This Week in Videogames
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Fully independent and reader-funded. https://thisweekinvideogames.com/
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Concept Artists Say Generative AI References Only Make Their Jobs Harder
“The ‘early ideation stages’, when worlds are being fleshed out by writers and artists, are literally crucial to the development of a game’s vision,” said one artist.
thisweekinvideogames.com
We spoke to a dozen professional concept artists who are currently or have previously worked in game development about whether generative AI image tools have made their jobs any easier.
Zero said it did. Most said it made things harder.
thisweekinvideogames.com/feature/conc...
Zero said it did. Most said it made things harder.
thisweekinvideogames.com/feature/conc...
Discord will implement "teen-by-default" settings for all users globally in March 2026.
Users will require age-verification to access all features, either a form of identification or selfie video.
In October 2025, Discord suffered a security breach that exposed the government IDs of 70,000 users.
Users will require age-verification to access all features, either a form of identification or selfie video.
In October 2025, Discord suffered a security breach that exposed the government IDs of 70,000 users.
Discord To Roll Out "Teen-By-Default" Settings, Require Age Verification
In early March 2026 users can choose between letting AI determine their age in a video selfie or submitting a form of identification
thisweekinvideogames.com
February 11, 2026 at 3:44 AM
Discord will implement "teen-by-default" settings for all users globally in March 2026.
Users will require age-verification to access all features, either a form of identification or selfie video.
In October 2025, Discord suffered a security breach that exposed the government IDs of 70,000 users.
Users will require age-verification to access all features, either a form of identification or selfie video.
In October 2025, Discord suffered a security breach that exposed the government IDs of 70,000 users.
Former staff at MindsEye studio Build a Rocket Boy say it's “genuinely offensive that [Leslie Benzies] didn’t trust his own employees” in a GamesIndustry report.
Co-CEOs Mark Gerhard and Leslie Benzies have continued to make claims of saboteurs targeting the studio, alleging “criminal activity."
Co-CEOs Mark Gerhard and Leslie Benzies have continued to make claims of saboteurs targeting the studio, alleging “criminal activity."
MindsEye Developers Criticise Leadership For Issues As CEOs Chase "Saboteurs" – Report
Former Build a Rocket Boy staff say the studio won't survive "this crisis" and "the end is coming for BARB" in a report from GamesIndustry
thisweekinvideogames.com
February 11, 2026 at 1:21 AM
Former staff at MindsEye studio Build a Rocket Boy say it's “genuinely offensive that [Leslie Benzies] didn’t trust his own employees” in a GamesIndustry report.
Co-CEOs Mark Gerhard and Leslie Benzies have continued to make claims of saboteurs targeting the studio, alleging “criminal activity."
Co-CEOs Mark Gerhard and Leslie Benzies have continued to make claims of saboteurs targeting the studio, alleging “criminal activity."
The Australian Government has notified Roblox of intentions to directly test the platform’s child safety commitments.
The eSafety Commissioner said penalties of up to AUD $49.5 million could apply in the case of non-compliance.
Roblox is not part of the country's under-16 social media ban.
The eSafety Commissioner said penalties of up to AUD $49.5 million could apply in the case of non-compliance.
Roblox is not part of the country's under-16 social media ban.
Australian Government To Test Roblox Safety Over "Disturbing" Child Grooming Reports
“We remain highly concerned by ongoing reports regarding the exploitation of children on the Roblox service, and exposure to harmful material," said the Commissioner.
thisweekinvideogames.com
February 10, 2026 at 10:39 PM
The Australian Government has notified Roblox of intentions to directly test the platform’s child safety commitments.
The eSafety Commissioner said penalties of up to AUD $49.5 million could apply in the case of non-compliance.
Roblox is not part of the country's under-16 social media ban.
The eSafety Commissioner said penalties of up to AUD $49.5 million could apply in the case of non-compliance.
Roblox is not part of the country's under-16 social media ban.
Longtime Hypixel Network enjoyer and known Hytale skeptic @maddie-b-a.bsky.social decided to suppress her cynicism and give Hytale’s Early Access release a try, with surprising results.
