Mat Piscatella
@matpiscatella.bsky.social
Senior Director and Video Game Industry Advisor at Circana. Formerly of Activision and Warner Bros Games. I helped get one of your favorite games greenlit.
Pinned
Upcoming U.S. video game market results from Circana:
Coverage Month - Public Release Date
Dec (Nov 30 - Jan 3) - Jan 22
Jan (Jan 4 - Jan 31) - Feb 20
Feb (Feb 1 - Feb 28) - Mar 18
Mar (Mar 1 - Apr 4) - Apr 22
Apr (Apr 5 - May 2) - May 20
Digital Data Sharing Participating Publishers:
Coverage Month - Public Release Date
Dec (Nov 30 - Jan 3) - Jan 22
Jan (Jan 4 - Jan 31) - Feb 20
Feb (Feb 1 - Feb 28) - Mar 18
Mar (Mar 1 - Apr 4) - Apr 22
Apr (Apr 5 - May 2) - May 20
Digital Data Sharing Participating Publishers:
32 GB RAM Recommended?
IN THIS ECONOMY?
Good luck with that.
IN THIS ECONOMY?
Good luck with that.
January 6, 2026 at 6:23 PM
32 GB RAM Recommended?
IN THIS ECONOMY?
Good luck with that.
IN THIS ECONOMY?
Good luck with that.
2025's top 5 most played games on US PlayStation ranked by % of active panel that played:
1 - Fortnite
2 - Call of Duty
3 - GTAV
4 - Roblox
5 - Minecraft
Same list for 2024:
1 - Fortnite
2 - Call of Duty
3 - GTAV
4 - Roblox
5 - Minecraft
Source: Circana Player Engagement Tracker
1 - Fortnite
2 - Call of Duty
3 - GTAV
4 - Roblox
5 - Minecraft
Same list for 2024:
1 - Fortnite
2 - Call of Duty
3 - GTAV
4 - Roblox
5 - Minecraft
Source: Circana Player Engagement Tracker
January 6, 2026 at 3:20 PM
2025's top 5 most played games on US PlayStation ranked by % of active panel that played:
1 - Fortnite
2 - Call of Duty
3 - GTAV
4 - Roblox
5 - Minecraft
Same list for 2024:
1 - Fortnite
2 - Call of Duty
3 - GTAV
4 - Roblox
5 - Minecraft
Source: Circana Player Engagement Tracker
1 - Fortnite
2 - Call of Duty
3 - GTAV
4 - Roblox
5 - Minecraft
Same list for 2024:
1 - Fortnite
2 - Call of Duty
3 - GTAV
4 - Roblox
5 - Minecraft
Source: Circana Player Engagement Tracker
The way gaming was so casually kicked to the curb in just about every day 1 CES preso was expected in many ways but still a bit shocking to watch in motion.
January 6, 2026 at 1:51 PM
The way gaming was so casually kicked to the curb in just about every day 1 CES preso was expected in many ways but still a bit shocking to watch in motion.
I don't know how we've existed as a species this long without having AI to remind us that we have to pick up milk and to tell the dog to get off the couch.
Truly remarkable times we are in.
Truly remarkable times we are in.
January 5, 2026 at 10:19 PM
I don't know how we've existed as a species this long without having AI to remind us that we have to pick up milk and to tell the dog to get off the couch.
Truly remarkable times we are in.
Truly remarkable times we are in.
Reposted by Mat Piscatella
Circana Player Engagement Tracker - Top 15 Titles by Total Weekly Active Users (Not Concurrent) - W/E Dec 27, 2025
- Grand Theft Auto V reached #2 on US PlayStation, behind only Fortnite
- War Thunder: World of Planes entered top 15 on Steam US & CAN
- ARC Raiders moved up one spot on US PS & XBX.
- Grand Theft Auto V reached #2 on US PlayStation, behind only Fortnite
- War Thunder: World of Planes entered top 15 on Steam US & CAN
- ARC Raiders moved up one spot on US PS & XBX.
January 5, 2026 at 2:54 PM
Circana Player Engagement Tracker - Top 15 Titles by Total Weekly Active Users (Not Concurrent) - W/E Dec 27, 2025
- Grand Theft Auto V reached #2 on US PlayStation, behind only Fortnite
- War Thunder: World of Planes entered top 15 on Steam US & CAN
- ARC Raiders moved up one spot on US PS & XBX.
