The latest episode of The GamesIndustry.biz Microcast - and the final iteration with Chris Dring and James Batchelor - is now available to download.

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The latest episode of The GamesIndustry.biz Microcast is available to download now.

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The latest episode of The GamesIndustry.biz Microcast is available to download now.

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The latest episode of The GamesIndustry.biz Microcast is now available to download, offering you a quick dive into the biggest news of the past week.

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The latest episode of The GamesIndustry.biz Microcast is now available to download, bringing you a quick dive into the biggest stories of the past week.

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The latest episode of The GamesIndustry.biz Microcast is available to download now.

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The latest GamesIndustry.biz Microcast is now available to download, bringing you a quick dive into the biggest news from the past week.

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The latest episode of the GamesIndustry.biz Microcast is available to download now - and we finally got it back down to less than 25 minutes.

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The latest episode of The GamesIndustry.biz Microcast is available to download now.

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The latest GamesIndustry.biz Microcast is available to download now, bringing you a quick dive into the biggest stories of the past week.

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The latest GamesIndustry.biz Microcast is available to download now, offering you a quick dive into the biggest news of the past week.

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The latest episode of The GamesIndustry.biz Microcast is now available to download, offering you a quick dive into the biggest news of the past week.

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You can now download the latest episode of The GamesIndustry.biz Microcast, offering you a quick dive into the biggest news of the past week.

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The latest episode of The GamesIndustry.biz Microcast is available to download now, offering you a quick dive into the biggest news from the business of video games.

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The latest bumper-sized edition of The GamesIndustry.biz Microcast is now avilable to download.

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The latest episode of The GamesIndustry.biz Microcast is now available, in which we take a quick dive into the biggest news of the past week.

This time, we continue our discussion of Concord's troubles with Sony pulling the shooter from sale two weeks after launch. While some have seen this stumble as a nail in the coffin for PlayStation's live services strategy, we walk about why it's important for the platform holder to continue pushing forward in this space, and for the rest of the industry to take more risks and step out of comfort zones.

Elsewhere on this episode, we ponder Hiroki Totoki's comments that Sony has not fostered enough original IP, and in What Do The Numbers Mean? we look at the initial signs of a disappointing performance for Star Wars Outlaws.

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The latest episode of The GamesIndustry.biz Microcast is available to download now, offering a quick dive into the biggest stories of the past week.

This week, we talk about the struggles of Concord, PlayStation's latest foray into the live service space, and the potential reasons behind the hero shooter's failure to pull in the number of players seen by other multiplayer outings - including Sony's own recent hit Helldivers 2.

We also talk about Remedy's deal with Annapurna and the Alan Wake studio's move towards self-publishing, while this week's What Do The Numbers Mean? takes a look at how Astro Bot might perform when the PlayStation platformer releases later this week.

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For our latest podcast, we did something a little different: a live Q&A show recorded as part of the official Devcom 2024 Twitch stream.

Chris Dring and James Batchelor were joined by Altered Gene's Des Gayle, answering questions submitted by GamesIndustry.biz readers ahead of the show. Topics tackled in this episode included:

You can watch via the player below, download the audio podcast version here, or subscribe to our podcast feed, available via Spotify, iTunes, Amazon Music, CastBox, Player FM, TuneIn and other widely-used podcast platforms.

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As part of our series of daily podcasts from Devcom and Gamescom 2024, GamesIndustry.biz editor-in-chief James Batchelor is joined by Execution Labs co-founder and former IGDA Montreal executive director Jason Della Rocca.

Drawing on Della Rocca's years of experiences working with indie developers, we discuss the biggest challenges these studios face in today's market, from the impact of layoffs and studio closures to the shrinking indie publisher scene.

And don't worry if you missed this week's GI Microcast, which was released yesterday - you can find all the details and listen in here. This week, Chris and James discussed the Epic Games Store's mobile launch, The Plucky Squire's brave release date, and more.

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The latest episode of the GI Microcast is now available to download, taking a quick dive into the biggest stories of the past week.

Our main topic this week is the launch of the Epic Games Store on mobile, bringing Fortnite back to Android and (in the EU) iOS four years after Epic began its legal dispute with Apple and Google. We discuss the potential for alternative mobile stores, and Epic's goal to reach 100,000 installs before 2025 despite the 12 to 15 steps players must go through on each mobile ecosystem.

And in this week's What Do The Numbers Mean?, Chris takes a look at the long-awaited release date for Devolver Digital's The Plucky Squire, two fairly hefty (and one very similar) games coming out around it, and, of course, sales figures that offer a little more context.

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The latest episode of The GamesIndustry.biz Microcast is now available to download.

This week, we continue our look at the latest financial results, with highlights from Warner Bros, Bandai Namco, Sega and Remedy. We dive a little deeper into Sony and the decline it faces in PS5 sales, as well as our conversation with Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick around the publisher's latest results and its future line-up.

