'We survive or fail on our own terms:' The rise and risk of independent game media

Plus, Three design lessons from Defunctland's deep dive into Disney's 'Living Characters', Roblox banned in Russia for hosting LGBTQ+ content, and more -

December 04, 2025 — JUMP TO — From Our Sponsors | Featured Blogs | Resource Center TOP STORIES Three design lessons from Defunctland's deep dive into Disney's 'Living Characters' Disney's experiments in making real-world NPCs offer lessons for game developers. EA makes eight more accessibility patents free-to-use Among them is Grapple Assist, which simplifies grappling transitions and controls in fighting games like EA Sports UFC. Roblox banned in Russia for hosting LGBTQ+ content Russian media regulator Roskomnadzor is blocking access to the popular UGC platform. 'We survive or fail on our own terms:' The rise and risk of independent game media Can worker-owned outlets create a brighter future for video game journalists and their readers? Hideo Kojima to deliver keynote at GDC 2026 The mind behind Metal Gear and Death Stranding becomes the first keynote speaker confirmed for GDC 2026. More Stories » FROM OUR SPONSORS South Korean Gaming: Best Practices for Success Uncover the key strategies driving South Korea's gaming industry to global success. FIND OUT MORE FEATURED BLOGS 'We don't believe in it:' Palworld maker Pocketpair won't publish games that use generative AI Pocketpair communications director and publishing manager John Buckley explains how AI can harm even its most vocal detractors. Dear game developers, please remember what 'on the record' means Let's discuss the role of journalists and journalism in the video game industry. Baby Steps has me questioning my entire existence Why am I doing this? Is generative AI really 'just a tool'? Some generative AI advocates say AI is inevitable and should be thought of as a tool that can be used for better or worse, but the design of tools has as much t... The 'deprofessionalization of video games' was on full display at PAX East PAX East felt like a warning: explosively successful games by solo devs and small teams are great, but it could lead to a dearth of vital specialists. More Blogs » RESOURCES Wreckreation developer puts entire studio on redundancy notice With THQ Nordic as the game's publisher, the studio 'will not see revenue from game sales for the foreseeable future.' Sony partners with J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot Games as producer and publisher The Tencent-backed division is working on a cooperative shooter directed by Left 4 Dead's Michael Booth, which Sony will produce and publish. Netflix to sell Spry Fox back to founders Cozy Grove and Spirit Crossing studio Spry Fox will go independent once more. Marathon stolen art assets issue 'solved' with Bungie and Sony Months after Bungie confirmed the use of stolen assets and apologized publicly, graphic designer 'Antireal' says the situation has been solved. Report: Embracer-owned Eidos-Montreal lays off staff Most projects at the studio have reportedly been canceled, with priority shifting to supporting Xbox on Grounded 2 and Fable. Coffee Stain and Paradox veterans unveil new studio Feeble Minds The ten-person team includes Coffee Stain Studios co-founders Oscar Jilsen and Mikael Mard, as well as the ex-Paradox product owner and programmer manager. Saudi Arabia will own 93.4 percent of EA after buyout Fellow consortium members Silver Lake and Affinity Parters will own 5.5 percent and 1.1 percent, respectively. Horses banned from Epic Games Store just 24 hours before launch The surreal indie horror title was previously barred from Steam by Valve, casting the future of developer Santa Ragione in doubt. More Resources » This email has been sent to mufhandu.o.itsol@blogger.com. To understand how we use your personal information, please see our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe from Game Developer communications by clicking here. Brand Operated by TechTarget, Inc. and its subsidiaries, | 275 Grove Street, Newton, Massachusetts, 02466 US