Christopher Dring
@dringo.bsky.social
Games Business Journalist and Analyst. Editor-in-chief and co-founder of The Game Business. As seen on: GamesIndustry.biz. MCV. BBC. The Guardian. Sky. Doctor Who Magazine.
Reposted by Christopher Dring
In today's The Game Business Micro (paid subscribers only), we discuss Meta's VR pivot, Valve shifting its AI stance slightly, Krafton's IP strategy, and growth (of varying sorts) in China and Germany
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/blow-to-th...
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/blow-to-th...
Blow to the VR industry as Meta cuts and closes studios - The Game Business Micro
Plus, Valve shifts its AI stance slightly, Krafton has a strategy, and there's growth in China and Germany
www.thegamebusiness.com
January 19, 2026 at 10:35 AM
In today's The Game Business Micro (paid subscribers only), we discuss Meta's VR pivot, Valve shifting its AI stance slightly, Krafton's IP strategy, and growth (of varying sorts) in China and Germany
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/blow-to-th...
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/blow-to-th...
Reposted by Christopher Dring
"Resident Evil is more a competitor to Stranger Things than it is to Clash of Clans. Candy Crush is more directly competing with Tiktok than Fortnite. Roblox is more a rival to the school playground than Street Fighter"
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/there-is-n...
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/there-is-n...
There is no such thing as a video game industry
Plus, Ubisoft cuts continue and Battlefield 6 player numbers tumble
www.thegamebusiness.com
January 16, 2026 at 6:13 PM
"Resident Evil is more a competitor to Stranger Things than it is to Clash of Clans. Candy Crush is more directly competing with Tiktok than Fortnite. Roblox is more a rival to the school playground than Street Fighter"
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/there-is-n...
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/there-is-n...
Reposted by Christopher Dring
Interesting stuff here from @dringo.bsky.social about what the “game industry” even is…
open.substack.com/pub/thegameb...
open.substack.com/pub/thegameb...
There is no such thing as a video game industry
Plus, Ubisoft cuts continue and Battlefield 6 player numbers tumble
open.substack.com
January 15, 2026 at 6:44 PM
Interesting stuff here from @dringo.bsky.social about what the “game industry” even is…
open.substack.com/pub/thegameb...
open.substack.com/pub/thegameb...
Reposted by Christopher Dring
This week, we discuss the idea that there is no such thing as a video game industry. And why this perspective might help developers to succeed. www.thegamebusiness.com/p/there-is-n...
There is no such thing as a video game industry
Plus, Ubisoft cuts continue and Battlefield 6 player numbers tumble
www.thegamebusiness.com
January 15, 2026 at 2:03 PM
This week, we discuss the idea that there is no such thing as a video game industry. And why this perspective might help developers to succeed. www.thegamebusiness.com/p/there-is-n...
Reposted by Christopher Dring
"I feel extremely confident of everything we’re doing. I can easily say that our next game is better than Split Fiction.”
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/split-fict...
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/split-fict...
Split Fiction’s Josef Fares: “I would not be able to live without AAA titles”
The Hazelight boss fears that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s success might inspire publishers to only make AA games
www.thegamebusiness.com
January 14, 2026 at 2:33 PM
"I feel extremely confident of everything we’re doing. I can easily say that our next game is better than Split Fiction.”
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/split-fict...
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/split-fict...
Reposted by Christopher Dring
“I will never put Hazelight on the [stock] market. Because you have to make stupid decisions to make the financials [go up]”
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/split-fict...
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/split-fict...
Split Fiction’s Josef Fares: “I would not be able to live without AAA titles”
The Hazelight boss fears that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s success might inspire publishers to only make AA games
www.thegamebusiness.com
January 13, 2026 at 7:46 PM
“I will never put Hazelight on the [stock] market. Because you have to make stupid decisions to make the financials [go up]”
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/split-fict...
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/split-fict...
Had a chat with Josef this week.