I Owe Hytale a Formal Apology
I once said that Hytale shouldn't try to copy the Minecraft formula. It didn't — it improved on it instead.
thisweekinvideogames.com
February 10, 2026 at 7:41 PM
Longtime Hypixel Network enjoyer and known Hytale skeptic @maddie-b-a.bsky.social decided to suppress her cynicism and give Hytale’s Early Access release a try, with surprising results.
We asked game developers to share their thoughts on Google's Project Genie, a "world builder" powered by generative AI.
"Even the deeply misguided notion that this could somehow replace humans in the game development process is dangerous to the continuation of the artform," said @ramiismail.com
"Even the deeply misguided notion that this could somehow replace humans in the game development process is dangerous to the continuation of the artform," said @ramiismail.com
Game Developers Respond to Google's Project Genie: "A Deeply Unpleasant and Messy Abomination"
This Week in Videogames spoke to game developers about Google's generative-AI world builder, about how it might affect the future of game development.
thisweekinvideogames.com
February 10, 2026 at 3:26 PM
We asked game developers to share their thoughts on Google's Project Genie, a "world builder" powered by generative AI.
"Even the deeply misguided notion that this could somehow replace humans in the game development process is dangerous to the continuation of the artform," said @ramiismail.com
"Even the deeply misguided notion that this could somehow replace humans in the game development process is dangerous to the continuation of the artform," said @ramiismail.com
Yakuza Kiwami 3's director has defended a highly contentious recasting choice for one of the antagonists in the remake of the 2009 game.
The casting of actor Teruyuki Kagawa, who was embroiled in a sexual assault scandal, has been a significant sticking point for the Yakuza community.
The casting of actor Teruyuki Kagawa, who was embroiled in a sexual assault scandal, has been a significant sticking point for the Yakuza community.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 Director Defends Contentious Recasting, As Reviews Highlight The Issue
One review said that beyond Kagawa's reputation, his take on the role "fails to bring the same degree of unhinged unpredictability and discomfort."
thisweekinvideogames.com
February 10, 2026 at 7:20 AM
Yakuza Kiwami 3's director has defended a highly contentious recasting choice for one of the antagonists in the remake of the 2009 game.
The casting of actor Teruyuki Kagawa, who was embroiled in a sexual assault scandal, has been a significant sticking point for the Yakuza community.
The casting of actor Teruyuki Kagawa, who was embroiled in a sexual assault scandal, has been a significant sticking point for the Yakuza community.
Members of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 developer Sandfall Interactive have been made Knights of the Order of Arts and Letters in France.
Previous recipients include Rayman creator Michel Ancel, Legend of Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma, Shigeru Miyamoto, and Alone in the Dark creator Frédérick Raynal.
Previous recipients include Rayman creator Michel Ancel, Legend of Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma, Shigeru Miyamoto, and Alone in the Dark creator Frédérick Raynal.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Developers Given French Knighthood
The French Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, called Expedition 33 “the brilliant success of a collective.”
thisweekinvideogames.com
February 10, 2026 at 5:46 AM
Members of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 developer Sandfall Interactive have been made Knights of the Order of Arts and Letters in France.
Previous recipients include Rayman creator Michel Ancel, Legend of Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma, Shigeru Miyamoto, and Alone in the Dark creator Frédérick Raynal.
Previous recipients include Rayman creator Michel Ancel, Legend of Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma, Shigeru Miyamoto, and Alone in the Dark creator Frédérick Raynal.
A new report suggests that a StarCraft project is in "full-scale development" at Korean publisher Nexon.
In early 2025, it was reported that four major Korean developers were pitching for the rights to use the StarCraft IP. Nexon was said to have pitched something "unique."
In early 2025, it was reported that four major Korean developers were pitching for the rights to use the StarCraft IP. Nexon was said to have pitched something "unique."
New StarCraft Project in the Works at Korean Developer Nexon
A Korean report suggests that the StarCraft project is in the works at a Nexon division specialising in shooters.
thisweekinvideogames.com
February 10, 2026 at 3:06 AM
A new report suggests that a StarCraft project is in "full-scale development" at Korean publisher Nexon.
