The challenges facing the games industry in terms of economic struggles have been widely acknowledged for over a year now. Layoffs, studio closures, and game cancellations have become increasingly common. Game companies have started to become more transparent about the inner workings of the industry, including admitting when they are facing financial difficulties. Surgent Studios recently announced that it has put its staff on notice due to difficulties in securing a publisher for its next game, following a previous round of layoffs after the underperformance of Tales of Kenzera: ZAU.
Other studios, such as Studio Black Flag and Italic Pig, have also been candid about their struggles in securing stable funding. The current downturn in the video game industry has led to challenges in finding publishing and investment opportunities for indie developers.
Last September, Pieces Interactive made headlines by delaying Alone in the Dark and openly admitting that they did not want to release the game in the crowded month of October. This level of honesty about financial challenges marks a new level of transparency in the industry.
On a lighter note, upcoming game releases like A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead, MechWarrior 5: Clans, and Super Mario Party Jamboree are sure to keep gamers entertained this season. Additionally, several new games have been added to subscription services for those looking to explore new titles.
What to play this week
What’s new:
- Super Mario Party Jamboree
- MechWarrior 5: Clans
- A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead
- Neva
- Just Dance 2025 Edition
- Unknown 9: Awakening
- Drove – Forsaken Kin
- New World: Aeternum
- Killing Time: Resurrected
- RetroRealms: Ash vs. Evil Dead
- RetroRealms: Halloween
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed
- Arsene Lupin: Once a Thief
New on subscription services:
- Various titles on Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus Extra+Premium, Prime Gaming, and GeForce Now
