PlayStation ends physical media 💿 Rockstar pay inequity 💰 Eve Online engine open source 🔓
2026-07-01 · 13 stories · 50 min read
Top Stories
PlayStation ending production of physical software in January 2028 (3 min read)
Sony will stop producing physical PlayStation game discs from January 2028, citing consumer preference for digital media. The decision applies to all new games releasing on PlayStation consoles after that date; existing and pre-January 2028 releases will continue in disc format. Sony said the shift aligns with how most players prefer to access games today. The move follows Take-Two's announcement that Grand Theft Auto VI physical editions will contain download codes instead of discs. (Game Developer)
Rockstar accused of ignoring pay inequity, mandating crunch, and weaponizing bonuses (7 min read)
Three anonymous Rockstar Game Workers Union members told Game Developer the studio ignores gender-based pay inequity, mandates crunch in the UK, and weaponizes bonus payments. They claim bonuses fluctuate without justification, often leaving staff below market rate. The union is seeking voluntary recognition; separately, fired workers are in a legal dispute with Take-Two over union-busting allegations. GTA VI launches November 2026. (Game Developer)
Eve Online's Carbon engine is now open source: Fenris Creations explains why (8 min read)
Fenris Creations released Eve Online's Carbon game engine as open source on GitHub, two years after announcing the plan. The company's core tech team spent the last 12 weeks preparing the release. Senior development director Ben Hunter said the move aims to build community trust through code inspectability and enable developers to build within the Eve ecosystem. Community members have already submitted pull requests for security fixes. Most modules use the MIT License; spatial audio clustering uses Apache License 2.0. (GamesIndustry.biz)
Business & Finance
Xbox boss Asha Sharma is accelerating development on new Fallout, Elder Scrolls, and Halo games. Former Bethesda designer Bruce Nesmith warned that faster sequels risk quality issues and fan disappointment, while speculation suggests Obsidian could develop spinoffs. (IGN)
Slitherine acquires Warhammer Blood Bowl licence from troubled French publisher Nacon (2 min read)
Slitherine Software acquired the Warhammer Blood Bowl licence, publishing rights, and back catalogue from insolvent publisher Nacon. Cyanide Studio will continue development under a long-term deal, with Slitherine committing to ongoing support and community engagement. (GamesIndustry.biz)
Studios & People
Xbox layoff plans reportedly include closing Arkane, canceling Blade (2 min read)
Microsoft is closing Arkane Studios and canceling its Blade game as part of sweeping Xbox layoffs starting July 6. The cuts also target Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs for closure or sale. Blade was over budget and facing delays. (Engadget)
IO Interactive announced layoffs after Xbox ended its partnership funding the studio's online RPG Project Fantasy. Despite the setback, IO remains committed to finishing the game independently. (GameInformer)
nDreams founder Patrick O'Luanaigh launched independent studio Atmospheric to create original IP blending games and music. O'Luanaigh is working solo with freelance contributors, self-funded, and plans to seek a publishing partner in 2026. (GamesIndustry.biz)
Games & Releases
Onimusha: Way of the Sword launches September 25, 2026, in one of the year's busiest release windows. Producer Akihito Kadowaki said the team is committed to the date despite competition from other titles, citing the game's unique combat and setting as differentiators. (Eurogamer)
AI/Tech & Tools
Rokky launched a free unofficial Steam Key Checker browser plugin allowing publishers to monitor whether distributed keys have been redeemed. The tool helps developers track bundle and press keys at scale, addressing a gap Valve's native tools don't fill efficiently. (GamesIndustry.biz)
Policy & Labor
The Supreme Court will hear Apple's appeal of a contempt ruling in its long-running case with Epic Games over App Store fees. The justices will consider the appeal in October, with a ruling expected by June 2026. The case centers on Apple's compliance with a 2021 order requiring developers to offer third-party payment options; Apple was found in contempt for charging up to 27% on external payment links. (Engadget)
California bill to preserve online games fails committee vote (2 min read)
California's Protect Our Games Act failed to advance in the state senate committee with four votes in favor, three against, and four abstentions. The Stop Killing Games campaign, which backed the bill, plans to pursue similar legislation at the federal level and in other states with paid lobbying support. (Engadget)
Culture & Community
Opinion: Everything hurts and no one knows when the pain will end (7 min read)
Game Developer editor Bryant Francis reflects on the emotional toll of 2026's industry layoffs, including major cuts at Bungie and looming Xbox restructuring, noting the uncertainty developers face about whether conditions will improve. (Game Developer)
gg! see you in game!
— [james](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrjennings/)