We also discuss Krafton's acquisition of Tango Gameworks and the Hi-Fi Rush IP following closures at Xbox earlier this year, and we introduce a new segment, What do the numbers mean?, where we foolishly indulge Chris and his love of sales statistics.

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The latest episode of The GamesIndustry.biz Microcast is available to download now.

This week's packed episode covers the key takeaways so far from the latest financials season, included expected declines at Nintendo and Electronic Arts (and why 2023 is such a tough comparison year to follow), as well as Activision Blizzard's ongoing boost to Microsoft's results.

We also discuss the Bungie layoffs and the latest US monthly spending figures, with Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree helping to offset the potential year-on-year decline.

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The latest episode of The GI Microcast is available to download or watch now, discussing some of the biggest stories from the past week.

On this episode, we discuss Humble Games' claims that is restructuring amid reports of mass layoffs and ponder how this reflects some of the biggest challenges in publishing today. Specifically, we look at a range of indie-focused publishers and the troubles they've encountered in the past year, and discuss the future prospects for this segment of the market.

We also discuss two stories in which generative AI was a primary concern, from Activision reportedly using these tools at the potential expense of staff and the SAG-AFTRA strike, in which the union is trying to protect voice actors from being exploited by companies using AI.

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The latest episode of The GamesIndustry.biz Microcast is available to download or watch now, giving you a quick dive into the biggest stories of the past week.

This week, and in Chris' absence, James is joined by MobileGamer.biz editor Neil Long as they discuss the latter's reports that Resident Evil 7 on iOS has struggled to convince the majority of the 83,000 people who downloaded it to purchase the full $20 experience.

The pair reflect on the challenges AAA hardcore games face on mobile devices and ponder the future of whether publishers will continue to invest in these technologically impressive but commercially disappointing ports. For more on this subject, be sure to check out the latest column from contributing editor Rob Fahey.

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The latest GamesIndustry.biz Microcast is available to download or watch now.

This week, James and Chris discuss Microsoft's changes to Xbox Game Pass, including price increases for all existing tiers and the introduction of a new Standard tier that does not include day one releases. The episode explores the platform holder's strategy when it comes to its subscription service, and its new 'You don't need an Xbox to play Xbox' ad campaign.

We also talk about the vibe of Develop Brighton 2024, and Nintendo's unusual teaser campaign for a new horror game.

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The latest episode of the GamesIndustry.biz Microcast is available to download now, or you can watch the full show below.

This week, James reports back from the first ever Gamescom Latam and gives a little insight into the growth of both the Brazillian games market and Gamescom as a global show.

We also discuss Don't Nod's decision to delay new IP Lost Records: Bloom & Rage to avoid clashing with its previous IP Life Is Strange, which returns this October. The history of the industry is filled with examples of rival titles going head-to-head to the benefit of no one (and we list quite a few), so we discuss the need for smarter release scheduling going forward.

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You can now download or watch the latest episode of the GI Microcast, which covers (among other things) the latest Nintendo Direct.

We discuss the line-up shown with new Mario, Zelda and Metroid titles on display, and ponder what this says about the Switch's final year before its successor arrives. We also look at the untapped potential for the Metroid franchise.

From there, we weigh up the showcases from each of the platform holders and the implications for those businesses as well as the wider market. And, inevitably, the conversation turns to ongoing turbulence felt across the industry, and when we might start to see signs of recovery in the wake of various layoffs and studio closures.

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The latest episode of the GI Microcast is now available on the podcasting platform of your choice, or you can watch it below, and discusses the biggest news of the past week.

This week, Christopher Dring is in Los Angeles to give us a sense of what's happening on the ground among all the showcases of the past week. He joins James Batchelor to discuss some of the biggest reveals from Xbox and Summer Game Fest, as well as the variety of games on display across all the digital events.

We also talk about how the physical side of these events are growing and how they might evolve in future, and why PlayStation's Lego Horizon Adventues is coming to Nintendo Switch.

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The latest episode of the GamesIndustry.biz Microcast is now available to download or watch, discussing the biggest stories from the past week - and taking a look at the week ahead.

This week, we discuss the annual array of showcases that are filling the void left by E3, starting with last week's State of Play from PlayStation. We discuss the highlights of Sony's presentation, as well as our expectations for the showcases ahead, including Summer Game Fest and Xbox.

On the subject of Xbox, we also discuss the confirmation that Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will be available via Game Pass at launch and why this might be the ultimate litmus test for video game subscriptions.

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The latest GamesIndustry.biz Microcast is now available in both podcast and video form, and can be watched below.

This week, we discuss (to the extent that we can, given how early into the transition period we are) our change of ownership with IGN parent Ziff Davis acquiring Gamer Network Ltd and its brands, which includes GamesIndustry.biz and our sister sites Eurogamer, VG247, Rock Paper Shotgun and more.

We also talk about the new leadership at Helldivers 2 developer Arrowhead Games as well as the studio's ambitions for the future, which you can read more about in Chris' interview on the site.

