DomsPlaying
@domsplaying.bsky.social
Avid Gamer & Pinballer.
Free Agent Games Industry Analyst.
Enthusiast. Reviewer. Researcher.
Formerly ran Working Casual.
[email protected]
Free Agent Games Industry Analyst.
Enthusiast. Reviewer. Researcher.
Formerly ran Working Casual.
[email protected]
Much-deserved success for Expedition 33, being the top new 3rd party release on Game Pass in 2025.
The RPG had upwards of 5M units sold, last I saw.
It joins the likes of Palworld and High on Life to earn this honor for Microsoft's subscription service.
news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/1...
The RPG had upwards of 5M units sold, last I saw.
It joins the likes of Palworld and High on Life to earn this honor for Microsoft's subscription service.
news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/1...
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Is the Biggest New Third-Party Game Launch on Xbox Game Pass of 2025 - Xbox Wire
Sandfall Interactive’s phenomenal debut RPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, is the biggest new third-party game launch on Xbox Game Pass of 2025.
news.xbox.com
December 4, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Much-deserved success for Expedition 33, being the top new 3rd party release on Game Pass in 2025.
The RPG had upwards of 5M units sold, last I saw.
It joins the likes of Palworld and High on Life to earn this honor for Microsoft's subscription service.
news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/1...
The RPG had upwards of 5M units sold, last I saw.
It joins the likes of Palworld and High on Life to earn this honor for Microsoft's subscription service.
news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/1...
Intriguing read below using Yacht Club Games as a prime example of navigating a tricky indie market.
How can it follow-up the success of Shovel Knight while churning thru capital & downsizing?
It may seem dramatic to call Mina the Hollower "make or break;" that's just reality.
How can it follow-up the success of Shovel Knight while churning thru capital & downsizing?
It may seem dramatic to call Mina the Hollower "make or break;" that's just reality.
December 3, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Intriguing read below using Yacht Club Games as a prime example of navigating a tricky indie market.
How can it follow-up the success of Shovel Knight while churning thru capital & downsizing?
It may seem dramatic to call Mina the Hollower "make or break;" that's just reality.
How can it follow-up the success of Shovel Knight while churning thru capital & downsizing?
It may seem dramatic to call Mina the Hollower "make or break;" that's just reality.
Looks like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has settled at an 83 on OpenCritic.
While a bit below my expectation, still sounds like a really good game in the series' pantheon, even if certain elements didn't hit for everyone.
opencritic.com/game/16868/m...
While a bit below my expectation, still sounds like a really good game in the series' pantheon, even if certain elements didn't hit for everyone.
opencritic.com/game/16868/m...
December 2, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Looks like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has settled at an 83 on OpenCritic.
While a bit below my expectation, still sounds like a really good game in the series' pantheon, even if certain elements didn't hit for everyone.
opencritic.com/game/16868/m...
While a bit below my expectation, still sounds like a really good game in the series' pantheon, even if certain elements didn't hit for everyone.
opencritic.com/game/16868/m...
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond reviews are up today right?
I'm thinking 87-88 on OpenCritic. Feels like critics eat up this franchise, now especially so after the Remaster and the long wait until this point.
You?
I'm thinking 87-88 on OpenCritic. Feels like critics eat up this franchise, now especially so after the Remaster and the long wait until this point.
You?
December 2, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond reviews are up today right?
I'm thinking 87-88 on OpenCritic. Feels like critics eat up this franchise, now especially so after the Remaster and the long wait until this point.
You?
I'm thinking 87-88 on OpenCritic. Feels like critics eat up this franchise, now especially so after the Remaster and the long wait until this point.
You?
It's almost as if the series needs a "clean slate" refresh, a Destiny 3 if you will, that should have been planned & in development well before Final Shape.
I really hope the rumors of a D3 are true. It's just.. Bungie's timing might be a bit too late.
www.gamesindustry.biz/bungie-admit...
