This Week in Videogames
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Fully independent, commercial free, and reader-funded.
https://thisweekinvideogames.com/
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I Tracked Down the Most Remote Gamer in the World
The story of how Fortnite, Crash Bandicoot, and Shaquille O'Neal's fighting game Shaq Fu found their way to the most remote place in the world.
thisweekinvideogames.com
In the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean, there is an island.
It's 1,700 miles from the nearest major city. The population is 220 people.
There's one Steam account.
@jamiehore.bsky.social set himself the ridiculous task of finding the most remote gamer in the world.
This is their story:
It's 1,700 miles from the nearest major city. The population is 220 people.
There's one Steam account.
@jamiehore.bsky.social set himself the ridiculous task of finding the most remote gamer in the world.
This is their story:
Reposted by This Week in Videogames
Why has Japan been relatively insulated from the global games industry crisis?
Japanese industry consultant @serkantoto.bsky.social, expat developer @liambme.bsky.social, and a Japanese game studies professor tell us about protection laws, domestic bias, slow-growth mindsets and the cost of living.
Japanese industry consultant @serkantoto.bsky.social, expat developer @liambme.bsky.social, and a Japanese game studies professor tell us about protection laws, domestic bias, slow-growth mindsets and the cost of living.
(Still) Made In Japan: The View From A Flourishing Games Industry
Experts and developers involved in the Japanese game industry weigh in on how the country has been largely insulated from global issues of funding and layoffs.
thisweekinvideogames.com
September 21, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Why has Japan been relatively insulated from the global games industry crisis?
Japanese industry consultant @serkantoto.bsky.social, expat developer @liambme.bsky.social, and a Japanese game studies professor tell us about protection laws, domestic bias, slow-growth mindsets and the cost of living.
Japanese industry consultant @serkantoto.bsky.social, expat developer @liambme.bsky.social, and a Japanese game studies professor tell us about protection laws, domestic bias, slow-growth mindsets and the cost of living.
Bungie has issued a statement addressing the studio’s recent missteps through two of its new leaders.
Studio head Poria Torkan and product head Josh Dean acknowledged “the anger, the disappointment," and said Bungie would restore vaulted Destiny 2 content to "reforge" the series for the future.
Studio head Poria Torkan and product head Josh Dean acknowledged “the anger, the disappointment," and said Bungie would restore vaulted Destiny 2 content to "reforge" the series for the future.
New Bungie Leadership Acknowledges Faults, Resolves To "Reforge" Destiny
"The consequences have been real. We lost trust. We lost incredible colleagues. And our ambitions as a studio stalled."
thisweekinvideogames.com
September 22, 2026 at 2:00 AM
Bungie has issued a statement addressing the studio’s recent missteps through two of its new leaders.
Studio head Poria Torkan and product head Josh Dean acknowledged “the anger, the disappointment," and said Bungie would restore vaulted Destiny 2 content to "reforge" the series for the future.
Studio head Poria Torkan and product head Josh Dean acknowledged “the anger, the disappointment," and said Bungie would restore vaulted Destiny 2 content to "reforge" the series for the future.
Microsoft has published a patent application that could “suspend a user’s interaction” with a game to display advertisements.
The system is described as "context-aware," potentially displaying advertisements when "adverse occurrences are unlikely," such as safe zones or loading screens.
The system is described as "context-aware," potentially displaying advertisements when "adverse occurrences are unlikely," such as safe zones or loading screens.
Microsoft Applies For Patent That Can Insert "Promoted Content" in Gameplay Sessions
The applications also reference a credit system that could delay “the suspension of interaction" and the display of promoted content.
thisweekinvideogames.com
September 21, 2026 at 11:30 PM
Microsoft has published a patent application that could “suspend a user’s interaction” with a game to display advertisements.
The system is described as "context-aware," potentially displaying advertisements when "adverse occurrences are unlikely," such as safe zones or loading screens.
The system is described as "context-aware," potentially displaying advertisements when "adverse occurrences are unlikely," such as safe zones or loading screens.
Why has Japan been relatively insulated from the global games industry crisis?
