Senior Editor, News,GameDeveloper.com
June 26, 2026
3 Min Read
Patch Notes logo via Game Developer // Steam Machine image via Valve
The prompt arrival of a (rather slick) bladeless fan that barely takes the edge of a blistering UK heatwave was the unequivocal highlight of my week, and that should tell you everything you need to know about the headlines nestled below.
It all started so well. A weekday BBQ to watch England absolutely smash Ghana to secure their place in the World Cup knockout round and continue a wildly positive start on the biggest stage in football under Thomas Tuchel. It was the stuff of dreams—until it wasn't.
A tepid draw against a stubborn opponent provided a reality check and set the tone for a week in which the newsbeat largely consisted of incredulous pricing announcements and even more layoffs. You'd think I'd be used to it by now, but as every single football fan our there will know, it really is the hope that kills you.
On the plus side, at least we can rest easy knowing GTA VI will only cost $80. That's a silver lining, right?
Related:Own goal specialist Xbox rifles another into the roof of the net - Patch Notes #60
Steam Machine pricing starts at $1,049 for 512GB model
via Game Developer // Sticker shock reigned supreme this week after Valve confirmed the Steam Machine—a console/PC hybrid that plugs straight into your TV—will cost a minimum of $1,049 if you opt for the entry level 512GB model. A 2TB unit will retail for $1,349, meaning gaming has now officially joined the ranks of deliriously bourgeois hobbies including padel, water polo, and croquet.
Ubisoft eliminates 93 roles in San Francisco
via Game Developer // A WARN notice filed in California shows Ubisoft has laid off 93 workers at its office on 300 Mission Street. The news comes shortly after Game Developer learned the French publisher is closing down its studios in Winnipeg and Belgrade as part of another major round of cuts.
Nex Playground officially launches in the UK and Republic of Ireland
via Business Wire // If you're after a teeny cuboid console that connects to your TV but can't quite afford the Steam Machine (join the club), then you'll be thrilled to hear the Nex Playground—a ditty controller-free device reminiscent of the Xbox Kinect—is finally available outside the United States.
Grand Theft Auto 6's $80 price settles the $100 question
via Game Developer // Grand Theft Auto won't be retailing for triple figures, unless you want to splash out on the Ultimate Edition. After months of speculation as to how much the hotly-anticipated sequel would cost, Take-Two has confirmed the standard edition of Grand Theft Auto 6 will be priced at $79.99 when it arrives in November. Perhaps the real story here is that physical editions of the game will contain download codes instead of discs, so you can treat yourself to what for all intents and purposes is an empty box.
Related:'We mean business:' Xbox union workers fighting back with 'Save Our Devs' rally on July 15
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II has topped 6 million sales worldwide
via Deep Silver // A sales newsflash straight out of Czechia. Warhorse Studios award-winning sequel Kingdom Come: Deliverance II has sold more than 6 million units worldwide in around 16 months. The open-world RPG launched in February 2025.
Tencent mulling exits from multiple Japanese studios
via Bloomberg // Tencent is reportedly looking to scale back its investments in Japan—even if that means selling stakes in some studios at a loss—to refocus its portfolio around UGC platforms like Minecraft and Roblox. The pivot could mean companies such as Story of Seasons developer Marvelous might soon be cut adrift by the Chinese conglomerate.
Microsoft raises price of Xbox consoles once again, sunsets 2TB model
via Game Developer // Microsoft is once again raising the price of Xbox hardware as a direct result of a storage and memory crisis caused by AI-obsessed companies like Microsoft. "The entire consumer electronics industry is struggling with the current components crisis," said Microsoft, without even a shred of irony. The cheapest Xbox console (the 512GB Xbox Series S) will now cost $499. Terrific.
Related:Asha Sharma joins Federal Reserve advisory task force days after laying off thousands at Xbox
About the Author
Senior Editor, News, GameDeveloper.com
Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton.
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