I really hope the rumors of a D3 are true. It's just.. Bungie's timing might be a bit too late.
www.gamesindustry.biz/bungie-admit...
Bungie admits that Destiny is struggling to attract new players
Developer and publisher Bungie has said that its smash hit sci-fi MMO Destiny has fallen short when it comes to bringin…
www.gamesindustry.biz
December 1, 2025 at 3:04 PM
It's almost as if the series needs a "clean slate" refresh, a Destiny 3 if you will, that should have been planned & in development well before Final Shape.
I really hope the rumors of a D3 are true. It's just.. Bungie's timing might be a bit too late.
www.gamesindustry.biz/bungie-admit...
I really hope the rumors of a D3 are true. It's just.. Bungie's timing might be a bit too late.
www.gamesindustry.biz/bungie-admit...
The way it be selling off subsidiaries it once gobbled up, Embracer might have to change its name to Excluder or something.
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/embrace...
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/embrace...
Embracer sells two more companies from its acquisition spree era, as Remnant and Neverwinter firms offloaded | VGC
Arc Games and Cryptic Studios have been sold by Embracer…
www.videogameschronicle.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:23 PM
The way it be selling off subsidiaries it once gobbled up, Embracer might have to change its name to Excluder or something.
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/embrace...
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/embrace...
I nominate this press release from EA for "Most PR Headline of the Year."
"Multi-Award Nominated Battlefield 6 Offers Special Free Trial of the Best-Selling First-Person Shooter of 2025"
investor.ea.com/press-releas...
"Multi-Award Nominated Battlefield 6 Offers Special Free Trial of the Best-Selling First-Person Shooter of 2025"
investor.ea.com/press-releas...
November 25, 2025 at 4:23 PM
I nominate this press release from EA for "Most PR Headline of the Year."
"Multi-Award Nominated Battlefield 6 Offers Special Free Trial of the Best-Selling First-Person Shooter of 2025"
investor.ea.com/press-releas...
"Multi-Award Nominated Battlefield 6 Offers Special Free Trial of the Best-Selling First-Person Shooter of 2025"
investor.ea.com/press-releas...
Better scoop them up now before the price goes up two or three times over the next year!
🙄
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/these-n...
🙄
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/these-n...
These new officially licensed Crocs are designed to look like an Xbox controller, buttons and all | VGC
The Xbox Classic Clog collaboration launches today…
www.videogameschronicle.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Better scoop them up now before the price goes up two or three times over the next year!
🙄
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/these-n...
🙄
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/these-n...
The Xbox hardware business has become a running joke that isn't funny.
It's why I think the future for MS is 3rd party partnerships, like ROG.
At what point are Spencer, Bond & executives held accountable for poor decision-making that has led to this?
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/they-di...
It's why I think the future for MS is 3rd party partnerships, like ROG.
At what point are Spencer, Bond & executives held accountable for poor decision-making that has led to this?
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/they-di...
‘They didn’t plan at all’: Xbox reportedly warning of yet another potential price increase | VGC
Global DRAM shortages could soon affect Xbox consoles…
www.videogameschronicle.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:53 PM
The Xbox hardware business has become a running joke that isn't funny.
It's why I think the future for MS is 3rd party partnerships, like ROG.
At what point are Spencer, Bond & executives held accountable for poor decision-making that has led to this?
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/they-di...
It's why I think the future for MS is 3rd party partnerships, like ROG.
At what point are Spencer, Bond & executives held accountable for poor decision-making that has led to this?
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/they-di...
While I think this is an exercise in semantics, just change it to "Best Breakout Game" & be done with it.
Use the category to highlight popular "breakout" hits from lesser-known developers or newer teams. Most devs have worked on other games before!
www.gamesindustry.biz/megabonk-wit...
Use the category to highlight popular "breakout" hits from lesser-known developers or newer teams. Most devs have worked on other games before!
www.gamesindustry.biz/megabonk-wit...
