Patch Notes #48 - weekly gaming digest
Welcome to the 48th edition of Patch Notes. Let’s get this bad boy going.
This edition will cover the week from 3 November to 9 November.
What caught my attention this week
Faker won his 6th Worlds title.
(Yes, this was more important than the GTA delay for some of us)
TLDR
Dragon Quest designer, Yuji Horii, becomes first game designer named in Japan’s autumn honors
Japanese publishers demand OpenAI’s Sora 2 stops using their copyrighted creative works without permission
EA insists it will “maintain creative control” and “creative freedom” if sale to consortium goes ahead
Concord’s sudden shutdown is such a big deal, it’s been brought up during UK government debates on video game consumer laws
Switch 2 worldwide sales top 10.36 million, Switch tops 154.01 million
Update: Fantastic Pixel Castle is shutting down
TSM exits VALORANT after Ascension Grand Finals run
Virtus.pro wins Marvel Rivals Ignite Grand Finals
Digital ownership must be respected’: UK parliament debates Stop Killing Games campaign, but government doesn’t budge
Xbox has announced the first 11 Game Pass titles for November, including COD Black Ops 7
Nintendo increases full-year forecast as H1 sales jump 110% to ¥1.1 trillion
Sega reveals Persona 5 series tops 13 million sales as it reports a 16.8% dip in income
Switch poised to overtake DS and become Nintendo’s best-selling console - and it could take the all-time crown from PS2
Nintendo’s Palworld lawsuit suffers another potential blow as US takes “rare” step of re-examining previously granted Pokémon patent
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond ‘Survive’ trailer
Subnautica owner Krafton outlines plans to transform into an ‘AI First’ company
Battlefield 6 reaches 10 million copies sold, but won’t be enough to topple Call of Duty, analyst says
Hades 2 has a new ending, and here’s how you can see it
Krafton attributes high Q3 2025 performance to PUBG, brand collaborations
Fortnite is getting an official limited-time Disneyland island tomorrow
Fortnite’s Simpsons crossover caused a spike in new players, and tempted back record numbers of returning gamers, too
CouRage announces $100,000 Battlefield 6: RedSec tournament
6 years after the original, Planet Zoo 2 is finally happening and may be out next year
Amazon threatens legal action against Perplexity over claims of ‘illegal conduct’ and it’s all because of an AI shopping agent
Google to reduce Play Store fees after settlement with Epic Games
Nintendo says it plans a ‘consistent release’ of new films following the Super Mario Galaxy and Zelda movies
Pokémon Legends: Z-A Mega Dimension DLC news is coming on Thursday
One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 for PS5, Xbox Series, and Switch 2 launches November 21 alongside DLC characters Rob Lucci, Jewelry Bonney, and S-Snake
Nintendo Store app now available for iOS, Android
Krafton posts “record-high cumulative” performance in Q3 2025
Atomhawk shuts down Canadian office
Ghost Town wins Game of the Year at 2025 TIGA Awards
As the project begins production, it looks like The Legend of Zelda film is following in Lord of the Rings’ esteemed footsteps.
Rockstar claims dismissals were due to information leaks, not union busting.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties reveals new story, gameplay, and combat details.
NetEase closes a fifth Western studio: just two years after it was founded, Bad Brain Game Studios will shut down for good next week.
Riot Games signs AI and mobile integration deal with Globant.
Visa named official payment partner of M7 World Championship.
Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra has been delayed again, and there’s no new release window.
Take-Two CEO offers context on the GTA VI delay | Interview.
In the midst of EA’s controversial acquisition, Bioware moves to reassure fans that a new Mass Effect is definitely still in development.
Workers affected by Rockstar layoffs protest outside offices in London and Edinburgh.
Take-Two Q2 net bookings “vastly exceed expectations” to $1.96bn.
League of Legends World Championship 2026 heads to Texas and New York.
Singapore takes a huge leap in formally recognising esports as a sport.
Halo Infinite is entering maintenance mode: ‘With multiple Halo titles in development, we’ll need our whole team’s combined focus’.
The Mass Effect TV series will ‘explore a brand-new story within the universe’s timeline,’ BioWare exec says: ‘It won’t be a retread of Commander Shepard’s story’.
CD Projekt Red tells Rockstar not to make the same mistake it did—posts a self-burn over Cyberpunk 2077’s historically bad launch to support GTA 6’s delay.
Capcom Platinum Titles sales update – as of September 30, 2025.
MLB The Show 26 has been announced.
We may not get Outer Worlds 3, but we could be getting an Avowed sequel.
The significance of the settlement between Epic Games and Google | The DeanBeat.
Unity reports higher-than-expected revenue in Q3 2025.
Half-Life fans believe they’ve worked out a possible announcement date for Half-Life 3 - and it’s very, very soon.
FromSoftware’s parent company let it slip that we’ll get Elden Ring Nightreign DLC by March at the latest.
Roblox must do more to protect kids from sick and twisted freaks,’ Texas attorney general says as he sues Roblox ‘for putting pixel pedophiles and profits’ ahead of safety.
NetEase racks up its third studio casualty in one week, kneecapping dev working on a Warhammer MMO: ‘Devastated doesn’t even begin to cover it’.
Arc Raiders breaks another concurrent record as player count soars.
