Top Stories

Embracer chairman says cost control 'does not get enough respect' after presiding over years of layoffs (4 min read)

Embracer chairman Lars Wingefors defended cost control as undervalued after the company's repeated layoffs and studio closures. He stated the company will continue divesting non-core studios through 2026 to reduce debt from the canceled Saudi PIF investment, emphasizing operational efficiency as central to Embracer's turnaround strategy. (Game Developer)

Ubisoft's full FY26 financial report shows a sharp decline in revenue and net bookings (4 min read)

Ubisoft reported FY26 revenue down 21.8% and net bookings down 17.4% year-over-year, citing a softer new release schedule and its new operating model. Q4 performance also declined significantly. The publisher attributed the results to restructuring efforts and a lighter product slate. (GamesIndustry.biz)

Quantic Dream cancels first multiplayer title Spellcasters Chronicles (2 min read)

Quantic Dream is shutting down Spellcasters Chronicles, its first multiplayer title, three months after launch. Game servers will go offline June 19, 2026. The studio will begin internal reorganization following the cancellation. (GamesIndustry.biz)

Business & Finance

UK publisher EdCorp breaks cover after signing Garbage Country (4 min read)

UK publisher EdCorp emerged publicly after signing indie title Garbage Country, marking the studio's first official game announcement. (Game Developer)

Studios & People

"Don't build a studio that requires a massive hit to survive" – Veteran BioWare devs form Studio Reset (3 min read)

Studio Reset, a new Canadian indie studio founded by veteran BioWare, Inflexion Games, and Timbre Games developers, secured $250,000 from the Canada Media Fund. The studio will develop a neon-noir supernatural mystery title, focusing on sustainability and original IP. (GamesIndustry.biz)

Xbox announces hire of veteran analyst Matthew Ball as chief strategy officer, and AI and Amazon veteran as CTO (2 min read)

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma appointed analyst Matthew Ball as chief strategy officer and Scott Van Vliet, an AI and Amazon veteran, as chief technology officer. (GamesIndustry.biz)

Games & Releases

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream tops April US sales | US Monthly Charts (3 min read)

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream led April US sales with $41 million in combined physical and projected digital revenue. Overall video game spending reached $4.3 billion, up 3% year-over-year, with new physical software spending up 44%. (GamesIndustry.biz)

Splitgate studio reveals its new game, looks a lot like its old game (6 min read)

Splitgate studio announced a new game that shares visual and mechanical similarities to its predecessor, though specific details remain limited. (PC Gamer)

AI/Tech & Tools

Microsoft launching improved Xbox Adaptive Thumbstick Toppers (2 min read)

Microsoft released updated Xbox Adaptive Thumbstick Toppers designed to prevent accidental removal during high-force usage, incorporating feedback from the disability community. The new 'Goal Post' design launches May 21, 2026, available as 3D printables through Xbox Design Labs. (Game Developer)

gg! see you in game!

— james