The Game Business Show

How do you announce a live service game in 2026? Plus, Nex Playground's global expansion

We have had lots of news this week. Including the story we broke yesterday around Xbox’s new leadership hires (featuring TGB regular Matthew Ball). Meanwhile, Embracer is being split in two. Indigo Pearl is merging with Fortyseven Communications. Sony isn’t releasing all of its games on PC anymore. The US market keeps growing… It’s all going on. Joining us on the Show, we have three interviews for you. We chat with Nex Playground CEO David Lee, the head of EA’s Capital Games studio Erik Larsen. Plus, we ask PR veteran Chase Colasonno the big question: how do you announce a live service game in 2026? Enjoy This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegamebusiness.com/subscribe [https://www.thegamebusiness.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Hasbro is spending $1bn making video games, and none of them are games-as-a-service

We are joined by Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks, who is overseeing a $1 billion investment into video games, including the development of major new D&D titles. In 2027, it will release ambitious sci-fi RPG Exodus and D&D action adventure Warlock. But it also has a successful licensing business, which in recent years has led to the likes of Baldur's Gate 3 and Monopoly Go. We speak to Cocks about its huge investment in games, why none of its first-party titles are live service projects, moving development outside of the US, how it is using AI... and Scooby Doo. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegamebusiness.com/subscribe [https://www.thegamebusiness.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Could AI bring investors back to video games?

This week, we’re joined by two leading video game investors. First, we have David Gardner, one of the world’s most successful gaming VCs who backed Supercell, Unity and NaturalMotion. He speaks to us about the state of game investment, where it’s heading and what may cause it to come back. Then we welcome Hooded Horse and Griffin Gaming Partners’ Tim Bender, who shares details about a new $100m indie fund. Plus, we chat investor anxiety over Nintendo, Sega’s cancelled ‘Super Game’, Capcom’s results, Sony's AI push and a whole lot more. Enjoy. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegamebusiness.com/subscribe [https://www.thegamebusiness.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

PlayStation: “We have a responsibility to the whole industry”

Today on The Game Business Show, we speak to PlayStation's Christian Svensson, who oversees all third-party and second-party activity at the platform holder. We discuss getting games on PS5, how to get featured in State of Play and on PlayStation Plus, game funding, the rise of China and South Korea, new markets, and why the future for video games is actually very bright. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegamebusiness.com/subscribe [https://www.thegamebusiness.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

‘GTA 6 players are in for a console price shock’

On this week’s The Game Business Show, Circana games boss Mat Piscatella returns to discuss the US games market, console price rises, Switch 2 sales, the role of exclusives, the Xbox Game Pass price cut and… Bluey. Plus, he reveals a change is coming for the US video game charts. In addition, Chris shares his views on the UK court case that could see PlayStation change its 30% commission fee it charges developers. And we run-through of the big news stories of the week.Enjoy. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegamebusiness.com/subscribe [https://www.thegamebusiness.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]