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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com

@mikestrawmedia.com
1.7K followers 488 following 2.5K posts

🎮Executive Editor for @insider-gaming.com "Hack of the highest order" DMs Open Signal: mikestraw.15 Email: Michael@insider-gaming.com

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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 20h
I keep seeing people throw out the term "Covid Correction" for the mass layoffs we continue to see in the games industry. We're beyond that. It's far beyond the mass hiring during Covid. It's mismanagement, poor trend chasing, cuts of departments to use AI (not as much but happening), etc.
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 29/09/2026
Insider Gaming's 28 Games Later: A Horror Showcase on October 1 at 3pm ET features a variety of horror games we believe deserve support. In addition to trailers, interviews with all 28 studios will be available. Please, check out the interviews and wishlist these great games!
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 28/09/2026
Hello, friends! This is the week. In 3 days, we're putting on 28 Games Later: A Horror Showcase World premieres, release dates, exclusive new looks, and giveaways of over $10,000 in prizes and games. The show airs LIVE at 3pm ET/8pm UK on Insider Gaming's YouTube & Twitch channels.
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 28/09/2026
A month after Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 was released, developer Cold Iron Studios has been hit with layoffs. I've learned that at least 19 people were let go. insider-gaming.com/aliens-firet...
insider-gaming.com
Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 Developer Cold Iron Studios Hit By Layoffs
Just a month after Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2's release, developer Cold Iron Studios has been hit by layoffs from parent company Enad Global 7.
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 25/09/2026
LAYOFFS: According to the latest data I've been able to confirm, we've surpassed 11,000 jobs lost in the games industry in 2026. 143 unique companies have been affected, with at least 32 studios closing. More data: gaminglayoffs.com
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 25/09/2026
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang believes that there's a real concern among the leadership at AI companies like Anthropic and OpenAI, and that the fears surrounding the technology itself are a "distraction". Read the story at Insider Gaming or in the free Insider Gaming App. Link below
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 25/09/2026
I fully understand we're competing for much of the same audience, but I truly feel the games media industry is a better place when the cliquishness disappears. We all want the same thing. Let's move the industry forward.
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 25/09/2026
It's always funny to see what outlets will source our stories and the ones that either won't cover it at all or wait until a different outlet reports it later on and then source those instead.
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 24/09/2026
Here's a big one: Ubisoft Milan had pitched and created a prototype for a Legend of Zelda spinoff, but Nintendo ultimately decided against it after requesting changes. Full story via @insider-gaming.com insider-gaming.com/ubisoft-nint...
insider-gaming.com
EXCLUSIVE: How Ubisoft and Nintendo's Partnership Ended With a Canceled Zelda Title
Ubisoft and Nintendo were once going to develop a Zelda title together, but the game was cancelled following its prototype in late 2023.
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 24/09/2026
Temu-ass knickknacks
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 23/09/2026
NEW: YouTube Announces A/B Testing For Videos insider-gaming.com/youtube-anno...
insider-gaming.com
YouTube Announces A/B Testing For Videos
YouTube is adding A/B testing to its video uploads for creators, allowing them to tailor their content to audiences even more.
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 23/09/2026
Trying to figure out the best lighting configuration for a dark room to get the best quality video will forever be the bane of my existence. At a loss for the best option. Creator friends. Any advice?
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 22/09/2026
NEW: A Halo Director Was Promoted, Then Laid Off By Xbox The Next Day insider-gaming.com/halo-directo...
insider-gaming.com
A Halo Director Was Promoted, Then Laid Off By Xbox The Next Day
A cinematic director at Halo Studios was promoted by the company, only to be laid off by Xbox the very next day.
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 22/09/2026
GIVEAWAY: Co-Stream or watch the 28 GAMES LATER Horror Showcase on Oct 1 at 3PM ET / 8PM BST for a chance to win ONE of TWENTY-EIGHT @elgato.com Bundles*. Stream with #28GAMESLATER in the title, or comment #28GAMESLATER in the stream! Share this post for an additional chance to win!
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 22/09/2026
"Independence brings us closer to our community and lets us focus on what matters most: making the best games we can..." State of Decay 3 Developer Undead Labs Officially Goes Independent insider-gaming.com/state-of-dec...
insider-gaming.com
State of Decay 3 Developer Undead Labs Officially Goes Independent
In a message on its website, State of Decay 3 developer Undead Labs announced that it's gone fully independent.
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 22/09/2026
The United States has state-run media now...so that's cool. I really despise this country
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 21/09/2026
Coming this week to Insider Gaming: the first sit-down interview for Breakaway Hockey League from @raccoonlogicstudio.bsky.social From bringing 3D hockey back to PC to finding the sweet spot with gameplay, we touch on everything in this talk. Stay tuned for the full interview!
