Plus: Cyberpunk 2077 tops 35 million sales and Splash Damage prepares for studio-wide layoffs.
Slurp. Slurp. Tsnuff. That's what I sound like right now. Sipping my coffee after spending a week holed up in my apartment because I came down with one of the worst case of the sniffles I've had in yonks. I'm out of the woods now, which I'm sure my neighbours will be glad to hear. I never did learn how to blow my nose with even a modicum of grace.
I'm sure you're thrilled with that brief insight into my daily life (I know that's why you keep coming back, really), but I won't bore—or disgust—you with more details.
There is news to digest, which feels far more pertinent than whatever I've been doing this week (downing soup, playing video games, and watching Stranger Things). To be fair, that doesn't sound too terrible in hindsight.
If you want to discuss any of those pressing matters, you can find me on Bluesky. Alternatively, if you're just here for the headlines, ignore my wittering and plow straight ahead.
Cyberpunk 2077 surpasses 35 million sales worldwide
via CD Projekt // In its latest fiscal report, Polish video game company CD Projekt revealed its sci-fi RPG, Cyberpunk 2077, has sold over 35 million copies in around five years. It's a notable milestone given the title was maligned at launch due to widespread performance issues and bugs. CD Projekt invested ample resources to rehabilitate the experience, and it seems like that commitment has paid off.
'We need to be humble:' Ubisoft makes its pitch for generative AI
via Game Developer // When discussing its approach to generative AI, Ubisoft appears to be positioning itself as a benevolent sheriff in a dangerous new frontier. After tinkering with the technology for the best part of two years, the French publisher invited reporters to take an R&D experiment called Teammates for a spin to showcase how its Gemini-powered NPCs can purportedly enable new ways of play. Afterwards, we met with key members of the company's AI team to learn why Ubisoft is betting big on an industry that appears intent on alienating creatives by pilfering their work. Those we spoke with, however, offered a more cautiously optimistic view.
Coatsink to lay off half its staff due to "challenging co-development market"
via GamesIndustry.biz // Kingdom: Two Crowns and Islanders developer Coatsink has commenced a restructuring process that's expected to result in between 50 to 60 redundancies. The studio, which is owned by Swedish conglomerate Thunderful Group, said it must downsize to survive in a "more challenging co-development market."
Santa Ragione facing closure after Horses banned from Steam
via Game Developer // Italian indie studio Santa Ragione claims it could be forced to shut down after its upcoming horror title, Horses, was barred from Steam by Valve. The studio has accused Valve of failing to adequately explain why the project was blacklisted back in 2023, leaving it unable to implement a fix with a view to launching on Steam. Valve said it spoke with the developer at the time, but described its decision as "final." It's a situation that has raised concerns about censorship and transparency, with Santa Ragione co-founder Pietro Righi Riva describing the ordeal as "scary, humiliating, and patronizing."
How Steam censors LGBTQ+ content on behalf of the Russian Government
via Video Games Industry Memo // To what extent is the Russian state censoring video games? The answer might surprise you (or perhaps not, depending on your view of the current regime in Moscow). In any case, VGIM had laid out precisely how Roskomnadzor (the Russian government's mass media censorship body) blacklists video games, its propensity for targeting LGBTQ+ content and advocates, and how major platforms deal with those requests.
Splash Damage begins studio-wide consultation ahead of layoffs
via Game Developer // Splash Damage has initiated a studio-wide consultation that will result in an unknown number of redundancies. The Gears Tactics co-developer was purchased by an unnamed group of private investors in September—yanking it out from under the Tencent umbrella—and it seems their first order of business will be to oust workers in service of remaining "agile and adaptable." Where have we heard that one before?
Nintendo to acquire Splatoon 3 co-developer Bandai Namco Studios Singapore
via Game Developer // Are you a kid or a squid? NEITHER. You're the acquisition target of perhaps the most recognizable video game company on the planet. That's right, Nintendo intends to purchase Splatoon 3 co-developer Bandai Namco Studios Singapore to expand its footprint in the region. The Japanese company has made significant inroads into Southeast Asia in recent months after establishing a local entity in Singapore back in September. More to come?
Sektori Is The Technically Perfect Heir To Geometry Wars
via Aftermath // Geometry Wars, how I miss you. I'm not sure why the little top-down shooter has embedded itself in my psyche. It's possible the delirium induced by its heady combination of thumping soundtrack and citrus explosions resulted in some kind of temporal Tetris effect. I have been craving a sequel more than I crave the air I breathe. Does that make me some kind of sicko? I hope so, because Aftermath's Chris Person reckons they've found the answer to my prayers.