Gaming companies were hit with another wave of closures, proving once again that no studio is truly safe. The most shocking gaming news came from Warner Bros. Games, which announced the shutdown of three studios: Monolith Productions, Player First Games, and WB San Diego. In addition to these closures, Warner Bros. has canceled the highly anticipated Wonder Woman game.
Monolith Productions, a studio with a 30-year legacy, was particularly noteworthy in this round of closures. Known for iconic titles like F.E.A.R., Condemned, and the Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor series, the studio pioneered the Nemesis System, a feature that was widely praised but remains patented by WB Games. With Monolith’s closure, it remains uncertain if the Nemesis System will ever be used again. The decision to shut down the studio appears to be a result of poor management, with many of its leading figures leaving in recent years. The move raises concerns about the future of other WB-owned studios, including Rocksteady, which is currently working on a new Batman game.
Microsoft Delays Major Release to 2026 (Gaming news)
Microsoft has confirmed that Fable, originally set for a 2025 release, has been pushed to 2026. The delay was revealed in an Xbox discussion featuring Craig Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios. While delays are common in game development, the lack of substantial gameplay footage had already led many to suspect that Fable was not close to completion.
Several theories attempt to explain this delay. One suggests that developers require additional time to ensure a high-quality release, especially with Microsoft’s increased scrutiny of first-party games. Another speculates that Microsoft plans to launch Fable simultaneously on PlayStation 5 and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Lastly, the expected 2025 release of Grand Theft Auto VI may have prompted Microsoft to avoid direct competition.
Steam Deck Sales Figures Revealed
After much speculation, new market research from IDC has provided a clearer picture of Steam Deck sales. According to reports, the Steam Deck has shipped approximately 3.7 million units, possibly crossing the 4 million mark by now. Valve holds around 65-70% of the handheld PC gaming market, with competitors like the ASUS ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw accounting for the remainder.
While some consider this number relatively low, the Steam Deck’s niche appeal and limited retail availability suggest a strong performance. Unlike mainstream consoles, the Steam Deck is only available directly through Valve’s website, restricting its reach compared to devices sold in physical stores. The success of the Steam Deck has sparked increased competition in the handheld PC market, and all eyes are on Valve’s next move. A future iteration of the Steam Deck with wider retail availability could significantly boost its presence in the gaming world.
Upcoming Announcements and Releases
In more positive news, reports suggest that Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 could be officially announced next week. A recent classification by Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority listed the title for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, indicating a broad release across multiple platforms. Following the success of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2, expectations are high for this upcoming installment.
Additionally, Edge of Memories, a new JRPG from Midgar Studio, has been announced as a sequel to 2021’s Edge of Eternity. Featuring talent from iconic franchises such as Chrono Trigger, NieR, Final Fantasy XV, and Xenoblade Chronicles, the game adopts a watercolor-inspired art style that differentiates it from its predecessor. Fans of action RPGs should keep an eye on this title.
Quantic Dream Addresses NetEase Concerns (Gaming News)
As NetEase begins to scale back some of its overseas investments, concerns arose regarding the future of Quantic Dream. However, the studio has reassured fans that its projects remain unaffected by NetEase’s financial adjustments. The studio is still actively developing its highly anticipated Star Wars: Eclipse, though reports indicate that the game’s development has faced multiple challenges. While no release date has been confirmed, expectations are set for a potential 2025 update.
Konami and Bloober Team Continue Partnership
Following the success of Silent Hill 2, Konami and Bloober Team have confirmed that their collaboration will continue. Konami has expressed satisfaction with the game’s performance, suggesting that future projects between the two companies are in the works. While details remain scarce, this partnership could indicate more Silent Hill projects or other horror-themed titles in development.
