The Weekly Download

Hosted by Big Games Machine

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Ready to level up your knowledge of the video game industry? Welcome to The Weekly Download, the definitive weekly podcast on the video games industry, brought to you by Big Games Machine. Join industry veterans Tom and Alex as they use their expertise and industry knowhow to help you speedrun through the last seven days in gaming. We cover everything: massive mergers, studio shake-ups, indie success stories, and the latest strategic plays from the biggest studios. If it's shaping the future of gaming, you'll find the lowdown here.

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39 recent

August 14, 2026Episode 3936 min

The Weekly Download: GTA VI’s Netflix Paywall & Square Enix Thanks Switch 2 Success

The Weekly Download by Big Games Machine is your essential weekly speedrun through the biggest stories in the global video games industry.This week's story:Rockstar puts GTA VI extended look trailer behind Netflix paywallSupermassive Games is laying off up to 75 staff to ensure sustainabilitySquare Enix Q1 profit soars following FF7: Rebirth launch on Switch 2 and XboxSaber Interactive denies replacing writer with ChatGPT on its new driving gameHosted by industry experts, Alex and Yaz, we break down the most intriguing, complex, and vital developments of the week to keep you informed.Prefer your news in written form? Subscribe to our free newsletter for a concise, easy-to-digest summary of daily industry developments, delivered fresh to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4yyVI75Links to today’s talking points:https://www.ign.com/articles/if-youre-not-a-netflix-subscriber-you-definitely-should-be-take-two-boss-teases-grand-theft-auto-vi-an-extended-lookhttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/dark-pictures-anthology-studio-supermassive-games-is-laying-off-up-to-75-staff-to-ensure-sustainability/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/square-enix-q1-profit-soars-following-final-fantasy-7-rebirth-launch-on-switch-2-and-xboxhttps://www.pcgamer.com/software/ai/saber-interactive-denies-replacing-writer-with-chatgpt-on-its-new-driving-game-but-says-it-will-use-ai-as-the-number-of-passengers-in-the-game-is-infinite/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-ceo-asha-sharma-says-the-elder-scrolls-6-is-incredible-as-bethesda-protesters-put-up-giant-rat-outside-building/

August 7, 2026Episode 3847 min

Roblox Loses $70B In Market Value as Nintendo Profit Surges in 2026!

The Weekly Download by Big Games Machine is your essential weekly speedrun through the biggest stories in the global video games industry.Hosted by industry experts, Tom and Alex, we break down the most intriguing, complex, and vital developments of the week to keep you informed.Prefer your news in written form? Subscribe to our free newsletter for a concise, easy-to-digest summary of weekly industry developments, delivered fresh to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4yyVI75Links to today’s talking points:https://www.gamesindustry.biz/microsoft-confirms-increased-xbox-prices-in-the-uk-and-europehttps://www.eurogamer.net/ea-aquisition-55-complete-saudi-arabia-jared-kushner-privatehttps://www.dexerto.com/roblox/roblox-loses-70-billion-in-value-as-company-blames-lack-of-viral-games-3395064/https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/nintendo-q1-operating-profit-jumps-151-beating-analyst-estimates-2026-08-06/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sony-is-reportedly-putting-warning-labels-on-ps5s-about-decision-to-ditch-discs/

July 31, 2026Episode 3739 min

Game Layoffs Surge 78% in 2026 & EA CEO Gets $38M Payout

This week's story:Layoffs will affect 14,259 people by the end of 2026Subnautica and PUBG drive Krafton Q2 revenue up 94.9%EA boss awarded $38.6M after a year of franchise success, studio layoffs, and GenAI adoptionBethesda Union accuses Fallout developer of violating Canadian labour lawsHosted by industry experts, Tom and John, we break down the most intriguing, complex, and vital developments of the week to keep you informed.Prefer your news in written form? Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter for a concise, easy-to-digest summary of industry developments, delivered fresh to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4yyVI75 Links to today’s talking points:https://www.gamesindustry.biz/new-data-suggests-layoffs-will-affect-14259-people-by-the-end-of-2026-up-78-from-first-forecast-of-the-yearhttps://www.pcgamer.com/games/survival-crafting/subnautica-2-is-responsible-for-kraftons-record-second-quarter-performance-despite-the-messy-legal-battle-and-accusations-of-sabotage/https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/ea-boss-awarded-38-6m-after-year-of-franchise-success-studio-layoffs-and-genai-adoptionhttps://www.eurogamer.net/generative-ai-100-percent-japanese-online-game-developershttps://thisweekinvideogames.com/news/bethesda-union-accuses-fallout-developer-of-violating-canadian-labour-laws/