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You can now download or watch the latest GamesIndustry.biz Microcast, offering you a quick dive into the biggest stories from the past week.

This week, we discuss the news from Sony regarding retired CEO Jim Ryan's replacement. Or rather, replacements. Plural. We reflect on the benefits of having long-serving execs like Herman Hulst and Hideaki Nishino in charge of PlayStation, as well as the challenges they face and the platform holder's increased focus on player engagement over units sold.

We also discuss the Stop Killing Games campaign, the UK government's response to it, and the wider shift we see in both the games industry and entertainment in general that is reflected by the rise of such a campaign. Brendan dives even deeper into this issue in the latest This Week In Business.

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The latest episode of the GI Microcast is now available in both video and podcast form, delivering your weekly dive into the biggest stories of the past week.

This week, we take a quick dive in Xbox's closure of four Bethesda-owned studios, as well as what this means for Microsoft's wider gaming strategy, the future of the smaller studios it still owns, and its reputation with the rest of the industry and gamers.

We also discuss Nintendo's first official word on Switch 2 - or, as it should be called, New Nintendo Switch U XL - as well as the platform holder's financials, and why the market really needs a new console before Christmas 2025.

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You can now download or watch the latest episode of the GI Microcast, our weekly quick dive into the biggest stories of the past week.

This week, we discuss the reported troubles at Take-Two with claims that indie-focused label Private Division, Rollerdrome developer Roll7 and Kerbal Space Program 2 studio Intercept Games were all affected (and, in some cases, closed) by the planned 580 layoffs.

We also reflect on Microsoft's most recent financials, the decline in Xbox hardware sales, and why there is so much more to talk about with the platform holder than how many boxes it has sold. And Chris got caught up in the 'frames per second' debate, which gives us a good excuse to remind you of upcoming editorial event GI Sprint.

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You can now download or watch the latest GI Microcast, offering you a quick dive into the biggest stories of the past week.

This week, Chris and James are joined by Neil Long, founder and editor of MobileGamer.biz to discuss Embracer's announcement that it will be splitting into three companies. We reflect on the ramifications of this separation, as well as what led to this point, and draw on some of the key takeaways from our interview with CEO Lars Wingefors.

We also talk about the potential implications of the US' proposed ban on TikTok, and Long tells us why Supercell's Squad Busters - the Clash of Clans firm's first global launch in five years - could well be the 'GTA 6 of the mobile world.'

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The latest GamesIndustry.biz Microcast is available to watch or download now.

This week, James and Chris are joined by Skillfull founder Gina Jackson to discuss her recent report on the skills crisis in the UK games industry (and the wider industry), as well as the systemic issues that need to be addressed in order to fix it.

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The latest GamesIndustry.biz Microcast is available to watch or download now.

This week, Chris and James discuss this year's BAFTA Games Awards, the array of winners, and the vibe among industry professionals - both at the ceremony and the London Developer Conference that was held earlier in the day.

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You can now watch or download the latest episode of our GI Microcast, which offers a quick dive into the biggest stories of the past week.

This week, we discuss the ongoing conversations around Xbox - from Chris' recent revelation that developers are finding it hard to justify supporting the platform, to Xbox boss Phil Spencer's suggestion that the console could open up to third-party stores.

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The latest GamesIndustry.biz Microcast is available to download or watch now, and dives into some of the biggest conversations around the business of video games from the past week.

Chris Dring returns from San Francisco to bring us a better sense of the mood at GDC 2024 and how it reflects what's happening in the industry, as well as some of the more interesting things he learned around the conference.

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The GamesIndustry.biz Microcast takes a quick dive into the biggest stories from the business of video games over the past week - and the latest episode is available to listen to or watch now.

This week, editor-in-chief James Batchelor is joined by staff writer Jeffrey Rousseau, who makes his Microcast debut while regular co-host Chris Dring is attending GDC 2024.

The discussion begins with a look at Embracer Group's $247m sale of Saber Interactive and various studios, as well as which operating groups and subsidiaries the troubled publisher might divest next.

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The latest GamesIndustry.biz Microcast is now live, with Chris Dring and James Batchelor offering a quick dive into the biggest stories from across the business of video games.

This week, we discuss Apple's short-lived ban on Epic Games' developer account, which would have prevented both the return of Fortnite to iOS and the launch of Epic's app store. Far from being another chapter in the ongoing Epic vs Apple saga, this is part of the iOS firm's ongoing efforts to resist the European Union and its new regulations, such as the Digital Markets Act.

We also discuss the $2.4 million settlement between Nintendo and the makers of Switch emulator Yuzu, and Warner Bros' comments about the volatility of the console space and how live service games more than "one-and-done" titles like Hogwarts Legacy may be the answer.

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On this week's GI Microcast, Remedy's Thomas Puha said finding the best launch window for your game is harder than ever, as there's no telling what else will launch alongside you and which of those titles will steal the most attention.

