The Weekly Download

The Weekly Download by Big Games Machine is your essential weekly speedrun through the biggest stories in the global video games industry. 

This week's headlines:

• Psychonauts and Kiln studio Double Fine votes to unionise
• Shift Up breaks from Sony to self-publish Stellar Blade 2
• Capcom just sold more games than in any year in its history

Hosted by industry experts, Tom Heath and Alex Beech, we break down the most intriguing, complex, and vital developments of the week to keep you informed.

Prefer your news in written form? Subscribe to our free newsletter for a concise, easy-to-digest summary of daily industry developments, delivered fresh to your inbox: https://bit.ly/big-games-machine-the-daily-download

Links to today’s talking points:

• https://www.eurogamer.net/psychonauts-kiln-studio-double-fine-votes-to-unionise
• https://www.gamesindustry.biz/stellar-blade-studio-shift-up-breaks-from-publishing-partner-sony-for-high-quality-self-publishing
• https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/capcom-just-sold-more-games-than-in-any-year-in-its-history/
• https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2026/05/physical-game-fans-beware-digital-downloads-hit-an-astonishing-85percent-on-ps5-ps4-last-quarter
• https://www.gamesindustry.biz/mouse-pi-for-hire-publisher-playside-recoups-all-expenses-since-april-launch
• https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/assassins-creed-black-flag-resynced-is-getting-a-real-life-treasure-hunt-with-a-prize-worth-half-a-million-dollars/

The Weekly Download by Big Games Machine is your essential weekly speedrun through the biggest stories in the global video games industry. 

This week's headlines:

• Exclusive games are still the biggest draw of consoles
• EA closes FY26 with "record" performance thanks to Apex Legends and Battlefield 6 
• Xbox CEO confirms it's "winding down" Microsoft Copilot on mobile and ending it on console

Hosted by industry experts, Tom Heath and Alex Beech, we break down the most intriguing, complex, and vital developments of the week to keep you informed.

Prefer your news in written form? Subscribe to our free newsletter for a concise, easy-to-digest summary of daily industry developments, delivered fresh to your inbox: https://bit.ly/big-games-machine-the-daily-download

Links to today’s talking points:

• https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/exclusive-games-are-still-the-top-reason-for-playing-on-console-survey-suggests/
• https://www.gamesindustry.biz/ea-closes-fy26-with-record-performance-thanks-to-battlefield-6-and-apex-legends
• https://www.gamesradar.com/platforms/xbox/microsoft-finally-admits-everyone-hates-copilot-xbox-ceo-confirms-its-winding-down-copilot-on-mobile-and-ending-it-on-console/
• https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/assassins-creed-is-being-adapted-for-theatre-by-a-former-cirque-du-soleil-director-offering-two-hours-of-parkour-across-several-eras
• https://www.gamesindustry.biz/build-a-rocket-boy-reportedly-hit-with-more-layoffs

The Weekly Download by Big Games Machine is your essential weekly speedrun through the biggest stories in the global video games industry. 

This week's headlines:

• Capcom raises FY25 outlook following Resident Evil: Requiem boost 
• Magic: The Gathering Arena developers are unionising
• Nacon’s collapse claims first closure as Greedfall studio confirms it ‘no longer exists’

Hosted by industry experts, Tom Heath and Alex Beech, we break down the most intriguing, complex, and vital developments of the week to keep you informed.

Prefer your news in written form? Subscribe to our free newsletter for a concise, easy-to-digest summary of daily industry developments, delivered fresh to your inbox: https://bit.ly/big-games-machine-the-daily-download

Links to today’s talking points:

• https://www.gamesindustry.biz/capcom-raises-fy25-outlook-following-boost-from-resident-evil-requiem
• https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/magic-the-gathering-arena-devs-seek-to-unionise-to-deliver-genai-and-layoff-protections
• https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/nacons-collapse-claims-first-closure-as-rpg-studio-confirms-it-no-longer-exists/
• https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/a-japanese-retailer-is-trying-to-stop-pokemon-card-scalpers-by-making-them-take-a-test-first/
• https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/atari-acquires-emulation-studio-implicit-conversions

The Weekly Download by Big Games Machine is your essential weekly speedrun through the biggest stories in the global video games industry. 

This week's headlines:

• Microsoft cuts Game Pass pricing and removes CoD as a day-one title
• Koei Tecmo revises earnings forecast following strong start to 2026
• US hardware sales rose 69% in March, primarily thanks to the Switch 2

Hosted by industry experts, Tom Heath and Alex Beech, we break down the most intriguing, complex, and vital developments of the week to keep you informed.

