Latest Gaming News

📅January 20, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Gaming industry faces widespread layoffs at Meta, Ubisoft, and Warner Bros., alongside award nominations for Clair Obscur and Ghost of Yotei, and events like Pocket Gamer Connects London.
1

Meta Shuts Down Three VR Studios in Reality Labs Layoffs

Meta has closed three VR studios as part of broader Reality Labs layoffs, impacting developers including those behind Batman: Arkham Shadow at Camouflaj.Source 1 This move signals ongoing challenges in the VR sector.Source 1 Staff reductions at Camouflaj follow the studio's work on the Quest exclusive.Source 1

2

Ubisoft Confirms Layoffs at Abu Dhabi Studio and Shuts Halifax Location

Ubisoft has laid off staff at its Abu Dhabi studio and shuttered its Halifax studio, prompting union backlash from CWA Canada.Source 1 The Halifax closure has led to demands for answers from Ubisoft lawyers.Source 1 This continues a trend of studio closures and workforce cuts at the publisher.Source 1

3

Warner Bros. Games Cuts Roles at San Francisco Studio

Warner Bros. Games has eliminated roles at its San Francisco studio, adding to recent industry layoffs.Source 1 The cuts reflect broader restructuring in the gaming sector.Source 1 Details on the number of affected employees remain undisclosed.Source 1

4

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Ghost of Yotei Lead GDCA 2026 Nominations

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Ghost of Yotei top the nominations for the 2026 Game Developers Choice Awards.Source 1 These titles headline the GDCA and DICE Awards recognition for excellence.Source 1 Nominations highlight standout games from the past year.Source 1

5

Awesome Games Done Quick 2026 Raises Over $2.44 Million

The Awesome Games Done Quick 2026 charity speedrun event has surpassed $2.44 million in donations.Source 1 Funds support various causes through gaming marathons.Source 1 The milestone underscores the community's generosity.Source 1

6

Pocket Gamer Connects London 2026 Kicks Off with Major Talks

Pocket Gamer Connects London 2026 began on January 19th featuring sessions from Arcadia Gaming Partners, Duolingo, and the UK Video Games Council.Source 3 The event, running through January 20th, is anticipated to be the largest yet.Source 3 It focuses on mobile gaming industry trends and networking.Source 3

7

Krafton Explores Game Tech for Physical AI and Robotics

Krafton is evaluating applications of its game technology in physical AI and robotics development.Source 1 This business move aims to expand beyond traditional gaming.Source 1 Details on specific projects remain under evaluation.Source 1

8

Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo Update Joint Player Safety Commitment

Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo issued a joint update on their ongoing player safety initiatives.Source 1 The commitment addresses industry-wide concerns on moderation and protection.Source 1 It reinforces collaborative efforts among major platforms.Source 1

9

Playtika Cuts 15% of Global Workforce

Playtika is reducing 15 percent of its global workforce as part of cost-cutting measures.Source 1 The layoffs impact the mobile gaming company's operations worldwide.Source 1 This follows similar reductions across the sector.Source 1

10

Phasmophobia Developer Kinetic Games Launches Publishing Label

Kinetic Games, creators of Phasmophobia, has launched a new indie publishing label.Source 1 The initiative supports emerging developers in the horror genre and beyond.Source 1 It marks a shift into publishing alongside development.Source 1

11

UK Implements Ban on Mixed-Product Gambling Incentives

A ban on mixed-product gambling incentives takes effect in the United Kingdom from January 19, 2026.Source 5 The regulation targets promotions combining gaming with other products.Source 5 It aims to protect consumers from aggressive marketing tactics.Source 5

12

Global Game Jam Set to Surpass 500,000 Lifetime Participants in 2026

The Global Game Jam is projected to exceed 500,000 total participants in 2026.Source 1 The annual event fosters game creation worldwide over 48 hours.Source 1 It continues to grow as a key community milestone.Source 1

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