Fransiskus Sukardi Ruata
@jackdestiny.bsky.social
News Writer on Gamedaim | Seen on Dafunda, gitecc | Inquiries: frans@gamedaim.com
Reposted by Fransiskus Sukardi Ruata
For my first newsletter of 2026 we're diving into this week's GTA VI "delay" debacle, from death threats to Take-Two stock dropping nearly 2% thanks to misinformation from content farms like Dexerto.
Here's the whole story: www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Here's the whole story: www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Take-Two Falls on ‘Grand Theft Auto VI’ Delay Misinformation
“Grand Theft Auto VI’ was first announced for fall 2025 before slipping to May 2026 and then again to Nov. 19, 2026, its current planned date
www.bloomberg.com
January 9, 2026 at 6:13 PM
For my first newsletter of 2026 we're diving into this week's GTA VI "delay" debacle, from death threats to Take-Two stock dropping nearly 2% thanks to misinformation from content farms like Dexerto.
Here's the whole story: www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Here's the whole story: www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Reposted by Fransiskus Sukardi Ruata
I spoke to Johanna Faries, president of Blizzard Entertainment, about improving the company's culture, fixing the opaque bonus system, her ideal game release schedule, Xbox pressure, and much more www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Blizzard President Talks Culture, Bonuses and Releasing More Games
Johanna Faries, who took over as president of Blizzard in 2024, reveals what’s coming from the storied studio
www.bloomberg.com
December 19, 2025 at 4:42 PM
I spoke to Johanna Faries, president of Blizzard Entertainment, about improving the company's culture, fixing the opaque bonus system, her ideal game release schedule, Xbox pressure, and much more www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Reposted by Fransiskus Sukardi Ruata
NEW: For the last seven weeks, Naughty Dog has enacted mandatory overtime for staff to finish an internal demo of their next game, Intergalactic. The game won't be out until 2027, leaving some staff wondering: If they're crunching now, what will next year be like? www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Naughty Dog Studio Orders Employee Overtime for ‘Intergalactic’
The Sony-owned gamemakers have been racing to hit a December deadline
www.bloomberg.com
December 18, 2025 at 7:21 PM
NEW: For the last seven weeks, Naughty Dog has enacted mandatory overtime for staff to finish an internal demo of their next game, Intergalactic. The game won't be out until 2027, leaving some staff wondering: If they're crunching now, what will next year be like? www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Fransiskus Sukardi Ruata
SCOOP: James Ohlen is stepping down as studio head of Archetype Entertainment, developer of the ambitious (and much-delayed) sci-fi RPG Exodus.
At the same time, Wizards of the Coast is bringing in a new exec, Paul Della Bitta, to oversee its video-game division www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
At the same time, Wizards of the Coast is bringing in a new exec, Paul Della Bitta, to oversee its video-game division www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Hasbro Hires New Video-Game Boss as ‘Exodus’ Studio Head Steps Down
Blizzard veteran Paul Della Bitta will take over the video-game division
www.bloomberg.com
December 17, 2025 at 9:24 PM
SCOOP: James Ohlen is stepping down as studio head of Archetype Entertainment, developer of the ambitious (and much-delayed) sci-fi RPG Exodus.
At the same time, Wizards of the Coast is bringing in a new exec, Paul Della Bitta, to oversee its video-game division www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
At the same time, Wizards of the Coast is bringing in a new exec, Paul Della Bitta, to oversee its video-game division www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Fransiskus Sukardi Ruata
If I had known the two paragraphs about genAI in my article today would be so controversial, I would have expanded them a bit! Here's a rough transcript of the relevant portion of my interview with Swen Vincke, so everyone has all the context. (Full article here: www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...)
December 16, 2025 at 11:52 PM
If I had known the two paragraphs about genAI in my article today would be so controversial, I would have expanded them a bit! Here's a rough transcript of the relevant portion of my interview with Swen Vincke, so everyone has all the context. (Full article here: www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...)