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 18/09/2026
EXCLUSIVE: As revealed during Insider Gaming Weekly, original plans for a return of Fight Night have been cancelled insider-gaming.com/plans-for-fi...
insider-gaming.com
Original Plans For Fight Night Reboot Have Been Cancelled
According to sources, past plans for the return of EA Sports Fight Night have been cancelled, with any new plans starting from scratch
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Reposted by Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com
Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 17/09/2026
PAGING MEDIA/CREATOR FRIENDS: October 1 at 3pm ET/8pm BST, we are presenting our next showcase: 28 Games Later - A Horror Showcase Get exclusive looks at games from large IPs and even brand-new reveals. I'd love to work with you on coverage to help get these great games seen by fans.
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 17/09/2026
Get your first look at a new BROKENLORE title during the 28 GAMES LATER Horror Showcase on October 1 at 3PM EST / 8PM BST
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 17/09/2026
PAGING MEDIA/CREATOR FRIENDS: October 1 at 3pm ET/8pm BST, we are presenting our next showcase: 28 Games Later - A Horror Showcase Get exclusive looks at games from large IPs and even brand-new reveals. I'd love to work with you on coverage to help get these great games seen by fans.
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 16/09/2026
Days after Insider Gaming published an investigation into Ultra Pro Wrestling, its creator sat down for hours to answer and respond to our report Part 2 of my investigation looks at Sam Vallely's claims along with new details on the game's development insider-gaming.com/ultra-pro-wr...
insider-gaming.com
Ultra Pro Wrestling: New Evidence Raises More Questions About the Game’s Development
Ultra Pro Wrestling creator Sam Vallely responded to Insider Gaming’s investigation. New records challenge several claims and raise more questions.
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 15/09/2026
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 11/09/2026
Um, excuse me? Are we back? Are we totally back? @mrkstep.bsky.social @itsmike.town @tinyghost.bsky.social
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 10/09/2026
EA Sports has announced that it's updating player name pronunciations and commentary logic in the first update for NHL 27. It was recently confirmed that the studio used AI to generate commentary using the voice of John Buccigross
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 10/09/2026
And then the Rebel/Baker moment brought me right to tears.
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 10/09/2026
What words for Andy Williams from Excalibur. I said it before, and I'll say it again: Buffalo lost one of the greatest people to ever come from our city. I met him after an ETID concert when I was 18 & he couldn't have been nicer to just another dumb young fan. He didn't treat it like that.
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 09/09/2026
Coming soon. @insider-gaming.com
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 09/09/2026
BREAKING: A major leak has taken place, resulting in the achievements of dozens of games being made available online ahead of release. Games included are Kingdom Hearts IV, Star Wars Galactic Racer, Control Resonant, and many more. Unknown how complete these lists are.
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 07/09/2026
Updated bio
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 07/09/2026
LAYOFFS: Crytek Lets Go Of Staff In Istanbul And Frankfurt insider-gaming.com/crytek-layof...
insider-gaming.com
Crytek Layoffs Hit Staff In Istanbul And Frankfurt
Insider Gaming has learned that new layoffs at Crytek have impacted staff in Istanbul and at the company headquarters in Frankfurt.
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 04/09/2026
People have been wondering what's going on with The Wrestling Code. I have an update on why things have been so slow, whether they'd consider crowdfunding, and what they've been working on recently. It's not as dramatic as my last story. insider-gaming.com/the-wrestlin...
insider-gaming.com
Exclusive: The Wrestling Code Development Update—What's The Latest On The Game?
With questions surrounding its future, Insider Gaming has exclusive details on The Wrestling Code's development from Virtual Basement.
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 04/09/2026
I played Exodus and spent an hour hands-on with the upcoming sci-fi RPG from Archetype. Check out full mission gameplay and stay tuned for my impressions of the game on Insider Gaming Weekly later today. www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5N2...
youtube.com
Exodus Full Mission Gameplay | Insider Access First Look Exclusive
YouTube video by Insider Gaming
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 03/09/2026
"I'm now able to get all the [WCW/nWo] Revenge, and [Virtual Pro Wrestling 2] moves too, and can convert the .anim files which is what the modders use." My investigation into the problems and development behind Ultra Pro Wrestling. The insider-gaming.com/problems-beh...
insider-gaming.com
Investigation: Inside the Years of Problems Behind Ultra Pro Wrestling
Insider Gaming investigates Ultra Pro Wrestling’s troubled development, examining its Kickstarter, unpaid work, missing builds and team exodus.
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 02/09/2026
Sam Vallely is now attacking me to Kickstarter backers. A reminder: I contacted him multiple times for this story. I presented everything; he refused to answer and instead sent me what appeared to be ChatGPT written replies. He's in damage control, but he needs to watch what he says about me.
