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Opinion
Trade Tariffs: A Looming Threat to the Video Game Industry
The recent escalation of the global trade war has sent shockwaves throughout various industries, and the video game sector is no exception. As of now, the majority of the hefty tariffs have been put on hold for 90 days, although a substantial 104% tariff on Chinese products remains in place, and even the proposed 10% tariff on other countries is significantly higher than usual. The retaliatory ta…
April 11, 2025, 12:02 p.m.
Opinion
2024: The Year Microsoft Reinvented Itself
The gaming industry began 2024 with low expectations due to a perceived drought of high-quality releases. However, the year ultimately proved to be a success, thanks to unexpected hits like Helldivers 2 and Astro Bot, as well as games that defied expectations, such as Dragon Age: The Veilguard and Silent Hill 2. Meanwhile, Microsoft underwent a significant transformation, pivoting Xbox from a tra…
Dec. 20, 2024, 1:19 p.m.
Opinion
A Regulatory Deluge: Emerging Legal Trends for 2025
As the year draws to a close, it's time to assess our predictions for 2024 and look ahead to the emerging trends that will shape the gaming industry in 2025. From AI-generated content to consumer protection, and from data privacy to esports regulation, the landscape is becoming increasingly complex. In this article, we'll delve into the key developments that will impact games companies in the yea…
Dec. 19, 2024, 2:43 p.m.
Opinion
A Glimmer of Hope in a Bleak Year for Live Service Games
Identifying turning points can be challenging, as they often seem obvious in hindsight but are difficult to recognize when they occur. The video game industry, with its lengthy product development cycles, is particularly prone to inertia, making it hard to alter course. This year has seen significant changes in the live service landscape, with many expensive, high-profile games failing and others…
Dec. 13, 2024, 1:49 p.m.
Opinion
Debunking the BEUC Complaint Against In-Game Purchases
Between 2012 and 2015, when the free-to-play mobile gaming market was booming, European regulatory bodies were at the height of their interest. The UK's Advertising Standards Authority frequently ruled against the marketing of 'free games', while the EU's CPC Network published its stance on consumer protection in online games, and a case involving the direct solicitation of children in Runes of M…
Dec. 3, 2024, 11:53 a.m.
Opinion
The Future of Gaming: Handheld Consoles Take Center Stage
The recent confirmation of Microsoft's handheld Xbox device and Sony's plans for a new portable console mark a significant shift in the gaming landscape. With a successor to the Nintendo Switch on the horizon and the Steam Deck's success in the PC handheld market, it's clear that handheld gaming is experiencing a resurgence. Both Sony and Microsoft are in the early stages of planning their device…
Nov. 29, 2024, 12:50 p.m.
Opinion
The Demise of Nintendo Switch Online Services in China: A Cautionary Tale of Gaming Partnerships
The recent announcement that Nintendo will be ending its online services for the Nintendo Switch in China has sent shockwaves throughout the gaming community. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that this move is not as drastic as it initially seems. To understand the reasoning behind this decision, it's essential to examine the console market dynamics in China and the partnership b…
Nov. 28, 2024, 2:45 p.m.
Opinion
Assessing the Potential of a Sony-Kadokawa Deal
The prolonged acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft has sparked concerns about an arms race in the industry, with companies like Sony feeling pressured to respond with significant purchases. The recent announcement of Sony's discussions to buy Kadokawa, a major Japanese media group, can be seen as a response to this trend. However, the acquisition is more complex than just a reaction to…
Nov. 22, 2024, 11:51 a.m.
Opinion
Microsoft Accelerates Xbox Transition with Cross-Platform Strategy
The notion of what constitutes an Xbox has undergone significant evolution, now encompassing a broad ecosystem of software and services that spans multiple devices. This transformation has been unfolding over several years, with Microsoft's games business expanding beyond physical consoles to become a substantial game publishing entity. The company's recent marketing campaign, "This is an Xbox", …
Nov. 15, 2024, 1:48 p.m.
Opinion
The PS5 Pro's Disc-Less Design Signals a Troubling Future for Gaming
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a significant event in the gaming industry, but its disc-less design has raised eyebrows among gamers and industry experts alike. Sony's decision to omit a disc drive from its latest console may be a strategic move towards a digital-only future, but it may also alienate a significant portion of its customer base who still value physical game ownership. The PS5 Pro'…
Nov. 8, 2024, 1:45 p.m.