-confirms-major-restructure/)**[Nioh 3](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/action/weeks-after-nioh-3s-release-developer-team-ninja-is-being-split-into-3-as-koei-tecmo-confirms-major-restructure/)**['s release, developer Team Ninja is being split into 3 as Koei Tecmo confirms major restructure](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/action/weeks-after-nioh-3s-release-developer-team-ninja-is-being-split-into-3-as-koei-tecmo-confirms-major-restructure/) #### Rumors - No rumors! #### Numbers - No numbers! --- *Gies is a **free-for-all **newsletter | *Press **F **to support us! [F](https://giesweekly.substack.com/subscribe) --- ##### About Mighty Diamonds Mighty Diamonds is a strategic video game consultancy specializing in Publishing, Design, Production, Marketing, and Business. Our mission is to empower developers in creating exceptional games. Learn more at [mighty.diamonds](https://www.mighty.diamonds). --- ## PS6 Potentially Delayed to 2029 | Arc Raiders Hits 14M Sales | ByteDance Explores $6B Moonton Sale _Published 2026-02-20 on giesweekly.substack.com. [Read original](https://giesweekly.substack.com/p/w07-2026)_ Get in touch through **[Linktree](https://linktr.ee/Gies.weekly)** **Want a deep dive into the week's biggest stories? Check out our podcast on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@giesweekly)&[Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/3NiMWvLibANf1tvxFYFQgh)** #### Highlights - [Sony is 'Considering Pushing Back' the Debut of the ](https://wccftech.com/playstation-6-delay-2028-2029-nintendo-switch-2-price-increase-2026/)**[PlayStation 6 ](https://wccftech.com/playstation-6-delay-2028-2029-nintendo-switch-2-price-increase-2026/)**[to 2028 or Even 2029; ](https://wccftech.com/playstation-6-delay-2028-2029-nintendo-switch-2-price-increase-2026/)**[Nintendo Switch 2 ](https://wccftech.com/playstation-6-delay-2028-2029-nintendo-switch-2-price-increase-2026/)**[Price Could Increase in 2026](https://wccftech.com/playstation-6-delay-2028-2029-nintendo-switch-2-price-increase-2026/) - [Beneath the decline: how premium releases are reshaping ](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/beneath-decline-how-premium-releases-reshaping-xbox-revenue-rosier-1ubtf/)**[Xbox ](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/beneath-decline-how-premium-releases-reshaping-xbox-revenue-rosier-1ubtf/)**[revenue](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/beneath-decline-how-premium-releases-reshaping-xbox-revenue-rosier-1ubtf/) #### News - **[Mewgenics ](https://www.polygon.com/mewgenics-surpasses-hades-2-steam-most-played-roguelite/)**[beats Hades 2 to become the most-played roguelite ever on Steam](https://www.polygon.com/mewgenics-surpasses-hades-2-steam-most-played-roguelite/) - [Yet another ](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/yet-another-internal-netease-studio-is-going-independent)**[NetEase ](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/yet-another-internal-netease-studio-is-going-independent)**[studio is going independent](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/yet-another-internal-netease-studio-is-going-independent) - [The Big ](https://www.ign.com/articles/the-big-star-wars-galactic-racer-interview-why-its-not-open-world-how-its-story-mode-works-and-when-its-set)**[Star Wars: Galactic Racer ](https://www.ign.com/articles/the-big-star-wars-galactic-racer-interview-why-its-not-open-world-how-its-story-mode-works-and-when-its-set)**[Interview . Why It's Not Open World, How Its Story Mode Works, and When It's Set](https://www.ign.com/articles/the-big-star-wars-galactic-racer-interview-why-its-not-open-world-how-its-story-mode-works-and-when-its-set) - **[Call Of Duty: Warzone ](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-warzone-mobile-shutdown-date-announced-and-its-not-far-away/1100-6538205/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f)**[Mobile Shutdown Date Announced, And It's Not Far Away](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-warzone-mobile-shutdown-date-announced-and-its-not-far-away/1100-6538205/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f) #### Industry Trends - [The ](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/life-sim/the-cozy-game-boom-is-the-clearest-trend-on-steam-over-five-years-of-data/)**[cozy game ](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/life-sim/the-cozy-game-boom-is-the-clearest-trend-on-steam-over-five-years-of-data/)**[boom is the clearest trend on Steam over five years of data](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/life-sim/the-cozy-game-boom-is-the-clearest-trend-on-steam-over-five-years-of-data/) - **[Highguard ](https://www.polygon.com/highguard-developer-wildlight-entertainment-layoffs/)**[layoffs hit developer Wildlight Entertainment two weeks after release](https://www.polygon.com/highguard-developer-wildlight-entertainment-layoffs/) - **[Western Digital ](https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/hdds/western-digital-is-already-sold-out-of-hard-drives-for-all-of-2026-chief-says-some-long-term-agreements-for-2027-and-2028-already-in-place)**[is already sold out of hard drives for all of 2026 . chief says some long-term