House House supports BDS by skipping Xbox for Big Walk, while the EU considers online gaming restrictions to protect children.
This week in the gaming industry, political and regulatory considerations are taking center stage, with several notable developments influencing the business landscape.
House House Supports BDS Movement
In a significant political statement, Melbourne-based developer House House has decided not to release their co-op hit Big Walk on Xbox. This move supports the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) campaign. As reported by GamesIndustry.biz, House House is taking this stand to express solidarity with the movement, which aims to apply economic pressure on Israel over its policies toward Palestine. This decision highlights the growing intersection of politics and gaming, where platforms and developers take public stances on global issues.
EU Regulation on Children’s Access to Online Games
The European Union is reportedly planning to impose new regulations aimed at restricting children’s access to online games, according to GameWorld Observer. This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to enhance the protection of minors on the internet. The regulations could potentially impact how companies market and provide access to younger demographics, calling for adjustments in parental controls and content monitoring systems across the European market.
Epic Games Divests ArtStation and Sketchfab
In a surprising strategic shift, Epic Games has sold ArtStation and Sketchfab to KitBash. As GameWorld Observer reports, these divestitures suggest a refocusing of Epic’s core business objectives, potentially freeing up resources to concentrate on the company’s gaming and engine development sectors. These platforms were crucial in hosting and publishing digital art and 3D models, and the sale might indicate a pivot away from community tools to possibly more lucrative or aligned interests.
Xbox Expands into Adjacent Ventures
Xbox is continuing its efforts to evolve beyond traditional console gaming by launching a new division named ‘XP’. This division will focus on “game-adjacent ventures,” which include expanding their intellectual properties into new areas such as media, merchandise, and more, as reported by Game Developer. By doubling down on IP-centric strategies, Xbox is aiming to extend the reach of its gaming content into broader entertainment ecosystems.
Legal Action Against Security Breaches
Denuvo, known for its anti-piracy technology, has taken legal steps to identify a hacker responsible for consistent breaches over the past year. According to a report by Game Developer, Denuvo seeks to subpoena platforms such as Discord, Valve, and Reddit to obtain information that might lead to the hacker’s identification. This legal angle highlights the ongoing battle against piracy in the gaming industry and the complex role of digital platforms in safeguarding proprietary technology.
Elsewhere, the industry saw Mixtape win big at the Australian Game Developer Awards, taking home Game of the Year among others, and Glen Schofield’s reflections on his retirement and insights about the industry’s focus on creativity over AI tools added a more personal touch to this week’s discussions.
