Game industry business news

VIVA! Games Marketing is back this November, bringing together some of the games industry's leading marketing, publishing, brand, legal and creator voices for a day focused on the questions, challenges and opportunities shaping games marketing today.

New marketplace data shows that traffic on websites related to GTA VI increased by over 6000% on 25 June compared with the average level recorded before May. Demand remained high over the following days, with average traffic between 25 and 30 June up to almost 3000% against the same baseline.

New independent research commissioned by Rokky, the PC game distribution platform delivering publisher-approved keys to global markets, reveals that 80% of Western game developers are targeting a China release by 2028. However, regulatory concerns and limited knowledge of local publishing methods remain major roadblocks, according to the independent study conducted among 300 senior game developers across the US and the UK.

Inner Pocket, a new label co-founded by industry veterans from CRITICAL REFLEX, Gaijin Entertainment, and indie studio Nozomu Games, launches today. By combining extensive experience across games marketing, publishing services, development, and business strategy, the Inner Pocket team aims to utilize its well-rounded composition to empower indie studios.

Leading games Quality Assurance specialist Testronic has unveiled a strengthened executive leadership team to drive the company’s next chapter of international growth, innovation and operational excellence, with Sonia Kerr appointed as Chief Executive Officer.

Game Devs of Color Expo (GDoCExpo) has revealed the full schedule for its online conference, running September 22–25. Organized by the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Game Devs of Color, the four-day event kicks off Tuesday, September 22 with a full day of online networking and social programming, including career and publishing conversations, a speaker & developer mixer, structured networking sessions, and Community Demo Night. Conference programming runs Wednesday through Friday, featuring 38 sessions from more than 40 speakers across three daily themes: "Craft and Culture" (Wed), "Building for the Future" (Thu), and "Humanity Through Games" (Fri).

NC (formerly NCSOFT) has announced that it will transition the global publishing service of Throne and Liberty from Amazon Game Studios to its own online publishing services this year.

G2, one of the world’s leading esports and entertainment brands, today announced Wizards of the Coast, the publisher behind iconic franchises including Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons, as its new global partner on G2's Counter-Strike jersey. Marking the start of a long-term creative collaboration, the partnership will bring different games from Wizards of the Coast's portfolio to one of esports' most recognisable jerseys.

GamesAid, the UK's games industry charity, has appointed six new trustees to its board - including Dom Shaw as Vice Chair, Amelia Suchy as Treasurer and Catherine Anderson as Secretary - as £82,000 raised in the 2025/26 financial year begins making a tangible difference for the seriously ill, disabled and neurodivergent children and young people it supports.

SAGA Barcelona Game Fest has unveiled its international programme, expanded cultural offering and new visual identity for its first edition under their new banner, designed by Conrad Roset (Creative Director of Nomada Studio, creators of GRIS and Neva)