How to Announce a Live Service Game in 2026? Plus, Star Wars, Nex Playground and New Xbox Leaders
The episode of the Game Business Show covered a wave of strategic reshuffles across the console and publishing sectors, highlighted by Xbox’s appointment of analyst Matthew B and technologist Scott Vanblit, Embracer’s planned spin‑off of its marquee IPs into Fellowship Entertainment, and 47 Communications’ European expansion. Xbox’s new hires aim to tighten console strategy amid rising hardware costs and to accelerate product delivery, while CEO Asher Sharma’s promotion of Chris Schnackenberg underscores a focus on third‑party partnerships. Embracer’s split will isolate high‑value franchises such as Lord of the Rings and Tomb Raider under a centralized unit, mitigating the fallout from a $760 million non‑cash impairment. 47’s integration of Indigo Pearl adds a UK foothold and a creator‑relations practice led by Megan Camarina. Host highlighted Matthew B’s “State of Video Gaming” report as essential reading and quoted 47’s CEO on “new creative firepower.” PlayStation’s decision to keep single‑player titles exclusive and raise Plus pricing was framed as a brand‑protective move, while Valve’s overhaul of Steam’s 45‑category taxonomy was presented as a response to marketplace confusion. Collectively, these moves signal a tightening of focus on core IPs, brand differentiation, and operational efficiency as the industry grapples with cost pressures, regulatory scrutiny, and shifting consumer expectations, setting the stage for competitive positioning in 2026 and beyond.
Why Hasbro Gambled on Major New Sci-Fi RPG Exodus
Hasbro acquired Archetype Entertainment — led by James Ohlen with several former BioWare veterans — to build a new sci-fi RPG, Exodus. Executives say the deal was driven by the rare opportunity to assemble top-tier talent, the company's familiarity with...
How Is Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast Using AI?
Hasbro says it is deploying AI unevenly across its businesses: toy teams are using generative tools heavily to go from concept to fully visualized 3D renders, claiming more than an 80% reduction in development time for collectibles and figures. By...
Why Hasbro Isn't Making Live Service Games
Hasbro has publicly explained why it is steering clear of live‑service games, opting instead for more conventional, single‑player or board‑style titles. The company’s leadership highlighted the massive capital outlay—often exceeding $100 million—required to develop a live‑service shooter or mobile hit, and...
Could AI Bring Investors Back to Video Games?
The episode of the Game Business Show examined how AI and fresh capital are reshaping the video‑game investment arena, featuring veteran VC David Gardner and the launch of Griffin Gaming Partners’ $100 million indie fund. Key market moves were highlighted: Nintendo’s Switch 2...
Why It's Important PlayStation Supports External Developers
PlayStation remains the dominant console platform but continues to emphasize strong support for third-party publishers and developers. Company leaders argue that PlayStation’s hardware is meaningless without the breadth of third-party content that fuels player engagement. They say maintaining an open,...
PlayStation: “We Have a Responsibility to the Whole Industry”
In a recent interview on the Game Business Show, Christian Spencson, Sony Interactive Entertainment’s vice‑president of second‑ and third‑party content ventures, explained how PlayStation works with developers outside its first‑party studios. The conversation clarified that the focus is not on...
PS5 Pricing Might Shock New GTA 6 Gamers
The video examines how recent Sony price adjustments on the PlayStation 5 could intersect with the highly anticipated launch of Grand Theft Auto VI, potentially reshaping consumer buying patterns. The speaker notes that a $1,000 price tag—driven by incremental hikes—might shock gamers...
Do People Even Want a PlayStation 6?
The video questions whether gamers truly want a PlayStation 6, pointing to shrinking console cycles and stagnant demand. The host notes that major studios like Naughty Dog and Ken Levine haven’t delivered flagship titles for two generations, suggesting development timelines now outpace hardware...
‘GTA 6 Players Are in for a Console Price Shock’
The episode of Game Business Show highlighted a looming legal showdown for Sony in the UK, where a $2.6 billion class‑action alleges the PlayStation Store’s 30 % commission inflates digital game prices. The same episode covered Xbox’s sweeping leadership overhaul, Build a...
