In today's Dead Drop, Mario Kart goes open-world, Bloober gets bleak with Cronos, and the Playdate gets a surprise hit from the FTL devs. We’ve got layoffs, licensing weirdness, and a 4/20 GTA update that’s… on brand. Plus, one mascot agency that might just steal your heart.

*****

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Recommend this podcast to a friend who needs news on the daily from the games industry, and give it a rating and review to tell others you like it too!

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*****

MUSIC (Artlist.io):

• Evgeny Bardyuzha - Back to You
• Droid Bishop - Days of the Running Man
• Notize - Any Good

PRODUCTION: MB Podcast Services

Today on The Dead Drop, Roblox gets legally served over a TikTok dance, Embracer slices itself into thirds, and Ninja Gaiden slips back into 2D like it never left. I’m Matthew Bliss, guiding you through a crisp collection of headlines featuring mobile spending regrets in Japan, RuneScape’s dragon-fueled detour, and Pocketpair’s unexpected pivot into publishing.

We’ve also got Doom-branded Xbox gear, Netflix’s latest narrative experiment, and a $900 million lawsuit that sounds like someone rage-quit real life. All wrapped up with dry wit and zero microtransactions. Let’s get you briefed.

*****

Thanks for listening to The Dead Drop: a partner podcast of Coffee with a Podcaster!

Recommend this podcast to a friend who needs news on the daily from the games industry, and give it a rating and review to tell others you like it too!

Want to get in touch?

Send a message to hello@deaddroppodcast.com and I'll get back to you - maybe even give you a shoutout on the show!

Support this Podcast:

Here are some of the services I use to create this show. Sign up for these services with the links below to support the podcast!

Use Brain.FM to stay focused while you podcast (Affiliate)

Use Captivate.FM to host & distribute your Podcast (Affiliate)

Sign up for Artlist.io to add Royalty Free Music to your Podcast (Referral)

*****

MUSIC (Artlist.io):

• Evgeny Bardyuzha - Back to You
• Droid Bishop - Days of the Running Man
• Notize - Any Good

PRODUCTION: MB Podcast Services

In today’s Dead Drop, Sony hikes PS5 prices again (cheers, inflation), Kojima lets you skip boss fights (merciful legend), and Hollywood keeps poaching our IPs—with Story Kitchen cooking up some serious adaptations.

We dive into tariff trouble hitting the Switch 2, Death Stranding 2 updates, new releases, and layoffs shaking up gaming media. It's your no-nonsense cache of the biggest gaming news, with just enough sarcasm to keep it spicy.

*****

Thanks for listening to The Dead Drop: a partner podcast of Coffee with a Podcaster!

Recommend this podcast to a friend who needs news on the daily from the games industry, and give it a rating and review to tell others you like it too!

Want to get in touch?

Send a message to hello@deaddroppodcast.com and I'll get back to you - maybe even give you a shoutout on the show!

Support this Podcast:

Here are some of the services I use to create this show. Sign up for these services with the links below to support the podcast!

Use Brain.FM to stay focused while you podcast (Affiliate)

Use Captivate.FM to host & distribute your Podcast (Affiliate)

Sign up for Artlist.io to add Royalty Free Music to your Podcast (Referral)

*****

MUSIC (Artlist.io):

• Evgeny Bardyuzha - Back to You
• Droid Bishop - Days of the Running Man
• Notize - Any Good

PRODUCTION: MB Podcast Services

In today’s Dead Drop, we dive into Ubisoft’s courtroom confidence over The Crew, Astro Bot cleaning house at the BAFTAs, and why Nintendo still says “nah” to achievements. You’ll hear about ASMR gaming bliss, indie surprises like Blue Prince, and even a comeback attempt from one of the worst games ever made. Yes, really.

Also, STALKER 2 rises against the odds, The Last of Us evolves its infected, and Warhammer 40K quietly conquers Roblox. It’s a weird, wonderful mix — just how we like it.

*****

Thanks for listening to The Dead Drop: a partner podcast of Coffee with a Podcaster!

Recommend this podcast to a friend who needs news on the daily from the games industry, and give it a rating and review to tell others you like it too!

Want to get in touch?

Send a message to hello@deaddroppodcast.com and I'll get back to you - maybe even give you a shoutout on the show!

Support this Podcast:

Here are some of the services I use to create this show. Sign up for these services with the links below to support the podcast!