His comments came as part of a conversation looking at our interview with Ascendent Studios' Bret Robbins, who observed that the company's debut title Immortals of Aveum may have launched at the wrong time due to its proximity to Baldur's Gate 3, which became a smash hit last August.

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The GamesIndustry.biz Microcast offers a quick look at the biggest stories from the business of video games every Monday - and you can download or watch the latest episode now.

This week, Chris Dring and James Batchelor are joined by Remedy communications director Thomas Puha, who talks to us about the studio reclaiming the publishing rights of Control, the success of Alan Wake 2, and the challenges of AAA development in general.

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James Batchelor and Chris Dring dive into the biggest stories of the past week in our weekly Microcast, which you can watch below or listen to on the podcasting platform of your choice.

Following a quiet week - at least in terms of business news - the two discuss the slew of announcements from and around the Nintendo Partner Direct, and the opportunities afforded to games that might have struggled to gain attention in a blockbuster-heavy year like 2023.

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Chris Dring and James Batchelor take a look at the biggest stories from the business of video games in the last week.

We start by discussing Xbox's announcement of four first-party titles coming to other platforms, as well as Microsoft's wider games strategy, before delving into PlayStation's latest financials, the challenges it faces and the revelation that there will be no major launches from existing franchises until April 2025 at the earliest.

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James Batchelor and Chris Dring discuss the biggest stories of the past week from the business of video games.

We start by (not) speculating about the expected Xbox business update, which Phil Spencer says will address the recent rumours about first-party exclusives to rival platforms, Microsoft dropping physical media or even potentially pulling out of the console space. Okay, maybe we speculated a little. Just a healthy amount.

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James Batchelor and Chris Dring discuss the biggest news from the past week.

The main topic this week is the recent rumours that Microsoft may bring key first-party exclusives such as Starfield and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle to other platforms, including PlayStation 5. We talk about Microsoft's history of exploring 'rival' platforms, and why it does and doesn't make sense for these titles to be ported.

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The latest episode of the GamesIndustry.biz Microcast is available to download now, with the video version available imminently.

First, we discuss the Eidos Montreal layoffs and the cancellation of a new Deus Ex title, as well as the implications for the future of this franchise - and many of the other franchises, such as fan favourite (and Chris favourite) TimeSplitters, whose future depends on the outcome of the Embracer Group restructure.

Next, we delve into the changes proposed by Apple to comply with the European Union's Digital Markets App; seemingly opening iOS to third-party app stores, but also introducing new commission fees and complicating the process for mobile developers and publishers who seek to use alternatives to Apple's own systems.

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The latest Microcast is now available to download as a podcast, with the video version coming very soon.

This week's Microcast kicks off with Chris' report on the industry bracing itself for further difficult times, with investors, publishers and developers expecting up to two years of closures, changes to the release schedule and investment opportunities, and more.

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The latest edition of the GamesIndustry.biz Microcast is available now, in both audio and video forms.

James Batchelor and Chris Dring once again discuss some of the biggest stories from the past week, including the divisive agreement between union SAG-AFTRA and AI voice tech firm Replica Studios to use AI voice acting in video games.

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Chris Dring and James Batchelor return with our weekly dive into the biggest news stories from the business of video games.

2024 has barely started and the ongoing trend of layoffs across the games industry continues. We discuss some of the wider factors that are driving this, and what else we can expect in the year ahead.

We also discuss recent stories about the use of generative AI in promotional art, including an ID@Xbox image that was published before the holidays, and the recent report of a former Activision exec suing the Call of Duty publisher for discrimination against "old white guys."

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For our final podcast of the year, The GamesIndustry.biz team gathers around their mics to discuss their favourite games of the past twelve months.

You may well have read our extended thoughts in our Games of the Year articles, and this conversation wraps things up, as well as gives some nods to our honourable mentions.

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The GamesIndustry.biz team gathers around their mics to reflect on the past year, as well as the biggest stories and trends we've covered.

The discussion inevitably begins with the waves of layoffs we've seen throughout 2023, and what they say about both the state of the industry and what we can expect in 2024.

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Chris Dring and James Batchelor discuss the biggest stories of the past week, on (potentially) our final Microcast of 2023.

Today's discussion begins with the reveal of Grand Theft Auto 6, from the changes at Rockstar since GTA 5 to the sales expectations and potential impact the game will have on 2024 and 2025, plus our own thoughts on this first look at the game.

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Chris Dring and James Batchelor discuss the biggest stories of the past week, starting with the mixed messages over whether Xbox Game Pass is heading to Nintendo and PlayStation consoles.

While Xbox CFO Tim Stuart said last week that this is part of the company's long-term strategy (echoing comments from Xbox boss Phil Spencer five years ago), Spencer has since said this is not on the cards. Which is unsurprising given the number of obstacles such a move would need to overcome (as Rob Fahey discussed in his latest column).

