Netflix is shutting down two game studios as it rethinks its approach to the games business. The move adds to a five-year effort that has struggled to find a clear place in an already crowded industry.
12:00 PMPolygon11 stories from 2 sources
Gaming's industry centers are consolidating around reach and scale
Day’s Recap
Supporting Articles
Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4, called Override, arrives on August 20 with a heavy dose of gaming crossovers. Sonic, Persona 5, Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, and other familiar names are joining the latest season.
12:35 PMPolygon
Gamescom has emerged as the industry's biggest gathering as E3 fades from the picture. Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo still support the German event, giving it the broad backing that many other showcases lack.
9:00 AMPolygon12:00 PMPolygon
Netflix Games’ Latest Pivot Is a Reminder of Its Messy Past
Summary
Netflix is shutting down two game studios as it rethinks its approach to the games business. The move adds to a five-year effort that has struggled to find a clear place in an already crowded industry.
Netflix has plenty of reach, but its gaming strategy has repeatedly shifted between ambition and
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
Netflix’s latest retreat shows that a huge entertainment brand still cannot simply stream its way into gaming success.
12:35 PMPolygon
'Persona 5' And More Iconic Games Will Dominate The Next Season Of Fortnite
Summary
Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4, called Override, arrives on August 20 with a heavy dose of gaming crossovers. Sonic, Persona 5, Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, and other familiar names are joining the latest season.
Fortnite continues to function as gaming’s biggest crossover stage, turning characters from very different franchises
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
Fortnite’s next season shows how far major game franchises will go to share the same spotlight.
9:00 AMPolygon
Gamescom, Not SGF, is Now the Biggest Video Games Event
Summary
Gamescom has emerged as the industry's biggest gathering as E3 fades from the picture. Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo still support the German event, giving it the broad backing that many other showcases lack.
Summer Game Fest may dominate the online conversation, but Gamescom has the bigger physical presence
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
The center of gravity for gaming events has shifted to Germany, with Gamescom now filling the space E3 left behind.
Other Developments
A curated list of other prominent stories from this day.
Today's gaming deals bring discounts and offers across new releases, big-name games, and entertainment picks. Highlights include Final Fantasy VII Rebirth for Switch 2, Nioh 3, Project Hail Mary, and more.
5:20 PMIGN
Marvel Tokon is bringing a fresh 4v4 format to team-based fighting games, but Dragon Ball FighterZ remains the go-to choice for classic 3v3 tag action. Even eight years later, its fast combat, flashy visuals, and simple-to-learn team structure still work remarkably well.
4:00 PMPolygon
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is getting a Revenge Edition that bundles the game's first 34 fighters. That gives players a straightforward way to access the full roster in SNK's latest challenger to Street Fighter 6.
3:00 PMPolygon
Simu Liu says the long-awaited Sleeping Dogs movie is finally gaining momentum. Talks with game publisher Square Enix are continuing, and Liu believes the adaptation now has a real path toward production.
2:31 PMIGN
Asobo Studio did not become known for award-winning games overnight. Before A Plague Tale, the developer built its experience through the unpredictable world of licensed titles, quietly developing the skills that would later define its biggest successes.
1:00 PMPolygon
Ron Gilbert says bringing back Monkey Island would mean navigating a maze of rights holders and major companies. That makes another sequel far harder than working on Thimbleweed Park 2, which he can develop with much more freedom.
10:55 AMPolygon
One of Marvel's powerhouse heroes is getting a major second chance in Marvel Tōkon. After nearly 50 years of embarrassing defeats, the character is finally being presented as the formidable fighter fans always expected.
10:00 AMPolygon
Handheld gaming PCs let players take Steam, PC, and Xbox games almost anywhere. This guide compares the top devices for portable play, from compact options to more powerful machines.
