The "Lottery Ticket" Fallacy: Why Waiting Until Launch to Market is a Growth Death Sentence

Business

Sony's Exit of Physical Discs: German USK Sees Importance of Its Digital Ratings Affirmed

In Germany, age ratings for physical games are assigned on a different legal basis to those for online games. The USK is officially recognised for both procedures and views Sony’s withdrawal from discs relaxed from a youth protection perspective. What matters is the reliability of age ratings.

By Stephan Steininger • 2 min read

Business

Setback For Preservation of Video Games in Germany: ICS Will Not be Continued

With the international computer games collection, what is arguably Germany’s largest project for the preservation of video game culture is coming to an inglorious end. Now that the preparations have been completed, there is a lack of public support for the project’s forthcoming institutionalisation.

By Stephan Steininger • 1 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

gamescom

More Space: Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show 2026 to be Held Across Four Halls

Following the success of the first gamescom asia x Thailand Game Show last year, the outlook for 2026 is one of growth. Thanks to an additional hall, the exhibition space is set to increase from 30,000 to 35,000 square metres.

By Stephan Steininger • 1 min read

GamesMarket Daily 9 July 2026 - Mundi Vondi, USK on Sony, Immersive Media Days, Lost in Cult, legal summit & more

Sony's decision against discs stays on everyone's minds, but there's more to think about: even some positive news, such as new Berlin-Brandenburg funding or a special student event.

By Pascal Wagner • 5 min read

Esports

Esports World Cup 2026 Kicks Off With Star-Studded Ceremony

The 2026 Esports World Cup (EWC) kicked off in Paris last night with a grand opening ceremony featuring, amongst others, Aya Nakamura, DJ Snake, Theodora and Mosimann. Until 23 August, over 2,000 athletes from 200 clubs will compete against one another in 25 tournaments.

By Stephan Steininger • 2 min read

Campus

Immersive Media Days 2026 Showcases Nine Projects from Munich Game Students

Nine projects from two cooperative study courses held by several Munich universities together, coached by experts: The Immersive Media Days are a great example of cooperation between games learning and games industry.

By Pascal Wagner • 2 min read

Funding

Medienboard Gives €1,244mil to Games and XR Projects

In the third funding round 2026, Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg funds 11 games and 5 XR projects with 1,244 million euros.

By Pascal Wagner • 1 min read

gamescom

Gamescom Dev Talk Review: Product/Market Fit

In this week's gamescom dev talk review, we look back at a presentation that explores the basics of commercial game marketing. Martin Wein from GameFlex explains what “product-market fit” means, why it's important, and why it's often missed.

By Stephan Steininger • 2 min read