Reposted by Fransiskus Sukardi Ruata
NEW: I spoke to Larian boss Swen Vincke about their ambitions for their new RPG Divinity, cutting down development time, pressures from Baldur's Gate 3, why BG3 wouldn't have happened without Tencent, how Larian uses generative AI, and much more www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ Maker Promises ‘Divinity’ Will Be ‘Next Level’
‘I think this one is going to be way better’ than ‘Baldur’s Gate 3,’ Larian CEO Vincke says
www.bloomberg.com
December 16, 2025 at 2:02 PM
NEW: I spoke to Larian boss Swen Vincke about their ambitions for their new RPG Divinity, cutting down development time, pressures from Baldur's Gate 3, why BG3 wouldn't have happened without Tencent, how Larian uses generative AI, and much more www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Reposted by Fransiskus Sukardi Ruata
Earlier this year I broke the news that Take-Two was close to rescuing Xbox’s Perfect Dark but the deal fell apart.
Now, a new development: Take-Two has hired Perfect Dark studio head Darrell Gallagher and director Brian Horton to start a brand new studio within 2K.
Now, a new development: Take-Two has hired Perfect Dark studio head Darrell Gallagher and director Brian Horton to start a brand new studio within 2K.
SCOOP: Perfect Dark was almost revived.
The game's developers were close to a deal with Take-Two to fund and publish the game following its cancellation by Xbox in July, sources say, but negotiations fell through, leading to layoffs at Crystal Dynamics last week. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
The game's developers were close to a deal with Take-Two to fund and publish the game following its cancellation by Xbox in July, sources say, but negotiations fell through, leading to layoffs at Crystal Dynamics last week. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
‘Perfect Dark’ Developer Lays Off Staff After Funding Deal Falls Through
Crystal Dynamics was close to moving the game to Take-Two, but negotiations fell apart
www.bloomberg.com
December 8, 2025 at 9:51 PM
Earlier this year I broke the news that Take-Two was close to rescuing Xbox’s Perfect Dark but the deal fell apart.
Now, a new development: Take-Two has hired Perfect Dark studio head Darrell Gallagher and director Brian Horton to start a brand new studio within 2K.
Now, a new development: Take-Two has hired Perfect Dark studio head Darrell Gallagher and director Brian Horton to start a brand new studio within 2K.
Reposted by Fransiskus Sukardi Ruata
NEW: Yacht Club Games needs a hit. In recent years the maker of Shovel Knight has had to lay off staff, pause a 3D project, and delay their next game indefinitely.
The good news is that Mina the Hollower could be special. For Businessweek, this is their story: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
The good news is that Mina the Hollower could be special. For Businessweek, this is their story: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Creator of Hit Game Shovel Knight Is at a ‘Make or Break’ Moment
Yacht Club Games needs its next title, Mina the Hollower, to be a success.
www.bloomberg.com
December 2, 2025 at 1:10 PM
NEW: Yacht Club Games needs a hit. In recent years the maker of Shovel Knight has had to lay off staff, pause a 3D project, and delay their next game indefinitely.
The good news is that Mina the Hollower could be special. For Businessweek, this is their story: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
The good news is that Mina the Hollower could be special. For Businessweek, this is their story: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Fransiskus Sukardi Ruata
NEW: I spoke to Team Cherry about Silksong DLC, cut content, difficulty settings, storytelling, what they were thinking with Bilewater, the lack of signposting for Act 3, whether they'll do another Hollow Knight game, and much, much more www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
The Makers of ‘Silksong’ Aren’t Done Just Yet
The developers at Team Cherry tell us they’re working on new content for their popular action game
www.bloomberg.com
November 28, 2025 at 4:30 PM
NEW: I spoke to Team Cherry about Silksong DLC, cut content, difficulty settings, storytelling, what they were thinking with Bilewater, the lack of signposting for Act 3, whether they'll do another Hollow Knight game, and much, much more www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Reposted by Fransiskus Sukardi Ruata
It would have taken former xDefiant executive producer Mark Rubin less time to read the story than it did to write this long but inaccurate tweet. As the actual story says, the team that would go on to make Dispatch worked on Splinter Cell in 2017, two years before Rubin even joined Ubisoft.