Use Brain.FM to stay focused while you podcast (Affiliate)

Use Captivate.FM to host & distribute your Podcast (Affiliate)

Sign up for Artlist.io to add Royalty Free Music to your Podcast (Referral)

*****

MUSIC (Artlist.io):

• Evgeny Bardyuzha - Back to You
• Droid Bishop - Days of the Running Man
• Notize - Any Good

PRODUCTION: MB Podcast Services

Today on The Dead Drop, we’re talking Black Ops Gulf War, Unity’s painful staff cuts, and a Barbie game that’s, believe it or not, actually happening. Plus, Hades II gets its early access date, Helldivers 2 players face PC chaos, and Destiny 2 nostalgia hits hard.

We’ve also got the Suicide Squad’s redemption roadmap, Phil Spencer teasing Xbox’s cloudy future, and fresh whispers from CD Projekt Red’s next Witcher saga. It’s all here—quick, sharp, and ready to go.

*****

Thanks for listening to The Dead Drop: a partner podcast of Coffee with a Podcaster!

Recommend this podcast to a friend who needs news on the daily from the games industry, and give it a rating and review to tell others you like it too!

Want to get in touch?

Send a message to hello@deaddroppodcast.com and I'll get back to you - maybe even give you a shoutout on the show!

Support this Podcast:

Here are some of the services I use to create this show. Sign up for these services with the links below to support the podcast!

Use Brain.FM to stay focused while you podcast (Affiliate)

Use Captivate.FM to host & distribute your Podcast (Affiliate)

Sign up for Artlist.io to add Royalty Free Music to your Podcast (Referral)

*****

MUSIC (Artlist.io):

• Evgeny Bardyuzha - Back to You
• Droid Bishop - Days of the Running Man
• Notize - Any Good

PRODUCTION: MB Podcast Services

Warner Bros games revenue down 41% during Q2 due to Suicide Squad | GamesIndustry.biz

https://www.gamesindustry.biz/warner-bros-games-revenue-down-41-during-q2-due-to-suicide-squad

Bandai Namco profits rose 56% during Q1 FY25 | GamesIndustry.biz

https://www.gamesindustry.biz/bandai-namco-profits-rose-56-during-q1-fy25

Indie poker roguelike Balatro tops 2 million copies sold | News-in-brief | GamesIndustry.biz

https://www.gamesindustry.biz/indie-poker-roguelike-balatro-tops-2-million-copies-sold

High on Life to get animated series | GamesIndustry.biz

https://www.gamesindustry.biz/high-on-life-to-get-animated-series

The Borderlands movie currently has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 0% | VGC (videogameschronicle.com)

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/the-borderlands-movie-currently-has-a-rotten-tomatoes-score-of-0/

Warner Bros is ‘looking at’ licensing its IP to other game studios | VGC (videogameschronicle.com)

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/warner-bros-is-looking-at-licensing-its-ip-to-other-game-studios/

Callisto Protocol director claims Krafton insisted on releasing the game too soon | VGC (videogameschronicle.com)

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/callisto-protocol-director-claims-krafton-insisted-on-releasing-the-game-too-soon/

Arkane founder's new RPG shoots for "Fallout meets Dishonored" with a splash of Obsidian storytelling | Eurogamer.net

https://www.eurogamer.net/arkane-founders-new-rpg-shoots-for-fallout-meets-dishonored-with-a-splash-of-obsidian-storytelling

AMD Ryzen 5 9600X and Ryzen 7 9700X review: Zen 5 impresses, but 7800X3D still reigns for gaming | Eurogamer.net

https://www.eurogamer.net/digitalfoundry-amd-ryzen-5-9600x-and-ryzen-7-9700x-review

Sifu and High on Life lead Humble Choice games this August | Eurogamer.net

https://www.eurogamer.net/sifu-and-high-on-life-lead-humble-choice-games-this-august

Xbox Game Pass August line-up announced | Eurogamer.net

https://www.eurogamer.net/xbox-game-pass-august-line-up-announced

That's all for today, make sure you tune in...

Today's Headlines:

THQ Nordic has teased a new Darksiders game | VGC (videogameschronicle.com)

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/thq-nordic-has-teased-a-new-darksiders-game/

At the end of a THQ Nordic showcase, we see the Charred Council (aka fiery stone heads) proclaiming the four horseman will ride again. Could mean Darksiders IV but, you know… Darksiders III sucked.

Development build of Call of Duty Black Ops 6 leaks as footage floods social media | VGC (videogameschronicle.com)

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/development-build-of-call-of-duty-black-ops-6-leaks-as-footage-floods-social-media/

The leaks are being taken down as fast as they go up but showcases map lists, perks, the gunsmith menu and the new Omnimovement function. The game is coming on 25th October, and Gamepass on Day One.