007 First Light Is an Expensive Project... But Not Too Expensive
Lion Interactive unveiled its upcoming James Bond title, “007 First Light,” describing it as the studio’s most ambitious undertaking both creatively and financially. The company argues that, contrary to the prevailing belief that triple‑A games require blockbuster budgets, its proprietary engine and...
People Are Demanding More From Influencers
The video argues that the influencer economy is moving from a relatability‑driven model to one built on credibility and substantive content, especially among Gen Z viewers who are becoming more screen‑time conscious. Metrics such as low view‑time and click‑through rates on mindless...
How Much Do Video Game Exclusives Still Matter?
The video examines whether console exclusives still drive hardware sales as development costs for triple‑A titles soar and the console market shows signs of slowdown. Rising budgets have pushed publishers toward multi‑platform releases on PC, Steam, cloud services, Nintendo hardware and...
Developers Should Treat Games as an Endurance Race
In a candid interview, the studio head explains why his studio treats game development like an endurance race, citing physical‑sport analogies and a lease‑imposed staff cap of 100 people. He argues that true success lies in building a lasting franchise rather...
The Vampire Survivors Developer Is Opening Studios and Making over 15 Games
Poncle, the studio behind the breakout hit Vampire Survivors, is using its success to launch a multi‑studio federation. Chief Strategy Officer Matteo Sciutteri announced new offices in the United Kingdom, Italy and Japan, turning the once‑solo operation into a globally...
The Witcher Director Found No Trouble Getting Investment for a New Studio
The video details how the director of the hit series "The Witcher" secured financing for a new game studio, despite a broader market wariness toward video‑game investments. After assembling a team with strong track records from previous collaborations, the studio...
Video Games Should Be Made by Leaders, Not Bosses
The video contends that video‑game development thrives under leaders who set vision rather than bosses who dictate tasks. It frames leadership as a facilitative role that points teams toward end goals while allowing creators to chart their own path. The speaker...
The Blood of the Dawnwalker Developer Doesn't Want to Be Another CD Projekt Red
Rebel Wolves’ founder explains that after releasing Blood of the Dawnwalker, the studio intends to stay small rather than emulate the rapid growth of giants like CD Projekt Red. He stresses that maintaining the current team size preserves the tight communication and...
"Video Game Publishers Are Terrified of Physical Product"
The video highlights growing anxiety among video‑game publishers about producing physical merchandise, noting that tariffs and logistical hurdles in 2025 have made tangible items less attractive. Interviewees explain that the cost, supply‑chain complexity, and recent tariff spikes have turned physical add‑ons...
Why Aren’t More Game Developers Using Kickstarter?
The video explores why many game developers still hesitate to launch Kickstarter campaigns, featuring interviews with Asha McClennon, head of games at Kickstarter, and Thomas Bidau of IO Partners. It examines Kickstarter’s evolution from the early “gold rush” era—when titles...
Dispatch Was Originally Going to Be Much Darker...
The video details how the creators of the series "Dispatch" originally envisioned a much darker narrative, even sketching a plot where the protagonist, Robert, is haunted by a mass‑casualty incident and resorts to nightly drinking. That bleak premise was ultimately...
After Dispatch, AdHoc Studio Is Looking to Expand
AdHoc Studio announced that, following the Dispatch project, it is actively expanding its organization. The company is using insights gained from Dispatch to determine the optimal team size needed to develop future titles, aiming to separate creative leadership from publishing...
Interview with Dispatch Developer: We Were Told Comedy Games Don't Sell
The interview centers on Dispatch’s co‑founders, Michael Trong and Nick Herman, who recount how their indie studio—built by two writers and two directors—faced skepticism from both game investors and Hollywood executives. Critics told them comedy‑driven, narrative‑heavy games don’t sell, and...
"Switch 2 Is Going to Be 3DS"
The video posits that Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 will follow the trajectory of the 3DS rather than revisiting the Wii U or simply iterating the original Switch. The speaker argues that the 3DS represented the logical next step for Nintendo’s handheld line,...