We might not have Marvel vs. Capcom 4 but an MvC fan project just got way better.
Funko Pops might not last another year, as it reports $1 million net loss.
Saints Row creator says it’s “impossible” to compete with GTA, but you can be number two.
Biggest news of the week
Dragon Quest designer, Yuji Horii, becomes first game designer named in Japan’s autumn honors. VG Chronicles
Dragon Quest designer Yuji Horii, 71, has been awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, by the Japanese government, making him the first game designer to receive this honour. The Order of the Rising Sun is the third-highest honour bestowed by the Japanese government for distinguished service to the state. Horii has worked on every mainline Dragon Quest game since 1986 and co-owns the franchise through his company Armor Project, alongside Square Enix. He credited his staff and fans for the recognition, thanking those who supported him throughout his 40-year career.
Japanese publishers demand OpenAI’s Sora 2 stop using their copyrighted creative works without permission. GamesIndustry
Several major Japanese publishers, including Square Enix, Bandai Namco, and Kadokawa, have publicly called for OpenAI to stop using their creative works to train its AI tool, Sora 2, without permission. CODA, the Content Overseas Distribution Association, published an open letter stating that a large portion of Sora 2’s content closely resembles Japanese copyrighted works, indicating they were used as machine learning data without authorisation. CODA argues that Japan’s copyright system requires prior permission for using copyrighted works, and an opt-out system is insufficient.
EA insists it will “maintain creative control” and “creative freedom” if sale to the consortium goes ahead. GamesIndustry
Electronic Arts has stated it will “maintain creative control” and “creative freedom” if its sale to a consortium of investors goes ahead, following the agreement to be acquired by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners. In an FAQ document to staff, EA emphasised its mission, values, and commitment to players remain unchanged, with the consortium supporting EA’s vision for creating diverse games and content. The company denied financial trouble, stating the partnership enables faster movement and new global opportunities with no immediate changes to jobs, teams, or daily work, and Andrew Wilson will remain CEO.
Concord’s sudden shutdown is such a big deal, it’s been brought up during UK government debates on video game consumer laws. EuroGamer
The UK’s House of Commons debated video game consumer protections and preservation, with Concord’s sudden shutdown cited as an example of games being shut down without notice. MP Ben Goldsborough led the debate, arguing for stronger consumer rights for live service games and emphasising that players lose their investment of time, effort, and money when games shut down unexpectedly. He urged support for game preservation, noting the UK video game industry contributes £7.6bn and 75,000 jobs. Despite overwhelming pro-consumer sentiment from MPs, the UK government stated it has no intention of changing consumer laws.
Switch 2 worldwide sales top 10.36 million, Switch tops 154.01 million. Gematsu
Nintendo Switch 2 has sold 10.36 million units worldwide as of September 30, 2025, with 4.54 million units sold during the three months ended September 30, while the original Switch has reached 154.01 million total units sold. Nintendo revised its full-year forecasts, raising Switch 2 projections from 15 million to 19 million hardware units and from 45 million to 48 million software units, while adjusting Switch forecasts from 4.5 million to four million hardware units. The best-selling first-party Switch 2 titles are Mario Kart World with 9.57 million units and Donkey Kong Bananza with 3.49 million units. More than 20.62 million Switch 2 games and 1,452.79 million Switch games have been sold worldwide.
Update: Fantastic Pixel Castle is shutting down. Game Developer
NetEase has severed ties with internal studio Fantastic Pixel Castle less than two years after it was formed in November 2023 to develop a triple-A MMO codenamed ‘Ghost’. Studio head Greg Street announced the team could be made redundant if they don’t find another publisher or investor soon, noting that few deals are being made in the current market, especially for MMORPGs. NetEase stated it is supporting Fantastic Pixel Castle in finding publishing and investment partners, with the studio closure date set for November 17. Street emphasised that the team’s priority is helping developers find employment, whether at a potential new indie studio or other game and tech companies.
TSM exits VALORANT after Ascension Grand Finals run. Esports Insider
North American esports organisation TSM has exited VALORANT after five years in the title, following a runners-up finish at VCT Ascension Americas, where they lost 3-1 in the Grand Finals and earned $22,000. The organisation, which entered VALORANT in May 2020 with a roster of former Counter-Strike professionals, stated there is “no immediate return in sight” after continuously navigating the Challengers circuit for the past three years. TSM’s most recent campaign was one of its most promising, also winning VALORANT Challengers North America Stage 3 in September and securing $25,000. TSM continues to operate across multiple esports titles, including Apex Legends, Halo, and Rocket League.
Virtus.pro wins Marvel Rivals Ignite Grand Finals. Esports Insider
EMEA representative Virtus.pro won the Marvel Rivals Ignite Grand Finals at DreamHack Atlanta, defeating Natus Vincere 4-1 in the final and taking home $320,000 in winnings. Virtus.pro dominated the tournament, topping its group with a 5-0 record in the Group Stage and continuing its strong performance through the Playoffs, having previously defeated NAVI 2-0 earlier in the bracket. The victory marks a comeback for Virtus.pro after missing out on the Mid-Season Finals by losing in Ignite Stage 1 EMEA. The Ignite Grand Finals conclude the first season of Marvel Rivals esports, with the next competitive event being the Seasonal Championships scheduled for Season 4: Heart of the Dragon.