Megabonk withdraws from The Game Awards: "It's an honour but I don't think it qualifies for Debut Indie Game"
Vedinad, the force behind Megabonk, has withdrawn from consideration as Best Debut Indie Game at next month's The Game …
www.gamesindustry.biz
November 21, 2025 at 8:42 PM
While I think this is an exercise in semantics, just change it to "Best Breakout Game" & be done with it.
Use the category to highlight popular "breakout" hits from lesser-known developers or newer teams. Most devs have worked on other games before!
www.gamesindustry.biz/megabonk-wit...
Use the category to highlight popular "breakout" hits from lesser-known developers or newer teams. Most devs have worked on other games before!
www.gamesindustry.biz/megabonk-wit...
What a start for Battlefield 6 in the States.
Could this be the year a game dethrones Call of Duty for best-selling title?
(I wouldn't bet on it. Yet it's certainly a possibility!)
Also, Switch 2 continues its record pace, 3% above PS4 launch-aligned.
Could this be the year a game dethrones Call of Duty for best-selling title?
(I wouldn't bet on it. Yet it's certainly a possibility!)
Also, Switch 2 continues its record pace, 3% above PS4 launch-aligned.
October 2025 U.S. Video Game Market Highlights Thread from Circana - Battlefield 6, mobile content and Switch 2 hardware were among the drivers of total projected US spending on video game hardware, content and accessories reaching $4.9B in October 2025, growing 3% vs Oct 2024.
November 21, 2025 at 8:02 PM
What a start for Battlefield 6 in the States.
Could this be the year a game dethrones Call of Duty for best-selling title?
(I wouldn't bet on it. Yet it's certainly a possibility!)
Also, Switch 2 continues its record pace, 3% above PS4 launch-aligned.
Could this be the year a game dethrones Call of Duty for best-selling title?
(I wouldn't bet on it. Yet it's certainly a possibility!)
Also, Switch 2 continues its record pace, 3% above PS4 launch-aligned.
Sometimes an earnings delay is just an earnings delay.
Personally, I think a "new" Ubisoft sticks around after this restructuring. At least for a couple years.
I also said from the start that the Vivendi takeover wouldn't happen. Then again, who knows!
www.barrons.com/news/ubisoft...
Personally, I think a "new" Ubisoft sticks around after this restructuring. At least for a couple years.
I also said from the start that the Vivendi takeover wouldn't happen. Then again, who knows!
www.barrons.com/news/ubisoft...
Ubisoft Shares Surge As Trading Resumes After Results 'Restatement'
Shares in Ubisoft rose sharply as they resumed trading on the Paris stock exchange Friday, a week after the French video game company stunned investors by postponing its results announcement without a...
www.barrons.com
November 21, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Sometimes an earnings delay is just an earnings delay.
Personally, I think a "new" Ubisoft sticks around after this restructuring. At least for a couple years.
I also said from the start that the Vivendi takeover wouldn't happen. Then again, who knows!
www.barrons.com/news/ubisoft...
Personally, I think a "new" Ubisoft sticks around after this restructuring. At least for a couple years.
I also said from the start that the Vivendi takeover wouldn't happen. Then again, who knows!
www.barrons.com/news/ubisoft...
How many more times will we see 007 before March? Over/under set at 5.5.
Take the over, just like betting on the number of new Dave the Diver DLCs.
"1st person, deckbuilding, roguelike dungeon crawler" Vampire Crawlers hits all the indie keywords, huh.
news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/1...
Take the over, just like betting on the number of new Dave the Diver DLCs.
"1st person, deckbuilding, roguelike dungeon crawler" Vampire Crawlers hits all the indie keywords, huh.
news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/1...
Xbox Partner Preview | November 2025: Everything Announced From Our Amazing Partners - Xbox Wire
Xbox Partner Preview returned today, shining a light on our third-party partners with world premieres, new announcements, DLC reveals and much more.
news.xbox.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:07 PM
How many more times will we see 007 before March? Over/under set at 5.5.
