Researcher Spotlight: Michael Hebel, Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences

Campus

FROG 2026 Submissions Open, Include Subotron Game Jam

Future and Reality of Gaming is leaning ever closer to the games industry this year: The game studies conference, held at Belvedere Museum in Vienna under new organisers, takes place from 20-22 November and welcomes talk submissions for the topic Playing Art until 15 September.

By Pascal Wagner • 1 min read

Campus

Game Studies Watchlist 2026 #26

The Game Studies Watchlist newsletter, curated by Professor Rudolf Inderst, is published weekly on GamesMarket. This week's topics include interface relations in games, a technical breakdown of Lushfoil, control systems and more.

By Pascal Wagner • 3 min read

Campus

Association for Applied Game Studies Constituted

The former members of the closed Centre for Applied Game Studies from Krems have reconstituted themselves into the Association for Applied Game Studies under chairwoman Natalie Denk. It's the third dedicated game studies association in GSA.

By Pascal Wagner • 1 min read

Products

Gothic 1 Makes a Top-10 Debut in German Games Charts in June 2026

THQ’s role-playing game remake failed to take the top spot, partly because EA Sports FC has returned to number one, boosted by the World Cup

By Stephan Steininger • 2 min read

gamescom

The Rise of Direct-to-Consumer Channels in Gaming

Advertorial | The gaming industry is witnessing a significant shift as publishers move toward direct-to-consumer (D2C) channels, bypassing traditional platform gatekeepers like app stores and console marketplaces. Visit Xsolla at Gamescom to learn more.

By Xsolla • 1 min read

People

Joris Goossens is Newzoo's New CEO

Stepping into the role of CEO after three years as CRO, Joris Goossens is replacing Michelle Van der Wilk-Rouhof at market data expert Newzoo.

By Pascal Wagner • 1 min read

daily

GamesMarket Daily – 07. July 26: Atari Europe, Thomas Lehr, Frithjof Michaelsen, Switch, gamescom, FROG, Portside Game Assembly

Following yesterday’s big announcement at Microsoft, the focus today is on Europe, where Nintendo is withdrawing the Switch from the market in line with EU battery regulations, Atari is appointing a European head, and a small but significant event called gamescom is set to take place very soon.

By Pascal Wagner • 5 min read

Products

New Pokémon Lego Sets Include Pokéball Diorama, Rayquaza and Arcanine

Five new Pokémon sets have been announced by Lego: Arcanine, Munchlax, Rayquaza, Trainer Red and an openable Pokéball diorama. The ball and trainer will release in October, the rest in August. All are open for preorder.

By Pascal Wagner • 2 min read

Business

IO Interactive Closes Istanbul Office, Gets Right to Project Fantasy

IO Interactive has secured the IP for their Project Fantasy and will finish it independently. However, the loss of their publishing partner means they are closing down their Istanbul office, only established in 2023.

By Pascal Wagner • 1 min read