‘Digital ownership must be respected’: UK parliament debates Stop Killing Games campaign, but government doesn’t budge. VG Chronicles
UK Parliament debated the Stop Killing Games campaign on Monday, with MPs arguing for legislation to prevent publishers from shutting down games without providing offline alternatives, citing examples like The Crew, Concord, and Anthem. Politicians contended that current consumer laws inadequately protect digital game ownership and that consumers deserve continued access to purchased games even after official support ends. However, government minister Stephanie Peacock stated the UK has no plans to amend existing consumer laws, citing industry concerns about technical complexity, commercial risks, and safety issues of mandating end-of-life plans. The government acknowledged consumer concerns but will only consider developing guidance to help businesses better communicate purchase terms rather than mandating games remain playable after support ends.
Xbox has announced the first 11 Game Pass titles for November, including COD Black Ops 7. VG Chronicles
Microsoft has announced 11 Game Pass titles arriving in the first half of November, including Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, which launches on November 14 for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers. Other notable additions include Sniper Elite Resistance on November 5, Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris on November 11, and various indie titles throughout the period. Six games will be leaving Game Pass on November 15, including Football Manager 24, Frostpunk, Spirittea, and STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl. The announcement follows Microsoft’s recent 50% price increase to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and the renaming of its subscription tiers to Ultimate, Premium, and Essential.
Nintendo increases full-year forecast as H1 sales jump 110% to ¥1.1 trillion. GamesIndustry
Nintendo reported a 110% jump in net sales to ¥1.1 trillion ($7.2 billion) for the six months ended September 30, driven by the Switch 2 launch on June 5, 2025. The Switch 2 sold 10.36 million units during this period, more than double what the original Switch achieved during the same launch period in 2017, with Mario Kart World reaching 9.57 million units. Nintendo raised its full-year forecast, now expecting net sales of ¥2.25 trillion ($14.6 billion, up 93.1%) and projecting 19 million Switch 2 hardware units. The original Switch has reached 154 million lifetime units sold.
Sega reveals Persona 5 series tops 13 million sales as it reports a 16.8% dip in income. GamesIndustry
Sega Sammy reported an 8.5% dip in net sales to ¥428.9 billion ($2.79 billion) and a 16.8% decline in operating income for the fiscal year ending March 2025, despite strong sales from Sonic X Shadow Generations and Metaphor: ReFantazio. The company revealed the Persona 5 series has topped 13 million sales, with other key titles including Sonic Frontiers at 4.57 million units and Persona 3 Reload at 2.07 million units. Japan remains Sega’s biggest video game market at 69%, followed by North America at 51%, Europe at 32%, and Asia at 16.6%, with mobile games continuing to generate more income than consoles and PC combined. Sega is pursuing a transmedia strategy to expand major IPs like Sonic, Like a Dragon, and Persona across movies, animation, merchandising, and events.
Switch poised to overtake DS and become Nintendo’s best-selling console - and it could take the all-time crown from PS2. EuroGamer
Nintendo Switch is on the verge of becoming Nintendo’s best-selling console, sitting just 10,000 units behind the Nintendo DS’s lifetime record of 154.02 million sales as of September 30, 2025. With the Switch still actively selling and a full-year forecast of 4 million units with two sales quarters remaining, the hybrid console is poised to break the DS record. The Switch’s success far exceeds the Wii’s 101.63 million lifetime sales, and it’s within reach of claiming the all-time console sales crown from PlayStation 2, which holds the record at over 160 million units sold.
Nintendo’s Palworld lawsuit suffers another potential blow as US takes “rare” step of re-examining previously granted Pokémon patent. EuroGamer
The US Patent and Trademark Office has taken the “rare” step of re-examining a previously granted Nintendo Pokémon patent, with USPTO director John A. Squires personally ordering the review after discovering prior art in two older patents from Konami (2002) and Nintendo (2019). Squires determined “substantial new questions of patentability” exist regarding Nintendo’s September 2024 patent covering sub-character summoning mechanics, making it “highly likely” the patent could be revoked. This follows Japan’s recent rejection of Nintendo’s patent application for capture and throwing mechanics, citing prior existence in games like Monster Hunter 4 and Ark: Survival Evolved. The developments potentially undermine Nintendo’s ongoing patent infringement lawsuit against Palworld developer Pocketpair.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond ‘Survive’ trailer. Gematsu
Publisher Nintendo and developer Retro Studios have released a new “Survive” trailer for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond ahead of its December release. The trailer shows Samus Aran transported to Viewros, a mysterious planet once inhabited by an ancient race, where she must explore and battle strange creatures to find her way home. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond launches for Switch 2 and Switch on December 4.
Subnautica owner Krafton outlines plans to transform into an ‘AI First’ company. Game Developer
PUBG and Subnautica owner Krafton has outlined plans to become an “AI First” company in its latest fiscal report, aiming to deliver differentiated user experiences and drive innovation across all services. The publisher has invested approximately KRW 100 billion ($70 million) in a GPU cluster to support large-scale creative experimentation and organizational transformation, and partnered with SK Telecom to develop a proprietary foundation model. Krafton plans to introduce its first Co-Playable Character (CPC), PUBG Ally, in PUBG: Battlegrounds Arcade Mode during the first half of 2026. The company currently has 11 new projects in development as of November 2025, up from five titles a year ago.