- Grand Theft Auto V reached #2 on US PlayStation, behind only Fortnite
- War Thunder: World of Planes entered top 15 on Steam US & CAN
- ARC Raiders moved up one spot on US PS & XBX.
January 5, 2026 at 6:12 PM
At this rate in 6 months "can it run Crysis" may come back as the question to ask when buying new gaming PCs.
wccftech.com/nvidia-to-br...
wccftech.com/nvidia-to-br...
NVIDIA To Bring Back The GeForce RTX 3060 In Q1 2026 To Tackle Current-Gen GPU & Memory Shortages
NVIDIA is reportedly going to recommence production of its GeForce RTX 3060 GPUs owing to DRAM supply shortages.
wccftech.com
January 5, 2026 at 5:01 PM
At this rate in 6 months "can it run Crysis" may come back as the question to ask when buying new gaming PCs.
wccftech.com/nvidia-to-br...
wccftech.com/nvidia-to-br...
"...we could talk about VR, we could talk about the metaverse, we could talk about crypto. While uniquely different in some ways, they have a few things in common, and one of them is that they always promise to be this next big solution. And I just disagree. It's just historically incorrect."
"Nobody wants AI slop" – Joost van Dreunen on the future of AI and the shifting economics of the games industry
"We're going to see all these big companies that have been so brave to lay off all these workers rehiring a whole bunch of people at a higher cost"
www.gamesindustry.biz
January 5, 2026 at 4:38 PM
"...we could talk about VR, we could talk about the metaverse, we could talk about crypto. While uniquely different in some ways, they have a few things in common, and one of them is that they always promise to be this next big solution. And I just disagree. It's just historically incorrect."
Circana Player Engagement Tracker - Top 15 Titles by Total Weekly Active Users (Not Concurrent) - W/E Dec 27, 2025
- Grand Theft Auto V reached #2 on US PlayStation, behind only Fortnite
- War Thunder: World of Planes entered top 15 on Steam US & CAN
- ARC Raiders moved up one spot on US PS & XBX.
- Grand Theft Auto V reached #2 on US PlayStation, behind only Fortnite
- War Thunder: World of Planes entered top 15 on Steam US & CAN
- ARC Raiders moved up one spot on US PS & XBX.
January 5, 2026 at 2:54 PM
Circana Player Engagement Tracker - Top 15 Titles by Total Weekly Active Users (Not Concurrent) - W/E Dec 27, 2025
- Grand Theft Auto V reached #2 on US PlayStation, behind only Fortnite
- War Thunder: World of Planes entered top 15 on Steam US & CAN
- ARC Raiders moved up one spot on US PS & XBX.
- Grand Theft Auto V reached #2 on US PlayStation, behind only Fortnite
- War Thunder: World of Planes entered top 15 on Steam US & CAN
- ARC Raiders moved up one spot on US PS & XBX.
How it started how it's going etc etc.
This was just three years ago but feels more like 30.
This was just three years ago but feels more like 30.
January 5, 2026 at 3:05 AM
How it started how it's going etc etc.
This was just three years ago but feels more like 30.
This was just three years ago but feels more like 30.
Since I may never be able to afford new gaming hardware ever again, pulled the 3DS XL out of the bin with the OUYA and OnLive.
First off, fully charged after like 2 years. Wild.
Also, can connect to the internet fine, but pukes when trying to connect to the eShop to download purchased games. Wheee
First off, fully charged after like 2 years. Wild.
Also, can connect to the internet fine, but pukes when trying to connect to the eShop to download purchased games. Wheee
January 5, 2026 at 12:16 AM
Since I may never be able to afford new gaming hardware ever again, pulled the 3DS XL out of the bin with the OUYA and OnLive.
First off, fully charged after like 2 years. Wild.
Also, can connect to the internet fine, but pukes when trying to connect to the eShop to download purchased games. Wheee
First off, fully charged after like 2 years. Wild.
Also, can connect to the internet fine, but pukes when trying to connect to the eShop to download purchased games. Wheee
Reposted by Mat Piscatella
There are many things to love about Rami’s top 10 for 2025 but this is one of my favourites.
