Industry News Report - Level 2
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The Ascent Marks Fifth Anniversary With Major Update and Sequel Hints
The Ascent will receive a significant update in November 2026, promising improvements for solo and co-op play. Publisher Krafton and developer Neon Giant have also suggested that a sequel and new platform versions are in development
Unreleased Super Mario Bros. Duck Hunt NES Carts Found in Wisconsin
A rare cache of 97 unopened Super Mario Bros. Duck Hunt NES cartridges, previously unknown to collectors, has been authenticated after being discovered in a Wisconsin warehouse. The find has drawn attention from grading experts and the retro gaming community
BioWare Veteran Explains Why a Dragon Age Trilogy Remaster Is Unlikely
A former Dragon Age lead has revealed why a Mass Effect-style remaster of the original trilogy is highly improbable, citing technical and organisational barriers at BioWare that make such a project far more complex than fans might expect
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Sequel Announced as Original Creator Returns
A sequel to Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is officially in development, led by original creative director Xia Siyuan at a new studio, following earlier reports of the team's disbandment and a transfer of franchise rights to 505 Games
Capcom Suggests Pragmata Sequel Likely After Strong Launch Sales
Capcom has indicated that a sequel to Pragmata is now highly probable, following robust early sales for the sci-fi action-adventure. The publisher's latest financial results highlight the game's rapid commercial momentum and growing franchise potential
Capcom Reports 93% of Game Sales Are Now Digital in 2026
Capcom's latest financial report reveals that digital sales now account for over 93% of its game sales, raising new questions about the future of physical discs as the industry shifts towards digital-first distribution
Lightspeed LA Restructures Last Sentinel, Staff Impacted by Creative Shift
Lightspeed LA has announced a major change in the creative direction of Last Sentinel, resulting in staff layoffs and a renewed focus on meeting player expectations for the upcoming open-world action game
GTA Online Casino Gambling Disabled for Australian Players
Rockstar has blocked access to all in-game gambling features in GTA Online for Australian users, removing casino mini-games after years of availability. The move follows regulatory changes but leaves key questions about timing and enforcement
Resident Evil 2 Remake Overtakes Resident Evil 5 as Series' Top Seller
Capcom has confirmed that Resident Evil 2 remake has surpassed Resident Evil 5 to become the best-selling entry in the franchise, highlighting the ongoing strength of the series' back catalogue and shifting sales landscape
Games Workshop Wins Tariff Refund but Faces New Supply Chain Risks
Games Workshop has reclaimed £7.8 million in US tariff refunds after a Supreme Court ruling, but new global tariffs and ongoing conflicts now threaten the Warhammer maker's supply chain and input costs
Square Enix Suggests FF6, FF8 and FF9 Remakes Would Be Multi-Part Projects
Square Enix developers have indicated that remakes of Final Fantasy 6, Final Fantasy 8, or Final Fantasy 9 would likely require four or five separate releases, raising questions about the feasibility of such projects
Snail Games to unveil new titles and updates at Gamescom 2026
Snail Games USA has confirmed its presence at Gamescom 2026, where it will showcase Bellwright, For The Stars, Honeycomb: The World Beyond, and two unannounced projects, offering a closer look at its upcoming line-up
Target Arcade brings connected darts gaming to venues in August 2026
Just Add Water and Target Darts have announced Target Arcade, a new suite of interactive darts games using connected hardware, set to debut with Target Dartzone venues across the UK from 24 August 2026
Xbox Game Pass Strategy Backfires as Subscriber Numbers Stall
Microsoft's ambitious Game Pass subscription was meant to revitalise Xbox, but mounting losses, missed targets and studio sell-offs now raise questions about the future of the service and the platform itself
GTA 6 Physical Editions in Japan Will Expire 170 Days After Launch
Rockstar has confirmed that physical copies of Grand Theft Auto VI in Japan will only include a digital code, which must be redeemed within 170 days of launch due to local regulations