Battlefield 6 reaches 10 million copies sold, but won’t be enough to topple Call of Duty, analyst says. GameSpot
Battlefield 6 has surpassed 10 million copies sold across all platforms, according to analyst Rhys Elliott of Alinea Analytics, up from 7 million units at launch. However, Elliott believes the strong sales won’t be enough to overturn Call of Duty’s overall market dominance in 2025, noting that while Battlefield performs best on PC, Call of Duty is a “multiplatform powerhouse” across console and PC. A Battlefield game has never eclipsed a Call of Duty title on the annual US sales charts, and that’s not expected to change this year with Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 launching November 14. EA has not officially announced any sales figures for Battlefield 6 beyond the initial 7 million.
Hades 2 has a new ending, and here’s how you can see it. TheGamer
Supergiant Games has updated Hades 2 with a new ending that addresses criticism of the original conclusion, which many felt undermined protagonist Melinoe by having her brother Zagreus resolve the conflict with Chronos instead of her. The update introduces a cauldron incantation called “Returning to a Real Possibility” that lets players experience expanded narrative content, including detailed scenes of Melinoe’s childhood with her family and friends. The revised ending now shows rather than tells Melinoe’s upbringing, featuring moments like learning to use a sword with Zagreus and spending time with characters from the original game. The update adds dialogue exploring characters’ internal conflicts about sparing Chronos, giving the ending more emotional depth and making Melinoe the focus of her own story.
Krafton attributes high Q3 2025 performance to PUBG, brand collaborations. GamesBeat
Krafton reported revenue of ₩870.6 billion ($603 million) for Q3 2025, representing 21% year-over-year growth, attributing the performance to continued investment in PUBG: Battlegrounds as both a brand and platform. The company stated it plans to accelerate growth within the PUBG IP franchise by offering cultural experiences beyond gaming through IP collaborations and sharing content across titles. Krafton reiterated its ongoing plans to become an “AI first” company and establish new franchise IPs.
Fortnite is getting an official limited-time Disneyland island tomorrow. VG Chronicles
An official limited-time Disneyland island called Disneyland Game Rush is launching in Fortnite on November 6, celebrating the park’s 70th anniversary. The island features seven mini-games based on popular Disneyland rides including Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, Haunted Mansion, Indiana Jones Adventure, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Space Mountain, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and WEB-Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure. Players can collect keys by completing mini-games to unlock Disney-themed cosmetic items. This limited-time experience is separate from the planned Disney universe connected to Fortnite following Disney’s $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games in early 2024.
Fortnite’s Simpsons crossover caused a spike in new players, and tempted back record numbers of returning gamers, too. EuroGamer
Fortnite experienced a surge of players with its new Simpsons-themed season that launched on November 1, with Epic Games reporting record numbers not seen since the last holiday season. The season introduced a new Springfield map, Simpsons-themed cosmetics, and Sidekicks, attracting both new players and returning gamers across Battle Royale and Delulu modes. The first Fortnite x Simpsons short released on Disney+ reached the number one spot on the platform. The crossover has proven particularly popular with fans in their 30s who grew up with The Simpsons.
CouRage announces $100,000 Battlefield 6: RedSec tournament. Esports Insider
Gaming content creator Jack ‘CouRageJD’ Dunlop has announced the inaugural Battlefield 6: RedSec tournament called CouRage Clash, featuring 32 top influencers competing for a $100,000 prize pool on November 11, 2025. The competition, held in partnership with Electronic Arts, will take place on the new Gauntlet game mode—a 32-player experience with eight squads of four competing across four rounds on various points of interest throughout the Fort Lyndon map. This is CouRageJD’s second $100,000 tournament this year, following an October Marvel Rivals event. CouRageJD is a popular gaming personality and co-owner of 100 Thieves, with a history in esports commentary from his time at Major League Gaming’s Call of Duty World League in 2018.
6 years after the original, Planet Zoo 2 is finally happening and may be out next year. PCGamer
Frontier Developments has confirmed that Planet Zoo 2 is in development, six years after the original game’s launch in 2019. The announcement came via a sixth anniversary video that featured a count-up from 2019 to 2025, then to 2026, with the number slowly transforming into a “2,” strongly hinting at a 2026 release. Frontier Developments explicitly confirmed the sequel in an announcement on its website, stating the studio is “hard at work on a sequel.”
Amazon threatens legal action against Perplexity over claims of ‘illegal conduct’ and it’s all because of an AI shopping agent. PCGamer
Amazon is threatening legal action against AI company Perplexity over its Comet browser feature, which uses an AI agent to automatically shop on Amazon on behalf of users. The tool allows users to type in what they want to buy, and the AI logs in with their credentials, finds the products, and completes the purchase. Amazon stated it believes third-party applications that make purchases on behalf of customers should operate openly and respect service provider decisions on whether to participate. Perplexity responded by calling Amazon’s threat a “bully tactic to scare disruptive companies…out of making life better for people.”