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Reposted by Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com
Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 02/09/2026
Years after raising $83,000 on Kickstarter and more on Patreon, Ultra Pro Wrestling still has no released game. My investigation has uncovered unpaid work, missing builds, extracted animation data, a suspended trademark application, and a CEO with a bigoted past. insider-gaming.com/problems-beh...
insider-gaming.com
Investigation: Inside the Years of Problems Behind Ultra Pro Wrestling
Insider Gaming investigates Ultra Pro Wrestling’s troubled development, examining its Kickstarter, unpaid work, missing builds and team exodus.
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 02/09/2026
I've learned Vallely has called the story a "lie", told supporters to pay "no attention" to it, and is banning paying Patreon members for sharing and discussing. Rather than respond directly to the multitude of questions and allegations put in front of him, he is attempting to let it blow over.
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 02/09/2026
At one point, I found that Ultra Pro Wrestling CEO Sam Vallely sent messages that appeared to mock an employee's name, saying "bless you" after being told their name, and following it up with "oh, that's his name?" That's just the tip of the iceberg.
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 02/09/2026
Years after raising $83,000 on Kickstarter and more on Patreon, Ultra Pro Wrestling still has no released game. My investigation has uncovered unpaid work, missing builds, extracted animation data, a suspended trademark application, and a CEO with a bigoted past. insider-gaming.com/problems-beh...
insider-gaming.com
Investigation: Inside the Years of Problems Behind Ultra Pro Wrestling
Insider Gaming investigates Ultra Pro Wrestling’s troubled development, examining its Kickstarter, unpaid work, missing builds and team exodus.
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 01/09/2026
Won't add the Bit Reactor numbers to the database unless the furloughs become permanent, but we are over 10,600 known jobs lost in 2026, a 148% YoY increase compared to my data from 2025. 127 companies have been hit, with 29 closures. VISIT: gaminglayoffs.com
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 01/09/2026
Modern Warfare 4 Devs Couldn't Beat Players at Their Own Mobility Course insider-gaming.com/modern-warfa...
insider-gaming.com
Modern Warfare 4 Devs Couldn't Beat Players at Their Own Mobility Course
In the new Mobility Course in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, it didn't take long for players to outperform the game's developers.
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Reposted by Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com
elliejoypanic @elliejoypanic.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
I am SEVEN subscribers from 5k on YouTube 👀 ✨ youtube.com/@elliejoypanic ✨
Elliejoypanic’s YouTube subscriber count of 4,993 with her profile picture
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Reposted by Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com
Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 31/08/2026
"There were days where I didn't see my son the whole day; multiple days of that that I sacrificed to get this out the door at the level of quality." EXCLUSIVE—DOOM: The Dark Ages Revelations Faced ‘Worst Crunch’ in Franchise History insider-gaming.com/doom-the-dar...
insider-gaming.com
EXCLUSIVE---DOOM: The Dark Ages Revelations Faced ‘Worst Crunch’ in Franchise History
DOOM: The Dark Ages Revelations faced brutal crunch, with developers working up to 80-hour weeks to finish the expansion before release.
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 31/08/2026
EXCLUSIVE: Modern Warfare 4 Nintendo Switch 2 Port Was a “Fantastical Challenge,” Dev Says insider-gaming.com/modern-warfa...
insider-gaming.com
EXCLUSIVE: Modern Warfare 4 Nintendo Switch 2 Port Was a “Fantastical Challenge,” Dev Says
Digital Legends director Beatriz Gonzalez said that developing Modern Warfare 4 for Switch 2 was a fantastic challenge.
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Reposted by Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com
United Videogame Workers-CWA @videogameworkers.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
This is inhumane and unacceptable. And how were these workers thanked for enduring these conditions? Many were laid off. This is why we're organizing. A better industry is both possible and must come to pass if our artform and dignity are to survive.
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 31/08/2026
"There were days where I didn't see my son the whole day; multiple days of that that I sacrificed to get this out the door at the level of quality." EXCLUSIVE—DOOM: The Dark Ages Revelations Faced ‘Worst Crunch’ in Franchise History insider-gaming.com/doom-the-dar...
insider-gaming.com
EXCLUSIVE---DOOM: The Dark Ages Revelations Faced ‘Worst Crunch’ in Franchise History
DOOM: The Dark Ages Revelations faced brutal crunch, with developers working up to 80-hour weeks to finish the expansion before release.
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Reposted by Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com
Insider Gaming @insider-gaming.com · 31/08/2026
Insider Gaming's horror showcase, 28 Games Later, is a month away. We're now looking for official co-streamers for the event! Interested creators can simply fill out this form, and we'll be in touch shortly! 28 Games Later airs October 1 at 3pm ET/8pm BST SIGN UP: forms.gle/eQFR7smGtKUY...
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 28/08/2026
Looking to talk to studios who've had equipment stolen in the past at Gamescom. What's happened this year, isn't new. Email Michael@insider-gaming.com or reach out via DM
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 26/08/2026
So, are FPS great again yet?
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Mike Straw | Insider-Gaming.com @mikestrawmedia.com · 25/08/2026
Come find me. Have a drink. #gamescom
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