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

by Ralph October 21, 2026 0

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

by Ralph October 21, 2026 0

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

by Ralph October 21, 2026 0

“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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“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

by Ralph October 21, 2026 0

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

by Ralph October 21, 2026 0

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

by Ralph October 20, 2026 0

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

by Ralph October 20, 2026 0

(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...

Photo Layout

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

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

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

“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

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

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

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

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