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DomsPlaying

@domsplaying.bsky.social
603 followers 53 following 692 posts

Avid Gamer & Pinballer. Free Agent Games Industry Analyst. Enthusiast. Reviewer. Researcher. Formerly ran Working Casual. DomsPlaying@gmail.com

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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Ah yes, "streamlining" aka "laying off thousands of people, killing projects & selling studios." Executives will always find ways to spin. Especially during times when it's their poor decision-making that led to the situation in the first place. 🙄 www.videogameschronicle.com/news/microso...
videogameschronicle.com
Microsoft CEO says ‘streamlining’ of Xbox business is ‘great to see’ | VGC
Executive says he’s feeling good about Xbox’s remaining studios and IPs…
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
There is a lot to unpack with the rough Xbox news. Up front, this quote from Booty immediately stands out. They are only: "roughly three-quarters of the way through previously announced restructuring”. In that job loss & closings likely aren't over. www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-of...
videogameschronicle.com
Xbox officially announces more layoffs and widespread changes to its entire studio structure | VGC
Halo moves to Activision and Ninja Theory set to close as Obsidian, Rare and Turn 10 are affected by the shuffle…
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Bungie giving players back what we already paid for is nearly the least it could do, but at least leadership is trying for goodwill. I'll believe Destiny has a future when I see it. The series means so much to me, so I want to believe. Time will tell. www.bungie.net/7/en/News/Ar...
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Control Resonant reviews sound mostly solid with a few reviewers hitting on the lower side. Starts @ 84 on OpenCritic. It's still near the top of my list to try for the remainder of 2026, and I'm even more intrigued after seeing today's impressions 👀 opencritic.com/game/20766/c...
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Almost as if people don't like when companies try to squeeze money out of them without adding an equivalent amount of value. (I will note Mat from Circana says there aren't necessarily more people canceling, it's that the underlying reason is shifting.) www.gamesindustry.biz/more-than-40...
gamesindustry.biz
More than 40% of people cancelling Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus and Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions blame rising costs
Cost is increasingly blamed for gamers choosing to cancel their Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, and Nintendo Switch O…
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Games like Wolverine, with diverging critical takes, intrigue me more than across-the-board glowing reviews. Still, critiques on its narrative approach, hand-holding & lack of a "wow" factor give me pause. I planned to pick it up near launch. Will see! opencritic.com/game/17842/m...
opencritic.com
Marvel's Wolverine Reviews
Marvel's Wolverine is rated 'Strong' after being reviewed by 63 critics, with an overall average score of 79. It's ranked in the top 25% of games and recommended by 75% of critics.
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Below is today's Nintendo Direct press release. Headlined by Metroid Ravenous & Kirby & the World Beyond, along with the likes of Fire Emblem, FF7R Revelation, Switch Sports Resort & more. Decent showing overall, though nothing earth-shattering. Rounding out the Switch library.
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Impressed by the visual style of the world in Ocarina of Time remake. Though character models & voice acting seem slightly off to me. I'm also liking the Nov 5th date, as one of the few AAA launches standing alongside Rockstar. Nintendo's PR is below. www.businesswire.com/news/home/20...
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Blood of Dawnwalker has been way up on my list as we move into a busy release schedule. Now that reviews are out, it sounds like an essential 2026 game. Character choices, engaging RPG mechanics & a bloody good story. Hope to sink my teeth into it asap. opencritic.com/game/20499/t...
opencritic.com
The Blood of Dawnwalker Reviews
The Blood of Dawnwalker is rated 'Mighty' after being reviewed by 59 critics, with an overall average score of 84. It's ranked in the top 9% of games and recommended by 90% of critics.
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
I've watched the GTA VI footage a few times, to soak up every incredible detail. Media previews are reassuring in terms of the team's vision, seemingly a blend of San Andreas & RDR2 with a tag-team character story & modern trappings. Also, here's my sales estimate: bazillions.
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Today's the day! We get our 1st ever big look at GTA VI! Okay, not *really*. Still hyped to see Rockstar's presentation, even acknowledging the silliness of it being a paid subscription service timed exclusive. I suppose that's just how it goes in 2026. www.netflix.com/tudum/articl...
netflix.com
Grand Theft Auto VI: An Extended Look is Premiering Exclusively on Netflix
Netflix members get an early look at the hotly anticipated game Aug. 27 at 3 p.m. ET.
