#video-game-industry

#video-game-industry

Ubisoft has discontinued XDefiant due to insufficient player retention, resulting in layoffs and studio closures.

Ubisoft continues to cut jobs as part of a strategy to improve profitability and align teams with business goals.

This week's layoffs follow a larger trend of over 1,000 job cuts within Ubisoft's studios.

Rocksteady laid off additional staff due to poor sales of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, reflecting ongoing struggles within the studio.

People Can Fly has laid off 120 employees and scaled back its self-publishing projects due to ongoing external pressures in the video game industry.

Don't Nod workers are striking against layoffs as the studio faces financial difficulties and a reorganization plan proposed by management.

Rocksteady Studios' layoffs, particularly in QA, stem from the commercial failure of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, affecting overall product quality.

Call of Duty's development costs are escalating, raising concerns about profitability amid declining sales.

Steven Spielberg enjoys gaming, primarily playing story-driven campaigns on PC, using a keyboard and mouse instead of a controller.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6's launch broke records for Game Pass subscribers and significantly impacted internet traffic amid concerns over its massive download size.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 creatively revitalizes the franchise while balancing innovation with its established core gameplay mechanics.

Shift Up rewarded employees with cash bonuses and PS5 Pros, reflecting a positive company culture during challenging times in the game industry.

Bloodborne fans remain frustrated by a lack of updates and enhancements from developers since the game's original release in 2014.

AI's role in gaming demands a balance between innovative AI experiences and human-crafted content.

Shuhei Yoshida is leaving Sony after 31 years, emphasizing his dedication to indie games during his tenure.

Doug Cockle retracts statements about Geralt's appearance in The Witcher 4 after being advised by CD Projekt Red.

Most video games do not turn a profit; only about 20% of all published games make money due to hit-based industry nature.

PlayStation's evolution towards live-service games reflects a major industry shift, but success remains uncertain amidst competition.

Naughty Dog sold to Sony primarily due to escalating development costs, seeking financial stability and support to continue creating high-quality games.

Live-service games face challenges with high-profile failures; success arises from creating quality experiences instead of strictly adhering to the live-service model.

Level Up by Scott Rogers is the go-to guide for aspiring game developers, offering essential insights into game design and project management.

Open-world crime games are shifting focus from vast activities to narrative depth.

Light of Motiram draws heavy inspiration from the Horizon series and Palworld while gearing up for release on PS5 and mobile platforms.

The PS Portal's update fails to enhance its gaming capabilities beyond reliance on the PS5.

A PS5 Pro is anticipated, likely priced at $600-$650, with a release possibly timed for GTA 6 in 2025.

The gaming community speculates about the Nintendo Switch 2, but definitive details are scarce, confirmed only by leaks and expert insights.

Nintendo's Switch successor rumors intensify as a Redditor claims authenticity, hinting at features like magnetic Joy-cons and a formidable dock.

Day of the Devs showcases remarkable indie games, promoting creativity in an industry dominated by big-budget titles.

Astro Bot's win signifies the rise of smaller studios in creating competitive gaming experiences.

The nominations for Game of the Year illustrated the diversification of the gaming landscape over the year.

Winning is a crucial aspect of gaming, overshadowing even graphics and story.

The 2024 Game Awards will feature both current winners and future potential nominees.

ZeniMax Online Studios has formed the union ZOS United-CWA, recognized by Microsoft, marking a significant stride in unionization within the gaming industry.

Workers at ZeniMax Online Studios have formed a union to push for improved workplace conditions, job security, and better pay.

Grand Theft Auto 6 is set for a Fall 2025 release, though industry competitors are cautious about their own release strategies.

The parody of 'GTA 6' in 'Grand Taking Ages 6' satirizes the long wait for the game through an imaginative game developer simulation.

Shuhei Yoshida announces his departure from Sony after nearly 32 years, influencing gaming and promoting indie projects passionately.

Good Games Group aims to support indie games while partnering with its former parent company, Humble Games.

CEO Alan Patmore emphasizes collaboration with indie developers and a vision for the future.

Sony's Concord was shut down just 11 days post-launch due to low sales and player numbers, marking a historic quick closure for a major title.

Shift Up plans to release Stellar Blade on PC in 2025, aiming to tap into Steam's market potential.

The global economy's downturn is impacting video game companies like Nintendo, Sega, and Capcom, affecting their stock valuations.

Bandai Namco reportedly uses 'expulsion rooms' to manage layoffs by boring employees into quitting, amidst strict Japanese labor laws.

Ubisoft's cancellation of key events and game delays are rooted in backlash against diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Unions at Ubisoft are striking over mandatory office returns and unresolved grievances, reflecting broader issues of worker rights post-pandemic.

Ubisoft employees plan a strike from October 15-17 in response to a new office attendance policy amid concerns for job security and work-life balance.

Ubisoft employees are striking over demands for home working and pay amid poor sales and significant share price drops.

The recent management directive on in-office work has led to increased discontent among workers.

Assassin's Creed Shadows is delayed to February 2025 for further polishing after concerns from previous game releases.

SAG-AFTRA members strike against video game industry over AI protections, impacting over 160,000 actors and game development.

Video game performers demand equal protections from AI to prevent job displacement and ensure fair compensation and transparency.

Video game voice actors strike over_AI protections after negotiations with studios break down, highlighting the importance of defining 'performer' under collective bargaining agreements.

SAG-AFTRA secures agreements for AI protections covering 80 video games while voice actors' strike continues for fair treatment within the industry.

Video game performers seek protections against unregulated AI due to concerns over job displacement and the lack of transparency in compensation.

SAG-AFTRA strikes League of Legends over Formosa Inc.'s alleged labor law violations, claiming subversion of strike rules by using a shell company.

Take-Two anticipates significant growth in future net bookings, driven by Grand Theft Auto VI's release.

Grand Theft Auto VI development unaffected by SAG-AFTRA strike due to exemption. Live-service games like Fortnite also not impacted.