The Game Business Show

Stephen Totilo, journalist and founder of the Game File newsletter, returns to talk industry trends. They unpack mixed signals around Nintendo Switch 2 sales and regional performance. They compare its trajectory to past Nintendo handhelds and discuss digital sales and third-party attach rates. They also cover Epic’s large layoffs and Meta removing Horizon Worlds from the Quest Store.

Javier Ferreira, Co-CEO of Scopely and veteran mobile games executive, talks about mobile market shifts and lessons from Niantic. He covers M&A priorities, fandom vs IP, expanding to PC and console, AI adoption, and why Scopely values iterative learning and culture. Multiple short takes on hybrid casual, platform fee impacts, and balancing organic growth with acquisitions.

Ian Rice, Director General of the Games Rating Authority, explains how national classification and consumer info evolve. Dirk Bosmans, Director General of PEGI, outlines Europe’s major rating overhaul targeting loot boxes and persuasive mechanics. They debate new criteria, legacy live-service games, age assurance challenges, and how rules might steer industry practices without becoming blunt regulatory tools.

Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive and overseer of Rockstar and 2K, talks AI as a productivity boost rather than a creative replacement. He discusses limits of AI for blockbuster hits, in-game advertising that respects players, Roblox and the creator economy, aging player cohorts, and expansion into developing markets.

Ben Porter, Newzoo director and industry data expert, and Guy Richards, ID@Xbox head supporting indie developers. They unpack why Project Moorcroft pivoted to demo support and how Project Helix aims to unify Xbox and Windows. They discuss Game Pass opportunities for indies, Newzoo’s surprise market shifts like PC overtaking console, pricing sweet spots, regional growth, and evolving playtime trends.

Peter Moore, veteran games and sports executive who led teams at Sega, Xbox, EA and Liverpool FC, shares colourful career stories. He recalls the Dreamcast’s innovations, the Xbox 360 repair crisis and the birth of Ultimate Team. He also reflects on public image, navigating corporate politics and the emotional highs and lows of leading Liverpool.

Lucy James, GameSpot writer, presenter and producer, breaks down Capcom's marketing masterclass for Resident Evil Requiem. They explore Capcom’s platform-spanning strategy, surprise trailer reveals, and savvy social and fandom tactics. They also examine AI game recommendations and debates over PlayStation’s PC approach and The Sims 4’s new UGC model.

Tyler Glaiel, a designer/programmer who co-developed Mewgenics, and Edmund McMillen, creator of The Binding of Isaac and Super Meat Boy, talk about Mewgenics' surprise breakout success. They discuss the game's long, iterative development, choosing tactical strategy over easier routes, why they avoid publishers to preserve creative control, hands-on marketing, and recruiting talented fans.

Matthew Ball, strategic analyst of games and media, offers sharp industry perspective. He discusses DRAM shortages and their ripple effects on hardware, streaming and consumer costs. They cover cloud streaming potential, PC handheld realities and how advertising and subscriptions are reshaping revenue models.

Matt Webster, founder and CEO of Fuse Games and former Criterion lead known for racing titles and Star Wars work. He explains how Fuse landed the Star Wars licence and creates Star Wars: Galactic Racer. They discuss reviving racing with fresh ideas, building a distributed studio, technical ambitions like 4K/60, and partnering with Lucasfilm and Secret Mode.