November 15, 2025 at 12:51 PM
It would have taken former xDefiant executive producer Mark Rubin less time to read the story than it did to write this long but inaccurate tweet. As the actual story says, the team that would go on to make Dispatch worked on Splinter Cell in 2017, two years before Rubin even joined Ubisoft.
Reposted by Fransiskus Sukardi Ruata
NEW: the new game Dispatch is a huge hit (1 million copies!). But few people know how close it came to never existing.
Here's the wild story, from a canceled Splinter Cell game (scoop!) to a Telltale divorce to the founders not taking paychecks for six months: www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Here's the wild story, from a canceled Splinter Cell game (scoop!) to a Telltale divorce to the founders not taking paychecks for six months: www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
The Turbulent, Seven-Year Saga Behind Hit Game ‘Dispatch’
The narrative, superhero game starring Aaron Paul of ‘Breaking Bad’ sold 1 million copies in the 10 days following its Oct. 22 release
www.bloomberg.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:03 PM
NEW: the new game Dispatch is a huge hit (1 million copies!). But few people know how close it came to never existing.
Here's the wild story, from a canceled Splinter Cell game (scoop!) to a Telltale divorce to the founders not taking paychecks for six months: www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Here's the wild story, from a canceled Splinter Cell game (scoop!) to a Telltale divorce to the founders not taking paychecks for six months: www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Reposted by Fransiskus Sukardi Ruata
NEW: Rockstar Games says the 30+ employees it fired last week were leaking confidential information, disputing allegations that the company is union-busting.
The union says it was a private chat with labor organizers. This messy battle isn't over yet. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
The union says it was a private chat with labor organizers. This messy battle isn't over yet. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
‘Grand Theft Auto’ Studio Says Fired Employees Were Leaking Information
Rockstar Games terminated more than 30 people last week in an action that a labor group called “union-busting.”
www.bloomberg.com
November 5, 2025 at 11:18 PM
NEW: Rockstar Games says the 30+ employees it fired last week were leaking confidential information, disputing allegations that the company is union-busting.
The union says it was a private chat with labor organizers. This messy battle isn't over yet. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
The union says it was a private chat with labor organizers. This messy battle isn't over yet. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Fransiskus Sukardi Ruata
BREAKING: Yesterday Grand Theft Auto VI maker Rockstar Games fired dozens of people, all of whom were involved in union efforts. A British union calls it "blatant and ruthless" union-busting. Take-Two Interactive says it was due to misconduct.
Here's the scoop: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Here's the scoop: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
‘Grand Theft Auto’ Studio Accused of Union Busting After Firings
Union says 30 and 40 people were terminated. Rockstar Games’ parent company cites ‘gross misconduct’
www.bloomberg.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:44 PM
BREAKING: Yesterday Grand Theft Auto VI maker Rockstar Games fired dozens of people, all of whom were involved in union efforts. A British union calls it "blatant and ruthless" union-busting. Take-Two Interactive says it was due to misconduct.
Here's the scoop: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Here's the scoop: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Fransiskus Sukardi Ruata
I spoke to the producer of Dragon Quest 1+2 HD about the deluge of Dragon Quest remakes (4 games in 16 months!), the big changes they made for 1+2, and what he wants to do next (pitch a new IP to his boss, Tomoya Asano).
This week's column: www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
This week's column: www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
‘Dragon Quest’ Producer Isn’t Worried About Releasing Too Many Remakes
After producing remakes of the first three ‘Dragon Quest’ games, Masaaki Hayasaka now wants to pitch a new franchise
www.bloomberg.com
October 31, 2025 at 5:49 PM
I spoke to the producer of Dragon Quest 1+2 HD about the deluge of Dragon Quest remakes (4 games in 16 months!), the big changes they made for 1+2, and what he wants to do next (pitch a new IP to his boss, Tomoya Asano).