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On our latest Microcast, James Batchelor and Chris Dring discuss the fallout of Embracer Group's ongoing restructure, as revealed by its recent financial results that confirmed over 900 people were laid off in the space of three months.

We discuss the strategy that led directly to Embracer's struggles, as well as whether these issues are a sign of further turbulent times to come for the wider industry.

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The GamesIndustry.biz Microcast returns, bringing you a digestible dose of the biggest news and analysis from the business of video games.

On this episode, James Batchelor and Christopher Dring discuss the upcoming reveal of Grand Theft Auto 6, and how the development team behind it has changed since the launch of the record-breaking Grand Theft Auto 5 back in 2013.

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In today's GamesIndustry.biz Microcast, James Batchelor and Chris Dring dive into the implications of this week's Xbox leak - and debate whether the industry truly learned anything of value.

Among the revelations discussed are Microsoft targeting 2028 for its next Xbox console, full details of two mid-generation refreshes for Xbox Series X and S that are expected to launch next year, a hybrid cloud gaming platform due to launch by 2028, Bethesda's future line-up of games, and Spencer's ambition to acquire Nintendo.

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In our latest Microcast, James Batchelor and Brendan Sinclair dive into the backlash around Unity's proposed Runtime Fee.

As the industry waits for the engine provider's revised plan to charge developers for every install of their game (past certain thresholds), we look at how Unity could have handled both the announcement and the need for more revenue in a different way.

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The GamesIndustry.biz team gather around their mics and discuss the biggest stories of the past week.

We start with a recap of Gamescom Opening Night Live before looking forward to the high-profile hits due for release in the run-up to Christmas - particularly the crowded October slate. Which titles do we expect to do well? Which ones face stiffer competition, and how will this affect their chances? And which titles are we particularly looking forward to?

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On today's GI Microcast, Chris Dring and James Batchelor discuss the latest developments in the ongoing saga that is Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

This morning it was announced the CMA has fully blocked the original deal, but a modified deal is now undergoing a phase one investigation with the aim to have a final decision on the transaction by October 18. The biggest change is that this deal excludes cloud gaming rights, which have been divested to Assassin's Creed publisher Ubiosft.

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In the final episode of this series of the Playable Futures Podcast, Will Freeman chats to Mitu Khandaker, CEO and Co-Founder of mobile studio Glow Up Games, about the impact of AI on games and what they mean for the future of play.

Whatever your views are on AI, it’s very much here to stay. But what does it mean for video games - and is it quite as terrifying as some might have us believe?

As the former Creative Partnerships Director at Spirit AI, an artificial intelligence company that aims to foster safer online communities by using language detection technology in online spaces, Mitu Khandaker knows a thing or two about where AI might be taking us.

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In today's Microcast, we discuss two of the biggest stories of the week.

First, we debate Microsoft's newly announced Xbox enforcement system, which will issue 'strikes' to players for violations of its code of conduct ranging from cheating and profanity to harassment and hate speech. Eight strikes earns a one-year suspension, but is the system too lenient? And how effective do we think it will be at addressing the issue of toxicity in multiplayer games?

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In this special extra episode of the Playable Futures Podcast, Will Freeman chats to Dr. Jo Twist, former CEO of UK games industry trade body UKIE, about how the industry has changed over the course of her impressive career.

After 11 and a half years at UKIE, Twist's imminent move to the music industry, where she will be serving as CEO of the British Phonographic Industry, felt like an appropriate opportunity to pause and reflect on her tenure and the importance of play. Speaking with us at Develop in Brighton, she explained that play has always encompassed more than just games.

You can read highlights from the episode below the podcast player.

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James Batchelor and Christopher Dring discuss a busy week in the ongoing saga that is Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

Following the denial of the FTC's preliminary injunction, the denial of its request for an extension to the temporary restraining order, and the denial of its appeal, there is seemingly nothing to stop Microsoft completing the deal in the US before its deadline tomorrow. And with a ten-year deal signed with Sony to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation, the barriers do seem to be lowering.

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The latest episode of Playable Futures features a conversation with Deborah Mensah-Bonsu, who is the founder of dmb crew. Her flagship initiative is Games for Good, which focuses on helping studios and the wider industry harness games for social impact. Will and Deborah discuss the opportunity presented by the proliferation of games on mobile to unlock societal and behavioural change for good.

"People are starting to understand that what it means to be a gamer is not what it was ten years ago," Deborah says, adding later - "There is a potential for mobile to engage with people who didn't consider themselves gamers. Mobile is leading on that."

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The GamesIndustry.biz Microcast is back. In today's episode, James Batchelor and Chris Dring reflect on the revelations so far from the court hearing between the Federal Trade Commission and Microsoft over the latter's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

As you can tell from our ongoing roundup, it's hard to gauge whether any progress is actually being made here but there are certainly some interesting tidbits coming out from the various parties involved that make for great headlines.