January 2, 2026 at 12:05 PM
There are many things to love about Rami’s top 10 for 2025 but this is one of my favourites.
Since you didn't do it in 2025, listen to me and PC Gamer's James Bentley and put Goodnight Universe on your 2025 games to play in 2026 list.
It is criminal that this game was MIA in most GOTY discussions!
It is criminal that this game was MIA in most GOTY discussions!
January 2, 2026 at 10:13 PM
Since you didn't do it in 2025, listen to me and PC Gamer's James Bentley and put Goodnight Universe on your 2025 games to play in 2026 list.
It is criminal that this game was MIA in most GOTY discussions!
It is criminal that this game was MIA in most GOTY discussions!
I bought TWO Steam Machines the first go around, and I was beyond hyped for the new one, but I've resigned myself to the idea that I won't be able to justify the cost.
Like, perhaps Gabe could subsidize the price by putting off the purchase of the next yacht, but ya know.
Like, perhaps Gabe could subsidize the price by putting off the purchase of the next yacht, but ya know.
Increasingly panicking for those interested in the Steam machine as well.
January 2, 2026 at 9:06 PM
I bought TWO Steam Machines the first go around, and I was beyond hyped for the new one, but I've resigned myself to the idea that I won't be able to justify the cost.
Like, perhaps Gabe could subsidize the price by putting off the purchase of the next yacht, but ya know.
Like, perhaps Gabe could subsidize the price by putting off the purchase of the next yacht, but ya know.
Godspeed, affordable video game products.
I shall remember you fondly.
I shall remember you fondly.
ASUS will be increasing prices on various products from January 5, including the ROG Ally, to 'absorb increasing costs across the industry'
➡️ steamdeckhq.com/news/asus-an...
➡️ steamdeckhq.com/news/asus-an...
January 2, 2026 at 8:49 PM
Godspeed, affordable video game products.
I shall remember you fondly.
I shall remember you fondly.
My 2026 video game market predictions:
- Option 1 - up big, thanks to GTA and component pricing returning to norms
- Option 2 - down big, thanks to GTA missing and component pricing skyrockets
- Option 3 - idk, it's fine.
Open a RNG and set from 1 to 3. Run it.
- Option 1 - up big, thanks to GTA and component pricing returning to norms
- Option 2 - down big, thanks to GTA missing and component pricing skyrockets
- Option 3 - idk, it's fine.
Open a RNG and set from 1 to 3. Run it.
January 2, 2026 at 8:16 PM
My 2026 video game market predictions:
- Option 1 - up big, thanks to GTA and component pricing returning to norms
- Option 2 - down big, thanks to GTA missing and component pricing skyrockets
- Option 3 - idk, it's fine.
Open a RNG and set from 1 to 3. Run it.
- Option 1 - up big, thanks to GTA and component pricing returning to norms
- Option 2 - down big, thanks to GTA missing and component pricing skyrockets
- Option 3 - idk, it's fine.
Open a RNG and set from 1 to 3. Run it.
My new year's Bluesky resolution:
Post Grok, Get Blocked.
Post Grok, Get Blocked.
January 2, 2026 at 5:24 PM
My new year's Bluesky resolution:
Post Grok, Get Blocked.
Post Grok, Get Blocked.
“"We need to get beyond the arguments of slop vs sophistication and develop a new equilibrium in terms of our ‘theory of the mind’ that accounts for humans being equipped with these new cognitive amplifier tools as we relate to each other,” says Nadella."
What are you even TALKING ABOUT, man?
What are you even TALKING ABOUT, man?
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is now blogging about AI slop
Nadella doesn’t want to argue about AI slop anymore
www.theverge.com
January 2, 2026 at 5:18 PM
“"We need to get beyond the arguments of slop vs sophistication and develop a new equilibrium in terms of our ‘theory of the mind’ that accounts for humans being equipped with these new cognitive amplifier tools as we relate to each other,” says Nadella."
What are you even TALKING ABOUT, man?
What are you even TALKING ABOUT, man?