Google to reduce Play Store fees after settlement with Epic Games. Game Developer
Google and Epic Games have reached a proposed settlement to Epic’s 2020 lawsuit, two years after a federal judge ruled the Google Play application store constituted an illegal monopoly. The settlement introduces a tiered service fee system capping Google’s fees at 9 or 20 percent depending on transaction type and app installation date, allowing developers to retain a larger cut of each transaction. Developers can now include alternative payment options displayed side-by-side with Google Play Billing and set different prices for transactions on alternative platforms. Google also agreed to remove “scare screens” and allow easy installation of approved alternative app stores through a “Registered App Store” program, with Epic CEO Tim Sweeney calling the settlement “awesome” and praising it as doubling down on Android’s vision as an open platform.
Nintendo says it plans a ‘consistent release’ of new films following the Super Mario Galaxy and Zelda movies. VG Chronicles
Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa announced the company plans a “consistent release” of new films following The Super Mario Bros Movie (2023), The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (2026), and The Legend of Zelda (2027). Furukawa emphasized Nintendo is “deeply involved” in movie production, with Shigeru Miyamoto co-producing all announced films alongside partners like Illumination and Arad Productions. A presentation slide showed the three confirmed movies plus two question marks and an ellipsis, suggesting more films are planned without three-year gaps between releases. Nintendo has established animation studio Nintendo Pictures and subsidiary Nintendo Stars to support its expanded entertainment initiatives.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A Mega Dimension DLC news is coming on Thursday. VG Chronicles
The Pokémon Company announced it will share news about the Pokémon Legends: Z-A Mega Dimension DLC on Thursday at 6am PT / 9am ET / 2pm GMT. The DLC, set to release in early 2026, takes place after the main story of Pokémon Legends: Z-A and requires players to complete the base game to access new missions. The expansion features spatial distortions appearing throughout Lumiose City that connect to a mysterious space, with players investigating the phenomenon alongside Team MZ. The DLC includes mythical Pokémon Hoopa and confirms Raichu will receive two Mega Evolutions: Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y.
One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 for PS5, Xbox Series, and Switch 2 launches November 21 alongside DLC characters Rob Lucci, Jewelry Bonney, and S-Snake. Gematsu
One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 will launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Switch 2 on November 21 alongside the “Future Island Egghead Pack” DLC, which adds playable characters Rob Lucci, Jewelry Bonney, and S-Snake. The new versions will feature more detailed graphics and increased on-screen enemies compared to the original game, which launched for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC on March 26, 2020. Users who own the game on the same console family can upgrade to the new version, with Japan pricing set at 100 yen for PlayStation 4 and Switch upgrades and free for Xbox One, though Western upgrade pricing is currently unknown.
Nintendo Store app now available for iOS, Android. Gematsu
Nintendo has released the Nintendo Store app worldwide for iOS and Android, rebranding and updating what was originally launched as the My Nintendo app in Japan in April 2020. The free app allows users to browse Nintendo systems, accessories, games, and merchandise, with features including shopping on My Nintendo Store, receiving the latest game news, push notifications for Wish List sales, and reviewing play activity for Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch. Users can also view Nintendo 3DS and Wii U play activity logged prior to February 2020 by linking their Nintendo Network ID to their Nintendo Account, and check in at official Nintendo stores and events to earn rewards.
Krafton posts “record-high cumulative” performance in Q3 2025. GamesIndustry
Krafton reported a record-high cumulative performance in Q3 2025, with revenue up 21% year-on-year to 870.6 billion KRW ($604.2 million) and operating profit rising 7.5% to 348.8 billion KRW ($241.9 million). PC platforms set new quarterly revenue records, driven by the steady popularity of PUBG: Battlegrounds, while mobile also saw growth through diversified content and localized strategies. The company plans to further expand the PUBG IP, evolve it into PUBG 2.0, and continue direct publishing of Real Cricket 24. Krafton is also positioning itself as an AI-first company to enhance productivity and long-term corporate value.
Atomhawk shuts down Canadian office. GamesIndustry
Atomhawk has closed its Canadian studio, affecting a small team of artists and creatives. Leadership said they are supporting all those impacted and thanked the Canadian team for their contributions. The studio will continue operating from the UK as a creative innovation partner for the games industry.
Ghost Town wins Game of the Year at 2025 TIGA Awards. GamesIndustry
Fireproof Games’ Ghost Town won two accolades at the 2025 TIGA Awards, including Game of the Year and Best Puzzle Game. Secret Mode’s Still Wakes the Deep: Siren’s Rest won Creativity in Games and Best Visual Design, while Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Astro Bot won Best Arcade Game and Death Stranding 2: On the Beach won Best Social Game. In business categories, Dlala Studios won Best Small Studio, Steel City Interactive won Best Large Studio, and Dovetail Games was recognized as Best Publisher.
As the project begins production, it looks like The Legend of Zelda film is following in Lord of the Rings’ esteemed footsteps. EuroGamer
The live-action Legend of Zelda film has begun production as of November 4, 2025, with filming set to run until April 2026 in Wellington, New Zealand, according to the Film & Television Industry Alliance website. The choice of Wellington as a filming location follows in the footsteps of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, with Wētā Workshop also based in the area. Link and Princess Zelda will be played by Benjamin Evan Ainsworth and Bo Bragason in the adaptation, which is currently set for a 2027 release. The film’s plot will follow Link on a perilous journey to stop Ganon, a ruthless warlord seeking the Triforce, by battling creatures, exploring dungeons, and solving puzzles to uncover sacred artifacts.