“I hope that publishers don’t look at a game like Clair Obscur Expedition 33 and think, ‘oh, AA is the new thing. Let’s only do that.’ I don’t believe in that.”
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/split-fict...
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/split-fict...
Split Fiction’s Josef Fares: “I would not be able to live without AAA titles”
The Hazelight boss fears that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s success might inspire publishers to only make AA games
www.thegamebusiness.com
January 13, 2026 at 2:14 PM
Had a chat with Josef this week.
Ryan nails all business logic for a 3D Mario this year. But really, it comes down to whether the game is ready…
(Also, Bowser’s Fury was sort-of the last 3D Mario)
(Also, Bowser’s Fury was sort-of the last 3D Mario)
I lay out the case for why I think this is FINALLY the year we get a new mainline 3D Mario game from Nintendo (after EIGHT YEARS!) in my new opinion column.
Check it out if you're interested! www.ign.com/articles/sup...
Check it out if you're interested! www.ign.com/articles/sup...
Super Mario Odyssey 2 or Something New? Why 3D Mario Should Finally Return in 2026 - IGN
We lay out the case for why we believe the long wait for Nintendo's next mainline 3D Mario game, succeeding Super Mario Odyssey, is finally going to end this year.
www.ign.com
January 9, 2026 at 8:32 PM
Ryan nails all business logic for a 3D Mario this year. But really, it comes down to whether the game is ready…
(Also, Bowser’s Fury was sort-of the last 3D Mario)
(Also, Bowser’s Fury was sort-of the last 3D Mario)
Reposted by Christopher Dring
The team behind the smash hit co-op horror game Phasmaphobia is looking to fund and publish video games.
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/nintendo-s...
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/nintendo-s...
Nintendo Switch 2 sales stumble over Christmas
Plus, Nex Playground heads to Europe and Phasmaphobia devs launch publishing arm
www.thegamebusiness.com
January 8, 2026 at 5:03 PM
The team behind the smash hit co-op horror game Phasmaphobia is looking to fund and publish video games.
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/nintendo-s...
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/nintendo-s...
The Playground Direct. I’m all for it
It’s our favorite way to kick off the new year, a brand new Developer_Direct is coming on January 22nd. Our teams has been working especially hard on this show to go inside and see Forza Horizon 6, Beast of Reincarnation, and FABLE! #DeveloperDirect
news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/0...
news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/0...
Developer_Direct Returns January 22: Watch Fable, Forza Horizon 6, and Beast of Reincarnation Gameplay, Direct from the Studios - Xbox Wire
We're kicking off 2026 with the fourth installment of Developer_Direct on January 22 – bringing you new gameplay and insights for Fable, Forza Horizon 6, and Beast of Reincarnation.
news.xbox.com
January 8, 2026 at 3:09 PM
The Playground Direct. I’m all for it
In today's The Game Business, we look at the sales slowdown for Nintendo Switch 2 over Christmas. Phasmaphobia devs launch a publisher. And Nex Playground is coming to Europe. Plus, I'm joined by @mackeza.bsky.social on the Show! What's not to love?
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/nintendo-s...
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/nintendo-s...
Nintendo Switch 2 sales stumble over Christmas
Plus, Nex Playground heads to Europe and Phasmaphobia devs launch publishing arm
www.thegamebusiness.com
January 8, 2026 at 2:10 PM
In today's The Game Business, we look at the sales slowdown for Nintendo Switch 2 over Christmas. Phasmaphobia devs launch a publisher. And Nex Playground is coming to Europe. Plus, I'm joined by @mackeza.bsky.social on the Show! What's not to love?
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/nintendo-s...
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/nintendo-s...
Reposted by Christopher Dring
“Now, I think the people that are afraid are the people that are dealing in the business of content. There is no doubt that AI can make content way better than humans." www.thegamebusiness.com/p/we-intervi...
We Interview Troy Baker. Could we see video game actors on Jimmy Fallon?