This week's column: www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
This week's column: www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Reposted by Fransiskus Sukardi Ruata
BREAKING: Amazon is making "significant" cuts to its video-game division, moving away from MMOs like New World, and gutting its Irvine and San Diego development studios www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Amazon Makes ‘Significant’ Cuts In Video-Game Division
Tech giant will reduce game development work
www.bloomberg.com
October 28, 2025 at 4:10 PM
BREAKING: Amazon is making "significant" cuts to its video-game division, moving away from MMOs like New World, and gutting its Irvine and San Diego development studios www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Fransiskus Sukardi Ruata
Big layoffs hitting Amazon as soon as tomorrow, including within the video-game division, sources tell Bloomberg www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Amazon Plans to Cut 30,000 Corporate Jobs, Reuters Reports
Amazon.com Inc. plans to cut corporate jobs in several key departments, including logistics, payments, video games and the cloud-computing unit, according to people familiar with the matter.
www.bloomberg.com
October 27, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Big layoffs hitting Amazon as soon as tomorrow, including within the video-game division, sources tell Bloomberg www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Fransiskus Sukardi Ruata
SCOOP: For the last two years, Microsoft has pushed Xbox to hit profit margins of 30%, an ambitious target that's far higher than the industry average.
This chase for profit has led Xbox to raise prices, cut thousands of jobs, and rethink everything.
Story: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
This chase for profit has led Xbox to raise prices, cut thousands of jobs, and rethink everything.
Story: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Microsoft Pushes Xbox Division to Hit Higher Profit Margins
Management’s goal of 30% profit margins for gaming has led to job losses, canceled projects
www.bloomberg.com
October 23, 2025 at 11:02 AM
SCOOP: For the last two years, Microsoft has pushed Xbox to hit profit margins of 30%, an ambitious target that's far higher than the industry average.
This chase for profit has led Xbox to raise prices, cut thousands of jobs, and rethink everything.
Story: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
This chase for profit has led Xbox to raise prices, cut thousands of jobs, and rethink everything.
Story: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Fransiskus Sukardi Ruata
Naoki Hamaguchi is looking to reach a new generation of players with the remake trilogy
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth director on building the future while remaking the past
Naoki Hamaguchi is looking to reach a new generation of players with the remake trilogy
www.polygon.com
October 17, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Naoki Hamaguchi is looking to reach a new generation of players with the remake trilogy
Reposted by Fransiskus Sukardi Ruata
Too many games www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
The Video-Game Industry Has a Problem: There Are Too Many Games
A crowded September for video-game releases illustrates a broader challenge in the market
www.bloomberg.com
September 26, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Too many games www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Reposted by Fransiskus Sukardi Ruata
5 things you didn't know about Hollow Knight: Silksong: newsletter.gamediscover.co/p/5-things-y...
5 things you didn't know about Hollow Knight: Silksong
Also: this week's big Steam debuts, and lots of news.
newsletter.gamediscover.co
September 14, 2025 at 11:09 PM
5 things you didn't know about Hollow Knight: Silksong: newsletter.gamediscover.co/p/5-things-y...
Reposted by Fransiskus Sukardi Ruata
Inside the making of the new Final Fantasy Tactics remaster:
- Why it took so long (it was first conceived in 2018!)
- How Kazutoyo Maehiro went from grunt to director
- Why they didn't nerf Orlandeau (and the funny original plan for his design)
And much more: www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
- Why it took so long (it was first conceived in 2018!)
- How Kazutoyo Maehiro went from grunt to director
- Why they didn't nerf Orlandeau (and the funny original plan for his design)
And much more: www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Remastering ‘Final Fantasy Tactics’ Was Much Harder Than It Seemed
Engineers at Square Enix had to laboriously recreate the original game’s code over years of development
www.bloomberg.com
September 5, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Inside the making of the new Final Fantasy Tactics remaster:
- Why it took so long (it was first conceived in 2018!)
- How Kazutoyo Maehiro went from grunt to director
- Why they didn't nerf Orlandeau (and the funny original plan for his design)
And much more: www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
- Why it took so long (it was first conceived in 2018!)