Japanese industry consultant @serkantoto.bsky.social, expat developer @liambme.bsky.social, and a Japanese game studies professor tell us about protection laws, domestic bias, slow-growth mindsets and the cost of living.
Japanese industry consultant @serkantoto.bsky.social, expat developer @liambme.bsky.social, and a Japanese game studies professor tell us about protection laws, domestic bias, slow-growth mindsets and the cost of living.
(Still) Made In Japan: The View From A Flourishing Games Industry
Experts and developers involved in the Japanese game industry weigh in on how the country has been largely insulated from global issues of funding and layoffs.
thisweekinvideogames.com
September 21, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Why has Japan been relatively insulated from the global games industry crisis?
Japanese industry consultant @serkantoto.bsky.social, expat developer @liambme.bsky.social, and a Japanese game studies professor tell us about protection laws, domestic bias, slow-growth mindsets and the cost of living.
Japanese industry consultant @serkantoto.bsky.social, expat developer @liambme.bsky.social, and a Japanese game studies professor tell us about protection laws, domestic bias, slow-growth mindsets and the cost of living.
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has had a "quibble" with a shareholder after they questioned company leadership due to "years of delays, missed expectations, and continued dependence on a small number of major franchises.”
Take-Two Interactive CEO Says Company Was "Very Nearly Bankrupt" Under Previous Management
Strauss Zelnick said Take-Two has since become the largest public "pure play interactive entertainment company [...] on earth"
thisweekinvideogames.com
September 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has had a "quibble" with a shareholder after they questioned company leadership due to "years of delays, missed expectations, and continued dependence on a small number of major franchises.”
Hideo Kojima has shared his perspective of PlayStation's allegedly "unexpected" cancellation of Physint in two new interviews.
Kojima Productions has also issued a statement encouraging scepticism towards a Bloomberg report suggesting Sony dropped the project due to various concerns.
Kojima Productions has also issued a statement encouraging scepticism towards a Bloomberg report suggesting Sony dropped the project due to various concerns.
Kojima "Didn't Understand The Reason" Behind Physint Cancellation, Encourages "Scepticism" Over Buget Concerns
Hideo Kojima has spoken about the cancellation of Physint by PlayStation in two new interviews with IGN and The Washington Post
thisweekinvideogames.com
September 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Hideo Kojima has shared his perspective of PlayStation's allegedly "unexpected" cancellation of Physint in two new interviews.
Kojima Productions has also issued a statement encouraging scepticism towards a Bloomberg report suggesting Sony dropped the project due to various concerns.
Kojima Productions has also issued a statement encouraging scepticism towards a Bloomberg report suggesting Sony dropped the project due to various concerns.
Reposted by This Week in Videogames
Former Blizzard Chief Creative Officer Rob Pardo believes his new game Arkheron, which has been in development for eight years, has PvP design so unique "we haven’t figured out a way to market that” yet.
While it raises plenty of red flags in 2026, it does feel genuinely interesting to play.
While it raises plenty of red flags in 2026, it does feel genuinely interesting to play.
Arkheron’s PvP Genre Mashup Raises Red Flags, but Feels Genuinely Novel
After eight years in development, Bonfire Studios' debut game Arkheron is coming out of its shell, and it's showing some promising signs.
thisweekinvideogames.com
September 15, 2026 at 2:30 AM
Former Blizzard Chief Creative Officer Rob Pardo believes his new game Arkheron, which has been in development for eight years, has PvP design so unique "we haven’t figured out a way to market that” yet.
While it raises plenty of red flags in 2026, it does feel genuinely interesting to play.
While it raises plenty of red flags in 2026, it does feel genuinely interesting to play.
Reposted by This Week in Videogames
Birdwatching is cool now. Trust us.
In fact, 2026 is already seeing a flutter of games with birdwatching as their hook.
What makes the quaint activity so satisfying? We ask devs @secretplangames.bsky.social, @studioortica.bsky.social, and wildlife researcher @jabaddams.bsky.social to find out.
In fact, 2026 is already seeing a flutter of games with birdwatching as their hook.
What makes the quaint activity so satisfying? We ask devs @secretplangames.bsky.social, @studioortica.bsky.social, and wildlife researcher @jabaddams.bsky.social to find out.