What’s the Truth About Nintendo Switch 2 Sales?
The Game Business Show episode tackles the truth behind Nintendo Switch 2 sales while contextualizing broader industry turbulence, including Epic’s massive layoffs and a sharp decline in UK game development. Data from Sakana shows US hardware revenue rose modestly, largely on the...
Pokemon Go Owner: There’s Less of a Need for New Games
The Game Business Show marks its 100th episode and a year, featuring an interview with Scopely co‑CEO Javier Ferrer. Scopely, now fifteen years old, recently acquired Niantic (Pokémon Go) and boasts $15 billion in lifetime revenue, over two billion downloads, and a 3,000‑person...
Pokemon Pokopia Would Have Had a Different Age Rating Under New Rules
The video discusses the European PEGI rating board’s updated criteria that focus on “play‑by‑appointment” mechanics – features that compel players to return at specific times to claim rewards. Using the newly released Pokemon Pokopia as a case study, the panel...
Can New Age Rating Rules Prevent a Video Game Ban?
The episode centers on PEGI’s overhaul of European age‑rating rules, introduced by the industry body PEGI, aimed at flagging loot boxes, microtransactions, NFTs and other mechanics that could entice minors. The host also touches on Nvidia’s controversial DLSS5 reveal, Ubisoft’s...
What Makes a Good Video Games CEO? #videogames
Take-Two's executive reflects on qualities that make a successful video games CEO in light of Asha Sharma’s appointment to lead Xbox, arguing industry-specific gaming background isn’t essential. He emphasizes that leaders must prioritize creativity, innovation and operational efficiency while understanding...
Can People Use AI to Make Grand Theft Auto?
The video tackles the hype that generative AI could let a single developer press a button and launch a Grand Theft Auto‑style blockbuster. The speaker argues that while software tools have lowered entry barriers for indie developers, the industry’s biggest...
Is an Older Gamer Boom Coming? #thegamebusiness #videogames
The video examines a looming demographic shift: the first generation of gamers who grew up on 1990s consoles are now approaching middle age and retirement. As these players move from their 20s and 30s into their 40s and 50s, analysts...
Whatever Happened to Xbox Project Moorcroft?
Xbox used its GDC appearance to address lingering questions about Project Moorcroft, confirming the demo‑program has been folded into a broader Idea Xbox festival strategy. At the same event, Vice President Jason von Ronald outlined Project Helix, a next‑generation console that will share...
How FIFA and EA Sports FC Ultimate Team Was Born
The video chronicles the origin of FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT), explaining how EA shifted from simply amassing official club licenses to letting gamers assemble their own squads, a concept borrowed from fantasy football. Executives realized that authentic licenses alone were...
Peter Moore’s Video Game Stories: “Maybe the Console Wars Were My Fault”
Veteran executive Peter Moore recounts in his new autobiography Game Changer how a winding career from Reebok to Sega, Microsoft’s Xbox and EA put him at the center of the console wars. He defends the Sega Dreamcast as a technically...
"They Called It Blinding of Isaac" - There Was Nearly a Binding of Isaac Animated Series
The video recounts a developer’s encounter with a pitch to turn the indie hit 'The Binding of Isaac' into an animated series, only to discover the proposer repeatedly misnamed the property as 'the blinding of Isaac.' The creator highlights how the...
Mewgenics Developers Were Stunned by the Game's Sales #mewgenics
The video captures Mewgenics indie developer’s reaction to an unexpected surge in player numbers shortly after launch, revealing how the title exploded without a coordinated marketing push. Within an hour of waking, the creator discovered roughly 30,000 players online, and a...
Interview: Edmund McMillen and Tyler Glaiel on the Remarkable Success of Mewgenics
The Game Business Show interview spotlights Edmund McMillen and Tyler Glaiel’s latest indie hit, Mewgenics, a roguelike tactical strategy game that sold one million copies in its first week and quickly eclipsed the concurrent‑user record of The Binding of Isaac. The...