agreements for 2027 and 2028 already in place](https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/hdds/western-digital-is-already-sold-out-of-hard-drives-for-all-of-2026-chief-says-some-long-term-agreements-for-2027-and-2028-already-in-place) - [Valve breaks its silence on ](https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/valve-breaks-its-silence-on-steam-deck-oled-scarcity-and-yes-its-because-of-the-ram-and-storage-crisis/)**[Steam Deck ](https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/valve-breaks-its-silence-on-steam-deck-oled-scarcity-and-yes-its-because-of-the-ram-and-storage-crisis/)**[OLED scarcity, and yes, it's because of the RAM and storage crisis](https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/valve-breaks-its-silence-on-steam-deck-oled-scarcity-and-yes-its-because-of-the-ram-and-storage-crisis/)| **[ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X ](https://videocardz.com/newz/asus-rog-xbox-ally-x-price-in-japan-rises-by-21-legion-go-2-price-climbs-in-us)**[price in Japan rises by 21%, ](https://videocardz.com/newz/asus-rog-xbox-ally-x-price-in-japan-rises-by-21-legion-go-2-price-climbs-in-us)**[Legion Go 2 ](https://videocardz.com/newz/asus-rog-xbox-ally-x-price-in-japan-rises-by-21-legion-go-2-price-climbs-in-us)**[price climbs in the US](https://videocardz.com/newz/asus-rog-xbox-ally-x-price-in-japan-rises-by-21-legion-go-2-price-climbs-in-us) - [The “Hot Bull” can in ](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/emmanuelrosier_the-hot-bull-can-in-pubg-was-never-officially-share-7427672591559081984-o8Zt/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAAd2aYBQojVQj1jsMnok4JWaGO-SSYQRc4)**[PUBG ](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/emmanuelrosier_the-hot-bull-can-in-pubg-was-never-officially-share-7427672591559081984-o8Zt/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAAd2aYBQojVQj1jsMnok4JWaGO-SSYQRc4)**[was never officially branded.](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/emmanuelrosier_the-hot-bull-can-in-pubg-was-never-officially-share-7427672591559081984-o8Zt/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAAd2aYBQojVQj1jsMnok4JWaGO-SSYQRc4) #### Rumors - **[ByteDance ](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/bytedance-talks-sell-gaming-unit-moonton-more-than-6-billion-sources-say-2026-02-13/)**[in talks to sell gaming unit ](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/bytedance-talks-sell-gaming-unit-moonton-more-than-6-billion-sources-say-2026-02-13/)**[Moonton ](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/bytedance-talks-sell-gaming-unit-moonton-more-than-6-billion-sources-say-2026-02-13/)**[for more than $6 billion, sources say](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/bytedance-talks-sell-gaming-unit-moonton-more-than-6-billion-sources-say-2026-02-13/) - [Tencent’s TiMi Studio Group reportedly funded ](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/tencents-timi-studio-group-reportedly-funded-highguard-dev-wildlight-entertainment)**[Highguard ](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/tencents-timi-studio-group-reportedly-funded-highguard-dev-wildlight-entertainment)**[dev Wildlight Entertainment](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/tencents-timi-studio-group-reportedly-funded-highguard-dev-wildlight-entertainment) #### Numbers - [1 million concurrents, ](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/1-million-concurrents-14-million-sales-nexon-shares-figures-behind-arc-raiders-huge-launch/)**[14 million sales](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/1-million-concurrents-14-million-sales-nexon-shares-figures-behind-arc-raiders-huge-launch/)**[: Nexon shares figures behind ](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/1-million-concurrents-14-million-sales-nexon-shares-figures-behind-arc-raiders-huge-launch/)**[Arc Raiders](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/1-million-concurrents-14-million-sales-nexon-shares-figures-behind-arc-raiders-huge-launch/)**[’ huge launch](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/1-million-concurrents-14-million-sales-nexon-shares-figures-behind-arc-raiders-huge-launch/) --- *Gies is a **free-for-all **newsletter | *Press **F **to support us! [F](https://giesweekly.substack.com/subscribe) --- ##### About Mighty Diamonds Mighty Diamonds is a strategic video game consultancy specializing in Publishing, Design, Production, Marketing, and Business. Our mission is to empower developers in creating exceptional games. Learn more at [mighty.diamonds](https://www.mighty.diamonds). --- ## Riot Cuts 2XKO Team | Mewgenics Recoups Dev Costs in 3 Hours | Metal Gear Hits 62.5M Copies _Published 2026-02-13 on giesweekly.substack.com. [Read original](https://giesweekly.substack.com/p/w06-2026)_ Get in touch through **[Linktree](https://linktr.ee/Gies.weekly)** **Want a deep dive into the week's biggest stories? Check out our podcast on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@giesweekly)&[Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/3NiMWvLibANf1tvxFYFQgh)** #### Highlights - **[Mewgenics ](https://gameworldobserver.com/2026/02/11/mewgenics-recouped-its-development-costs-three-hours-after-release)**[recouped