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Gamescom ONL is always funky, considering its timing on the calendar. I found this year's poorly paced & packed w filler, as expected lately with a Keighley joint. Still, plenty of games caught my eye. Especially indies. Next few months are looking 🔥 kotaku.com/gamescom-ope...
kotaku.com
Gamescom Opening Night Live: Everything We Saw
Final Fantasy VII Revelation and The Witcher 3 DLC headlined the event
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
I'm leaning a bit more cautious on global industry growth for 2026 mainly due to cost pressures & uncertainty, even considering what will be a monumental start for GTA VI. I'd be in the 3% - 4% range, which would equate to $208B - $210B for the year. www.gamesindustry.biz/newzoo-globa...
gamesindustry.biz
Newzoo: Global games market to generate $213.9bn in 2026, up 6.1% YoY
Grand Theft Auto 6 expected to drive 17.5% increase in full game spending
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
We knew EA would pull back on transparency when private. Seeing Microsoft make the same decision to no longer report digital sales to Circana is disheartening. To me, any move that obfuscates how a business is doing also signals a lack of confidence. 🤷 kotaku.com/xbox-isnt-sh...
kotaku.com
Xbox And EA Won't Share Digital Sales Data With Circana Anymore
The industry gets a little less transparent
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Good thing Sony & MS will launch at US$ 999.99! Though really, I'm struggling w guessing PS6 & Xbox Helix pricing. Sticker shock will be huge at 4-digits. Still, I'm wondering if either company can afford to be at or below it. Lots of unknowns & TBDs. www.videogameschronicle.com/news/launchi...
videogameschronicle.com
Launching PS6 and Xbox Helix at $1,000 could lead to a nearly 40% drop in sales over five years, analyst warns | VGC
Ampere Analysis has identified three ways Sony and Microsoft could keep prices lower…
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
EA is now going private next week, as the Saudi-led $55B deal has been approved. While it removes certain pressures of being public, it also means we'll no longer have transparency into its books beyond what execs share. (Which will be close to nothing.) www.reuters.com/legal/transa...
reuters.com
Saudi PIF's $55 billion EA deal gets EU approval under subsidy rules
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and a group of investors ​have gained EU approval for their $55 ‌billion acquisition of video game developer Electronic Arts under the bloc's subsidy rules, a Eur...
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
At this rate, the only people who will be able to afford PlayStation 6 and Xbox Helix are those that run the companies making them. Bracing for base models hitting US$ 1,000 to US$ 1,200. www.polygon.com/nvidia-graph...
polygon.com
Brace yourselves, PC gamers: GPU pricing is about to get even worse, report says
Computer and gaming hardware are about to get even more expensive because of AI.
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Xbox is taking it back to 2024.. When it comes to annual revenue, that is, which saw a decline of nearly $1.7B in FY26. Content & Services declined 5%. Hardware fell off a cliff, down nearly 30%. aka.ms/MSFT_FY26Q4_...
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Attention: Splatoon Raiders is a GOTY contender, and should be considered as such during year-end award season. (Also, wow this artwork goes hard!)
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Splatoon Raiders sounds legit. A single-player & co-op shlooter version of the series with gear and upgrade paths, some comparing it to Destiny, at a solid price? I've liked its earlier games, especially PvE elements, so I'm planning to give it a go. opencritic.com/game/20454/s...
opencritic.com
Splatoon Raiders Reviews
Splatoon Raiders is rated 'Strong' after being reviewed by 23 critics, with an overall average score of 83. It's ranked in the top 11% of games and recommended by 74% of critics.
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Before I even opened the link, I had a feeling this interview prominently featured Booty, the sole surviving high-ranking member of Xbox's prior regime. It's true what they say of the upward fail. Plus, now Xbox's exclusivity is totally clear as mud! 🙃 www.gamesradar.com/games/xbox-r...
gamesradar.com
Making sense of Microsoft's messy return to console exclusivity: "There has to be a reason for people to buy an Xbox"
Senior leaders across Xbox detail why the platform is returning to console exclusivity, and explain why Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution are only the beginning
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Irony of Ubisoft management saying layoffs can lead to development issues while actively laying off staff.. 🙄 Unfortunately, its cost reduction phase (more potential job losses) will continue thru 2028. I'm loving Black Flag Resync. Still, Ubi cannot lean on nostalgia alone.
