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October 21, 2026

Standing on BioWare’s grave, EA says “we should be proud” to be top “publisher in Western HD gaming”

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(Image credit: EA) The now-defunct RPG icon BioWare is simply a footnote in a recent announcement from EA’s senior leadership outlining the firm’s next phase following an acquisition propelled by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. COO David Tinson and CSO Cam Weber assert that “we should feel proud” of what EA has evolved into. “At present, we’re the top publisher in Western HD gaming,” the executives’ unified statement, initially disclosed to EA staff, states. “That represents an exceptional position to lead from, and one we should feel proud of. However, our industry is evolving rapidly. Gamers have more options than ever for their time and focus, competition is escalating, and some of our biggest growth prospects lie outside the markets, platforms, and business models where EA has historically excelled.” It remains ambiguous by which standards EA is gauging the oddly precise niche of “Western HD gaming,” although the company’s extensive reach and sales figures...

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October 21, 2026

Diablo 4 players find homebrew fix to a huge season 15 annoyance, but you’ll need a good friend

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(Image credit: Blizzard) The Fragments of Malevolence are among the most elusive drops in Diablo 4 season 15, but once you acquire a certain variety – Hatred, Terror, or Annihilation – that’s the maximum you can possess of that type simultaneously. Blizzard appears to have purposively crafted this particular seasonal drop to avoid stacking, indicating that you can only maintain one fragment of each type in your inventory at any given moment. This may appear to be a rather specialized dilemma relevant solely to endgame players within the uppermost Torment levels, and it is, yet for those gamers it represents a significant problem precisely because fragments are so infrequent. Imagine having to forsake one of the game’s rarest drops simply because you already possess one in your inventory, and you’ll grasp why endgame enthusiasts have advocated for a DIY solution and discovered one. As elaborated in a recent clip from prominent Diablo creator Rob2628,...

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October 21, 2026

Innersloth co-founder warns devs: ‘there are some very bad deals out there’

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The increasing wave of indie creators transforming into indie game publishers and investors has proved to be a captivating evolution for the realm of video game negotiations. While all of these minor studios could justifiably retain their profits and solely finance internal initiatives, several have opted to thoughtfully distribute their resources, providing agreements that enhance financial competition in the sector of independent game creation. This wave of publishers has brought forth a fresh assortment of seasoned creators into the domain of term sheets, discussions, and revisions—and during the past year, developers-turned investors conversing with Game Developer have portrayed their experiences as something reminiscent of a horror story. Innersloth co-founder and programmer Forest Willard, who also manages the company’s Outersloth fund, is one of those founders taken aback by the circumstances his colleagues are facing. Now he is (cautiously) sounding the alarm for other creators. In a dialogue at Seattle Loves Indies Creator Expo (SLICE)...

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October 21, 2026

Fuse Games CEO breaks down codev framework for Star Wars: Galactic Racer

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Image via Fuse Games/Secret Mode Star Wars: Galactic Racer has launched into the marketplace with remarkable velocity, racing around the circuit quicker than Biddy Blas on a modified speeder bike. Although we are still anticipating precise figures, the game consistently achieves 18,000 simultaneous users on Steam backed by a “mostly positive” evaluation, and CEO Matt Webster informed VGC that sales are “strong.” This suggests developers are probably already investigating how to replicate such impressive achievement, and while we encourage all industry experts to infuse their eccentricity into characters like the game’s rising star, those seeking more concrete production insights should refer to an interview Webster conducted with the team at Gamesindustry.biz. In particular, Webster presented a surprisingly candid overview of how Fuse Games established a “distributed development” framework that allocated tasks for Galactic Racer among the core studio, co-development collaborators, external development teams, and outsourcing associates. While GI.biz describes this as Galactic Racer being...

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October 21, 2026

GDC Festival of Gaming 2027 moves to four-day format to “create a higher quality, more focused and valuable experience”

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“We’re focusing our programming and options during the periods when the community is most engaged,” declare organisers GDC Festival of Gaming will transition to a four-day structure for its 2027 edition, occurring Monday through Thursday, March 1 to March 4. Organisers mentioned that this alteration is “a purposeful move toward crafting a superior, more streamlined and worthwhile experience” for participants. “After analyzing the data and heeding our community’s feedback, we’re focusing our programming and options during the times when the community is most engaged, while facilitating attendees to balance their presence at GDC with their professional and personal responsibilities.” “In 2027, anticipate robust conference programming, larger session spaces, additional hands-on workshops, interactive activities, and broadened networking opportunities across the four days.” The new Business Hall at Moscone West and all conference programming will be accessible throughout the four days. Festival Hall at Moscone South will function from Tuesday to Thursday. The introduction of the...