- How Kazutoyo Maehiro went from grunt to director
- Why they didn't nerf Orlandeau (and the funny original plan for his design)
And much more: www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Reposted by Fransiskus Sukardi Ruata
SCOOP: Perfect Dark was almost revived.
The game's developers were close to a deal with Take-Two to fund and publish the game following its cancellation by Xbox in July, sources say, but negotiations fell through, leading to layoffs at Crystal Dynamics last week. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
The game's developers were close to a deal with Take-Two to fund and publish the game following its cancellation by Xbox in July, sources say, but negotiations fell through, leading to layoffs at Crystal Dynamics last week. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
‘Perfect Dark’ Developer Lays Off Staff After Funding Deal Falls Through
Crystal Dynamics was close to moving the game to Take-Two, but negotiations fell apart
www.bloomberg.com
September 2, 2025 at 5:39 PM
SCOOP: Perfect Dark was almost revived.
The game's developers were close to a deal with Take-Two to fund and publish the game following its cancellation by Xbox in July, sources say, but negotiations fell through, leading to layoffs at Crystal Dynamics last week. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
The game's developers were close to a deal with Take-Two to fund and publish the game following its cancellation by Xbox in July, sources say, but negotiations fell through, leading to layoffs at Crystal Dynamics last week. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Fransiskus Sukardi Ruata
Can Konami bring back Metal Gear without Hideo Kojima? They certainly want to try.
I spoke to the producers of the new Metal Gear Solid 3 remake about reviving the franchise, building an internal console game team, and more.
This week's column: www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
I spoke to the producers of the new Metal Gear Solid 3 remake about reviving the franchise, building an internal console game team, and more.
This week's column: www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Konami Hopes To Revive ‘Metal Gear’ Game Franchise
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, a remake of a 2004 entry, came out this week to positive reviews
www.bloomberg.com
August 29, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Can Konami bring back Metal Gear without Hideo Kojima? They certainly want to try.
I spoke to the producers of the new Metal Gear Solid 3 remake about reviving the franchise, building an internal console game team, and more.
This week's column: www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
I spoke to the producers of the new Metal Gear Solid 3 remake about reviving the franchise, building an internal console game team, and more.
This week's column: www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Reposted by Fransiskus Sukardi Ruata
I don't have the proper words to say more than this now but
I was just laid off. My role at Giant Squid is being eliminated.
If your studio is looking for an environment artist, please let me know ASAP. I have 5+ years of experience.
thank you
I was just laid off. My role at Giant Squid is being eliminated.
If your studio is looking for an environment artist, please let me know ASAP. I have 5+ years of experience.
thank you
August 25, 2025 at 6:31 PM
I don't have the proper words to say more than this now but
I was just laid off. My role at Giant Squid is being eliminated.
If your studio is looking for an environment artist, please let me know ASAP. I have 5+ years of experience.
thank you
I was just laid off. My role at Giant Squid is being eliminated.
If your studio is looking for an environment artist, please let me know ASAP. I have 5+ years of experience.
thank you
Reposted by Fransiskus Sukardi Ruata
BREAKING: Silksong will be out on September 4. Two weeks from today. Really.
Often, games that take 7+ years to make are plagued by mismanagement and painful burnout. But for Silksong? Team Cherry was having a blast. They still are.
This is their story: www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Often, games that take 7+ years to make are plagued by mismanagement and painful burnout. But for Silksong? Team Cherry was having a blast. They still are.
This is their story: www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Why ‘Silksong’ Took Seven Years to Make
The highly anticipated indie game has been in production for so long that it’s become an internet meme
www.bloomberg.com
August 21, 2025 at 2:35 PM
BREAKING: Silksong will be out on September 4. Two weeks from today. Really.
Often, games that take 7+ years to make are plagued by mismanagement and painful burnout. But for Silksong? Team Cherry was having a blast. They still are.
This is their story: www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Often, games that take 7+ years to make are plagued by mismanagement and painful burnout. But for Silksong? Team Cherry was having a blast. They still are.
This is their story: www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...