Nintendo Q1 profits decline 55% as the Switch nears the end of its lifecycle | GamesIndustry.biz

https://www.gamesindustry.biz/nintendo-q1-profits-decline-55-to-16bn-as-the-switch-nears-the-end-of-its-lifecycle

This is absolutely expected as the Switch enters its 8th year in the market and last year's release of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Time for a new console, guys!

Game Informer magazine to close after 33 years | VGC (videogameschronicle.com)

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/game-informer-magazine-to-close-after-33-years/

The prolific games journalism staple has been closed down by Gamestop, meaning more job losses for the Games Industry. This statement was posted:

“After 33 thrilling years of bringing you the latest news, reviews, and insights from the ever-evolving world of gaming, it is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of Game Informer.

“From the early days of pixelated adventures to today’s immersive virtual realms, we’ve been honored to share this incredible journey with you, our loyal readers.

”While our presses may stop, the passion for gaming that we’ve cultivated together will continue to live on. Thank you for being part of our epic quest, and may your own gaming adventures never end.”

Intel announces layoffs of around 15,000 staff | GamesIndustry.biz

https://www.gamesindustry.biz/intel-announces-layoffs-of-around-15000-staff

15% of the total workforce at Intel has suffered due to a 10-billion cost reduction plan, supported by CEO Pat Gelsinger. And if they can't get the microcode out to fix Gen 13 & 14 CPUs this month… they might suffer more!

Jam City lays off 10% off staff | GamesIndustry.biz

https://www.gamesindustry.biz/jam-city-lays-of-10-off-staff

CEO Josh Yguado shared that a promised upward trend never materialised, so they needed to make the 85 redundancies in the mobile studio.

Report: Microsoft sets up new AA studio within...

Nintendo has changed it's tournament community rules to exclude gamers with accessibility requirements, and more stories today on Thursday 26th October 2023.

INDUSTRY

Nintendo’s new tournament controller rules are ‘a huge step back for accessibility’, it’s claimed | VGC (videogameschronicle.com)

Nintendo is shaking up its Community Tournament Guidelines to lock down issues it has with the current protocols, but it has had an unintended consequence to a large sub-section of the gaming community.

New rules added to tournaments with Nintendo games are a 200-participant cap on events, banning the sale of goods, banning third-party compensation after sponsorship and players can no longer use third-party controllers.

It's this last stipulation that has the accessibility community in uproar. You might be aware the Nintendo Switch joycons aren't the easiest controllers to handle - this is significant for players with accessibility needs and without third-party modifications, this will exclude them from competition.

Arevya on Twitter has spoken out strongly about this change to advocate for the accessibility community in games.

I'm sure we all understand, and aren't surprised, that Nintendo are pushing for their own products to be the only valid tourney standards but inclusion is an extremely important aspect of games and community today. They may not see it as such, but hopefully there's a change coming to enable accessibility in community tournaments soon.

Nintendo details more aggressive social media guidelines | GamesIndustry.biz

But the Nintendo news doesn't stop there! They've also changed their social media guidelines. This shift means that they will be able to target unauthorised content with DMCA takedowns.

Unauthorised now means "[Content that] features unauthorised game consoles and/or software not licensed by Nintendo or features video, images, sound sources, etc. that cannot be used in regular gameplay, extracted through game software via data mining and other methods".

So they want to come after emulators, mods and other content displaying Nintendo IP. Like they needed a bigger legal team anyway…

Here's everything featured in the Xbox Partner Preview showcase | Eurogamer.net

The Xbox Partner Preview aired yesterday, and here's a quick rundown of what we saw.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a side-release from the popular series, and seems to be like Animal Crossing.

Futurlab, developer of Powerwash Simulator, has announced Iakro: Will Not Die - a staisfying flow-state rogue-lite action title.

Developer The Chinese Room announced "Still Wakes the Deep": a spooky first-person horror title set on a 70s North Sea oil rig.

RoboCop: Rogue City saw some fresh gameplay before its release on the 2nd November.

Ark: Survival Ascended is the remake of its predecessor, Survival Evolved and it's currently in Steam Early Access.

Honorable mentions also include The Finals, Manor Lords, Spirit of the North 2, Dungeons of Hinterberg and, of course, Alan Wake 2.

For trailers and more, jump into the show notes.

GTA 6 age listing is fake, launch date a mystery, ratings board says | PCGamesN

The Australian Classifications Board makes the news again, but this time it wasn't their fault....