Gamesbranche & Metaverse: "Experimentieren ist unglaublich wichtig"

Funding

June 2026: Bavaria Funds 5 XR Experiences with €360,000

Five XR experiences get 360,000 euros from FFF Bayern's current funding round. Two of those projects are in development at Reynard Films, one at Tellux next. Ignota and Jost von Harlessem are funded as well.

By Pascal Wagner •

VR-XR-MR

Omdia: XR Market to Hit Rock Bottom in 2026, With Recovery on the Horizon

In 2026, global sales of XR headsets are set to fall by a further 12 per cent. However, according to a new forecast by Omdia, sales are expected to pick up again as early as 2027 and then continue to rise.

By Stephan Steininger • 1 min read

VR-XR-MR

Vertigo Games Shutters Amsterdam Studio, Formerly Force Field

Plaion daughter Vertigo Games has announced the closure of its Amsterdam office, the former Force Field Entertainment. CEO Richard Stitselaar says that "the VR market remains a challenging space".

By Pascal Wagner • 1 min read

Daily

GamesMarket Daily – 23. July 26: EC x EA x PIF, Xsolla, Level Up, gamescom dev, UKIE, EA Sports FC 27

Electronic Arts and Saudi Arabia are the key talking points today. The EU has given the green light to the takeover, whilst EA has revealed the cover stars and release date for FC 27. And we take a look back at a panel from last year’s gamescom dev. Topic: The games industry in Saudi Arabia.

By Stephan Steininger • 5 min read

Products

Update: Jude Bellingham Joins Kylian Mbappé on the Cover of EA Sports FC 27

Electronic Arts has lifted the veil and revealed the global release date for EA Sports FC 2027. England star Jude Bellingham will also feature on the cover alongside Kilian Mbappé.

By Stephan Steininger • 2 min read

EU Commission Greenlights Electronic Arts Takeover

Under the EU Merger Regulation, the EU Commission has no objections to the planned takeover of Electronic Arts by the Public Investment Fund (‘PIF’) of Saudi Arabia. The deal raises no competition concerns.

By Stephan Steininger • 1 min read

gamescom

ESDigital, Toplitz, Konami – Exhibitor Update, 23 July

With five weeks to go before the trade fair and following the release of the exhibitor directory, reports about games and exhibitors at gamescom are increasing. Without claiming to be exhaustive, we’ve summarised the key line-ups. Today’s round-up features ESDigital, Konami and Toplitz Productions.

By Stephan Steininger • 1 min read

Funding

UKIE Calls For Continuity as Impact of Games Growth Package Becomes Apparent

One year on from its launch, the UK games industry and policymakers have given an initial positive assessment of the Games Growth Package. UKIE chief Nick Poole has called for continuity. The successes achieved are a cause for optimism, but are still fragile.

By Stephan Steininger • 2 min read

gamescom

Gamescom Dev Talk Review: Pioneers of Play

Not sure what sort of talks to expect at gamescom dev? Together with gamescom dev, we’re taking a look back at selected talks from 2025. The panellists are studio leads from the first wave of Saudi game developers and will provide an insight into the emerging MENA region.

By Stephan Steininger • 2 min read