Two German hopefuls for the BAFTA Games Awards 2025: Harold Halibut from Slow Bros. is nominated, as is Melina Juergens, seen here at the Deutscher Computerspielpreis 2019 (DCP; German Computer Games Award), where she was involved as a juror and award presenter. © Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Quinke Networks/Slow Bros. Business Harold Halibut, Vampire Therapist and Melina Juergens Hoping for a BAFTA Award The BAFTA Games Awards jury has announced the shortlist for this year's competition. Senua's Saga: Hellblade II, Astro Bot, and Still Wakes the Deep are among the frontrunners, but two German studios also have reason to hope for a win. Additionally, Melina Juergens is nominated once By Stephan Steininger • 4 min read
© astragon Entertainment and Independent Arts Software Publishing New IP From astragon Entertainment and Independent Arts Software Seafarer: The Ship Sim is a new IP from astragon Entertainment and in-house development studio Independent Arts Software. The game, which has received €1.8 million in funding from the BMWK, is scheduled for release in summer 2025. Independent Arts Software and astragon Entertainment have announced a new IP. Seafarer: By Marcel Kleffmann • 1 min read
© Values Value Business Ninth "Big Games Industry Employment Survey" Launched The annual "Big Games Industry Employment Survey 2025" is now live. InGame Job and Values Value are looking to collect data on key trends in employment, salaries, career shifts, layoffs and AI adoption. InGame Job and Values Value have launched the ninth edition of the Big Games Industry By Marcel Kleffmann • 1 min read
Eva Ghossain, Account Manager © MSM.digital Communications Business MSM.digital Communications Strengthens Account Management Team With Eva Ghossain MSM.digital Communications continues to expand its team: On 1 February, Eva Ghossain joined the communications agency as an Account Manager. Ghossain most recently worked as an Assistant Marketing Manager at Square Enix. Eva Ghossain joined MSM.digital Communications as an Account Manager on 1 February. She started her career By Marcel Kleffmann • 1 min read
The organisers have started the submission phase for the Indie Arena Booth, here you can see the IAB from 2024 © Rolf Otzipka Business Indie Arena Booth Plans Larger Booth and Calls for Submissions Indie games studios from around the world have until 9 April to apply for a paid space at this year’s Indie Arena Booth (IAB) at gamescom. Free spots are also available through partners such as Nintendo and Games for Democracy, as well as through national funding initiatives. One thing By Stephan Steininger • 1 min read
© Xsolla Business Rewarded Content Solution Xsolla Offerwall Launched Xsolla has launched a new monetisation option with Xsolla Offerwall, a new form of incentivised advertising. The Offerwall is set to be rolled out globally but could pose challenges for games on Steam. Xsolla is promoting the new service as a dynamic solution that enhances game monetisation and player engagement. By Stephan Steininger • 1 min read
Alex Josef / Jeff Jarrett © PR - Acclaim / Global Force Entertainment Business Acclaim Returns as Indie Publisher and Wants to Revive Classic IP After more than two decades, video game publisher Acclaim is making a comeback. The publisher returns with a focus on supporting independent studios and original IP, while reviving classics for a new generation. After more than two decades, Acclaim is making a comeback. The publisher, originally founded in 1987, is By Marcel Kleffmann • 2 min read
© Paintbucket Publishing The Darkest Files Launches on 25 March Paintbucket Games announces the release of its historical investigation and court game The Darkest Files. The spiritual successor to their Nazi resistance game Through The Darkest of Times will be released on 25 March 2025, initially for PC and Mac. The Darkest Files is a historical investigation and legal thriller By Marcel Kleffmann • 2 min read
© Aesir Interactive Development Aesir Interactive Launches Kickstarter for Windstorm: The Legend of Khiimori Aesir Interactive has launched a Kickstarter campaign for Windstorm: The Legend of Khiimori. The Munich-based company is hoping to raise at least €60,000 for the third instalment in the Windstorm series (Ostwind), although development of the title is already funded. Windstorm: The Legend of Khiimori is the third instalment By Marcel Kleffmann • 2 min read
© Nintendo Business French Supreme Court Rules in Favour of Nintendo in File Hosting Case The French Supreme Court has confirmed that Dstorage SAS, the operator of the 1fichier.com website, is liable for failing to remove or block access to unauthorised copies of Nintendo games stored on the platform, despite Nintendo's requests to remove pirated content. The decision is final and puts By Marcel Kleffmann • 1 min read
© Jagex Business Jon Bellamy Appointed as New CEO of Jagex Jagex (RuneScape) has announced the appointment of Jon Bellamy as its new Chief Executive Officer. He will succeed Phil Mansell, who has served as CEO since 2017. Mansell will remain with the company for a period of time to ensure a smooth transition. Jon Bellamy has been a member of By Marcel Kleffmann • 2 min read
Oliver Leins, Co-Founder / Nils Hausfeld, Co-Founder © Axon Flux Development Axon Flux Breaks Up and Stops the Development of Cactus Swiss independent game development studio Axon Flux announces that development of Cactus has been discontinued. At the same time, the two founders, Oliver Leins and Nils Hausfeld, are parting ways amicably. The challenges of continuing the project in its current form proved insurmountable in the studio's current circumstances. By Marcel Kleffmann • 1 min read