Take the over, just like betting on the number of new Dave the Diver DLCs.
"1st person, deckbuilding, roguelike dungeon crawler" Vampire Crawlers hits all the indie keywords, huh.
news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/1...
Take the over, just like betting on the number of new Dave the Diver DLCs.
"1st person, deckbuilding, roguelike dungeon crawler" Vampire Crawlers hits all the indie keywords, huh.
news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/1...
"AI feels like a production solution, not a creative one. Maybe it’s a creative one if you aren’t creative."
👀 👀 👀
Mic drop moment.
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/develop...
👀 👀 👀
Mic drop moment.
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/develop...
Developer of breakout hit Dispatch calls AI a creative solution for developers ‘who aren’t creative’ | VGC
Dispatch’s developer has come out against the use of AI tools in the creative process…
www.videogameschronicle.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:21 PM
"AI feels like a production solution, not a creative one. Maybe it’s a creative one if you aren’t creative."
👀 👀 👀
Mic drop moment.
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/develop...
👀 👀 👀
Mic drop moment.
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/develop...
Now that it's official, I'll say Yotei should be up for GOTY over DK or KC.
The fact that South of Midnight isn't up for the best music award is borderline criminal.
And I really hope Avowed takes home Best RPG, but that category is straight up stacked.
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/clair-o...
The fact that South of Midnight isn't up for the best music award is borderline criminal.
And I really hope Avowed takes home Best RPG, but that category is straight up stacked.
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/clair-o...
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and PlayStation lead The Game Awards 2025 nominations | VGC
Expedition 33, Death Stranding 2, and Ghost of Yotei are the most nominated games…
www.videogameschronicle.com
November 17, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Now that it's official, I'll say Yotei should be up for GOTY over DK or KC.
The fact that South of Midnight isn't up for the best music award is borderline criminal.
And I really hope Avowed takes home Best RPG, but that category is straight up stacked.
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/clair-o...
The fact that South of Midnight isn't up for the best music award is borderline criminal.
And I really hope Avowed takes home Best RPG, but that category is straight up stacked.
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/clair-o...
Looks like TGA GOTY nominees have leaked.
(I maintain year-end awards should be done at the end of Dec or, ideally, in January.)
This year looks like a two horse race between Expedition 33 & Silksong.
What really shows is 2025 has a ton of great games.
www.thegamer.com/the-game-awa...
(I maintain year-end awards should be done at the end of Dec or, ideally, in January.)
This year looks like a two horse race between Expedition 33 & Silksong.
What really shows is 2025 has a ton of great games.
www.thegamer.com/the-game-awa...
The Game Awards 2025 Nominations Have Been Revealed, And You Can Find Them All Here
The Game of the Year nominees leaked ahead of time, but all of the categories will be revealed today.
www.thegamer.com
November 17, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Looks like TGA GOTY nominees have leaked.
(I maintain year-end awards should be done at the end of Dec or, ideally, in January.)
This year looks like a two horse race between Expedition 33 & Silksong.
What really shows is 2025 has a ton of great games.
www.thegamer.com/the-game-awa...
(I maintain year-end awards should be done at the end of Dec or, ideally, in January.)
This year looks like a two horse race between Expedition 33 & Silksong.
What really shows is 2025 has a ton of great games.
www.thegamer.com/the-game-awa...
"When we set a date, we really do believe in it."
Yet another reminder that executives just be sayin' stuff.
😂
Yet another reminder that executives just be sayin' stuff.
😂
November 7, 2025 at 1:57 PM
"When we set a date, we really do believe in it."
Yet another reminder that executives just be sayin' stuff.
😂
Yet another reminder that executives just be sayin' stuff.
😂
This just in:
Grand Theft Auto VI set to be a launch title for Xbox Series PC (MSRP of US$ 1,000).
Grand Theft Auto VI set to be a launch title for Xbox Series PC (MSRP of US$ 1,000).
