industry challenges Archives

AppWizard

February 13, 2025

Apple TV+ App to Be Offered for Android Devices

Apple TV+ will be available on Android devices starting February 12, marking the first time the app is accessible on Android platforms, specifically for devices running Android 10 or newer. Users can subscribe to Apple TV+ and the MLS Season Pass through the app. Prior to this, the app was compatible with various devices, including Roku and smart TVs. Apple reported .12 billion in revenue from its services sector in the fourth quarter, a 14% increase year-over-year, and has surpassed 1 billion subscriptions. In October, Apple TV+ was added to Amazon Prime Video's subscription options in the U.S. The streaming industry is facing challenges such as consumer dissatisfaction and rising subscription costs.

AppWizard

February 7, 2025

Hi-Rez will only be giving ‘minor updates’ to Smite and Paladins now it’s laying off around 70 employees, but don’t worry, Smite 2 is the ‘primary focus of the newly streamlined operations’

Hi-Rez Studios has announced that while the servers for Smite, Paladins, and Rogue Company will remain operational, no major updates are planned for these games. The r/Smite subreddit is compiling a list of affected staff due to recent changes, and the studio has previously laid off employees to ensure long-term viability. Paladins has not received significant updates since the introduction of its last champion, Omen, in 2023. Hi-Rez President Stewart Chisam has expressed regret over layoffs and emphasized the studio's commitment to survival. The company plans to focus primarily on Smite 2 moving forward, but this decision has raised skepticism among industry observers regarding the sustainability of game development and the impact on existing teams.

AppWizard

December 5, 2024

IllFonic is making job cuts

IllFonic, the studio behind Friday the 13th: The Game and Predator: Hunting Grounds, announced staff reductions due to challenges in the gaming industry. CEO Charles Brungardt attributed the decision to broader industry conditions and the struggles of their latest release, Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game, which has not maintained a strong player base. He expressed regret over the cuts and encouraged industry connections for displaced team members.

AppWizard

October 24, 2024

2K’s California mocap studio files to unionise

Staff at 2K Games' motion capture studio in California have initiated steps to unionize, with 21 employees formally requesting voluntary recognition as a bargaining unit from the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). However, parent company Take-Two has declined to recognize the union, leading the employees to file with the federal government for acknowledgment. IATSE's international VP, Michael Miller, emphasized the essential role these workers play in creating video games and expressed support for their unionization efforts. The employees and IATSE are preparing for an upcoming election and hope to engage in negotiations with Take-Two Interactive.

AppWizard

September 3, 2024

Until Dawn remake studio Ballistic Moon makes layoffs

Developer Ballistic Moon has confirmed layoffs as it prepares for the remake of Until Dawn, citing ongoing challenges in the gaming industry. The studio expressed regret over the decision and emphasized the need to scale down its workforce to ensure future viability while working on the PS5 and PC versions of the game. They acknowledged the contributions of the affected employees and expressed sorrow for the impact of the layoffs. Despite these challenges, Ballistic Moon remains committed to the successful launch of Until Dawn and is seeking new opportunities for collaboration.

AppWizard

August 16, 2024

Payload cuts quarter of staff

Payload Studios has announced a 25 percent reduction in its workforce due to challenges in the gaming industry. CEO Russ Clarke highlighted the difficulties faced by small independent studios and expressed optimism about the company's future, stating that development of TerraTech and TerraTech Worlds will continue without interruption.

AppWizard

June 27, 2024

Hidetaka Miyazaki says Elden Ring might be as big a game as he ever wants to make: ‘Where FromSoftware is right now, in terms of scale, I would say Elden Ring is really the limit’

Hidetaka Miyazaki discussed the growing pressure in the gaming industry to avoid failure due to increased budgets and scope. FromSoftware remains cautious about industry challenges despite partnering with major publishers. The studio has shown adaptability in project timelines, with Miyazaki teasing fans about future game sizes. Fans can expect FromSoftware to potentially unveil an even grander project than Elden Ring in the future.

AppWizard

June 19, 2024

Modern Wolf vets found new agency Secret Sauce

Former Modern Wolf employees George Willard and Sophie Atkin have founded a new agency called Secret Sauce, which aims to assist indie developers with branding, marketing, PR, self-publishing support, and business development. Willard brings experience from Creative Assembly, while Atkin has a background in event production and business development. The agency's inspiration came from addressing common industry challenges, and they emphasize honesty and clarity in their approach with clients.

Winsage

April 6, 2024

EXCLUSIVE: Xbox President Sarah Bond has set up a new team dedicated to game preservation and forward compatibility

- Xbox President Sarah Bond emphasized Microsoft's investment in new Xbox hardware, marking the biggest technical leap ever in a generation. - Xbox announced the establishment of a team dedicated to preserving the Xbox gaming heritage and ensuring compatibility of the digital game library with future hardware platforms. - Xbox Game Pass included Diablo 4, making it the game's most significant platform. - Xbox is nurturing an environment where both players and developers thrive, focusing on gaming AI and player-first and developer-first values. - Microsoft formed a new team committed to game preservation to ensure the Xbox game library can withstand the test of time. - Xbox stands on the edge of opportunity in the gaming industry, with a focus on diversification and adapting to change to shape the future of gaming.