Is There Any Hope for the Future of the Video Game Industry? #gamedev #gameindustry
The video examines the bleak financing landscape confronting the video‑game industry and asks whether any optimism remains. 2025 saw venture capital for game development plunge 55%, prompting a hard look at budget realities and the myth that indie or mid‑tier...
IGN Continues to Cut at Eurogamer
The video outlines how IGN’s 2024 acquisition of Gamer Network has led to a cascade of layoffs, most notably decimating Eurogamer’s UAE editorial team. Gamer Network’s portfolio—Eurogamer, V27, Rock Paper Shotgun, Outside Xbox, Digital Foundry, and partial stakes in HookShock Media—has...
The Costs of DRAM and Storage Is a Major Problem for the Video Game Industry #switch2 #PS5 #Xbox
Veteran game analyst Matthew Ball warned that soaring DRAM and SSD prices are threatening the profitability of next‑generation consoles. Component costs have risen sharply, driven by data‑center demand and supply constraints, forcing manufacturers to reassess bill‑of‑materials. Ball described the situation...
“I’m Pretty Frightened by the DRAM Crisis” – Matthew Ball Part Two
Matthew Ball returns to discuss a cascade of industry challenges, from widespread layoffs and the looming DRAM shortage to the rise of in‑game advertising and subscription models. He highlights how the DRAM crisis is inflating hardware costs for both console...
Racing Games Are Ripe for Disruption #starwars #racinggames
An industry veteran argues the racing-game genre is inconsistent but primed for disruption, noting new studios and established teams are exploring fresh directions rather than being deterred by competition. He says successful innovation comes from borrowing mechanics from other genres...
Star Wars: Galactic Racer Had to Be a AAA Game #starwars
The video features an interview with the developers of Star Wars: Galactic Racer, emphasizing their decision to treat the title as a true AAA experience rather than a modest spin‑off. The team, though not the largest in the industry, leveraged extensive...
How Come Fuse Games Gets to Make a Star Wars Racing Game?
The Game Business Show introduced Fuse Games’ upcoming Star Wars Galactic Racer, a high‑profile racing title that aims to revive the franchise’s long‑absent pod‑racing experience. Founded three years ago by former Criterion leaders, the UK studio has grown to a...
What the Industry Can Learn From Love and Deepspace #loveanddeepspace
The video outlines a recent industry report on the game “Love in Deep Space,” a bold genre mash‑up that blends 3D space‑faring sci‑fi action with romance‑focused storytelling aimed primarily at women and gay men. The report argues that such cross‑genre...
The Hidden Crisis in Video Game Funding #videogames
The video highlights a growing funding crisis in the video‑game sector, especially across Europe, where private capital has poured into early‑stage studios while traditional studio‑centric development models erode. It points to a paradox: despite a surge in private financing, the...
Could AI Help Older Players that Can't Game as Much as They Used To? #thegamebusiness #gamedev
The video explores whether artificial intelligence can give older or time‑constrained gamers the kind of in‑game help they need without breaking immersion, focusing on dynamic voice‑over assistance that reacts to player queries. The speaker points out that even the most celebrated...
The State of Video Games with Matthew Ball – Part One
The episode previews a two-part interview with industry analyst Matthew Ball on the state of video gaming in 2026 and rounds up major industry developments: forecasts of continued U.S. market growth, Steam Deck OLED shortages tied to DRAM and storage...
Peter Molyneux Is Unafraid to Change Everything at the 11th Hour #mastersofalbion #gamedev
Peter Molyneux’s interview highlights a leadership philosophy that prizes team autonomy over auteur‑driven design. He frames himself as a facilitator—telling artists “make that look cool” or “sound cool”—and lets them shape the game, reinforcing that the product belongs to everyone. The...
"I Am Petrified" - Peter Molyneux on Self-Publishing His Next Game #mastersofalbion #videogames
Peter Molyneux, renowned game designer, announced that his next title will be self‑published, marking a rare move for a veteran of big‑studio development. He openly described his trepidation, saying he is "petrified" and acknowledging the team’s lack of publishing experience....