July 24, 2026Episode 3634 min

Only 7 PS5 Games Sold 100K Discs In 2026 & Nintendo Faces Tariff Lawsuit

This week's story:Nintendo says it has no legal duty to pass tariff refunds on to consumersJune 2026 spending in the US slumps following Switch 2's record launchDisco Elysium and Zero Parades studio ZA/UM to lay off staffOnly seven PS5 games have sold 100K+ disc copies in the US this yearHosted by industry experts, Tom and Alex, we break down the most intriguing, complex, and vital developments of the week to keep you informed.Prefer your news in written form? Subscribe to our free newsletter for a concise, easy-to-digest summary of daily industry developments, delivered fresh to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4yyVI75Links to today’s talking points:https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/nintendo-says-it-shouldnt-have-to-pay-back-players-if-it-gets-tariff-refunds-from-the-us-government/https://bsky.app/profile/matpiscatella.bsky.social/post/3mraew23qqc2shttps://www.gamesindustry.biz/32-workers-at-zaum-laid-off-following-release-of-zero-parades-for-dead-spieshttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/only-seven-playstation-games-have-sold-more-than-100000-physical-copies-in-the-us-this-year-analyst-says/https://gamehistory.org/e3-history/

July 10, 2026Episode 3549 min

Sony Kills Physical Games & Xbox Fires 3,200 and Sells Off 4 Studios!

The Weekly Download by Big Games Machine is your essential weekly speedrun through the biggest stories in the global video games industry. This week's story:Sony announces it will end physical disc production by January 2028 for new games releasing on PlayStation consolesMicrosoft confirms 3200 layoffs alongside four studio divestments in major shakeup for XboxHosted by industry experts, Tom and Alex, we break down the most intriguing, complex, and vital developments of the week to keep you informed.Prefer your news in written form? Subscribe to our free newsletter for a concise, easy-to-digest summary of daily industry developments, delivered fresh to your inbox: https://bit.ly/big-games-machine-the-daily-downloadLinks to today’s talking points:https://blog.playstation.com/2026/07/01/physical-disc-production-ending-in-january-2028-for-new-games-releasing-on-playstation-consoles/https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/07/06/resetting-xbox/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/original-switch-console-lineup-to-be-discontinued-in-europe-by-mid-february-2027https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/video-game-history-foundation-calls-on-the-esa-to-find-a-way-to-legally-preserve-digital-only-games-for-research/

June 19, 2026Episode 3438 min

Xbox Studio Closures & Rockstar's Ongoing Legal Crisis

The Weekly Download by Big Games Machine is your essential weekly speedrun through the biggest stories in the global video games industry. This week's story:Compulsion Games, Double Fine and Ninja Theory are all at risk of closure EA launches new advertising platform for brandsTribunal rules against Rockstar's request to amend ongoing legal disputeHosted by industry experts, Tom and Alex, we break down the most intriguing, complex, and vital developments of the week to keep you informed.Prefer your news in written form? Subscribe to our free newsletter for a concise, easy-to-digest summary of daily industry developments, delivered fresh to your inbox: https://bit.ly/big-games-machine-the-daily-downloadLinks to today’s talking points:https://www.gamesindustry.biz/xbox-is-reportedly-considering-closing-south-of-midnight-studio-compulsion-games-with-double-fine-and-ninja-theory-also-allegedly-at-riskhttps://www.eurogamer.net/ea-advertising-ads-in-game-content-integrationshttps://www.eurogamer.net/gta-6-rockstar-legal-dispute-blacklisting-claimshttps://thisweekinvideogames.com/news/nintendo-japan-issues-switch-2-purchase-conditions-to-combat-scalpers/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/epic-reveals-unreal-engine-6-is-integrating-ai-models-so-developers-can-reduce-tedious-work/

June 12, 2026Episode 3343 min

Massive layoffs are set to hit Xbox as Ubisoft closes studios and reduces global headcount

The Weekly Download by Big Games Machine is your essential weekly speedrun through the biggest stories in the global video games industry. This week's story:Switch 2 sales drop in Japan following big surge ahead of cost revisionsXbox is reportedly planning major layoffs for the fourth year in a rowUbisoft conducts more layoffs + closes Winnipeg and Belgrade studiosHosted by industry experts, Tom and Alex, we break down the most intriguing, complex, and vital developments of the week to keep you informed.Prefer your news in written form? Subscribe to our free newsletter for a concise, easy-to-digest summary of daily industry developments, delivered fresh to your inbox: https://bit.ly/big-games-machine-the-daily-downloadLinks to today’s talking points:https://www.gamesindustry.biz/switch-2-sales-drop-87-in-japan-following-surge-ahead-of-cost-revisionshttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-is-reportedly-planning-major-layoffs-as-sharma-tells-staff-we-need-to-reassess-our-priorities/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/yet-more-layoffs-reported-at-ubisoft-this-time-in-san-francisco