We discuss the moments and quotes that stood out the most to us, as well as the general context around this legal clash and what (if anything) might happen next.

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The GamesIndustry.biz team gather around their mics to reflect on this year's cavalcade of video game showcases.

We've already shared our favourite indie titles from the likes of Summer Game Fest, Xbox Games Showcase, Day of the Devs, Wholesome Direct and more, while Chris Dring reviewed his experience of the first physical Summer Game Fest event.

Now we discuss the overall line-up of the week-and-a-bit, our personal highlights, areas where we'd like to see improvement, and how we think this collection of events might evolve if the central pillar of E3 does not return.

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Shawne Benson, Global Head of Third Party Portfolio & Acquisitions at Sony Interactive Entertainment and Laila Shabirm, Founder & CEO of Girls Make Games speak to Will Freeman for the latest instalment of our Playable Futures Series.

Our eighth outing sees us tackling what continues to be a prominent talking point within the industry - women in games. For a sector often associated with toxic stereotypes around gender, this enlightening chat looks at the ways in which the industry has changed to encompass more diverse voices and the future benefits of doing so.

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James and Brendan discuss two of the biggest stories of the day in our latest GamesIndustry.biz Microcast.

We start by wrapping up our coverage of the major summer games showcases, discussing the line-up at yesterday's Ubisoft Forward. The conversation touches on everything from the narrative dilemmas of Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora to the more-than-a-little awkward introduction of Netflix animated series Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix.

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Continuing our breakdown of the biggest summer games showcases, James and Marie reflect on the line-up Microsoft showed off at last night's Xbox Games Showcase.

Headlined by the likes of Fable and Star Wars: Outlaws, with a good old fashioned hardware reveal and a lot more information on the upcoming Starfield, the showcase gave a great insight into what Microsoft's first-party studios are working on as it continues to beef up its offering.

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The GamesIndustry.biz Microcast returns as we discuss the biggest announcements from this year's Summer Game Fest: Kickoff Live.

James and Marie share their thoughts on the most promising games, as well as the tone and quality of the overall line-up. And, inevitably, the conversation shifts towards the usual 'do we need E3/Not-E3?' discourse.

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The GamesIndustry.biz team gathers around their mics to discuss the biggest stories in the business of video games.

This week, we dive deeper into the potential for cloud gaming - a technology the UK competition regulator believes will become so big that it's using this as ground to block the Microsoft acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

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In our latest Microcast, GamesIndustry.biz's Christopher Dring and James Batchelor offer a bite-sized breakdown of yesterday's PlayStation Showcase, from the new hardware revealed to the glimpses at Sony's future first-party line-up.

As well as rounding up some of the highlights, the discussion dives a little deeper into the potential audience and use cases for the Project Q handheld streaming device, Remedy's decision to release Alan Wake 2 as a digital-only title, and Sony's latest steps into the live service arena.

The Microcast is available on the usual GamesIndustry.biz Podcast feed, and be sure to read our full roundup of Sony's announcements.

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GamesIndustry.biz's Chris Dring and James Batchelor deliver another short, sharp analysis of the biggest stories happening across the business of video games.

In case you missed the first episode, this is a new podcast format in which we take a look at key stories and offer a little opinion and analysis in a shorter, more digestible way.

Today's microcast covers:

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Welcome to the new GamesIndustry.biz Microcast.

In addition to our full-length, in-depth discussions of key topics from across the industry, we are also experimenting with a new short-form format in which we analyse the biggest stories as they break.

Today's episode covers:

• The European Commission's approval of Microsoft's proposed Activision Blizzard acquisition
• The record-breaking UK launch sales of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
• Amazon's announcement of a new Lord of the Rings MMO (more information to come in our full interview later today)

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The GamesIndustry.biz team gather around their mics to discuss the biggest stories from the business of video games.

This week, we discuss the recent cancellation of E3 2023, the myriad factors behind it, and what comes next for the long-running trade show. With the industry's needs changing over the years, and the rise of new ways to reach your audience, the very purpose of E3 has been the ongoing subject of debate - so how can the event evolve in the future?

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Digital game distribution muscled in on the former dominance of boxed releases long ago. But now the digital realm is fragmenting, as myriad new ways to consume games compete for user attention.

In step with that movement, the very definition of what counts as a 'game platform' is shifting, in no small part because of recent year's emphasis on live servicing of titles. In fact, the medium itself might someday soon brace itself for a flight from the very notion of 'platform' in the traditional sense.

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The GamesIndustry.biz team gather around their mics to discuss the biggest stories of the past week.

On this episode, we begin with the report that 2023's Call of Duty release will be a follow-up to 2022's Modern Warfare 2 that originally began an expansion. It will plug the previously reported gap that could have seen this year become the first since 2005 not to see a full new entry in the series, with Treyarch's next game pushed to 2024.