The Gamification of Birdwatching is Here
Birdwatching is cooler than it ever has been, and it's opened the door to a flurry of new Steam games that use it as a hook.
thisweekinvideogames.com
April 17, 2026 at 7:00 AM
Birdwatching is cool now. Trust us.
In fact, 2026 is already seeing a flutter of games with birdwatching as their hook.
What makes the quaint activity so satisfying? We ask devs @secretplangames.bsky.social, @studioortica.bsky.social, and wildlife researcher @jabaddams.bsky.social to find out.
In fact, 2026 is already seeing a flutter of games with birdwatching as their hook.
What makes the quaint activity so satisfying? We ask devs @secretplangames.bsky.social, @studioortica.bsky.social, and wildlife researcher @jabaddams.bsky.social to find out.
Reposted by This Week in Videogames
It's been three years since Diablo IV was released. Why does Diablo V need to exist already?
Game Director Joe Shely and Executive Producer Matt Zitterman share their reasoning with us.
Game Director Joe Shely and Executive Producer Matt Zitterman share their reasoning with us.
The Case for Diablo V is Justified, Assures Blizzard
Senior Game Director Joe Shely and Executive Producer Matt Zitterman explain why Diablo V's existence and introduction is necessary right now
thisweekinvideogames.com
September 16, 2026 at 5:00 AM
It's been three years since Diablo IV was released. Why does Diablo V need to exist already?
Game Director Joe Shely and Executive Producer Matt Zitterman share their reasoning with us.
Game Director Joe Shely and Executive Producer Matt Zitterman share their reasoning with us.
Reposted by This Week in Videogames
A fusion of 1980s American and Japanese culture, through the lens of a Chinese developer. With zombies.
We talk to creative director Xiangyu Luo about the absurd cultural fusion of Showa American Story and ask why he thinks zombies seem to be a key part of America's identity.
We talk to creative director Xiangyu Luo about the absurd cultural fusion of Showa American Story and ask why he thinks zombies seem to be a key part of America's identity.
Showa American Story Understands America's "Particular Fondness for Zombies"
Creative director Xiangyu Luo says the cultural fusion came from the idea that Japan in the 1980s "could even buy America"
thisweekinvideogames.com
September 18, 2026 at 2:00 AM
A fusion of 1980s American and Japanese culture, through the lens of a Chinese developer. With zombies.
We talk to creative director Xiangyu Luo about the absurd cultural fusion of Showa American Story and ask why he thinks zombies seem to be a key part of America's identity.
We talk to creative director Xiangyu Luo about the absurd cultural fusion of Showa American Story and ask why he thinks zombies seem to be a key part of America's identity.
Reposted by This Week in Videogames
A month after launch, Arc System Works is still apologetic about Marvel Tōkon’s PC launch issues.
We ask director Kazuto ‘Pachi’ Sekine and producer Takeshi Yamanaka what they think went wrong, and how ArcSys is measuring success with their most high-profile game to date.
We ask director Kazuto ‘Pachi’ Sekine and producer Takeshi Yamanaka what they think went wrong, and how ArcSys is measuring success with their most high-profile game to date.
Marvel Tōkon’s Apology Tour Continues, but ArcSys Is Playing the Long Game
A month after launch, Marvel Tokon Director Kazuto 'Pachi' Sekine and Producer Takeshi Yamanaka share how they're defining success
thisweekinvideogames.com
September 18, 2026 at 3:00 AM
A month after launch, Arc System Works is still apologetic about Marvel Tōkon’s PC launch issues.
We ask director Kazuto ‘Pachi’ Sekine and producer Takeshi Yamanaka what they think went wrong, and how ArcSys is measuring success with their most high-profile game to date.
We ask director Kazuto ‘Pachi’ Sekine and producer Takeshi Yamanaka what they think went wrong, and how ArcSys is measuring success with their most high-profile game to date.
The launch of the World of Warcraft: Forever beta has been characterised by technical issues and widespread delays as players queue to access the game.
"The number of people hammering at the door of the Beta is… insane," remarked one developer.
"The number of people hammering at the door of the Beta is… insane," remarked one developer.
