Business

Business

The Safe-Bet Crisis: Why Live-Service ”Wrappers“ Are Imploding

In this week’s “Update”, Zoran Roso asks whether the industry is still designing games for pure enjoyment, and he suggests that the industry may have fallen into a dangerous corporate trap of designing for operational efficiency instead of creative taste and is facing a brutal reality check.

By Zoran Roso • 4 min read

Business

Wizards of the Coast Not Voluntarily Recognizing Union

With letters urging workers to "consider" their decision, Wizards of the Coast's President John Hight has made clear that the company will not voluntarily recognise the unionisation efforts of the Magic: The Gathering Arena team.

By Pascal Wagner • 2 min read

Business

French Union STJV Reacts to Probable Layoffs at Quantic Dream

After Quantic Dream and NetEase have shuttered Spellcasters Chronicles after only four months of live service, french game workers union STJV has published demands to halt layoffs and for management to take responsibility.

By Pascal Wagner • 2 min read

Business

Ubisoft Numbers Down After Last Years' Record, Hopeful for Turnaround in 2027 and 2028

Ubisoft's numbers are down from Assassin's Creed: Shadows' record release in March 2025, which is also due to investment and transformation cost in the new group structure. The company expects a strong turnaround in 2028, however.

By Pascal Wagner • 1 min read

Business

Former Freaks 4U Managers Emerge From Stealth Mode With onethreefive gaming

Marija and Michael Haenisch and Matthias Remmert have brought their new esports company, onethreefive gaming GmbH, out of stealth mode. Details are set to follow shortly, but they have been working on projects, structures, partnerships and long-term foundations.

By Stephan Steininger • 1 min read

Tabletop

Magic: The Gathering Drives Hasbro Growth in Q1 2026 Numbers

Unsurprisingly, Wizards of the Coast is keeping Hasbro's numbers in the black with Magic: The Gathering. The digital gaming sector also grew slightly.

By Pascal Wagner • 3 min read

Business

Nacon's Results for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Are Below Its Initial Forecasts

In the 2025-2026 financial year, Nacon's turnover was €160.8 million, which was lower than initially forecast. Although sales of new games performed well, the company was affected by increased tariffs on its accessories business in the U.S.

By Marcel Kleffmann • 1 min read

Business

Cyanide and Kylotonn Undergo Restructuring

Following the closure of Spiders and Nacon Tech, both Cyanide and Kylotonn studios will both undergo restructuring as part of the judicial reorganization (insolvency proceedings).

By Marcel Kleffmann • 1 min read

Business

Embracer Unveils Plan For Fellowship Entertainment Spin Off and Picks Apart Plaion

Embracer has outlined the path for spinning off Fellowship Entertainment. Plaion will be split up: Plaion Partners and Plaion Pictures, along with THQ Nordic, will remain part of Embracer. Fellowship is establishing a new publishing unit with staff from Plaion and other parts of the group.

By Stephan Steininger • 4 min read

Business

Italian Games Market Remains Stable at €2.4 billion

With a market volume of around €2.4 billion, the Italian games market has remained largely stable, partly thanks to a slight increase in console sales. This is according to a new report by the industry association IIDEA.

By Stephan Steininger • 2 min read

Business

2tainment Files For Bankruptcy

Magdeburg Local Court has opened insolvency proceedings in respect of the assets of the Magdeburg-based publisher 2tainment. The company’s future prospects are unclear.

By Stephan Steininger • 1 min read

Funding

Games & XR Mitteldeutschland Germany Grows to 50 Members

With its latest new members, the regional association Games & XR Mitteldeutschland (Central Germany) has grown to 50 member companies. The association had recently outlined plans to strengthen its presence in the individual federal states.

By Stephan Steininger • 1 min read