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October 21, 2026

Sensor Tower data shows the yawning gap between GTA 6 and everything else

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In terms of advance order figures, Rockstar’s title is 148% ahead of 2022’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 at this stage from release Image credit: Rockstar Games A report from Sensor Tower illustrates just how significantly GTA 6 is outpacing in terms of preorders when positioned against some of the largest AAA titles from the last six years. The analytics company gathered preorder figures for recent blockbuster successes such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022), Diablo 4 (2023), Hogwarts Legacy (2023), and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (2023), then analyzed them alongside the preorder trend for GTA 6. Modern Warfare 2 ranked as one of the most triumphant games of recent times: preorder amounts for the shooter exceeded double that for Diablo 4 at 45 days before release, and Modern Warfare 2 achieved the highest opening weekend for Call of Duty at $800 million (Black Ops 6 would subsequently become the largest launch...

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October 21, 2026

Japan Actors Union announces guidelines addressing unauthorised use of generative AI to replicate voice performances

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“Technological progress will not cease, but the ‘living, breathing human expression’ and ‘acknowledgment of rights’ must consistently remain at its foundation.” Image credit: Ritupon Baishya via Unsplash The Japan Actors Union has unveiled new protocols to tackle the unapproved application of generative AI for mimicking voice performances. As Automaton reports, the union’s guidelines suggest acquiring prior approval at “every stage” of employing generative AI, including prior to training models on an actor’s performance. If generative AI imitates a performance, it must be regarded as a new rendition, necessitating further royalties or compensation for the actors involved. For actors who have passed away, generative AI may imitate their voice only if authorization was given during their lifetime. Developers or AI firms must also secure consent from the deceased’s family and affiliated agency or company, and provide royalties. The union’s instructions also encompass automatic translations by generative AI into other languages. If utilized, it must uphold...

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October 21, 2026

“Players want to engage with brands, not just consume them” – Mattel on its new Game Studios arm, why it’s releasing on Roblox, and what it learnt from NetEase

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In August, Mattel declared it was establishing Mattel Game Studios, a fresh global development entity that aims to create games rooted in its proprietary IP. The initiative operates under Mattel Digital Studios, and its formation comes after the February revelation that Mattel had secured full ownership of Mattel163, a partnership that was initiated by Mattel and Chinese gaming company NetEase back in 2018. In a discussion with GamesIndustry.biz, Marcus Liassides, SVP and global leader of Mattel Digital Studios, states that the company’s newly established Games Studios division “mirrors the progression” its digital gaming sector has experienced. Marcus Liassides | Image credit: Mattel “We have achieved success through licensing, mobile publishing, and creator platforms, and consolidating those skills under one studio gives us a more defined identity and a more cohesive strategy,” he explains. “Whether it’s a familiar game like Phase 10, the recently revealed self-published titles such as Uno Wild and an upcoming Hot...

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October 21, 2026

Griffin Gaming Partners and Entertainment 360 launch new company to support video game adaptations for film and TV

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HITpoint Entertainment will “merge Griffin’s connections with developers and publishers alongside Entertainment 360’s production history on IP-driven franchises.” Image credit: Sony Pictures Releasing Griffin Gaming Partners has initiated a new enterprise to facilitate game adaptations for cinema and television in collaboration with talent management and production company Entertainment 360. Named HITpoint Entertainment, the firm will “merge Griffin’s connections with game developers and publishers alongside Entertainment 360’s production history on IP-driven franchises.” “In addition to creating opportunities for the company’s clients, this new initiative will explore connections throughout the wider creative community, matching each property with the filmmakers, talent, and studio partners most qualified to bring it to life on screen,” the entities informed The Hollywood Reporter. “HITpoint will ensure that game creators remain actively involved from the initial development stage to production, aligning interests while providing them direct access to top writers, filmmakers, actors, and production associates.” Griffin co-founder and managing director Peter Levin...