The acting legend on making his own game, AI, working with indies, and replacing fear with trust
www.thegamebusiness.com
January 6, 2026 at 10:06 PM
“Now, I think the people that are afraid are the people that are dealing in the business of content. There is no doubt that AI can make content way better than humans." www.thegamebusiness.com/p/we-intervi...
We're back! But I'm going to wait a beat before doing all the numbers. Instead, here's an inspirational chat with the acting legend Troy Baker, where we discuss the AI threat, getting games on Jimmy Fallon, working on indie projects, and Troy's dream of making his own video game
We’re kicking off 2026 with something hopefully fun and inspirational. It’s out big interview with video game acting legend Troy Baker. We talk indie titles, trust, the AI threat, video games on Jimmy Fallon and Troy's dream of making his own game www.thegamebusiness.com/p/we-intervi...
January 6, 2026 at 2:10 PM
We're back! But I'm going to wait a beat before doing all the numbers. Instead, here's an inspirational chat with the acting legend Troy Baker, where we discuss the AI threat, getting games on Jimmy Fallon, working on indie projects, and Troy's dream of making his own video game
Best Christmas game
Miles Morales is a great Christmas game btw. If you've played it before you can blast through the main story in 8-9 hours and there's decorations and snow through the whole thing. Also it's really sweet, it's about loving and protecting your community.
December 25, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Best Christmas game
Reposted by Christopher Dring
Meet the unheard of US game console that sold out across all major retailers. It's going global for 2026
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/we-want-a-...
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/we-want-a-...
“We want a Nex Playground in every living room”
Nex CEO David Lee shares the remarkable story of the family game console that’s taking America by storm
www.thegamebusiness.com
December 24, 2025 at 10:55 PM
Meet the unheard of US game console that sold out across all major retailers. It's going global for 2026
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/we-want-a-...
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/we-want-a-...
NTHGTHDGDCRTDTRK
December 23, 2025 at 10:21 PM
NTHGTHDGDCRTDTRK
Reposted by Christopher Dring
Our final Show of 2025 sees us return to some of the best moments from the last 78 episodes. www.thegamebusiness.com/p/best-of-th...
Best of The Game Business Show 2025
A look back at our first nine months
www.thegamebusiness.com
December 23, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Our final Show of 2025 sees us return to some of the best moments from the last 78 episodes. www.thegamebusiness.com/p/best-of-th...
His story of continued success right until the end was remarkable. He has been at the forefront of his genre, creating and leading consistently the best (and best-selling) shooters for nearly 25 years. An icon. A real shock.
Call of Duty co-creator, Respawn founder and Battlefield boss Vince Zampella has died. He oversaw some of the most successful shooter video games in the world. www.thegamebusiness.com/p/call-of-du...
Call of Duty co-creator, Respawn founder and Battlefield boss Vince Zampella has died
The iconic 55-year-old game maker dies in a car crash
www.thegamebusiness.com
December 22, 2025 at 9:36 PM
His story of continued success right until the end was remarkable. He has been at the forefront of his genre, creating and leading consistently the best (and best-selling) shooters for nearly 25 years. An icon. A real shock.
Reposted by Christopher Dring
It's the last The Game Business Micro of 2025. In this, we look at why the FIFA/Netflix partnership is a potentially smart move for everyone. Plus, TGA's huge viewership, Epic and Apple's latest row, US console sales shock, Ubisoft rescues a MOBA and more
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/fifas-vide...
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/fifas-vide...
FIFA’s video game partnership with Netflix has potential – The Game Business Micro
US console sector falters, Epic and Apple row, Sony and Tencent settle and The Game Awards breaks its own record
www.thegamebusiness.com
December 22, 2025 at 9:50 AM
It's the last The Game Business Micro of 2025. In this, we look at why the FIFA/Netflix partnership is a potentially smart move for everyone. Plus, TGA's huge viewership, Epic and Apple's latest row, US console sales shock, Ubisoft rescues a MOBA and more
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/fifas-vide...
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/fifas-vide...