Prefer your news in written form? Subscribe to our free newsletter for a concise, easy-to-digest summary of daily industry developments, delivered fresh to your inbox: https://bit.ly/big-games-machine-the-daily-download

Links to today’s talking points:

• https://www.eurogamer.net/xbox-drops-game-pass-prices-call-of-duty-exits-day-one
• https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-pokopia-nioh-3-performed-so-well-koei-techmo-revised-earnings-forecast
• https://www.gamesindustry.biz/us-hardware-sales-rose-69-in-march-2026-following-strong-switch-2-performance-us-monthly-charts
• https://automaton-media.com/en/news/hello-kitty-and-kuromi-company-sanrio-announces-in-house-game-brand-sanrio-games-ten-titles-planned-for-release-in-the-next-3-years/
• https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/capcom-says-pragmata-is-off-to-a-strong-start-with-1-million-sold-in-its-first-two-days/

The Weekly Download by Big Games Machine is your essential weekly speedrun through the biggest stories in the global video games industry. 

This week's headlines:

• Xbox is considering shaking up Game Pass and its approach to exclusive games
• Over 50% of PC revenue comes from games outside the Top 20
• Hytale copycat launches on eShop, original developers are set to take legal measures

Hosted by industry experts, Tom Heath and Alex Beech, we break down the most intriguing, complex, and vital developments of the week to keep you informed.

Prefer your news in written form? Subscribe to our free newsletter for a concise, easy-to-digest summary of daily industry developments, delivered fresh to your inbox: https://bit.ly/big-games-machine-the-daily-download

Links to today’s talking points:

• https://www.gamesindustry.biz/xbox-boss-reportedly-says-game-pass-has-become-too-expensive-for-players
• https://www.purexbox.com/news/2026/04/xbox-is-having-very-big-discussions-about-exclusivity-says-reporter
• https://www.gamesindustry.biz/newzoo-more-than-half-of-pc-revenue-comes-from-games-outside-the-top-20
• https://automaton-media.com/en/news/misleading-hytale-sandbox-rpg-copycat-game-launches-on-nintendo-store-original-developers-taking-legal-measures/
• https://automaton-media.com/en/news/indie-publisher-says-offering-a-paid-game-for-free-for-4-days-brought-in-250000-in-revenue-on-steam-the-key-is-dlc/
• https://www.pcgamer.com/games/mmo/defunct-mmo-studio-founder-allegedly-spent-kickstarter-funds-on-private-chefs-antiques-and-tcgs/

The Weekly Download by Big Games Machine is your essential weekly speedrun through the biggest stories in the global video games industry. 

This week's headlines:

• Slay the Spire 2 was March's biggest-selling game on Steam
• Netflix launches dedicated app for kids games
• Peak co-developer Landfall launches publishing label

Hosted by industry experts, Tom Heath and Alex Beech, we break down the most intriguing, complex, and vital developments of the week to keep you informed.

Prefer your news in written form? Subscribe to our free newsletter for a concise, easy-to-digest summary of daily industry developments, delivered fresh to your inbox: https://bit.ly/big-games-machine-the-daily-download

Links to today’s talking points:

• https://www.eurogamer.net/slay-the-spire-2-beats-crimson-desert-and-resident-evil-requiem-as-marchs-biggest-selling-game-on-steam
• https://www.gamesindustry.biz/netflix-launches-dedicated-app-for-kids-games
• https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/peak-co-developer-landfall-might-finance-your-next-indie-game
• https://www.gamesradar.com/games/action/hideo-kojima-put-low-roar-in-the-death-stranding-games-because-he-thinks-gamers-need-more-culture-in-their-lives-i-believe-that-is-the-role-entertainment-is-meant-to-play/
• https://thisweekinvideogames.com/news/playstation-reveals-new-initiative-the-playerbase/

The Weekly Download by Big Games Machine is your essential weekly speedrun through the biggest stories in the global video games industry. 

This week's headlines:

• Rec Room, once valued at $3.5B, is shutting down later this year
• Disney is reportedly keen on buying Epic Games, but may be waiting for the right opportunity to make the move
• Eidos-Montréal announces 124 job cuts with studio head David Anfossi departing after 19 years

Hosted by industry experts, Tom Heath and Alex Beech, we break down the most intriguing, complex, and vital developments of the week to keep you informed.

Prefer your news in written form? Subscribe to our free newsletter for a concise, easy-to-digest summary of daily industry developments, delivered fresh to your inbox: https://bit.ly/big-games-machine-the-daily-download

Links to today’s talking points:

• https://www.geekwire.com/2026/rec-room-shutting-down-seattles-3-5b-social-gaming-platform-says-it-cant-make-the-business-work/
• https://www.ign.com/articles/disney-reportedly-keen-on-buying-fortnite-developer-epic-games-but-waiting-for-right-moment
• https://www.gamesindustry.biz/eidos-montreal-announces-124-job-cuts-studio-head-david-anfossi-departs-after-19-years-at-developer

The Weekly Download by Big Games Machine is your essential weekly speedrun through the biggest stories in the global video games industry. 