Rockstar claims dismissals were due to information leaks, not union busting. GamesIndustry
Rockstar has stated that recent dismissals of 30–40 employees were due to leaks of confidential information, not union activities. The company emphasised that the terminations were for “gross misconduct” and denied any connection to union organising. The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) accused Rockstar of union-busting, claiming the dismissals targeted staff involved in union efforts. IWGB president Alex Marshall condemned the actions as an attack on workers’ rights but said the union remains committed to organising for better conditions. Take-Two, Rockstar’s parent company, supported the studio’s actions, citing a focus on maintaining positive work environments and career opportunities.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties reveal new story, gameplay, and combat details. RPG Site
RGG Studio and Sega revealed new story, gameplay, and combat details for Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, launching February 12, 2026 on multiple platforms including PS5, Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Yakuza Kiwami 3 introduces Dragon of Dojima: Kiwami Style and Ryukyu Style combat, with new Heat Abilities, Dragon Boost finishers, and upgraded skills for Kiryu. Dark Ties follows Yoshitaka Mine’s story in 2007 as he navigates yakuza conflicts, building bonds and confronting challenges with Tsuyoshi Kanda. Mine’s combat features shoot-boxing techniques, Dark Awakening mode for empowered attacks, and unlockable mid-air Heat Actions. Both games allow extensive ability upgrades to enhance combat styles and character progression.
NetEase closes a fifth Western studio: just two years after it was founded, Bad Brain Game Studios will shut down for good next week. PCGamer
Bad Brain Game Studios, founded in 2023 and backed by NetEase, is closing on November 17, 2025, after failing to secure additional funding. Despite efforts to find a new partner, the studio couldn’t continue its work on the project “Midnight Riders.” This marks the fifth Western studio NetEase has shut down within a year, following similar closures like Fantastic Pixel Castle and T-Minus Zero. Industry analyst Daniel Ahmad notes that NetEase’s shift in strategy reflects a broader trend, with non-U.S. studios like those in China showing increasing success in global markets.
Riot Games signs AI and mobile integration deal with Globant. Esports Insider
Riot Games has signed a multi-year partnership with IT and software company Globant to drive digital transformation through AI and mobile integration. The collaboration will focus on enhancing esports viewing experiences and improving engagement across Riot’s major franchises, including League of Legends and VALORANT. This marks Globant’s largest gaming deal to date, as it works to deliver more personalised experiences for players and fans worldwide. Riot’s Global Head of Esports Partnerships, David Mulhall, said the partnership will allow Riot’s teams to focus on pushing creative boundaries in esports and live events.
Visa named official payment partner of M7 World Championship. Esports Insider
Visa has been named the official payment partner of the M7 World Championship, marking its first entry into the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang esports ecosystem. The partnership will offer Visa cardholders perks such as a 20% ticket discount, VIP experiences, and exclusive access during the tournament. MOONTON Games highlighted the deal as a milestone that reflects mobile esports’ growing appeal to global brands. The M7 World Championship will take place in Jakarta, Indonesia, from January 3–25, 2026, featuring 22 top teams competing for a $1 million prize pool.
Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra has been delayed again, and there’s no new release window. TheGamer
Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra has been delayed indefinitely, with developer Skydance Games confirming it will miss its early 2025 launch and offering no new release window. This marks the game’s second delay, after being pushed from late 2025 to early 2026 earlier this year. Skydance stated that the delay is meant to ensure the game meets its quality standards and fully realises the team’s vision. No new gameplay has been shown yet, though fans may learn more in upcoming events like The Game Awards.
Take-Two CEO offers context on the GTA VI delay | Interview. GamesBeat
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick has addressed the delay of Grand Theft Auto VI, which has been pushed from May 2026 to November 19, 2026. In an interview, Zelnick explained that the decision was made to allow Rockstar Games more time to polish the game. He emphasised that Rockstar’s ambitions and the high expectations from players justify the delay and confirmed Take-Two’s full support for the move.
In the midst of EA’s controversial acquisition, BioWare moves to reassure fans that a new Mass Effect is definitely still in development. EuroGamer
BioWare has reassured fans that a new Mass Effect game is still in development, emphasising the team’s ongoing commitment to the franchise. Executive producer Mike Gamble highlighted that the team is focused on building features, stories, and romances, promising an exciting experience when ready. No new gameplay, trailers, or screenshots have been released yet, but the blog also teased a Mass Effect TV show in partnership with Amazon, set after the original trilogy with a new story. Additionally, Mass Effect crossover cosmetics are coming to other EA games, including Apex Legends and Skate. The update comes amid EA’s potential acquisition by the Saudi Public Investment Fund and private equity companies, a period of uncertainty for BioWare.
Workers affected by Rockstar layoffs protest outside offices in London and Edinburgh. GamesIndustry
Protests were held outside Rockstar North and Take-Two offices in London and Edinburgh after Rockstar allegedly laid off around 30 employees in the UK and Canada for union-related activities. The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) claimed the affected staff were dismissed for trying to organise or participate in a union, while Rockstar stated the actions targeted individuals allegedly sharing confidential information on a public forum. Workers expressed shock and anger, saying they were penalised simply for discussing pay and workplace conditions. The layoffs coincided with Take-Two reporting strong financial results and announcing a second delay for Grand Theft Auto VI, now set for November 19, 2026. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick emphasised confidence in the new release date and the company’s commitment to polishing its titles.