In my Top Ten Game Business Show moments this year is the Todd Howard ASMR that takes place at 18:50 in this week's episode
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/interview-...
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/interview-...
Interview: How Todd Howard and Bethesda are capitalising on the Fallout TV show
“We were able to be more ambitious”
www.thegamebusiness.com
December 19, 2025 at 8:12 PM
In my Top Ten Game Business Show moments this year is the Todd Howard ASMR that takes place at 18:50 in this week's episode
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/interview-...
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/interview-...
Reposted by Christopher Dring
“We’ve needed to fly in supply to meet demand. We are in over 5,000 stores, and basically everybody’s out”
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/we-want-a-...
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/we-want-a-...
“We want a Nex Playground in every living room”
Nex CEO David Lee shares the remarkable story of the family game console that’s taking America by storm
www.thegamebusiness.com
December 19, 2025 at 8:05 PM
“We’ve needed to fly in supply to meet demand. We are in over 5,000 stores, and basically everybody’s out”
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/we-want-a-...
www.thegamebusiness.com/p/we-want-a-...
Deleted previous post. My report had some double counting going on.
In the UK for November, Nintendo console sales (Switch 2 + Switch 1) are up 41% year-on-year, PS5 console sales were down 29%, and Xbox sales were down 51%. Overall, console sales for November (pre-Black Friday) were down 17%.
In the UK for November, Nintendo console sales (Switch 2 + Switch 1) are up 41% year-on-year, PS5 console sales were down 29%, and Xbox sales were down 51%. Overall, console sales for November (pre-Black Friday) were down 17%.
December 19, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Deleted previous post. My report had some double counting going on.
In the UK for November, Nintendo console sales (Switch 2 + Switch 1) are up 41% year-on-year, PS5 console sales were down 29%, and Xbox sales were down 51%. Overall, console sales for November (pre-Black Friday) were down 17%.
In the UK for November, Nintendo console sales (Switch 2 + Switch 1) are up 41% year-on-year, PS5 console sales were down 29%, and Xbox sales were down 51%. Overall, console sales for November (pre-Black Friday) were down 17%.
Reposted by Christopher Dring
It's time for our paid subscriber-only market analysis and charts piece! This month, we look at the performance of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Battlefield 6 Redsec, console sales, Anno 117, Fortnite and a lot more... and it's not ALL bad news. www.thegamebusiness.com/p/the-state-...
The State of Games: November 2025
A tough month for games as Call of Duty misses, new Battlefield mode struggles and consoles falter
www.thegamebusiness.com
December 19, 2025 at 11:10 AM
It's time for our paid subscriber-only market analysis and charts piece! This month, we look at the performance of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Battlefield 6 Redsec, console sales, Anno 117, Fortnite and a lot more... and it's not ALL bad news. www.thegamebusiness.com/p/the-state-...
I do have to wonder if a certain company starting with N might be interested in spending a bit of money on this lot
Nex Playground is the new console sensation in America. It's sold out across the country, and the company behind it are flying in hardware to try and meet Christmas demand. We speak to their CEO on the remarkable journey so far www.thegamebusiness.com/p/we-want-a-...
“We want a Nex Playground in every living room”
Nex CEO David Lee shares the remarkable story of the family game console that’s taking America by storm
www.thegamebusiness.com
December 18, 2025 at 4:04 PM
I do have to wonder if a certain company starting with N might be interested in spending a bit of money on this lot
Here's the big one. The story of Nex Playground, the console that's come out of nowhere and is selling more than Xbox
Nex Playground is the new console sensation in America. It's sold out across the country, and the company behind it are flying in hardware to try and meet Christmas demand. We speak to their CEO on the remarkable journey so far www.thegamebusiness.com/p/we-want-a-...
“We want a Nex Playground in every living room”
Nex CEO David Lee shares the remarkable story of the family game console that’s taking America by storm
www.thegamebusiness.com
December 18, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Here's the big one. The story of Nex Playground, the console that's come out of nowhere and is selling more than Xbox