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October 20, 2026

Xbox Project Helix could cost as much as $1,800 and is reportedly set to launch by Christmas 2028

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(Image credit: Microsoft) A recent analysis indicates that the upcoming Xbox Project Helix system is expected to debut by Christmas 2028, with a potential price range of $1,200 to $1,800. This information comes from a report by Fortune. According to the outlet’s informants, a next-generation handheld gadget is slated to arrive “by the 2027 festive season,” with the principal console anticipated to launch in time for the holidays of 2028. The report further indicates that Microsoft‘s internal forecasts imply that the console will “charge consumers between $1,200 and $1,800,” although Xbox might opt to subsidize some of that expense, incurring a loss on the manufacturing of the device. Sources from Fortune also indicate that Microsoft’s internal engineering timelines for Project Helix have been accelerated by several months, applying pressure on developers to complete their tasks more quickly, even if that entails utilizing AI. Furthermore, the outlet notes that there have been internal disputes between...

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October 20, 2026

Xbox Game Pass overhaul would have you pay for add-ons like multiplayer “ala carte,” says report

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(Image credit: Xbox) New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is allegedly intending to implement significant Game Pass alterations, comprising a comprehensive pricing restructuring that would have users pay for subscription upgrades “à la carte,” as per a recent article. This information originates from Fortune (behind a paywall), which featured an exhaustive discussion with Sharma touching upon the primary aspects of her ambition to position Xbox as “the leading entertainment firm.” An element of that initiative is a multi-phase downsizing that will see 3,200 positions eliminated by the conclusion of the 2027 fiscal year, but it equally comprises the new Project Helix home console which is expected to be launched for the 2028 festive period and may be priced around $1800, alongside a handheld device anticipated to debut in 2027. However, the main topic of discussion revolves around this proposed strategy to significantly alter how Microsoft‘s Game Pass subscriptions are valued. The existing framework permits users...

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October 20, 2026

Nintendo “clearly revised” its messaging on discs following PlayStation mess, says ex-marketing lead

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(Image credit: Future) As a journalist, it’s crucial for me to observe PlayStation’s ongoing PR turmoil from a completely impartial viewpoint – this way I can inform you all about the developments with minimal input from my own individual beliefs. However, for a corporation like Nintendo, which clearly regards Sony as one of its principal adversaries, you likely wish to keep an eye on what has transpired following PlayStation’s declaration that production of physical discs is concluding in 2028 with a much more tactical lens. Nintendo has always been remarkably steadfast, intentional, and methodical in its communications, with a former marketing lead indicating that the company is strategically altering its public stance on physical media in direct reaction to Sony’s present crisis. Within this very particular framework, Nintendo is already in an advantageous PR scenario simply by launching a console in 2025 that completely accommodates physical titles without a digital-only option, while both contemporary...

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October 20, 2026

EA finally says the words PS3 gamers have waited 15 years to hear: “Fight Night is coming back”

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(Image credit: EA) It seems EA’s significant revival of its classic sports franchises isn’t finished yet, as the organization is hinting at the comeback of a boxing series we haven’t witnessed since the Xbox 360 and PS3 era. Indeed, everyone, it appears that Fight Night is finally returning. “To all who have supported us: Fight Night is on its way back,” EA announces from a newly established Twitter account dedicated to the series. Included is an image of a pair of boxing gloves hanging over an unoccupied canvas, accompanied by the tagline “the fight is never finished.” No other specifics about the game have been disclosed as of now. This will mark EA’s third major resurgence of a long-dormant sports series in recent times, following the revivals of College Football and Skate. College Football 25 received widespread praise and impressive sales, though after three installments the sentiment within the community is beginning to alter,...

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October 20, 2026

Original Street Fighter star Kylie Minogue was reportedly asked to appear in the new movie

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(Image credit: Universal) Vega star Orville Peck reveals the studio aimed to have Kyle Minogue make an appearance in the latest Street Fighter film, but ultimately, it didn’t pan out. “Alright, I’ve got a bit of insider info, actually,” Peck elaborated, via Kotaku. “I’m not sure if anyone’s brought this up, but they were attempting to have Kylie do a cameo in our Street Fighter. They were struggling to get in touch with her or something like that, and I was like, ‘Hey, I can message her.’ So, I was trying to coordinate this entire situation, but the timing just didn’t align. She was totally on board to participate, but yeah, of course, I quickly informed Kylie once I got cast. She mentioned that filming their Street Fighter was among the most enjoyable experiences of her life, and she was like, ‘I’m really excited for you to get to do that.’ Minogue portrayed Cammy...