World of Warcraft: Forever Beta Launches to Technical Issues, Long Queue Times
On WoW: Forever's beta launch day, the team wrote that they were "working through some final issues"
thisweekinvideogames.com
September 18, 2026 at 11:00 AM
The launch of the World of Warcraft: Forever beta has been characterised by technical issues and widespread delays as players queue to access the game.
"The number of people hammering at the door of the Beta is… insane," remarked one developer.
"The number of people hammering at the door of the Beta is… insane," remarked one developer.
Reposted by This Week in Videogames
Wings Interactive has made it its mission to publish and fund games led by women or gender-marginalised developers since 2019.
But as the organisation gets bigger, its CEO tells us that "it’s becoming more and more clear that it’s definitely not a charity."
But as the organisation gets bigger, its CEO tells us that "it’s becoming more and more clear that it’s definitely not a charity."
This Women-Led Games Publisher Isn't a Charity — It Wants to be "Very Profitable"
CEO Astrid Refstrup says Wings must be profitable, "otherwise we cannot carry out the mission"
thisweekinvideogames.com
September 18, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Wings Interactive has made it its mission to publish and fund games led by women or gender-marginalised developers since 2019.
But as the organisation gets bigger, its CEO tells us that "it’s becoming more and more clear that it’s definitely not a charity."
But as the organisation gets bigger, its CEO tells us that "it’s becoming more and more clear that it’s definitely not a charity."
A month after launch, Arc System Works is still apologetic about Marvel Tōkon’s PC launch issues.
We ask director Kazuto ‘Pachi’ Sekine and producer Takeshi Yamanaka what they think went wrong, and how ArcSys is measuring success with their most high-profile game to date.
We ask director Kazuto ‘Pachi’ Sekine and producer Takeshi Yamanaka what they think went wrong, and how ArcSys is measuring success with their most high-profile game to date.
Marvel Tōkon’s Apology Tour Continues, but ArcSys Is Playing the Long Game
A month after launch, Marvel Tokon Director Kazuto 'Pachi' Sekine and Producer Takeshi Yamanaka share how they're defining success
thisweekinvideogames.com
September 18, 2026 at 3:00 AM
A month after launch, Arc System Works is still apologetic about Marvel Tōkon’s PC launch issues.
We ask director Kazuto ‘Pachi’ Sekine and producer Takeshi Yamanaka what they think went wrong, and how ArcSys is measuring success with their most high-profile game to date.
We ask director Kazuto ‘Pachi’ Sekine and producer Takeshi Yamanaka what they think went wrong, and how ArcSys is measuring success with their most high-profile game to date.
A fusion of 1980s American and Japanese culture, through the lens of a Chinese developer. With zombies.
We talk to creative director Xiangyu Luo about the absurd cultural fusion of Showa American Story and ask why he thinks zombies seem to be a key part of America's identity.
We talk to creative director Xiangyu Luo about the absurd cultural fusion of Showa American Story and ask why he thinks zombies seem to be a key part of America's identity.
Showa American Story Understands America's "Particular Fondness for Zombies"
Creative director Xiangyu Luo says the cultural fusion came from the idea that Japan in the 1980s "could even buy America"
thisweekinvideogames.com
September 18, 2026 at 2:00 AM
A fusion of 1980s American and Japanese culture, through the lens of a Chinese developer. With zombies.
We talk to creative director Xiangyu Luo about the absurd cultural fusion of Showa American Story and ask why he thinks zombies seem to be a key part of America's identity.
We talk to creative director Xiangyu Luo about the absurd cultural fusion of Showa American Story and ask why he thinks zombies seem to be a key part of America's identity.
Wings Interactive has made it its mission to publish and fund games led by women or gender-marginalised developers since 2019.
But as the organisation gets bigger, its CEO tells us that "it’s becoming more and more clear that it’s definitely not a charity."
But as the organisation gets bigger, its CEO tells us that "it’s becoming more and more clear that it’s definitely not a charity."
This Women-Led Games Publisher Isn't a Charity — It Wants to be "Very Profitable"
CEO Astrid Refstrup says Wings must be profitable, "otherwise we cannot carry out the mission"
thisweekinvideogames.com
September 18, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Wings Interactive has made it its mission to publish and fund games led by women or gender-marginalised developers since 2019.
