EU approves $55bn EA buyout 💰 Rockstar union grows 🤝 Blizzard WoW dev fired 🔥
2026-07-24 · 9 stories · 32 min read
Top Stories
EU Commission approves $55bn EA buyout, says it "would not raise competition concerns" (3 min read)
The EU Commission approved the $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, concluding the deal would not raise competition concerns given its limited impact on relevant markets. The consortium, which includes Silver Lake and Affinity Partners and is backed by over $20 billion in debt financing from JPMorgan, announced the offer in September 2025. EA has stated it will maintain creative control and creative freedom under the new ownership. (GamesIndustry.biz)
The Rockstar Game Workers Union, formed this year after the studio's controversial layoffs of around 30 developers, now has "more members than ever before" and is requesting voluntary recognition from Rockstar. If the studio refuses, the union can pursue statutory recognition—a legal process that forces recognition—which is now possible due to increased membership. IWGB president Alex Marshall confirmed negotiations are underway and said the union is prepared to use "different mechanisms" if Rockstar doesn't engage in good faith. If recognized, RGWU would become the UK's second-largest video-game union. (Eurogamer)
Blizzard fired a World of Warcraft game master after the player community discovered they had used development-only spells to instantly kill bosses and help friends complete a dungeon. The incident surfaced on Reddit and social media when players shared evidence and audio of the GM using insta-kill abilities reserved for Blizzard employees. Community manager Kaivax confirmed the investigation found the group gained unfair advantage through abuse of development-only spells on a live realm, and assured players the incident was isolated to one individual. (GamesRadar)
Business & Finance
Amazon consolidated three separate gaming divisions under Jeff Gattis, integrating Luna into Prime Video and Prime Gaming. Gattis stated Amazon has more games in development than ever and is targeting emerging markets beyond console and PC gaming. (GamesIndustry.biz)
Ubisoft's Q1 net bookings fell 9.2% year-on-year to €255.8 million, attributed to a high comparison base from Assassin's Creed Shadows' March 2025 launch. Q2 saw strong recovery with Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced selling 3.5 million copies in two weeks. (GamesIndustry.biz)
Amazon's gaming head Jeff Gattis clarified that no decision has been made on who will develop or publish a 007: First Light sequel, saying Amazon wants to do "what's right by the game" and that IO Interactive should develop it given the first game's success. (GamesIndustry.biz)
Studios & People
Vermila Studios laid off its entire 19-person staff due to financial difficulties following the February launch of Crisol: Theater of Idols. CEO David Carrasco stated studio closure is a "feasible possibility" in the coming months, though the team will attempt to continue operations. (Game Developer)
AI/Tech & Tools
Microsoft starts testing ad-supported game streaming on Xbox (2 min read)
Microsoft is testing ad-supported game streaming on Xbox, allowing Insider Program members to play one-hour sessions free with ads shown before each session. The company framed the test as a way to lower access costs and expand audiences in emerging markets. (GamesIndustry.biz)
Culture & Community
The ESA Foundation awarded 31 university students scholarships of $5,000–$10,000 for game development and esports careers, including mentoring and access to industry events like GDC. The foundation has raised over $24 million and awarded 475+ scholarships to underrepresented youth. (GamesIndustry.biz)
gg! see you in game!
— [james](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrjennings/)