Take-Two Q2 net bookings “vastly exceed expectations” to $1.96bn. GamesIndustry
Take-Two Interactive reported Q2 net bookings of $1.96 billion, up 33% year-on-year, marking its best second quarter ever. Net revenue was $1.77 billion, up 31%, while net loss improved to $133.9 million. Recurrent consumer spending accounted for 73% of revenue, and the mobile segment contributed 46%, driven by Toon Blast, Match Factory, and CSR Racing. GTA VI was delayed again to November 19, 2026, to allow extra time for polish, with CEO Strauss Zelnick expressing confidence in the new date. The company also raised its full-year net bookings outlook to $6.4–$6.5 billion, a 14% increase.
League of Legends World Championship 2026 heads to Texas and New York. Esports Insider
The League of Legends World Championship 2026 will be held across Allen, Texas, and New York City, marking the first North American hosting since 2022. Allen will host the Play-In, Swiss stage, and Playoffs, while New York City will host the Grand Final. Riot Games also announced First Stand 2026 in São Paulo, Brazil, expanding the tournament to eight teams with best-of-five matches. Additionally, the Mid-Season Invitational 2026 will return to Daejeon, South Korea, though dates have not been confirmed.
Singapore takes a huge leap in formally recognising esports as a sport. Esports Insider
Singapore is moving to formally recognise esports as a sport through the Singapore Sports Council (Amendment) Bill 2025, first read in Parliament on November 4th. The bill would update the 1973 Act to include esports and mind sports within the official definition of sports, allowing structured athlete development, coaching standards, and funding for esports. If passed, it would make esports a recognised sporting category alongside traditional and mind sports. Min-Liang Tan, CEO of Razer, praised the move as a progressive step for Singapore’s gaming community. The amendment also expands the Council’s powers and membership, reinforcing Singapore’s position as a regional esports hub.
Halo Infinite is entering maintenance mode: ‘With multiple Halo titles in development, we’ll need our whole team’s combined focus’. PCGamer
Halo Infinite is entering maintenance mode, with its final content update, Operation: Infinite, arriving on November 18. The update will include sped-up XP, Spartan Points, rank progression, and a new 100-tier premium battle pass with armour and weapon models. Halo Studios explained that the move is to focus the team on multiple upcoming Halo projects, including Halo: Campaign Evolved. While Halo Infinite will continue to receive support, no further major content updates are planned.
The Mass Effect TV series will ‘explore a brand-new story within the universe’s timeline,’ BioWare exec says: ‘It won’t be a retread of Commander Shepard’s story’. PCGamer
BioWare is developing a Mass Effect TV series with Amazon that will explore a new story set after the original trilogy. According to BioWare chief Michael Gamble, the writers have a clear plan for how the series fits into the Mass Effect canon. The show will not retell Commander Shepard’s story, ensuring it presents fresh narratives within the established universe. Gamble also confirmed that BioWare is still working on a new Mass Effect game, though details remain under wraps.
CD Projekt Red tells Rockstar not to make the same mistake it did—posts a self-burn over Cyberpunk 2077’s historically bad launch to support GTA 6’s delay. PCGamer
CD Projekt Red referenced its Cyberpunk 2077 launch to comment on Rockstar’s GTA 6 delay. The studio shared an old tweet emphasising the importance of not rushing a game’s release. Fans quickly interpreted it as advice for Rockstar to focus on delivering a polished product. The post highlights the risks of launching a game before it’s ready, based on CDPR’s own experience.
Capcom Platinum Titles sales update – as of September 30, 2025. Gematsu
Capcom updated its Platinum Titles list as of September 30, 2025, highlighting games that have sold over one million units. Resident Evil 2 leads the catalogue with 16.3 million units, followed by Resident Evil 7 biohazard at 15.9 million and Monster Hunter Rise at 17.8 million units. Other notable titles include Resident Evil Village (12.8M), Resident Evil 4 Remake (11.1M), and Street Fighter 6 (5.7M). The recently added Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics has reached one million units sold. Overall, the update reflects steady sales growth across Capcom’s major franchises.
MLB The Show 26 has been announced. Gematsu
Sony and San Diego Studio have officially announced MLB The Show 26, though platforms and release date remain unconfirmed. The game will expand modes like Road To The Show with new colleges and mid-to-late career focus, Diamond Dynasty with engaging new content, and Franchise mode with deeper, strategic systems. Gameplay improvements include revamped throw meters, new animations, refined pitch effects, and bat-ball physics.
We may not get Outer Worlds 3, but we could be getting an Avowed sequel. TheGamer
Obsidian is reportedly not planning The Outer Worlds 3, though DLC for Outer Worlds 2 may still arrive. Former developer Chris Avellone suggests the studio is working on a sequel to Avowed instead. While Outer Worlds performed better than Avowed, the sequel could expand Avowed’s scope and introduce unique gameplay features to help it stand out in the crowded fantasy RPG genre.
