SoundTrack_Cologne 2025 © SoundTrack_Cologne 2025 Business SoundTrack_Cologne 2025 Announces Video Games Composers The video games composers taking part in SoundTrack_Cologne 2025, the 22nd edition of the congress, have now been confirmed. Among them are Olivier Derivière, Paul Wolinski, Venus Theory, The Flight and Pieter Schlosser. At SoundTrack_Cologne 2025 (22nd edition), five panels and a masterclass will explore the art, challenges By Marcel Kleffmann • 1 min read
Baudelaire Welch, Senior Narrative Designer, Larian Studios @ Nordic Game 2024 © Nordic Game Business NG25 Spring: Speakers and Programme Finalised More than 170 speakers have confirmed their attendance at Nordic Game 2025 (NG25 Spring) in Malmö. The topics and programme for the conference, which starts in two weeks, have now been finalised. Nordic Game 2025 (NG25 Spring) kicks off in two weeks from 20-23 May 2025. More than 170 speakers By Marcel Kleffmann • 1 min read
© Z-Software Products Z-Software Continues Dustwind Z-Software is planning to release a spiritual successor to Dustwind - The Last Resort as a standalone single-player title in June. Before that, the original Dustwind will receive a free DLC as a bridge between the two games. Dustwind Studios and Z-Software, both based at the same address in Dortmund, By Marcel Kleffmann • 1 min read
Epic Games founder and CEO Tim Sweeney / Chris Hewish, Chief Strategy and Communications Officer at Xsolla © Epici Games / Xsolla Business US Court Ruling: Apple Can No Longer Charge for Out-of-App Purchases An important decision has been made in the Apple vs Epic case. Apple is no longer allowed to take commissions on purchases made outside of apps (web shops). Developers can now redirect players from their games to web shops in the USA. Both Epic Games and Xsolla are pleased with By Marcel Kleffmann • 3 min read
emptyvessel Game Director Emanuel Palalic © Ncsoft / emptyvessel Business Ncsoft Makes Strategic Equity Investment in US Studio emptyvessel As part of its publishing initiative, Ncsoft has made a strategic equity investment in US studio emptyvessel. This injection of funding will help drive the development of the cyberpunk squad-based tactical shooter Defect. Korean publisher and developer Ncsoft has announced that it has made a strategic equity investment in Austin, By Marcel Kleffmann • 2 min read
© Rockstar Products Grand Theft Auto VI Will Release End of May 2026 No, Grand Theft Auto VI will not be released this year. Rockstar Games has now officially confirmed that the game will not be released until the end of 2026. The release date for Grand Theft Auto VI has been confirmed. GTA VI will no longer be released in 2025. The By Marcel Kleffmann • 1 min read
Games Lift Incubator 2025 © Jan-Marius Komorek Business Applications Open for Games Lift Incubator 2025 Gamecity Hamburg launches the application phase for the Games Lift Incubator 2025. Games studios and developers can apply until 10 June. Five teams will receive €15,000 in funding and more. Until 10 June 2025, interested games studios and developers can apply to participate in the Games Lift Incubator 2025 By Marcel Kleffmann • 2 min read
The Valnet Gaming Group © Valnet Business Valnet Acquires Polygon From Vox Media Valnet's gaming portfolio continues to grow. Following the acquisition of FextraLife earlier this year, the company has now acquired Polygon. The takeover is accompanied by layoffs. Valnet, a global digital publishing and media investment company, has acquired gaming publication Polygon from Vox Media. Polygon will join Valnet' By Marcel Kleffmann • 2 min read
CEO Satya Nadella / CFO Amy Hood © Microsoft Business Microsoft Reports Strongest Xbox Q3 to Date, Outlook Remains Positive Microsoft's gaming division had its best Q3 ever, driven by growth in Xbox Game Pass, Call of Duty and Minecraft. Xbox ended the quarter as the top publisher by pre-orders and pre-installs on both Xbox and the PlayStation Store. In the third quarter of FY2025 (January to March By Marcel Kleffmann • 2 min read
© Microsoft Business Microsoft Increases Prices for Xbox Consoles and Games Prices for Xbox consoles and controllers are being increased worldwide. In Europe, Microsoft is raising the price of Xbox consoles by 50 euros. Some first-party games releasing this holiday season will also be more expensive. Effective 1 May, Microsoft has adjusted recommended retail prices for consoles and controllers worldwide. " By Marcel Kleffmann • 2 min read
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered © Bethesda Products The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Bethesda already had a successful shadow drop with Hi-Fi Rush, and Ninja Gaiden 2 Black (Koei Tecmo) also surprised gamers in January 2025. Recently, however, Bethesda had another shadow drop that belonged in the AAA category: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. A shadow drop that wasn't. Bethesda By Marcel Kleffmann • 3 min read
The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy- © Too Kyo Games / Aniplex Products The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy- 100 days of despair in a mysterious school, directed by Kazutaka Kodaka (Danganronpa) and Kotaro Uchikoshi (Zero Escape series). The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy- is a visual novel with branching storylines and tactical RPG combat. A surprisingly good mix. The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy- is the first original By Marcel Kleffmann • 3 min read