November 6, 2025 at 9:34 PM
This just in:
Grand Theft Auto VI set to be a launch title for Xbox Series PC (MSRP of US$ 1,000).
Grand Theft Auto VI set to be a launch title for Xbox Series PC (MSRP of US$ 1,000).
It's not a Rockstar game unless it's delayed at least a few times!
Grand Theft Auto VI is now scheduled to launch on November 19th, 2026.
www.take2games.com/ir/quarterly...
Grand Theft Auto VI is now scheduled to launch on November 19th, 2026.
www.take2games.com/ir/quarterly...
November 6, 2025 at 9:27 PM
It's not a Rockstar game unless it's delayed at least a few times!
Grand Theft Auto VI is now scheduled to launch on November 19th, 2026.
www.take2games.com/ir/quarterly...
Grand Theft Auto VI is now scheduled to launch on November 19th, 2026.
www.take2games.com/ir/quarterly...
Thinking about where Nintendo was even less than a decade ago, what a turnaround for one of gaming's most storied, and wacky, companies.
Now add on two movies for its major franchises & think of the future upside. Any current forecasts might be too low!
www.gamesindustry.biz/switch-2-rea...
Now add on two movies for its major franchises & think of the future upside. Any current forecasts might be too low!
www.gamesindustry.biz/switch-2-rea...
Switch 2 reaches highest global sales of any Nintendo platform in first four months of launch
Sales of latest console are "growing at the fastest rate in the history" of Nintendo's hardware, says president
www.gamesindustry.biz
November 5, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Thinking about where Nintendo was even less than a decade ago, what a turnaround for one of gaming's most storied, and wacky, companies.
Now add on two movies for its major franchises & think of the future upside. Any current forecasts might be too low!
www.gamesindustry.biz/switch-2-rea...
Now add on two movies for its major franchises & think of the future upside. Any current forecasts might be too low!
www.gamesindustry.biz/switch-2-rea...
Nintendo's results were, as expected, excellent.
Switch 2 > 10M, 2x OG.
MK World 9.57M, > MK8D.
DK Bananza: 3.49M.
Rev +110%. Op profit +20%.
Increased FY target to 19M.
(15M was laughable.)
Upping mine to 19.5M - 20M.
Switch at 154M, same as DS.
👀
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/nintend...
Switch 2 > 10M, 2x OG.
MK World 9.57M, > MK8D.
DK Bananza: 3.49M.
Rev +110%. Op profit +20%.
Increased FY target to 19M.
(15M was laughable.)
Upping mine to 19.5M - 20M.
Switch at 154M, same as DS.
👀
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/nintend...
Nintendo Switch 2’s phenomenal launch continues as it clears 10 million - more than PS4 and PS5 | VGC
The company has raised its forecasts for the business year; Switch 1 set to become Nintendo’s best-selling console ever…
www.videogameschronicle.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Nintendo's results were, as expected, excellent.
Switch 2 > 10M, 2x OG.
MK World 9.57M, > MK8D.
DK Bananza: 3.49M.
Rev +110%. Op profit +20%.
Increased FY target to 19M.
(15M was laughable.)
Upping mine to 19.5M - 20M.
Switch at 154M, same as DS.
👀
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/nintend...
Switch 2 > 10M, 2x OG.
MK World 9.57M, > MK8D.
DK Bananza: 3.49M.
Rev +110%. Op profit +20%.
Increased FY target to 19M.
(15M was laughable.)
Upping mine to 19.5M - 20M.
Switch at 154M, same as DS.
👀
www.videogameschronicle.com/news/nintend...
Ah. The true definition of FAFO.
I'd say Nintendo's lawyers have a pretty solid track record, and they most certainly did their research.
😂
kotaku.com/nintendo-swi...
I'd say Nintendo's lawyers have a pretty solid track record, and they most certainly did their research.
😂
kotaku.com/nintendo-swi...