Reposted by Mat Piscatella
went back and grabbed the full video of her intro. absolutely incredible
🇮🇹🍝👩🍳🤌🇮🇹🍝👩🍳🤌🇮🇹🍝👩🍳🤌🇮🇹🍝👩🍳🤌
🇮🇹🍝👩🍳🤌🇮🇹🍝👩🍳🤌🇮🇹🍝👩🍳🤌🇮🇹🍝👩🍳🤌
January 2, 2026 at 2:16 PM
went back and grabbed the full video of her intro. absolutely incredible
🇮🇹🍝👩🍳🤌🇮🇹🍝👩🍳🤌🇮🇹🍝👩🍳🤌🇮🇹🍝👩🍳🤌
🇮🇹🍝👩🍳🤌🇮🇹🍝👩🍳🤌🇮🇹🍝👩🍳🤌🇮🇹🍝👩🍳🤌
Reposted by Mat Piscatella
If you are a resident of California, the state now has a portal where you can demand deletion of your personal data from 500+ registered data brokers with a single request form, for free.
consumer.drop.privacy.ca.gov
consumer.drop.privacy.ca.gov
consumer.drop.privacy.ca.gov
January 2, 2026 at 2:26 AM
If you are a resident of California, the state now has a portal where you can demand deletion of your personal data from 500+ registered data brokers with a single request form, for free.
consumer.drop.privacy.ca.gov
consumer.drop.privacy.ca.gov
You deserve a new kitchen sponge to start the year off right.
And a new toothbrush. Why not, you deserve it. Treat yourself.
And a new toothbrush. Why not, you deserve it. Treat yourself.
January 1, 2026 at 6:22 PM
You deserve a new kitchen sponge to start the year off right.
And a new toothbrush. Why not, you deserve it. Treat yourself.
And a new toothbrush. Why not, you deserve it. Treat yourself.
Happy New Year party people. Let this be the year let'sgooo
January 1, 2026 at 5:04 PM
Happy New Year party people. Let this be the year let'sgooo
Gonna name my 2026 video game forecast preso lollmao.pptx
[Newsis] Consumer GPUs to increase in price next year. RTX 5090 to increase from $2000 to $5000
www.resetera.com/threads/13...
www.resetera.com/threads/13...
January 1, 2026 at 3:28 AM
Gonna name my 2026 video game forecast preso lollmao.pptx
My tl:dr GOTY list:
10 MLB The Show 25
9 Herdling
8 and Roger
7 Sword of the Sea
6 The Midnight Walk
5 Pocket Boss
4 Goodnight Universe
3 Mafia: The Old Country
2 Keeper
1 Dispatch
These are good games!
10 MLB The Show 25
9 Herdling
8 and Roger
7 Sword of the Sea
6 The Midnight Walk
5 Pocket Boss
4 Goodnight Universe
3 Mafia: The Old Country
2 Keeper
1 Dispatch
These are good games!
Mat Piscatella's Top 10 Games of 2025 | Giant Bomb
Mat Piscatella's Top 10 Games of 2025 - A guest list for GiantBomb.com's 2025 Game of the Year extravaganza.
giantbomb.com
December 31, 2025 at 10:03 PM
My tl:dr GOTY list:
10 MLB The Show 25
9 Herdling
8 and Roger
7 Sword of the Sea
6 The Midnight Walk
5 Pocket Boss
4 Goodnight Universe
3 Mafia: The Old Country
2 Keeper
1 Dispatch
These are good games!
10 MLB The Show 25
9 Herdling
8 and Roger
7 Sword of the Sea
6 The Midnight Walk
5 Pocket Boss
4 Goodnight Universe
3 Mafia: The Old Country
2 Keeper
1 Dispatch
These are good games!
Reposted by Mat Piscatella
Not to play favourites or anything... but I think Mat's list might be my favourite this year.
giantbomb.com/articles/mat...
giantbomb.com/articles/mat...
Mat Piscatella's Top 10 Games of 2025 | Giant Bomb
Mat Piscatella's Top 10 Games of 2025 - A guest list for GiantBomb.com's 2025 Game of the Year extravaganza.
giantbomb.com
December 31, 2025 at 9:31 PM
Not to play favourites or anything... but I think Mat's list might be my favourite this year.
giantbomb.com/articles/mat...
giantbomb.com/articles/mat...