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Episode six of the Playable Futures podcast assembles a panel of experts to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the industry’s talent pipeline, and how the sector finds itself at a crossroads in terms of future proofing recruitment for the medium and long term success of the sector.

Next Gen Skills Academy co-founder Marcia Deakin, UKIE head of education and Digital Schoolhouse director Shahneila Saeed, and Futurlab head of people Keira McGarvey join Will Freeman to discuss the future talent pipeline for the games industry and how we join the dots between industry and education.

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The GamesIndustry.biz team gathers around their mics to discuss the biggest stories of the past week.

On this episode, following the reports and refutation that Sony was cutting forecasts for PlayStation VR 2, we discuss the many challenges the virtual reality faces as it approaches launch later this month.

With a hefty price tag and a launch line-up primarily comprised of titles already available on other VR headsets, Sony's strategy for PSVR 2 raises questions but given the success of the original, could this could be the first step in a longer-term play for the virtual reality space?

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The GamesIndustry.biz team gather around their mics to ponder the year ahead.

Rather than offering predictions on what we think will happen in the business of video games this year, we share our hopes for what we want to see.

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For our final podcast of 2022, the GamesIndustry.biz team gathers around their mics and discusses their favourite games of the year.

In addition, we discuss several of the honourable mentions, the titles we've delved deeply into throughout the course of 2022 but haven't quite established themselves as our favourites.

You can read our full thoughts on each member of the team's on the site throughout this week.

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It’s a double whammy for our latest episode of the Playable Futures Podcast, with gaming communities at the centre of the discussion.

For this episode, presenter Will Freeman chats to Mark Reed, Founder of Heaven Media to reflect on gaming’s relationship with marketing and the important role that communities play in shaping its landscape.

He then interviews Romain de Waubert de Genlis, Studio Head and Chief Creative Officer at Amplitude Studios who discusses how his platform Games2Gether aims to bring the gaming community into the dev process.

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In our latest podcast, the GamesIndustry.biz team gathers around their mics to look back at some of the biggest stories and trends of the year.

Using a recent edition of This Week In Business as a jumping off point, we discuss whether 2022 was a weak year for new video games (as some folks believe) and how well the line-up compares to previous years.

We also discuss the biggest trends, such as the wave of potentially industry-changing M&A deals that rocked the business back in January.

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For the latest episode of the Playable Futures Podcast, Will Freeman is joined by representatives from three of the many independent and mid-size studios that are currently making waves in the games industry.

Playtonic Games business development manager Stephanie Darrah, nDreams CEO Patrick O'Luanaigh, and Nosebleed Interactive managing director Andreas Firnigl discuss how much the game space has changed in the past decade and what it means to be an indie in a world where their titles are vying for audiences’ attention alongside AAA behemoths.

With the landscape ever changing, many developers are becoming publishers themselves, taking their experiences of working with external parties to inform their own ventures into the space.

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The GamesIndustry.biz Podcast is back, as the team once again gathers around their mics to discuss the biggest stories of the week.

We start with the highs and lows of the latest Pokémon launch. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are smashing series records in key territories and are the most ambitious entries to date – but it turns out that ambition comes at a price.

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For the second outing of the Playable Futures Podcast, games journalist Will Freeman chats with Tommy Palm, founder and CEO of Resolution Games to reflect on the future of virtual reality.

An industry veteran responsible for the enormous success of Candy Crush Saga, Palm has since shifted his focus to the world of virtual reality, courtesy of Ultimechs, Resolution’s new multiplayer VR gaming experience.

There are now more than ten million headsets in the market, so with VR well established as an accessible gaming platform, the barriers to entry are now significantly reduced. With the initial years of hype behind us, the format has begun to flourish on its own terms, becoming a fertile creative space for experimental games and ideas that were previously impossible to achieve.

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Our special podcast series The Five Games Of returns with Tim Schafer, founder, CEO and president of Double Fine Productions. And the episode is available to download now.

For those who may have missed past episodes, this is a series of interviews in which we explore five games from our guest's careers – their first, their latest, and three of their choice – as well as how the industry changed in the years between.

In this episode, Schafer shares how he came to work at LucasFilm Games, the evolution of the adventure genre that the studio was best known for, the transition to early 3D graphics, the complexities of music licensing, and the changing attitudes towards comedy in games.

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You can now download the latest episode of The GamesIndustry.biz Podcast, in which we discuss the biggest stories from the business of video games.

We start this week's episode with thoughts on how the industry will fare in the impending recession. The business models supporting games companies have changed dramatically since the last financial collapse, so how will economic changes affect spending on everything from free-to-play titles and in-game purchases to subscriptions?

We also discuss the recent Grand Theft Auto 6 leak and the consequenes of leaks in general on the industry in general. For one thing, it's highlighted the misconceptions that video games' graphics are finalised before the gameplay, but do consumers need to understand more about how these titles are developed?

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You can now download the latest episode of The GamesIndustry.biz Podcast, in which we discuss the highs and the lows of 2022's Gamescom Opening Night Live.