10:00 AMIGN5:20 PMIGN
The Best Deals Today: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth for Switch 2, Nioh 3, Project Hail Mary, and More
Summary
Today's gaming deals bring discounts and offers across new releases, big-name games, and entertainment picks. Highlights include Final Fantasy VII Rebirth for Switch 2, Nioh 3, Project Hail Mary, and more.
It is a useful roundup for anyone already shopping, especially with major releases competing for
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
A quick scan could help players pick up a highly anticipated game without paying full price.
4:00 PMPolygon
8 Years Later, Marvel Tokon Team's Amazing Dragon Ball Fighting Game Still Holds Up
Summary
Marvel Tokon is bringing a fresh 4v4 format to team-based fighting games, but Dragon Ball FighterZ remains the go-to choice for classic 3v3 tag action. Even eight years later, its fast combat, flashy visuals, and simple-to-learn team structure still work remarkably well.
New ideas are welcome, but Dragon Ball FighterZ nailed the fundamentals. It remains a strong
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
Dragon Ball FighterZ still sets a high bar for accessible, stylish team fighting games.
3:00 PMPolygon
'Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves Revenge Edition' Makes It Easy To Get All Of The Street Fighter Rival's DLC
Summary
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is getting a Revenge Edition that bundles the game's first 34 fighters. That gives players a straightforward way to access the full roster in SNK's latest challenger to Street Fighter 6.
Fighting game DLC can get expensive and confusing, so an all-in package is a welcome
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
The new edition lowers the cost and hassle of jumping into Fatal Fury with its full lineup.
2:31 PMIGN
Simu Liu Says Sleeping Dogs Movie Has 'a REAL Path Forward' Amid Dealmaking With Square Enix
Summary
Simu Liu says the long-awaited Sleeping Dogs movie is finally gaining momentum. Talks with game publisher Square Enix are continuing, and Liu believes the adaptation now has a real path toward production.
The project has spent years stuck in development limbo, so cautious optimism is the only
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
The Sleeping Dogs movie may finally be moving from fan wish to something that can actually get made.
1:00 PMPolygon
Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy’s Developer Walked an Unexpected Path to Success
Summary
Asobo Studio did not become known for award-winning games overnight. Before A Plague Tale, the developer built its experience through the unpredictable world of licensed titles, quietly developing the skills that would later define its biggest successes.
It is a familiar game industry story: years of less glamorous work can lay the
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
A Plague Tale’s success makes more sense when you see the unlikely path that came before it.
10:55 AMPolygon
Ron Gilbert Says Making Another 'Monkey Island' Game Would Be "Really Complicated"
Summary
Ron Gilbert says bringing back Monkey Island would mean navigating a maze of rights holders and major companies. That makes another sequel far harder than working on Thimbleweed Park 2, which he can develop with much more freedom.
The problem is not a lack of ideas. It is the business baggage that comes
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
A new Monkey Island may be creatively possible, but the legal and corporate hurdles make it a much tougher proposition.
10:00 AMPolygon
One of Marvel's Strongest Heroes Is Officially Making a Near-Perfect Comeback
Summary
One of Marvel's powerhouse heroes is getting a major second chance in Marvel Tōkon. After nearly 50 years of embarrassing defeats, the character is finally being presented as the formidable fighter fans always expected.
A fighting game is a perfect place to repair a hero's reputation: give them a
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
Marvel Tōkon could turn a long-running punchline into one of the game's standout characters.
10:00 AMIGN
The Best Handheld Gaming PCs to Take Your Games on the Go
Summary
Handheld gaming PCs let players take Steam, PC, and Xbox games almost anywhere. This guide compares the top devices for portable play, from compact options to more powerful machines.
The category has moved well beyond novelty, but choosing the right handheld still comes down
Unlock the full First Pass Analysis to get a better understanding of why this story mattersWhy it matters
Portable PC gaming is becoming a serious alternative to playing at a desk or on a traditional console.
Make it yours
Build Your First Pass.
Pick your topics, set your cadence, and receive your personalized First Pass in your inbox. It’s that simple!