YouTuber Who Trolled Nintendo Now Owes $17,500 In Switch Piracy Lawsuit
The player of pirated games like Mario & Luigi: Brothership lost the lawsuit
kotaku.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Ah. The true definition of FAFO.
I'd say Nintendo's lawyers have a pretty solid track record, and they most certainly did their research.
😂
kotaku.com/nintendo-swi...
I'd say Nintendo's lawyers have a pretty solid track record, and they most certainly did their research.
😂
kotaku.com/nintendo-swi...
Might be hard for Microsoft to hit its (lofty) profit margin while Xbox isn't growing.
Its most recent quarterly gaming sales declined 2%, propped up by 3rd party.
Unfortunately, I think there are more layoffs & closures coming if this is the mandate.
www.gamesindustry.biz/xbox-q1-hard...
Its most recent quarterly gaming sales declined 2%, propped up by 3rd party.
Unfortunately, I think there are more layoffs & closures coming if this is the mandate.
www.gamesindustry.biz/xbox-q1-hard...
Xbox Q1 hardware sales down 29% while third-party content experiences "better-than-expected performance"
Overall gaming revenue falls 2%, offset by a 1% growth in Xbox content and services
www.gamesindustry.biz
October 30, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Might be hard for Microsoft to hit its (lofty) profit margin while Xbox isn't growing.
Its most recent quarterly gaming sales declined 2%, propped up by 3rd party.
Unfortunately, I think there are more layoffs & closures coming if this is the mandate.
www.gamesindustry.biz/xbox-q1-hard...
Its most recent quarterly gaming sales declined 2%, propped up by 3rd party.
Unfortunately, I think there are more layoffs & closures coming if this is the mandate.
www.gamesindustry.biz/xbox-q1-hard...
The end of EA as a public company has begun. No more forecasts or earnings calls.
Yes, there can be benefits of privatizing. No quarterly reporting grind offers flexibility.
It also limits transparency. I prefer knowing, & holding execs accountable.
www.gamesindustry.biz/ea-reports-d...
Yes, there can be benefits of privatizing. No quarterly reporting grind offers flexibility.
It also limits transparency. I prefer knowing, & holding execs accountable.
www.gamesindustry.biz/ea-reports-d...
EA reports decreases in sales and revenue during Q2
Firm pauses earnings calls following buyout, will no longer provide forward-looking guidance
www.gamesindustry.biz
October 29, 2025 at 3:17 PM
The end of EA as a public company has begun. No more forecasts or earnings calls.
Yes, there can be benefits of privatizing. No quarterly reporting grind offers flexibility.
It also limits transparency. I prefer knowing, & holding execs accountable.
www.gamesindustry.biz/ea-reports-d...
Yes, there can be benefits of privatizing. No quarterly reporting grind offers flexibility.
It also limits transparency. I prefer knowing, & holding execs accountable.
www.gamesindustry.biz/ea-reports-d...
Xbox Wire asking hard-hitting questions about Halo: Campaign Evolved, I see.
While it would never be asked here, I'd want to say:
Will you be charging full price for only part of the original game?
(Based on Microsoft's profit mandate, I'd bet on it.)
news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/1...
While it would never be asked here, I'd want to say:
Will you be charging full price for only part of the original game?
(Based on Microsoft's profit mandate, I'd bet on it.)
news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/1...
Halo: Campaign Evolved - Answering the Big Questions About This Ambitious Remake - Xbox Wire
Halo Campaign Evolved is a full remake of the Halo: Combat Evolved campaign, coming to Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and PlayStation 5.
news.xbox.com
October 27, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Xbox Wire asking hard-hitting questions about Halo: Campaign Evolved, I see.
While it would never be asked here, I'd want to say:
Will you be charging full price for only part of the original game?
(Based on Microsoft's profit mandate, I'd bet on it.)
news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/1...
While it would never be asked here, I'd want to say:
Will you be charging full price for only part of the original game?
(Based on Microsoft's profit mandate, I'd bet on it.)
news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/1...