In early 2025, it was reported that four major Korean developers were pitching for the rights to use the StarCraft IP. Nexon was said to have pitched something "unique."
In early 2025, it was reported that four major Korean developers were pitching for the rights to use the StarCraft IP. Nexon was said to have pitched something "unique."
Riot Games has laid off 80 people from the development team working on its free-to-play League of Legends fighting game, 2XKO.
The news comes weeks after 2XKO's console launch.
"Overall momentum hasn’t reached the level needed to support a team of this size long term,” said producer Tom Cannon.
The news comes weeks after 2XKO's console launch.
"Overall momentum hasn’t reached the level needed to support a team of this size long term,” said producer Tom Cannon.
Riot Games Lays Off 80 Workers From 2XKO Team, Weeks After Console Launch
Riot says that work on the title will continue. "With a smaller, focused team, we’re going to dig in and make key improvements to the game."
thisweekinvideogames.com
February 10, 2026 at 12:59 AM
Riot Games has laid off 80 people from the development team working on its free-to-play League of Legends fighting game, 2XKO.
The news comes weeks after 2XKO's console launch.
"Overall momentum hasn’t reached the level needed to support a team of this size long term,” said producer Tom Cannon.
The news comes weeks after 2XKO's console launch.
"Overall momentum hasn’t reached the level needed to support a team of this size long term,” said producer Tom Cannon.
Bandai Namco posted a record of over ¥1 trillion in net sales for the first nine months of the current financial year.
Its Toys and Hobby segment was largely responsible, but the company noted the performance of Elden Ring Nightreign and Digimon Story Time Stranger had been strong.
Its Toys and Hobby segment was largely responsible, but the company noted the performance of Elden Ring Nightreign and Digimon Story Time Stranger had been strong.
Bandai Namco Hits Record High Net Sales Revenue
The publisher's net sales went over ¥1 trillion for the first time despite reporting impacted profits due to title lineup differences
thisweekinvideogames.com
February 9, 2026 at 10:45 PM
Bandai Namco posted a record of over ¥1 trillion in net sales for the first nine months of the current financial year.
Its Toys and Hobby segment was largely responsible, but the company noted the performance of Elden Ring Nightreign and Digimon Story Time Stranger had been strong.
Its Toys and Hobby segment was largely responsible, but the company noted the performance of Elden Ring Nightreign and Digimon Story Time Stranger had been strong.
Overwatch 2 has seen a notable resurgence in players on Steam, following the announcement of a major refresh in 2026.
Blizzard announced that the game, which remains one of the worst-reviewed titles on Steam, would see a new focus on narrative and drop the "2" from its title, among other changes.
Blizzard announced that the game, which remains one of the worst-reviewed titles on Steam, would see a new focus on narrative and drop the "2" from its title, among other changes.
Overwatch 2 Sees Player Resurgence on Steam Following Rebrand Announcement
Overwatch 2 doubled its average peak daily concurrent player count in the days following Blizzard's Overwatch Spotlight presentation.
thisweekinvideogames.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Overwatch 2 has seen a notable resurgence in players on Steam, following the announcement of a major refresh in 2026.
Blizzard announced that the game, which remains one of the worst-reviewed titles on Steam, would see a new focus on narrative and drop the "2" from its title, among other changes.
Blizzard announced that the game, which remains one of the worst-reviewed titles on Steam, would see a new focus on narrative and drop the "2" from its title, among other changes.
Horses developer Santa Ragione and spokespeople for Epic Games have contested statements from one another following comments from Epic Games Store GM Steve Allison regarding the last-minute banning of the game.
“Epic made provably incorrect statements about the game’s content," Santa Ragione said.
“Epic made provably incorrect statements about the game’s content," Santa Ragione said.
'Horses' Developer and Epic Game Store Contest Events Leading To Game's Ban
Santa Ragione says Epic's handling of the matter contradicted two months of prior approvals, and did not provide adequate pathways to appeal.
thisweekinvideogames.com
February 9, 2026 at 6:43 AM
Horses developer Santa Ragione and spokespeople for Epic Games have contested statements from one another following comments from Epic Games Store GM Steve Allison regarding the last-minute banning of the game.
