The Industry News section is designed to offer comprehensive updates and analyses on various elements shaping the video gaming industry. This includes, but is not limited to, mergers and acquisitions, financial earnings, company strategies, and technological advancements. By focusing on the structural developments within the gaming industry, Industry News aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of the factors affecting market trends and company performance.
Otto Bathurst, who directed the Paramount+ Halo series, has signed on to helm the upcoming Odysseus television adaptation. The move comes as Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey prepares for its theatrical release, creating an unusual moment where two major Homer adaptations arrive simultaneously.
Valve has announced its themed sale events for the first half of 2027 on Steam, promising a slew of discounts and promotions. From horror games to indie titles, multiple themes will drive the sales schedule. Gamers can expect significant savings across various genres throughout the first six months of the year.
Get ready for a fresh take on the classic franchise as Danny McBride is set to direct and write a new G.I. Joe movie for Paramount, marking his feature film directorial debut. Following the mixed reception of 2021's Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins, McBride's involvement brings a new wave of excitement. Meanwhile, rumors swirl around Bradley Cooper potentially joining the cast, speculated to replace Chris Hemsworth in an undisclosed role.
Warner Bros.' Looney Tunes game is shutting down, disappointing fans of the beloved cartoon franchise. The closure impacts all players, with a shutdown date announced. Players have a limited time to enjoy the game before its servers go offline.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced has secured the best launch of any Assassin's Creed game on Steam, selling 701k copies and generating $35m in revenue as of July 13th, despite facing criticism for its cosmetic microtransactions. The game's success comes amidst controversy, including developer layoffs and review-bombing. Notably, it outperforms its predecessors, including Shadows, Valhalla, and Mirage, in Steam revenue.
Filming has begun on The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, with Andy Serkis reprising his iconic role as Gollum, as revealed in a behind-the-scenes video. The project, set for a December 17, 2027, release, will also feature returning cast members Ian McKellen and Elijah Wood. Serkis, who is also directing, showcases his immediate return to character in the video, alongside glimpses of New Zealand location shoots.
Staff at Ubisoft Barcelona, co-developers of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, have gone on strike over the company's "below reasonable standard" severance pay offer, following the announcement of up to 51 job eliminations. The strike highlights the contrast between the game's commercial success—selling 2 million copies in 24 hours—and the treatment of its developers. Employees are fighting to secure fair severance pay and potentially save some roles.
Microsoft has unexpectedly removed Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 from its July 2026 Xbox Game Pass lineup, despite owning the title through its $69 billion Activision Blizzard acquisition. The game was set to launch on Game Pass on July 21. The sudden removal, without explanation, sparks speculation about potential licensing issues, a common challenge for music-heavy games like THPS 1+2, which features a soundtrack with numerous licensed tracks.
Mike Zaimont, previously accused of sexual misconduct at Lab Zero, is confirmed to be working on Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game due out July 23. Despite past allegations, Zaimont holds a key role at Gameplay Group International. The community reacts with controversy and disappointment to his involvement.
Steve Buscemi has been cast in FX's upcoming Far Cry TV series, joining Lizzie Caplan and Rob McElhenney in an anthology-style adaptation that won't directly adapt the games. With production yet to begin, the series is eyed for a late 2027 or early 2028 release. The show's format promises a new cast, setting, and story each season.