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Disappointed that Obsidian won't proceed with a sequel to Avowed, one of the smoothest & mechanically fun RPGs I've played. Fallout is well & good, especially if NV-related. Just hurts to hear the team was moving on Avowed 2 until Sharma & Co killed it. www.videogameschronicle.com/news/obsidia...
videogameschronicle.com
Obsidian ‘cancels Avowed 2 to focus on new Fallout’ | VGC
The Xbox studio has reportedly lost around a quarter of its staff…
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
AC: Black Flag Resynced is hitting a nice sweet spot during 2026's release calendar. Between this timing & the OG's beloved status, I'm way upbeat on its sales potential. Personally, I'm more excited than I anticipated. Definitely diving in at launch 🏴‍☠️ opencritic.com/game/20463/a...
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Even anticipating the worst for Xbox cuts, it still hurts. Arkane Compulsion DoubleFine Ninja Theory Undead Labs Sounds like certain ones will operate independently, though I'm worried about securing funding in this era. All the best to those impacted. www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-co...
videogameschronicle.com
Xbox confirms plans to cut 5 studios and thousands of jobs | VGC
Double Fine, Ninja Theory, Compulsion and more will leave or be sold, but no closures have been announced…
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Finally, a feel good story in the games industry. Devs will 'be “compensated significantly more” than called for under the original acquisition agreement & will receive “further incentives” as the game continues to be updated.' Congrats to the Subnautica 2 team! Get that 💰
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Unfortunately, the ramifications of Microsoft's gaming debacle are going to be felt far and wide, in ways no one can reasonably predict. Really excited for the future of IOI, and I hope the team on Project Fantasy can see it to fruition. www.videogameschronicle.com/news/io-inte...
videogameschronicle.com
IO Interactive facing layoffs as it cuts ties with Project Fantasy publisher Xbox | VGC
Internal documents from 2023 listed Project Fantasy as an Xbox exclusive…
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Some items from PlayStation's meeting Q&A: Record high FY profit. (Tends to happen w job cuts.) 8 mentions of AI in 8 pages. (Can't be left out!) Doesn't intend to sell HW at major loss. (Read: Price go up.) At present, I think PS6 < US$ 900 is wishful thinking. Wild times.
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
The irony of Microsoft's own AI investment driving up input costs used for its products, including Xbox, which is now seeing yet another price increase. Literally no one knows how expensive the next gen is going to be because we are living in craziness. news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/0...
news.xbox.com
Updated XBOX Console Prices - XBOX Wire
Effective August 1, 2026, the price of XBOX consoles will be increasing by US$100 for 512 GB models and US$150 for 1 TB models.
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Hulst: "most of the Destiny team & some Marathon team members" plus other SIE operations are gone while simultaneously claiming Marathon is an important part of the portfolio. How can anyone be confident in him & studio leads in light of this disaster? sonyinteractive.com/en/news/blog...
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
This hits hard given that Destiny is an important series to me & many others. As usual, mismanagement & poor planning by those up top, who will not be held accountable or suffer monetary losses, results in massive job loss. It's really, truly sad. Sending my best to the team.
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
It's official: GTA VI is a hundred bucks.. For its Ultimate Edition. Base is $80. Couple things that stand out: - I don't see early access. - Box has a download code (not disc). Also, wow its new screenshots look insane. Cannot wait to see how dope it's going to be in motion.
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Over a thousand bucks for a Steam Machine that can hold like 4 or 5 games the size of a major AAA title is peak Gaming in 2026 energy. Entry cost for 512GB w/o controller is US$ 1,049. With controller: $1,128. Higher end 2TB w controller is over $1,400. www.videogameschronicle.com/news/steam-m...
videogameschronicle.com
Steam Machine costs over $1,000, ‘significantly more’ than Valve originally wanted to charge | VGC
A 2TB model with a Steam Controller costs more than $1,400…
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
All-time high global games revenue (1st time > $200B) is a stark contrast to the industry's labor situation & stability, as risk aversion sets in due to rising costs & uncertain futures. Granted, revenue is not profit. Margins are shrinking, funding is drying up. Tough times.
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Cover art is up for GTA VI, which looks likely to hit its Nov date as Rockstar announces pre-orders will be up June 25th. Also, it will be US$ 100.. For a deluxe version, at least. Maybe even US$ 110. I do think the base version will come in at US$ 80. www.rockstargames.com/VI
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
That said, the Compulsion news is tough. South of Midnight is dope! I put its music up against the best gaming OSTs of all time, its setting is special & its performances are impressive. Underrated gem from a group of talented folks that seem to be out of a job, unfortunately.