But as the organisation gets bigger, its CEO tells us that "it’s becoming more and more clear that it’s definitely not a charity."
But as the organisation gets bigger, its CEO tells us that "it’s becoming more and more clear that it’s definitely not a charity."
Xbox's Tokyo Game Show 2026 broadcast featured a handful of trailers and behind-the-scenes developer segments largely focused on studios from across Japan and Asia.
Here's a bullet-point rundown of everything that was shown:
Here's a bullet-point rundown of everything that was shown:
Physint, Crazy Taxi Bookend Xbox's Tokyo Game Show 2026 Broadcast
Xbox's Tokyo Games Show 2026 broadcast featured trailers and updates from several developers from across Asia, including Hideo Kojima.
thisweekinvideogames.com
September 17, 2026 at 11:30 PM
Xbox's Tokyo Game Show 2026 broadcast featured a handful of trailers and behind-the-scenes developer segments largely focused on studios from across Japan and Asia.
Here's a bullet-point rundown of everything that was shown:
Here's a bullet-point rundown of everything that was shown:
Heart Machine, the studio behind Hyper Light Drifter and Solar Ash, may be at risk of closing after laying off “nearly everyone” due to a collapsed publishing deal.
"Nearly Everyone" Laid Off at Hyper Light Drifter Developer Heart Machine
Studio founder Alx Preston said that a publisher decided to "decided to no longer move forward" with a title they were funding at the studio
thisweekinvideogames.com
September 17, 2026 at 9:30 AM
Heart Machine, the studio behind Hyper Light Drifter and Solar Ash, may be at risk of closing after laying off “nearly everyone” due to a collapsed publishing deal.
Reposted by This Week in Videogames
Diablo V Game Director Joe Shely has suggested that the sequel will address level scaling, a common criticism of Diablo IV’s game design.
“We haven’t talked about exactly how the world is constructed. That is a key thing that we want to address in Diablo V,” he said.
“We haven’t talked about exactly how the world is constructed. That is a key thing that we want to address in Diablo V,” he said.
Diablo V Director Says Level Scaling Is "A Key Thing We Want To Address"
Senior Game Director Joe Shely suggested that the contentious Diablo IV design element "is a key thing that we want to address in Diablo V"
thisweekinvideogames.com
September 16, 2026 at 8:30 AM
Diablo V Game Director Joe Shely has suggested that the sequel will address level scaling, a common criticism of Diablo IV’s game design.
“We haven’t talked about exactly how the world is constructed. That is a key thing that we want to address in Diablo V,” he said.
“We haven’t talked about exactly how the world is constructed. That is a key thing that we want to address in Diablo V,” he said.
Reposted by This Week in Videogames
After Steam mistakenly tagged vampire RPG Nighthawks as ‘Adults Only,' hitting it with several restrictions, the creators have successfully appealed the label.
"At the very least, our situation has made Valve aware that this is a problem many indies making mature games may face," said its publisher
"At the very least, our situation has made Valve aware that this is a problem many indies making mature games may face," said its publisher
Indie RPG Nighthawks Gets Accidental 'Adult Only' Rating Removed
Nighthawks was excluded from Steam searches and its store page restricted from view in certain regions, causing "a stressful couple of days" for its team
thisweekinvideogames.com
September 16, 2026 at 2:15 PM
After Steam mistakenly tagged vampire RPG Nighthawks as ‘Adults Only,' hitting it with several restrictions, the creators have successfully appealed the label.
"At the very least, our situation has made Valve aware that this is a problem many indies making mature games may face," said its publisher
"At the very least, our situation has made Valve aware that this is a problem many indies making mature games may face," said its publisher
After Steam mistakenly tagged vampire RPG Nighthawks as ‘Adults Only,' hitting it with several restrictions, the creators have successfully appealed the label.
