Xsolla has announced its ability to facilitate external purchases for Android developers in the United States following Google's recent policy updates.
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, along with private equity firms, is acquiring Electronic Arts (EA) for a billion dollars, facing significant resistance from the United Videogame Workers-CWA union. The union has urged regulators to prioritize job protection, creative freedom, and accountability in decision-making. EA, with annual revenues of .5 billion and profits of billion, is not in distress, but concerns have been raised about potential layoffs, particularly at BioWare, a studio known for its progressive narrative approach. The union warned that job losses would be a choice made for investor profit rather than necessity. U.S. senators Richard Blumenthal and Elizabeth Warren have expressed concerns about national security risks related to the acquisition, but regulatory intervention seems unlikely due to a shift in the FTC's stance and the involvement of Jared Kushner in the deal. The union has initiated a petition to prompt regulatory examination of the acquisition.
A mother from Somerset County has filed a lawsuit against the creators of Roblox, Fortnite, and Minecraft, claiming their products have harmed her child due to addictive behaviors. The lawsuit states her son began playing these games at age four and has developed an addiction. The mother alleges that the game developers prioritize profit over the well-being of young players and accuses them of negligence and insufficient protections for minors. She seeks damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical expenses, attorneys’ fees, and economic losses. Concerns about video game addiction have grown, with the World Health Organization recognizing "gaming disorder" in 2019. The companies involved have not yet responded to the allegations.
Video games are becoming a significant revenue source for the film and television industry, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship. Media adaptations of video games attract diverse audiences, with recent adaptations for titles like Call of Duty, Life is Strange, and Dark Deception indicating a continuing trend. Adaptations typically result in a 203% increase in players for TV shows and a 48% increase for films, encouraging collaborations between video game companies and entertainment studios. The competition among studios to partner with video game franchises is increasing, as evidenced by the success of films like The Super Mario Bros. Movie and A Minecraft Movie, which appeal to family audiences. Video game adaptations are emerging as a major trend in Hollywood, potentially surpassing superhero films.
Nobuo Uematsu, a renowned video game composer known for his work on the Final Fantasy series, expressed concerns about the significant influence of directors and producers over musical compositions in the video game industry. He noted that this power dynamic limits composers' creative freedom. Uematsu highlighted the diverse soundscapes in contemporary gaming, citing examples like Sega-style beats, the strings of Hollow Knight, and rock tracks from Hades. He encouraged aspiring composers to experiment and innovate, warning against complacency and suggesting the exploration of new genres, such as techno, to create unique compositions.
Hollow Knight: Silksong was released by Team Cherry on September 4 and peaked at 587,150 concurrent players on Steam. The PlayStation Store had a slower uptake compared to PC, with a delayed update for the game's listing contributing to a subdued response from North American PS4 and PS5 players. Many opted to purchase the game through other channels or did not buy it due to its availability for free to Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass subscribers. Observations are based on the game's release day, indicating potential for increased interest over time.
4J Studios has opened a new office in Edinburgh, Scotland, expanding its operations from its headquarters in Dundee. Founded in 2005, the studio employs over 50 individuals and is known for porting Minecraft to various consoles. The company is currently developing a survival sandbox game called Reforj. The video game industry in Scotland has grown significantly, with the number of companies increasing from 15 to 130 between 2010 and 2024. Chris van der Kuyl, chairman of 4J Studios, emphasized the importance of the Dice Europe event for the local industry and the need for collaboration to support talent in Scotland.
The Video Game History Foundation has digitized the magazine Computer Entertainer, originally published from 1982 to 1990, and made it accessible to the public under a Creative Commons 4.0 attribution license. Computer Entertainer is notable for surviving the 1983-84 video game industry crash, providing reviews and insights during that period. It features American reviews of iconic games such as The Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, and Super Mario Bros. The entire collection can be accessed at gamehistory.org/computerentertainer.
Everbloom Games is transitioning from creating content for Minecraft to indie game development with their first title, Nullpoint Protocol, a co-op roguelite set for release in 2026. The game focuses on MMO-style boss encounters without the grind of traditional RPGs and will feature a playable demo at PAX West 2025, Booth #648. Everbloom's origins trace back to a 2016 PlanetMinecraft competition, leading to successful collaborations with major franchises. Co-founder Tom van Berkel emphasizes the need for creative freedom as a driving force behind their shift to indie development, reflecting on the potential for growth in the industry through user-generated content platforms.
Glen Schofield, a veteran in the video game industry, has announced his decision to step away from game direction after struggling to secure funding for a new horror project he had been developing for eight months. Despite assembling a talented team and setting a budget, he faced challenges due to the industry's shift towards higher share prices and artificial intelligence solutions. Schofield's previous title, The Callisto Protocol, did not meet expectations, leading to financial repercussions for its publisher and layoffs at his studio. He expressed a desire to return to his artistic roots while reflecting on the stagnant state of the industry. His daughter, Nicole, who contributed the original idea for the halted project, was also part of the team.
