Latest Gaming News

đź“…December 8, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Gaming news today covers AI in development, hardware delays, mobile monetization trends, major game reveals, and industry events, highlighting shifts in strategy and technology across platforms.
1

Sega to use AI only in 'appropriate use cases' for game development

Sega Sammy Holdings confirmed it will adopt AI in game development to improve efficiency amid rising costs, but only in non-creative workflows to avoid backlash over character and art creation. This stance follows underperformance of recent AA titles and concerns about 'AI frauds' in hiring. Source 4

2

AI 'tech crunch' may delay next-gen gaming hardware

AMD and Nvidia are focusing on AI-driven rendering and upscaling (DLSS, FSR) rather than immediate new GPUs, potentially pushing next-gen hardware to 2027. Analysts warn this could usher in a 'dark age' for hardware innovation as the industry leans heavily on software and AI. Source 3

3

Mobile game monetization trends show strategy growth, RPG decline in 2025

Strategy games revenue rose to $13.5 billion in 2025, while RPGs fell from $13.7B to $11.6B, with tactical RPGs and roguelikes as rare bright spots. Hypercasual and hybridcasual games nearly doubled YoY, and LiveOps offers $6–15 are now the main revenue drivers. Source 2

4

Phantom Blade Zero reshapes 2025–2026 release calendar

A recent reveal at The Game Awards has positioned Phantom Blade Zero as a major disruptive title, significantly altering expectations for the 2025–2026 release window. The game is now seen as declaring 'war' on current industry norms and competing directly with top AAA action titles. Source 7

5

Vietnam emerges as global gaming console manufacturing hub

Vietnam is set to become a major console production center, with Luxshare and Foxconn planning to manufacture around 9.3 million units there. This shift reflects broader supply chain moves and could reshape global console availability and costs. Source 8

6

Arc Raiders AI scandal sparks industry-wide debate

An AI-related controversy around the game Arc Raiders has exploded, with a prominent CEO suggesting that 'every game company' is quietly using AI in development. The scandal highlights growing tension between efficiency demands and ethical concerns in game creation. Source 5

7

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond scores 81.5 in fantasy critic league

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has received an early critic score of 81.5 in the TAGN Fantasy Critic League, reflecting strong but not exceptional early reception. The game is one of several high-profile titles shaping the end-of-year fantasy league standings. Source 1

8

Routine jumps to 97.6 critic score in fantasy league

The game Routine has seen its critic score rise sharply from 85.6 to 97.6 in the TAGN Fantasy Critic League, becoming a top performer for its owner Rodent Entertainment. Its strong reception makes it a key title in the final weeks of the 2025 league. Source 1

9

Ultimate Sheep Raccoon gets December 9, 2025 release date

Ultimate Sheep Raccoon, previously listed as 'Winter 2025', has been officially dated for Tuesday, December 9, 2025, in the TAGN Fantasy Critic League. The game is a follow-up to Ultimate Chicken Horse and is now a confirmed contender for next week’s fantasy scoring. Source 1

10

GamesBeat Summit Next 2025 to explore AI, UGC, and gaming’s future

GamesBeat Summit Next 2025 in San Francisco will bring together over 500 industry professionals to discuss generative AI, user-generated content, esports, and the creator economy. The event continues to be a key forum for B2B gaming strategy and emerging trends. Source 6

11

TAGN 2026 Fantasy Critic League in early preparation

The Ancient Gaming Noob is already preparing the framework for the 2026 TAGN Fantasy Critic League, with details to be shared in the coming week. This annual league tracks critic scores of upcoming games and is a popular tool for following release trends. Source 1