All editions

<h2 align="center">Top Stories</h2>

**["The old school publishing model is dead" – Silver Lining Interactive joins the new wave of pick and mix publishers (8 min read)](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/the-old-school-publishing-model-is-dead-silver-lining-interactive-joins-the-new-wave-of-pick-and-mix-publishers)**

Silver Lining Interactive, formed after founder Luke Keighran acquired assets from defunct publisher Merge Games, launched with 18 staff and a 2025 slate where every title achieved 85%+ Steam ratings. The firm's debut title Outbound reached 1.5 million Steam wishlists. Keighran argues the traditional publishing model is dead, replaced by "pick and mix" services where developers retain IP and choose which support they need. (GamesIndustry.biz)

**[Night Street Games cuts jobs after Last Flag fails to "achieve the financial success we anticipated" (3 min read)](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/night-street-games-cuts-jobs-after-last-flag-fails-to-achieve-the-financial-success-we-anticipated)**

Night Street Games laid off staff after its hero shooter Last Flag, which launched weeks earlier, failed to achieve expected financial returns. Executive producer Jonathan Jelinek announced the reduction on LinkedIn, stating the game did not meet anticipated revenue targets. The studio had previously assured players the title wasn't "going anywhere" despite pausing production. (GamesIndustry.biz)

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<h2 align="center">Business & Finance</h2>

**[BFI announces recipients of IBD awards, launches new funding stream for UK devs (3 min read)](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/bfi-announces-recipients-of-ibd-awards-launches-new-funding-stream-for-uk-devs)**

The BFI announced International Business Development award recipients and launched a new funding stream for UK game developers. The UK Global Screen Fund budget increased from £7 million to over £18 million for 2026–2029, supporting marketing and development efforts. (GamesIndustry.biz)

**[Sensor Tower acquires AppMagic (2 min read)](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/sensor-tower-acquires-appmagic)**

Sensor Tower acquired mobile app intelligence firm AppMagic for an undisclosed amount. The deal expands Sensor Tower's data coverage across PC, console, and mobile platforms, plus Live Ops Intelligence, strengthening its SMB offerings for mobile studios and independent developers. (GamesIndustry.biz)

**[Mouse: P.I. For Hire publisher PlaySide recoups all expenses since April launch (2 min read)](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/mouse-pi-for-hire-publisher-playside-recoups-all-expenses-since-april-launch)**

PlaySide recouped all publishing and marketing costs for Mouse: P.I. For Hire since its April launch, with continued strong sales expected. The publisher raised FY26 revenue guidance to $36–$38 million from $34.7 million. (GamesIndustry.biz)

**[Manchester Games Network launches to put UK region 'back on the games map' (5 min read)](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/manchester-games-network-launches-to-put-the-region-back-on-the-games-map-)**

Manchester Games Network launched to revitalize the UK region's games industry presence. The initiative aims to reconnect studios, talent, and support infrastructure in the region. (Game Developer)

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<h2 align="center">Studios & People</h2>

**[Bit Bot scales leadership team with AAA veteran Frank O'Connor as creative director (2 min read)](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/bit-bot-scales-leadership-team-with-aaa-veteran-frank-oconnor-as-creative-director)**

Bit Bot appointed Frank O'Connor, former Halo franchise development director, as creative director and Brian Ulrich as general manager. The hires strengthen the studio's focus on original IP and cross-platform development. (GamesIndustry.biz)

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<h2 align="center">Games & Releases</h2>

**[Time Games' opening lineup includes a fantasy prediction market game (4 min read)](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/time-launches-its-own-nyt-games-equivalent)**

TIME Games launched its own games platform, featuring a fantasy prediction market game in its opening lineup. The service positions TIME as a competitor to NYT Games. (Game Developer)

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<h2 align="center">Policy & Labor</h2>

**[UK games industry fundamentally misunderstood, new report calls for unified research framework (3 min read)](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/uk-games-industry-fundamentally-misunderstood-new-report-calls-for-unified-research-framework)**

UKIE and entertainment charity OKRE released a unified research framework for the UK games industry to demonstrate its economic and social value to government and investors. The report aims to address identified research gaps. (GamesIndustry.biz)

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gg! see you in game!

— [james](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrjennings/)