May 29, 2026Episode 3234 min

Genshin Impact developer invests $14.6 BILLION into AI for games

The Weekly Download by Big Games Machine is your essential weekly speedrun through the biggest stories in the global video games industry. This week's headlines:HoYoverse to invest up to $14.6bn in AI for in-house toolsMicrosoft to pay $250M to Activision Blizzard shareholdersPayment for some TheGamer staff is now tied to per-article sessionsHosted by industry experts, Tom and Yaz, we break down the most intriguing, complex, and vital developments of the week to keep you informed.Prefer your news in written form? Subscribe to our free newsletter for a concise, easy-to-digest summary of daily industry developments, delivered fresh to your inbox: https://bit.ly/big-games-machine-the-daily-downloadLinks to today’s talking points:https://www.gamesindustry.biz/hoyoverse-to-invest-up-to-146bn-in-ai-for-in-house-toolshttps://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/report-payment-for-thegamer-writers-now-tied-to-per-article-sessionshttps://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/microsoft-to-pay-250m-to-settle-lawsuit-filed-by-aggrieved-activision-blizzard-shareholdershttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/most-of-bungies-staff-were-reportedly-unaware-of-the-decision-to-end-active-development-on-destiny-2-until-it-went-publichttps://news.instant-gaming.com/en/articles/19739-paralives-has-sold-250-000-copies-in-eight-hourshttps://automaton-media.com/en/news/two-japanese-men-arrested-over-alleged-213k-usd-pokemon-card-heist-targeting-delivery-vehicle/

May 22, 2026Episode 3134 min

Sony Officially ENDS Single-Player PC Ports!

The Weekly Download by Big Games Machine is your essential weekly speedrun through the biggest stories in the global video games industry.This week’s headlines:Sony won't be bringing any more single-player games to PCNintendo denied touchscreen-specific patent in Pocketpair fightWizards of the Coast ends partnership with Giant SkullHosted by industry experts, Alex Beech and Yaz Brookes, we break down the most intriguing, complex, and vital developments of the week to keep you informed.Prefer your news in written form? Subscribe to our free newsletter for a concise, easy-to-digest summary of daily industry developments, delivered fresh to your inbox: https://bit.ly/big-games-machine-the-daily-downloadLinks to today’s talking points:https://www.gamesindustry.biz/sony-wont-be-bringing-any-more-single-player-games-to-pc-says-playstation-studios-bosshttps://www.eurogamer.net/nintendo-pocketpair-palworld-touchscreen-patenthttps://www.gamesindustry.biz/wizards-of-the-coast-ends-partnership-with-giant-skullhttps://www.gamesradar.com/games/adventure/lego-batman-legacy-of-the-dark-knights-metacritic-score-makes-it-the-best-rated-lego-game-ever-knocking-the-skywalker-saga-off-its-perch-after-4-years/https://automaton-media.com/en/news/capcom-expanded-its-workforce-by-over-200-employees-in-the-past-year-with-further-plans-for-upsizing/https://automaton-media.com/en/news/krafton-says-it-was-actually-able-to-raise-birth-rates-among-its-employees-through-60k-usd-per-newborn-incentive-and-other-measures/

May 15, 2026Episode 3051 min

Capcom Breaks Profit Records as Digital Sales Surge to 93%!

The Weekly Download by Big Games Machine is your essential weekly speedrun through the biggest stories in the global video games industry. This week's headlines:Psychonauts and Kiln studio Double Fine votes to unioniseShift Up breaks from Sony to self-publish Stellar Blade 2Capcom just sold more games than in any year in its historyHosted by industry experts, Tom Heath and Alex Beech, we break down the most intriguing, complex, and vital developments of the week to keep you informed.Prefer your news in written form? Subscribe to our free newsletter for a concise, easy-to-digest summary of daily industry developments, delivered fresh to your inbox: https://bit.ly/big-games-machine-the-daily-downloadLinks to today’s talking points:https://www.eurogamer.net/psychonauts-kiln-studio-double-fine-votes-to-unionisehttps://www.gamesindustry.biz/stellar-blade-studio-shift-up-breaks-from-publishing-partner-sony-for-high-quality-self-publishinghttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/capcom-just-sold-more-games-than-in-any-year-in-its-history/https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2026/05/physical-game-fans-beware-digital-downloads-hit-an-astonishing-85percent-on-ps5-ps4-last-quarterhttps://www.gamesindustry.biz/mouse-pi-for-hire-publisher-playside-recoups-all-expenses-since-april-launchhttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/assassins-creed-black-flag-resynced-is-getting-a-real-life-treasure-hunt-with-a-prize-worth-half-a-million-dollars/