“Epic made provably incorrect statements about the game’s content," Santa Ragione said.
“Epic made provably incorrect statements about the game’s content," Santa Ragione said.
Trails beyond the Horizon, the latest in the long-running JRPG series, remains unreleased on console platforms in Australia and New Zealand weeks after its planned global release date.
The Australian Classification Board has told TWIV that the full game has yet to be submitted for an age rating.
The Australian Classification Board has told TWIV that the full game has yet to be submitted for an age rating.
'Trails beyond the Horizon' Remains Unreleased and Unclassified in Australia After Demo Complications
An age rating decision that restricted the release of the game's demos was overturned, but the publisher has refrained from taking steps to release the full game on consoles.
thisweekinvideogames.com
February 9, 2026 at 4:33 AM
Trails beyond the Horizon, the latest in the long-running JRPG series, remains unreleased on console platforms in Australia and New Zealand weeks after its planned global release date.
The Australian Classification Board has told TWIV that the full game has yet to be submitted for an age rating.
The Australian Classification Board has told TWIV that the full game has yet to be submitted for an age rating.
Ubisoft cancelled a cooperative multiplayer Assassin’s Creed game, according to a new report from French outlet @origami.ng
Codenamed “AC League,” the title was planned as DLC for Assassin's Creed Shadows before being scaled down to a “small” standalone title.
Codenamed “AC League,” the title was planned as DLC for Assassin's Creed Shadows before being scaled down to a “small” standalone title.
Ubisoft Reportedly Cancelled A Co-op Multiplayer Assassin's Creed Title
The DLC reportedly would have allowed four assassins to team up on a series of scripted missions in feudal era Japan.
thisweekinvideogames.com
February 7, 2026 at 12:15 AM
Ubisoft cancelled a cooperative multiplayer Assassin’s Creed game, according to a new report from French outlet @origami.ng
Codenamed “AC League,” the title was planned as DLC for Assassin's Creed Shadows before being scaled down to a “small” standalone title.
Codenamed “AC League,” the title was planned as DLC for Assassin's Creed Shadows before being scaled down to a “small” standalone title.
Roblox has debuted its own AI-generated character and worldbuilding tool, trained on a “combination of data” including player interactions from the live game.
A demo video the company used to promote it had a stark resemblance to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, however, drawing plagiarism accusations.
A demo video the company used to promote it had a stark resemblance to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, however, drawing plagiarism accusations.
Roblox Debuts AI-Generation Tool, Hit With Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Plagiarism Accusations
One video demonstrated a character that looked strikingly similar to Clair Obscur's Maelle, walking around a familiar-looking environment.
thisweekinvideogames.com
February 6, 2026 at 9:14 PM
Roblox has debuted its own AI-generated character and worldbuilding tool, trained on a “combination of data” including player interactions from the live game.
A demo video the company used to promote it had a stark resemblance to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, however, drawing plagiarism accusations.
A demo video the company used to promote it had a stark resemblance to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, however, drawing plagiarism accusations.
EA has reported a significant 69.9% profit dip in its third-quarter financial results, despite a revenue boost during the period fueled by Battlefield 6, Apex Legends, and EA Sports FC.
The publisher's private acquisition is still set to close in first quarter of FY2027 (April-June 2026).
The publisher's private acquisition is still set to close in first quarter of FY2027 (April-June 2026).
EA Posts Significant Third Quarter Profit Dip, Despite Revenue Boost
Net revenue hit US $1.901 billion while net income dropped to US $88 million, down 69.9% from US $293 million the previous year
thisweekinvideogames.com
February 6, 2026 at 5:46 AM
EA has reported a significant 69.9% profit dip in its third-quarter financial results, despite a revenue boost during the period fueled by Battlefield 6, Apex Legends, and EA Sports FC.
The publisher's private acquisition is still set to close in first quarter of FY2027 (April-June 2026).
The publisher's private acquisition is still set to close in first quarter of FY2027 (April-June 2026).
Nintendo has said it is "working to secure a stable supply" of memory for Switch 2 manufacturing amid industry shortages.
The company says it has not have a significant impact just yet, but may “put pressure on profitability” if the price increases continue “beyond our expectations.”
