Top Stories

Magic: The Gathering Arena devs are unionizing to deliver genAI and layoff protections (7 min read)

Magic: The Gathering Arena developers at Wizards of the Coast are signaling intent to unionize, seeking protections against generative AI use and layoffs. The unionization effort reflects broader industry labor concerns. (Game Developer)

Business & Finance

Crimson Desert Has Sold So Well Developer Pearl Abyss Has Reportedly Given Every Employee a $3,400 Bonus (3 min read)

Crimson Desert surpassed 5 million sales, prompting Pearl Abyss to award each of its 733 employees a $3,400 bonus. The studio plans additional bonuses based on 2026 performance. (IGN)

Studios & People

From Nordic Fantasy MMO "Odin" to Anime-Style RPG Crafted Through Japanese Subculture Research: Inside the Development Studio of Kakao Games Subsidiary Lionheart Studio (4 min read) 北欧ファンタジーMMO「オーディン」から日本のサブカルを研究して作るアニメ調RPGまで。Kakao Games子会社のスタジオLionheart Studioの開発現場を覗いてきた

Kakao Games subsidiary Lionheart Studio is developing multiple titles including the Nordic fantasy MMO Odin and anime-style RPG Project C. The studio invests in motion capture and 3D scanning tech to support realistic character expression and detailed Japanese otaku culture research. (4Gamer.net)

Games & Releases

Valve's Steam Controller costs $99 and arrives May 4 (1 min read)

Valve's Steam Controller launches May 4 for $99, featuring dual trackpads and compatibility with Steam, Steam Link, and Steam Deck. The companion Steam Machine and Steam Frame VR headset remain delayed into late 2026. (Engadget)

New Forza Horizon 6 Details Discussed in Developer Discord Q&A (3 min read)

Playground Games design director Torben Ellert detailed Forza Horizon 6 features in a Discord Q&A, including one-on-one touge battles, Festival Playlist availability, and changes to the car reward system launching next month. (IGN)

gg! see you in game!

— james