its development costs three hours after release](https://gameworldobserver.com/2026/02/11/mewgenics-recouped-its-development-costs-three-hours-after-release) - [Riot Games Lays Off Dozens From ](https://www.ign.com/articles/riot-games-lays-off-dozens-from-2xkos-development-team-less-than-a-month-after-launch)**[2XKO](https://www.ign.com/articles/riot-games-lays-off-dozens-from-2xkos-development-team-less-than-a-month-after-launch)**[‘s Development Team Less Than a Month After Launch](https://www.ign.com/articles/riot-games-lays-off-dozens-from-2xkos-development-team-less-than-a-month-after-launch) #### News - **[Nioh 3 ](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/action/nioh-3-shatters-record-for-the-series-highest-steam-concurrent-player-count-through-the-power-of-actually-launching-on-pc-simultaneously-for-once/)**[shatters the record for the series' highest Steam concurrent player count through the power of actually launching on PC simultaneously for once](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/action/nioh-3-shatters-record-for-the-series-highest-steam-concurrent-player-count-through-the-power-of-actually-launching-on-pc-simultaneously-for-once/) - **[Assassin's Creed ](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/assassins-creed-multiplayer-game-reportedly-canceled/1100-6537977/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f)**[Multiplayer Game Reportedly Canceled](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/assassins-creed-multiplayer-game-reportedly-canceled/1100-6537977/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f) - **[Nvidia](https://www.theverge.com/tech/874439/nvidia-rtx-50-super-60-series-delay)**[’s RTX 50-series Super refresh is delayed, and the RTX 60-series might miss 2027](https://www.theverge.com/tech/874439/nvidia-rtx-50-super-60-series-delay) - [Announcing ](https://blog.playstation.com/2026/02/05/announcing-horizon-hunters-gathering-guerrillas-new-co-op-action-game/)**[Horizon Hunters Gathering](https://blog.playstation.com/2026/02/05/announcing-horizon-hunters-gathering-guerrillas-new-co-op-action-game/)**[, Guerrilla’s new co-op action game](https://blog.playstation.com/2026/02/05/announcing-horizon-hunters-gathering-guerrillas-new-co-op-action-game/) #### Industry Trends - **[Highguard ](https://www.polygon.com/highguard-developer-wildlight-entertainment-layoffs/)**[layoffs hit developer Wildlight Entertainment two weeks after release](https://www.polygon.com/highguard-developer-wildlight-entertainment-layoffs/) - **[Mattel ](https://www.gamigion.com/mattel-takes-full-control-of-mattel163-in-a-159m-buyout/)**[takes full control of Mattel163 in a $159M buyout](https://www.gamigion.com/mattel-takes-full-control-of-mattel163-in-a-159m-buyout/) - **[PS5 ](https://www.gamesradar.com/hardware/ps5-will-hopefully-avoid-a-price-hike-this-year-as-sony-cfo-says-we-intend-to-minimize-the-impact-of-ongoing-ram-shortage-company-positioned-to-secure-memory-through-2026/)**[will hopefully avoid a price hike this year as Sony CFO says "we intend to minimize the impact" of ongoing RAM shortage, company positioned to secure memory through 2026](https://www.gamesradar.com/hardware/ps5-will-hopefully-avoid-a-price-hike-this-year-as-sony-cfo-says-we-intend-to-minimize-the-impact-of-ongoing-ram-shortage-company-positioned-to-secure-memory-through-2026/) - **[Remedy ](https://news.instant-gaming.com/en/articles/17782-remedy-appoints-former-ea-executive-as-ceo)**[appoints former EA executive as CEO](https://news.instant-gaming.com/en/articles/17782-remedy-appoints-former-ea-executive-as-ceo) - [Why ](https://connectingpixels.substack.com/p/the-ground-is-shaking)**[traditional stability in games is gone](https://connectingpixels.substack.com/p/the-ground-is-shaking)**[, and how developers can adapt.](https://connectingpixels.substack.com/p/the-ground-is-shaking) #### Rumors - No Rumors! #### Numbers - **[Metal Gear Solid ](https://www.eurogamer.net/metal-gear-solid-series-62m-copies-sold-delta-snake-eater)**[series soars past ](https://www.eurogamer.net/metal-gear-solid-series-62m-copies-sold-delta-snake-eater)**[62.5m ](https://www.eurogamer.net/metal-gear-solid-series-62m-copies-sold-delta-snake-eater)**[copies sold following release of Metal Gear Delta: Snake Eater](https://www.eurogamer.net/metal-gear-solid-series-62m-copies-sold-delta-snake-eater) --- *Gies is a **free-for-all **newsletter | *Press **F **to support us! [F](https://giesweekly.substack.com/subscribe) --- ##### About Mighty Diamonds Mighty Diamonds is a strategic video game consultancy specializing in Publishing, Design, Production, Marketing, and Business. Our mission is to empower developers in creating exceptional games. Learn more at [mighty.diamonds](https://www.mighty.diamonds). --- #### About Gies Gies is a weekly intelligence newsletter covering the full video games market for executives, investors, and senior analysts. Five lenses: PLAYERS & AUDIENCE, MARKETS, PRODUCTS, SUPPLY, BUSINESS MODELS. Through-line: how design choices shape player behavior shape business outcomes. Founded by Emmanuel Rosier in June 2024. Subscribe at https://giesweekly.substack.com. Watch on https://www.youtube.com/@giesweekly. ---