Business The AI Tax: How Silicon Scarcity is Colliding with the ‘GTA 6’ Super Cycle In 'Zoran's Update', experienced games manager Zoran Roso comments on current industry topics on LinkedIn. GamesMarkt is republishing the update with his consent. This time's topic: The impact of the AI boom on console pricing (options) and what this could mean for game development and publishing. By Zoran Roso • 4 min read
Meta Quest 3 © Meta Business Less Metaverse at Meta, but More Wearables Meta is shifting its focus from metaverse to wearables. The company is closing three VR gaming studios, making staff cuts at Camouflaj and discontinuing Supernatural content. By Marcel Kleffmann • 2 min read
Dorothee Bär | Picture: Bundesregierung/Steffen Kugler Business Federal Ministry of Research Working on a Concept for Tax-Based Gaming Funding in Germany Dorothee Bär's ministry is working on a concept for a tax-based subsidy model for the games industry, as the minister confirmed during a press conference to present the new games industry study. Even when asked, she did not want to commit to a timetable. By Stephan Steininger • 2 min read
Felix Falk, Managing Director of game - The German Games Industry Association © Dirk Mathesius/game Business "The Federal Games Funding Programme Pays off for Germany" A new study of the German games industry reveals dynamic growth and significant potential. The industry has grown strongly and the Federal Games Funding Programme is having a positive impact on the public sector. The study concludes that tax incentives are required. By Marcel Kleffmann • 3 min read
Business Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony Continue to Jointly Commit to Safer Gaming The three console manufacturers Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony Interactive Entertainment are continuing their collaboration on safer gaming, which began in 2020. In a joint statement, they present their evolved shared principles. By Stephan Steininger • 4 min read
The Prague concert. (Warhorse / Shooter) Business Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Concert Plays in Frankfurt After a sold-out premiere in Prague, the Kingdom Come: Deliverance II concert tour by Warhorse Studios and Shooter Promotions moves to Frankfurt am Main on 12 February. By Pascal Wagner • 1 min read
Spending on user acquisition advertising in 2025, broken down by state © AppsFlyer Business G+ AppsFlyer: AI Floods Mobile Gaming Marketing Channels In its 'State of Gaming for Marketers 2026' report, AppsFlyer outlines how the scaling up of marketing activities using AI has increased global spending on user acquisition and visibility. Meanwhile, Chinese publishers are reshaping competition in mobile gaming. By Marcel Kleffmann • 4 min read
Kevin Rountree, CEO of Games Workshop, has delivered the interim report for the second half year of 2025. Business Games Workshop Reaches Record Half Year Performance, Bans AI From Warhammer In the grim darkness of the far future, there is no AI. In Games Workshop's earnings call, CEO Kevin Rountree explained that Warhammer will incorporate no AI art and will not allow the usage. Also, the company posted record revenues in H2 2025, even with a middling video game release slate. By Pascal Wagner • 2 min read
2025 Was a Landmark Year for Gaming M&A © Drake Star - Sources: CapIQ, Pitchbook & DSP Research Business Drake Star: "2025 Was a Landmark Year for Gaming M&A" Drake Star has released its latest Global Gaming Report 2025, which covers gaming M&As, financings and IPOs. Two megadeals stand out in particular. The global technology investment bank is also positive about 2026. By Marcel Kleffmann • 4 min read
Angry Birds © Sega Business Angry Birds Licensing Merges with Sega's Global Operations Rovio and Sega have confirmed a strategic change in the management of the Angry Birds brand. The brand's global licensing activities will now be unified under Sega's transmedia licensing operations. This change is the next obvious step following Sega's acquisition of Rovio in 2023. By Marcel Kleffmann • 2 min read
Cosplay, the C in MAG-C, is a central part of the community event, which appeals to fans of manga, anime, games, and cosplay | Picture by Messe Erfurt Business MAG-C Finalizes Program, Announces First Figures and is Supported by ByteRockers' A few weeks before the start, MAG-C in Erfurt has not only finalized its program, but announced concrete figures: 130 exhibitors await visitors across 12,000 square meters. The indie-area with studios like Pipapo, kaleidoscube, neoludic and Toukana is sponsored by ByteRockers' Games. By Stephan Steininger • 2 min read
Esports Nations Cup © ENC/EWCF Business Esports Nations Cup 2026: Application for National Team Partners The EWCF has opened the application process for official National Team Partners for the 2026 Esports Nations Cup (ENC). To support the long-term growth of nation-based esports, the EWCF is establishing the ENC Development Fund, committing a minimum of $20 million each year. By Marcel Kleffmann • 2 min read