The company says it has not have a significant impact just yet, but may “put pressure on profitability” if the price increases continue “beyond our expectations.”
Nintendo CEO Says Memory Price Hikes May "Put Pressure on Profitability" for Switch 2
Speaking during Nintendo's financial briefing, Shuntaro Furukawa said "the second and third years of Switch 2 will be extremely important."
thisweekinvideogames.com
February 6, 2026 at 3:31 AM
Nintendo has said it is "working to secure a stable supply" of memory for Switch 2 manufacturing amid industry shortages.
The company says it has not have a significant impact just yet, but may “put pressure on profitability” if the price increases continue “beyond our expectations.”
The company says it has not have a significant impact just yet, but may “put pressure on profitability” if the price increases continue “beyond our expectations.”
ICYMI: Nintendo's Partner Showcase Direct featured a new look at Orbitals, the retro-anime styled co-op game, a segment devoted to Resident Evil Requiem, and a Todd Howard jump scare.
Here's a handy bullet-point list of all the announcements and trailers:
Here's a handy bullet-point list of all the announcements and trailers:
Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase February 2026 - All the Announcements and Trailers
The presentation featured everything from football to anime, including a number of Switch 2 editions and upcoming franchise installments
thisweekinvideogames.com
February 6, 2026 at 1:30 AM
ICYMI: Nintendo's Partner Showcase Direct featured a new look at Orbitals, the retro-anime styled co-op game, a segment devoted to Resident Evil Requiem, and a Todd Howard jump scare.
Here's a handy bullet-point list of all the announcements and trailers:
Here's a handy bullet-point list of all the announcements and trailers:
Deadline reports that a series adaptation of Baldur's Gate is in the works at HBO, with Craig Mazin (The Last of Us, Chernobyl) attached as showrunner, writer, and executive producer.
deadline.com/2026/02/bald...
deadline.com/2026/02/bald...
February 6, 2026 at 12:37 AM
Deadline reports that a series adaptation of Baldur's Gate is in the works at HBO, with Craig Mazin (The Last of Us, Chernobyl) attached as showrunner, writer, and executive producer.
deadline.com/2026/02/bald...
deadline.com/2026/02/bald...
GOG has said it is "not planning on making absolute statements" about genAI, after it was criticised for using AI art in a store banner.
Users also accused GOG of “avoiding the question” regarding the employment status of a worker who confirmed the use of gen AI, who "vanished" from the community.
Users also accused GOG of “avoiding the question” regarding the employment status of a worker who confirmed the use of gen AI, who "vanished" from the community.
GOG "Not Planning on Making Absolute Statements" About Generative AI Use
Managing Director Maciej Gołębiewski wouldn't confirm if the employee who publicly confirmed the use of AI-generated art at GOG was still employed there.
thisweekinvideogames.com
February 5, 2026 at 11:07 PM
GOG has said it is "not planning on making absolute statements" about genAI, after it was criticised for using AI art in a store banner.
Users also accused GOG of “avoiding the question” regarding the employment status of a worker who confirmed the use of gen AI, who "vanished" from the community.
Users also accused GOG of “avoiding the question” regarding the employment status of a worker who confirmed the use of gen AI, who "vanished" from the community.
Reposted by This Week in Videogames
Sony has addressed concerns about industry-wide memory shortages in its Q3 FY2026 financial call.
“We are already in a position to secure the minimum quantity necessary to manage the year-end selling season” said CFO Lin Tao.
She later suggested it may have “some impact” on price and future plans.
“We are already in a position to secure the minimum quantity necessary to manage the year-end selling season” said CFO Lin Tao.
She later suggested it may have “some impact” on price and future plans.
Sony Has Secured Memory To Meet PS5 Demand for 2026, May Be "Some Impact"
Sony told investors it will minimise the impact of increased memory costs to the company by focusing on monetising the existing PS5 userbase.
thisweekinvideogames.com
February 5, 2026 at 7:42 AM
Sony has addressed concerns about industry-wide memory shortages in its Q3 FY2026 financial call.
“We are already in a position to secure the minimum quantity necessary to manage the year-end selling season” said CFO Lin Tao.