"At the very least, our situation has made Valve aware that this is a problem many indies making mature games may face," said its publisher
"At the very least, our situation has made Valve aware that this is a problem many indies making mature games may face," said its publisher
Indie RPG Nighthawks Gets Accidental 'Adult Only' Rating Removed
Nighthawks was excluded from Steam searches and its store page restricted from view in certain regions, causing "a stressful couple of days" for its team
thisweekinvideogames.com
September 16, 2026 at 2:15 PM
After Steam mistakenly tagged vampire RPG Nighthawks as ‘Adults Only,' hitting it with several restrictions, the creators have successfully appealed the label.
"At the very least, our situation has made Valve aware that this is a problem many indies making mature games may face," said its publisher
"At the very least, our situation has made Valve aware that this is a problem many indies making mature games may face," said its publisher
Diablo V Game Director Joe Shely has suggested that the sequel will address level scaling, a common criticism of Diablo IV’s game design.
“We haven’t talked about exactly how the world is constructed. That is a key thing that we want to address in Diablo V,” he said.
“We haven’t talked about exactly how the world is constructed. That is a key thing that we want to address in Diablo V,” he said.
Diablo V Director Says Level Scaling Is "A Key Thing We Want To Address"
Senior Game Director Joe Shely suggested that the contentious Diablo IV design element "is a key thing that we want to address in Diablo V"
thisweekinvideogames.com
September 16, 2026 at 8:30 AM
Diablo V Game Director Joe Shely has suggested that the sequel will address level scaling, a common criticism of Diablo IV’s game design.
“We haven’t talked about exactly how the world is constructed. That is a key thing that we want to address in Diablo V,” he said.
“We haven’t talked about exactly how the world is constructed. That is a key thing that we want to address in Diablo V,” he said.
It's been three years since Diablo IV was released. Why does Diablo V need to exist already?
Game Director Joe Shely and Executive Producer Matt Zitterman share their reasoning with us.
Game Director Joe Shely and Executive Producer Matt Zitterman share their reasoning with us.
The Case for Diablo V is Justified, Assures Blizzard
Senior Game Director Joe Shely and Executive Producer Matt Zitterman explain why Diablo V's existence and introduction is necessary right now
thisweekinvideogames.com
September 16, 2026 at 5:00 AM
It's been three years since Diablo IV was released. Why does Diablo V need to exist already?
Game Director Joe Shely and Executive Producer Matt Zitterman share their reasoning with us.
Game Director Joe Shely and Executive Producer Matt Zitterman share their reasoning with us.
Reposted by This Week in Videogames
Even though @jamiehore.bsky.social can’t dance, butchering a motion capture rhythm game on the Nex Playground put a huge smile on his face.
He spoke to Nex President Tom Kang about why this mini console is now an IP magnet, its stance on child safety, and more.
He spoke to Nex President Tom Kang about why this mini console is now an IP magnet, its stance on child safety, and more.
Why Pac-Man, Sonic, and the NFL Want a Piece of This Tiny Games Console
"The family audience has been underserved for a long time,” says Nex President Tom Kang says. “We have access to almost any IP that we would like."
thisweekinvideogames.com
September 9, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Even though @jamiehore.bsky.social can’t dance, butchering a motion capture rhythm game on the Nex Playground put a huge smile on his face.
He spoke to Nex President Tom Kang about why this mini console is now an IP magnet, its stance on child safety, and more.
He spoke to Nex President Tom Kang about why this mini console is now an IP magnet, its stance on child safety, and more.
Reposted by This Week in Videogames
Workers at Candy Crush maker King are set to go on strike if they cannot reach a collective agreement with studio leadership after over a year of negotiations.
The notice of strike action comes after King denied a collective bargaining agreement brought forward by employees in August 2026.
The notice of strike action comes after King denied a collective bargaining agreement brought forward by employees in August 2026.
King Staff Threaten Strike Action if No Agreement is Reached With Candy Crush Maker
King president Tood Green said the company's “current operating model is the right fit for King, including our operations in Sweden, at this time.”
thisweekinvideogames.com
September 15, 2026 at 11:45 AM
Workers at Candy Crush maker King are set to go on strike if they cannot reach a collective agreement with studio leadership after over a year of negotiations.
The notice of strike action comes after King denied a collective bargaining agreement brought forward by employees in August 2026.
The notice of strike action comes after King denied a collective bargaining agreement brought forward by employees in August 2026.