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Not sure anyone can be confident in Xbox right now. From Compulsion shuttering (RIP) & high level departures to Nadella's monetization push & scattered messaging from Sharma & Booty on this "new" approach. As for the spin-off, I've heard the rumor before & won't bet on it yet.
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Very exciting Nintendo Direct today, which will round out the Switch 2's 2026 lineup. With Ocarina all but confirmed, the big question remains around Mario's next 3D adventure. Might we see it here? (I'd bet against it.) Me, I'm hoping for a Duskbloods blowout. Bring it, From!
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Loving my time with 007 First Light, which is approaching 3M units. $200M budget sounds like all-in: dev, marketing & team bonuses, the last of which will be much-deserved. Now I'm curious about its Project Fantasy title & if IOI returns to Hitman next? www.gamesindustry.biz/007-first-li...
gamesindustry.biz
007 First Light officially sells 2.7 million copies, "probably" at three million
IOI CEO says game has yet to recoup but total cost is well below $200 million previously reported
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Going into this year's SGF with chill expectations, haven't been following a ton of leaks or rumors so I'm hopeful to see release dates & cool surprises. (Where the heck is Judas?!) Also, really hoping Geoff and team keep it to a tight 120 minutes. www.summergamefest.com
summergamefest.com
Summer Game Fest 2026 - Live June 5, 2026 from Dolby Theatre in LA
See what's next in video games when Summer Game Fest airs live on June 5, 2026 from Dolby Theater.
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
I see Xbox leadership has entered a new "tell don't show" era. At a certain point, the work needs to speak for itself. And work takes time. We'll see.
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Well, I was wrong about the game but right that there would be a gameplay sequence to end the show. That God of War Laufey trailer hit. Wow! Control Resonant & Wolverine both showed well, and I'm way intrigued by Until Dawn 2 & Ill. What did you think? blog.playstation.com/2026/06/02/s...
blog.playstation.com
State of Play June 2026: all announcements, trailers
God of War Laufey, Until Dawn 2 revealed, new Marvel’s Wolverine gameplay, Tomb Raider dated, and much more.
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
I think today's State of Play should be top tier, with dates for flagship titles, to show how Sony plans to finish strong during a somewhat uneven PS5 gen from a 1P standpoint. Prediction: The show's finale will be a gameplay sequence from Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Don't you love it when a company drastically raises the price of a product you can barely buy! www.videogameschronicle.com/news/valves-...
videogameschronicle.com
Valve’s Steam Deck gets huge price increase, 1TB OLED model now $949 | VGC
Both models have received a price jump of over 40%
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
007: First Light reviews are up & are looking great. Starts at 89 on Open Critic. I guessed 88-89 range after glowing previews. Excited to add this to the ever-growing list of 2026 games to check out. Props to IO for what sounds like a really good one! opencritic.com/game/19224/0...
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
Such a sad state for Bungie, once a premier studio. Hoping for a full-blown report on its utter mismanagement, Sony's involvement, pricey foray into a niche genre & killing its golden goose by not investing early in a Destiny 3. (Bloomberg piece below.) tinyurl.com/yuahcsuu
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
Writing has been on the wall for years with Bungie & Destiny; it still hurts to see my favorite series, the one that has given me so many memories and online homies, go out this way. It's hard to envision a D3 any time soon.. I just hope I'll be wrong.
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
Talk about an encapsulation of why one company lost a billion last year while the other saw record results..
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Reposted by DomsPlaying
Mat Piscatella @matpiscatella.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
April 2026 U.S. Video Game Market Highlights Thread from Circana: US Video Game Spending Grows 3% in April 2026, Led by Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream.
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DomsPlaying @domsplaying.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Remember when Embracer gobbled up studios & became a bloated mess? The fallout continues, splitting off yet another company in Fellowship Entertainment which will house a lot of IP like Tomb Raider, LotR, Kingdom Come, Dead Island, Metro & more. Good. www.videogameschronicle.com/news/embrace...
videogameschronicle.com
Embracer announces plan to split into 2 companies, as Tomb Raider and LoTR spun off | VGC
‘Fellowship Entertainment’ will now run Dead Island, Kingdom Come, Metro…
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