James Batchelor is joined by Alex Donaldson of sister site VG247 and RPGSite to discuss the biggest reveals and announcements for last night's showcase.

Over the course of the episode, we discuss the breadth (or perhaps lack thereof) of games on show, the importance of giving smaller publishers the opportunity to shine in the absence of major players, and the long-awaited reveal of Everywhere - the debut game from the studio formed by ex-GTA producer Leslie Benzies.

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The GamesIndustry.biz Podcast is back, with the team once again gathering around their mics to discuss the biggest stories from the business of video games.

This week, we're taking a look at the current wave of financial results, showing each company's performance for the first quarter of the financial year (April to June 2022). Most, but not all, show some form of decline - an inevitable sign as pandemic measures ease and more people venture outside.

On the episode, which you can listen to in the player above, we discuss the implications for each of the platform holders and two AAA publishers. If you're not familiar with their most recent results, check out our coverage here:

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The GamesIndustry.biz team gather around their mics and discuss the biggest news of the past week.

Naturally, this episode focuses on the various showcases that filled the void left by the absence of E3. From Starfield to The Plucky Squire and beyond, we dive into the highlights, lowlights and the impressions we got about where games are headed in the next year.

From a AAA standpoint, it was a largely underwhelming week, but has that hindered the many indie games shown off over the last two weeks?

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The latest GamesIndustry.biz is available to download now, in which the team discusses the upcoming annual wave of game announcements.

With the wave of livestreams and showcases that would traditionally have been grouped around E3 now upon us, we ponder the week ahead and what we can expect from each of the major events.

We also reflect on PlayStation's most recent State of Play, diving into the line-up, the prospects for PlayStation VR2 and the curiously low profile of PlayStation Plus ahead of its revamp.

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On this episode of The GamesIndustry.biz Podcast, we're joined by former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé.

Following the launch of his memoir, Disrupting The Game, we talk to him about his experiences at Nintendo and as one of the industry's few prominent Black gaming executives.

He also shares his thoughts on the industry's ongoing diversity issues in general, as well as thoughts on the future of games, including the use of cloud technology and how Nintendo can follow up on the success of the Switch.

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The GamesIndustry.biz team gathers around their mics and discuss the biggest stores from across the business of video games.

Well, we say 'team' but this week it's just Brendan and James, and we say 'stories' but there's only one topic we're diving into this time: Square Enix's sale of Crystal Dynamics, Eidos Montreal and Square Enix Montreal for $300 million.

We discuss the surprisingly low price tag given that the deal includes major IP such as Tomb Raider, Deus Ex, Thief and Legacy of Kain, as well as the many commercial struggles Square Enix's Western studios have gone through that likely led to this sale.

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The team gather around their mics to discuss the biggest news from across the business of video games in the latest edition of The GamesIndustry.biz Podcast.

For this episode, we start by discussing the news that both Sony and Microsoft are reportedly considering introducing in-game ads into free-to-play titles on their consoles.

While both are said to be working on inobtrusive methods, the initial reception to the news has not been positive. We discuss the rise of advertising in games, previous attempts to establish this as a model on consoles, and what limitations remain.

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The GamesIndustry.biz team gathers around their mics to dive deeper into some of the big discussions coursing through the business of video games.

First, we explore a recent article written for us by TinyBuild CEO Alex Nichiporchik on why review scores are dead.

We share our own thoughts on the relevance of both reviews and the numbers attached to them, as well as the many hurdles that have been thrown at critics as video games have evolved as a medium.

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The latest GamesIndustry.biz podcast is available to download now, in which the team gather around their mics to discuss the biggest news from the world behind video games.

This week, we focus on the long-rumoured overhaul of PlayStation Plus, now revealed to be a three-tier system (with a fourth for regions without streaming).

The team shares their reactions to Sony's souped-up offering, and our thoughts on how benefits such as a retro library and access to PlayStation Now have been spread across the tiers.

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On this week's podcast, we begin by discussing the varying responses from games companies of all sizes to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine -- with a particular focus on the many major firms who have halted all sales in the region.

We've since reported that these platform holders and publishers are turning their back on a $3.4 billion market -- a not insignificant move on their part -- but we also discuss the precedent the industry is setting with this show of support ahead of the next inevitable conflict.

If you haven't already, be sure to also read our interview with a Kyiv-based developer about his experience of living in a city under siege.

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You can now download the latest episode of The GamesIndustry.biz Podcast, in which we discuss some of the biggest news from the past week.

On this episode, we start with a discussion about the DICE Summit keynote from EA executive vice president and chief operating officer Laura Miele, in which she said that games company leaders who "fall short of basic standards" should be removed.

Next, we address the implications of the rumoured delay to the Call of Duty planned for 2023, which would mark the first year without a premium title in almost two decades. Has Call of Duty finally peaked, and could it be time for a new approach?

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