She later suggested it may have “some impact” on price and future plans.
“We are already in a position to secure the minimum quantity necessary to manage the year-end selling season” said CFO Lin Tao.
She later suggested it may have “some impact” on price and future plans.
Sony has told investors that is "very confident" to release Marathon following changes made to the game after its delay.
Marathon has been a recurring point of query during Sony’s financial calls for the last year, with news of its poor Closed Alpha feedback and delay concerning investors.
Marathon has been a recurring point of query during Sony’s financial calls for the last year, with news of its poor Closed Alpha feedback and delay concerning investors.
Sony "Very Confident" in Marathon After Playtest Changes
Sony also remarked that it doesn't want "too many" live service games.
thisweekinvideogames.com
February 5, 2026 at 8:25 AM
Sony has told investors that is "very confident" to release Marathon following changes made to the game after its delay.
Marathon has been a recurring point of query during Sony’s financial calls for the last year, with news of its poor Closed Alpha feedback and delay concerning investors.
Marathon has been a recurring point of query during Sony’s financial calls for the last year, with news of its poor Closed Alpha feedback and delay concerning investors.
Sony has addressed concerns about industry-wide memory shortages in its Q3 FY2026 financial call.
“We are already in a position to secure the minimum quantity necessary to manage the year-end selling season” said CFO Lin Tao.
She later suggested it may have “some impact” on price and future plans.
“We are already in a position to secure the minimum quantity necessary to manage the year-end selling season” said CFO Lin Tao.
She later suggested it may have “some impact” on price and future plans.
Sony Has Secured Memory To Meet PS5 Demand for 2026, May Be "Some Impact"
Sony told investors it will minimise the impact of increased memory costs to the company by focusing on monetising the existing PS5 userbase.
thisweekinvideogames.com
February 5, 2026 at 7:42 AM
Sony has addressed concerns about industry-wide memory shortages in its Q3 FY2026 financial call.
“We are already in a position to secure the minimum quantity necessary to manage the year-end selling season” said CFO Lin Tao.
She later suggested it may have “some impact” on price and future plans.
“We are already in a position to secure the minimum quantity necessary to manage the year-end selling season” said CFO Lin Tao.
She later suggested it may have “some impact” on price and future plans.
Sony sold 8 million PlayStation 5 consoles during the 2025 holiday period (October to December), bringing the lifetime total to 92.1 million PS5 consoles sold.
Sony also sold 97.2 million first party games during the period.
Sony also sold 97.2 million first party games during the period.
PlayStation 5 Consoles Sales Hit 92.1 Million, Though Holiday Sales Decreased Slightly
Sony sold 8 million PlayStation 5 consoles from Oct to Dec 2025, a decrease of 1.5 million from the year prior.
thisweekinvideogames.com
February 5, 2026 at 3:28 AM
Sony sold 8 million PlayStation 5 consoles during the 2025 holiday period (October to December), bringing the lifetime total to 92.1 million PS5 consoles sold.
Sony also sold 97.2 million first party games during the period.
Sony also sold 97.2 million first party games during the period.
The Epic Games Store says it had a record-breaking 2025, and is looking to double-down on third-party Fortnite promotions to encourage more spending.
Epic has also emphasised its 100% revenue share for the first US $1 million, hoping gamedevs "think of us at the same time that they think of Steam."
Epic has also emphasised its 100% revenue share for the first US $1 million, hoping gamedevs "think of us at the same time that they think of Steam."
Epic Games Store Posts Record-Breaking 2025, Doubles Down on Fortnite Promotions
Epic said that user spending on third-party PC titles grew by 57%, hitting a new a record of US $400 million in 2025.
thisweekinvideogames.com
February 5, 2026 at 2:30 AM
The Epic Games Store says it had a record-breaking 2025, and is looking to double-down on third-party Fortnite promotions to encourage more spending.
Epic has also emphasised its 100% revenue share for the first US $1 million, hoping gamedevs "think of us at the same time that they think of Steam."
Epic has also emphasised its 100% revenue share for the first US $1 million, hoping gamedevs "think of us at the same time that they think of Steam."