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Thu, Oct 16 items
0 of 6 readThis week's gaming news centered on Microsoft's ongoing Xbox restructuring and leadership comments, Grasshopper Manufacture regaining independence from NetEase, and The Witcher 3 Remastered driving record player counts. Global revenue forecasts and Sony's possible disc phase-out also drew attention.
Microsoft cuts over 5,750 jobs in three years, Xbox CEO denies sale
Microsoft's CEO says Xbox is 'streamlining' after cutting over 5,750 jobs in three years and divesting or shuttering studios like Double Fine and Tango Gameworks; Xbox CEO Asha Sharma denies the division is for sale.
Why it mattersXbox's continued contraction and sale rumors directly affect its first-party output and platform strategy, making studio fates worth watching.
Grasshopper Manufacture splits from NetEase, regains independence
Romeo is a Dead Man developer Grasshopper Manufacture has announced its separation from NetEase Games to become independent again. CEO Suda51 said the decision was made after full discussion and with NetEase's cooperation.
Why it mattersThis reflects a shift in NetEase's overseas investment strategy and shows mid-sized studios seeking greater creative freedom after gaining self-publishing experience.
The Witcher 3 Remastered launches free, hits record Steam concurrents
CD Projekt Red released The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered as a free upgrade for existing owners. The game hit its highest-ever Steam concurrent player count since launch.
Why it mattersA free remaster can significantly extend a game's lifecycle and boost platform engagement, offering a template for other publishers.
Mario Kart Tour shuts down after seven years
Nintendo has shut down Mario Kart Tour, with the mobile racer becoming unplayable after servers went offline at 11:00 PM Pacific on September 29th. No offline version will be released.
Why it mattersAnother contraction in Nintendo's mobile business, reminding players and professionals that mobile games have limited lifespans and digital content can disappear.
Europe's CPC targets King, Supercell, Mojang over virtual currencies
Europe's Consumer Protection Cooperation Network is taking coordinated actions against King, Supercell, Mojang, Activision Blizzard and others to investigate compliance with 'Key Principles' on in-game virtual currencies announced last year.
Why it mattersRegulatory pressure could force companies to adjust virtual currency pricing and presentation, affecting monetization design in mobile and free-to-play games.
Steam's discounts and events tab to become fully algorithm-driven
Valve announced changes to Steam's discounts and events tab, meaning which games players see will be primarily determined by algorithms.
Why it mattersAlgorithmic recommendations will change game visibility logic, forcing small and mid-sized developers to rethink how they gain traffic on Steam.