This week's headlines:

• Nintendo announces price drop for digital Switch 2 games in the US
• Epic lays off 1,000 employees due to decline in Fortnite engagement
• Square Enix was Metacritic’s No. 1 ranked publisher last year

Hosted by industry experts, Tom Heath and Alex Beech, we break down the most intriguing, complex, and vital developments of the week to keep you informed.

Prefer your news in written form? Subscribe to our free newsletter for a concise, easy-to-digest summary of daily industry developments, delivered fresh to your inbox: https://bit.ly/big-games-machine-the-daily-download

Links to today’s talking points:

• https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2026/03/nintendo-to-change-pricing-for-digital-and-physical-switch-2-exclusives-starting-with-yoshi
• https://thisweekinvideogames.com/news/epic-games-lays-off-1000-employees-fortnite-engagement/
• https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/square-enix-was-metacritics-no-1-ranked-publisher-last-year-thanks-to-9-good-games/
• https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2026/03/ps5-players-seemingly-skip-marathon-as-sales-estimates-look-very-weak
• https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2026/03/this-is-unsustainable-madness-modern-video-game-budgets-are-out-of-control
• https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/behaviour-interactive-acquires-7-days-to-die-dev-the-fun-pimps

The Weekly Download by Big Games Machine is your essential weekly speedrun through the biggest stories in the global video games industry. 

This week's headlines:

• GDC Festival of Gaming shrinks by 30% year on year
• Krafton loses legal case against co-founders of Unknown Worlds just before Subnatica 2 enters Early Access
• NVIDIA’s new DLSS 5 has faced heavy backlash, but maybe everyone was too fast to jump to concussions 

Hosted by industry experts, Alex Beech and John Ozimek, we break down the most intriguing, complex, and vital developments of the week to keep you informed.

Prefer your news in written form? Subscribe to our free newsletter for a concise, easy-to-digest summary of daily industry developments, delivered fresh to your inbox: https://bit.ly/big-games-machine-the-daily-download

Links to today’s talking points:

• https://gamesbeat.com/gdc-festival-of-gaming-draws-20k-visitors-down-from-30k-last-year/
• https://thisweekinvideogames.com/news/subnautica-2-krafton-v-ousted-leaders-ruling-phase-1-unknown-worlds-ceo-reinstated-250-million-bonus-period-extended/
• https://www.pcgamer.com/games/survival-crafting/subnautica-2-set-for-early-access-release-in-may-as-krafton-signals-surrender-we-look-forward-to-working-with-ted-gill-to-support-a-smooth-transition-and-work-toward-a-successful-launch/ 
• https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/this-is-just-a-garbage-ai-filter-nvidia-met-with-criticism-for-dlss-5s-photoreal-graphics-alterations/
• https://www.eurogamer.net/nvidia-responds-to-widespread-criticism-of-dlss-5-by-telling-us-were-all-completely-wrong
• https://insider-gaming.com/dlss-5-gamers-are-wrong/
• https://automaton-media.com/en/news/saudi-arabian-investment-firm-that-owns-snk-has-acquired-a-significant-stake-in-capcom/

The Weekly Download by Big Games Machine is your essential weekly speedrun through the biggest stories in the global video games industry. 

This week's headlines:

• Fortnite to raise V-Buck prices to "help pay the bills"
• Games with loot boxes will now receive a PEGI 16 rating
• Sony is running a dynamic pricing experiment on PlayStation Store
• Mega Man's voice actor won't reprise role over contract concerns
• Sega says strong reviews for its recent games aren’t translating to sales

Hosted by industry experts Tom and Alex, we break down the most intriguing, complex, and vital developments of the week to keep you informed.

Prefer your news in written form? Subscribe to our free newsletter for a concise, easy-to-digest summary of daily industry developments, delivered fresh to your inbox: https://bit.ly/big-games-machine-the-daily-download

Links to today’s talking points:

• https://www.eurogamer.net/fortnite-raising-v-buck-and-pack-prices-march-2026
• https://www.gamesindustry.biz/games-with-loot-boxes-will-be-rated-pegi-16-from-june-as-part-of-sweeping-changes-to-the-age-rating-system
• https://www.gamesindustry.biz/sony-is-reportedly-running-a-dynamic-ab-pricing-experiment-on-playstation-store
• https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/mega-mans-voice-actor-says-he-wont-be-returning-in-dual-override-over-non-union-contract-concerns
• https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sega-says-strong-reviews-for-its-recent-games-isnt-yet-translating-to-better-sales/