The significance of the settlement between Epic Games and Google | The DeanBeat. GamesBeat
The proposed legal settlement between Epic Games and Google represents a major shift in the app store ecosystem. It could open new direct-to-consumer sales channels for mobile games and signal a rebalancing of power between tech giants and developers. This outcome follows years of litigation and may have wider implications for platform monopolies in the industry.
Unity reports higher-than-expected revenue in Q3 2025. GamesBeat
Unity reported stronger-than-expected revenue for Q3 2025, driven by subscription growth and its Vector AI-powered ad network. Total revenue reached $471 million, with $152 million from Create Solutions and $318 million from Grow Solutions, representing year-on-year growth of 5%, 3%, and 6%, respectively. Despite the overall growth, the company faced some losses in its Grow business and consumption services revenue. Unity also raised its revenue forecast for the next quarter from $480 million to $490 million.
Half-Life fans believe they’ve worked out a possible announcement date for Half-Life 3 - and it’s very, very soon. EuroGamer
Half-Life fans believe they’ve identified a potential announcement window for Half-Life 3, possibly on 18–20 November 2025, by analysing gaps in scheduled Steam events. The new Half-Life project, codenamed HLX, is reportedly fully playable end-to-end. This speculation aligns with insider claims suggesting the sequel could release before the end of 2025.
FromSoftware’s parent company let it slip that we’ll get Elden Ring Nightreign DLC by March at the latest. PCGamer
FromSoftware’s parent company Kadokawa, revealed in a recent earnings report that the Nightreign DLC is planned for release in fiscal year 2025, which ends March 31, 2026. The expansion will add new playable characters and bosses, likely drawing from content across Elden Ring and Shadow of the Erdtree. Other upcoming FromSoftware projects include Elden Ring Tarnished Edition (2026 for Nintendo Switch 2) and The Duskbloods.
Roblox must do more to protect kids from sick and twisted freaks,’ Texas attorney general says as he sues Roblox ‘for putting pixel pedophiles and profits’ ahead of safety. PCGamer
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued Roblox, claiming the company ignores online safety laws and deceives parents about platform dangers. The lawsuit alleges Roblox markets itself as family-friendly while being overrun with predators and sexual content, and that its Robux currency encourages compulsive purchases that make children targets. Roblox denies the claims, calling them misrepresentations, and highlights its safety measures, such as chat filters, PII protection, and partnerships with safety organisations. Paxton says platforms like Roblox cannot operate as “digital playgrounds for predators” and that companies enabling child abuse will face legal consequences. The lawsuit follows similar actions in Louisiana, Kentucky, and a Florida criminal investigation.
NetEase racks up its third studio casualty in one week, kneecapping dev working on a Warhammer MMO: ‘Devastated doesn’t even begin to cover it’. PCGamer
NetEase has ended its partnership with Jackalyptic Games, the studio developing a Warhammer MMO, marking the third Western studio it has cut ties with in one week and the sixth this year. CEO Jack Emmert confirmed the partnership’s end after three and a half years, leaving much of the team seeking new work. Senior sound designer Ben Dahl described the situation as “devastating,” highlighting the impact on staff. Jackalyptic, formerly Jackalope Games, was NetEase’s first North American studio and had not released a game before the funding pull. This move reflects NetEase’s broader scaling of overseas MMO investments amid the high costs and risks associated with developing major online games.
Arc Raiders breaks another concurrent record as player count soars. EuroGamer
Arc Raiders has broken its own concurrent player record on Steam, reaching 416,517 users this past weekend. The game previously peaked at 250,000 on release day and 328,062 on November 1. Around 69.2% of the player base is on Steam, with the remainder on PlayStation and Xbox.
We might not have Marvel vs. Capcom 4, but an MvC fan project just got way better. TheGamer
Marvel vs. Capcom fans haven’t seen a new mainline game since Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite in 2017. The fan project Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Community Edition has added new characters, including Demitri Maximoff, Ghost Rider, Professor X (Krakoa version), Cable, and Dudley. The roster now totals 73 fan-made characters. A 10-minute debut trailer showcases the new additions, and the updated files are available on Nexus Mods. This project keeps MvC 3 active for fans despite the lack of new official releases.
Funko Pops might not last another year, as it reports $1 million net loss. TheGamer
Funko reported a $1 million net loss this quarter, adding to a $68.1 million loss over the last nine months. The company cited decreased sales outpacing cost reductions, tariffs, and a difficult retail environment. With $215 million in debt, Funko expressed doubt about its ability to continue operating over the next 12 months. CEO Josh Simon stated the brand still has growth potential while the board is reviewing strategic alternatives, including additional financing, focusing on smaller product lines, or a potential sale.
Saints Row creator says it’s “impossible” to compete with GTA, but you can be number two. TheGamer
Saints Row creator Chris Stockman acknowledged that no franchise can compete with GTA, calling it “impossible” to match its cultural impact. He added that while surpassing GTA is unlikely, there is still room to be a “number two” if a game maintains a clear identity and focus. Stockman also warned that a poor launch of GTA 6 could have catastrophic effects on the entire industry. He suggested that a well-executed Saints Row prequel could potentially occupy that second-place spot under Rockstar’s shadow.
Biggest releases this week