TIGA Games Industry Awards 2026 nominations deadline extended to 29 July
The TIGA Games Industry Awards 2026 nomination window has been extended to 1pm on 29 July, giving UK developers, publishers and industry partners more time to submit entries for this year's event
Pokémon Card Stores in Japan Introduce Facial Recognition to Tackle Scalping
The Pokémon Company has announced that facial recognition will become mandatory at official Pokémon card stores in Japan for all customers of elementary school age and above, aiming to address persistent scalping and security concerns
Dan Houser Urges Studios to Offer Physical Games if Players Demand Them
Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser has weighed in on the debate over physical versus digital game releases, stating that companies should provide physical editions if players want them, as the industry faces major shifts in distribution
God of War Laufey Release Date Set for February 2027
Sony Santa Monica has officially announced that God of War Laufey will launch on 16 February 2027, following confirmation at San Diego Comic-Con 2026. The release will include a physical disc edition ahead of PlayStation disc production ending
Toplitz Productions to Unveil New Game and Playable Demos at Gamescom 2026
Toplitz Productions will reveal a new title at gamescom 2026, alongside hands-on demos for Vikings Dynasty, Wild West Pioneers and Permafrost. The publisher promises a mix of city building, survival and world premiere content for attendees
Tomb Raider: Catalyst Officially Delayed to 2028 by Amazon Games
Amazon Games has confirmed that Tomb Raider: Catalyst will now launch in 2028, moving back from its previously announced 2027 window. The next major Tomb Raider entry is being developed by Crystal Dynamics for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S
Arknights: Endfield to Feature at Anime NYC and Expanded Gamescom 2026
GRYPHLINE has confirmed Arknights: Endfield will appear at Anime NYC in August 2026 and return to gamescom with a larger booth, offering hands-on demos, interactive activities and exclusive rewards for attendees
Microsoft Tests Ad-Supported Xbox Game Streaming With No Gameplay Interruptions
Microsoft has begun testing ad-supported Xbox game streaming, allowing select users to play without a subscription by watching adverts before each session. The company says ads will not disrupt gameplay, but session time is limited
Netmarble launches global teaser site for Shangri-La Frontier: The Seven Colossi
Netmarble has unveiled a global teaser site and official social channels for Shangri-La Frontier: The Seven Colossi, offering new details, videos and event plans for the upcoming mobile adaptation
RuneScape Monopoly Special Edition Pre-Orders Open Ahead of October Launch
Jagex has opened pre-orders for the RuneScape special edition of MONOPOLY, letting fans bring Gielinor to the tabletop. The boardgame is available via the official RuneScape Merch Store, with shipping set for October 2026
Clint Hocking Describes Ubisoft Game Development as Chaotic After Departure
Clint Hocking, known for Watch Dogs and Splinter Cell, has compared leading large-scale Ubisoft projects to dodging chaos, following his exit from the Assassin's Creed Hexe team earlier this year
Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game Delayed on Xbox Hours Before Launch
Paramount has postponed the Xbox release of Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game just before launch, leaving Xbox players waiting until September while other platforms proceed as planned
For One Night Only Showcase Brings UK Game Studios to Centre Stage
For One Night Only is a new UK-focused games showcase set to stream on 29 July, featuring world premieres, trailers and interviews from leading British studios including IO Interactive, Team 17 and Criterion, plus a week-long Steam sale
Sony Prepared for Backlash Over End of PlayStation 5 Disc Releases
Sony anticipated strong negative reaction to its decision to phase out physical PlayStation 5 game discs, reportedly issuing its strictest-ever staff guidelines to prevent public comment on the move
Over 100 Unreleased Pokémon Designs Surface from Diamond and Pearl Era
A previously unseen Game Freak documentary has surfaced, revealing more than 100 scrapped Pokémon designs and evolutions from the development of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, offering a rare look at the franchise's creative process
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