Games

CodeDev (fondly known as ‘The Unreal Guys’), the UK-based co-development studio has today officially announced the launch of The Performance Guys. Operating as a highly specialised division, this elite team is debuting as the world’s only dedicated group of bespoke Performance Engineers and Technical Artists explicitly built to tackle project-critical optimisation challenges.

PlanetPlay (www.planetplay.com), the award-winning not-for-profit platform that channels the power of games into real-world impact, has teamed up with UNICEF (www.unicef.org) to engage gamers worldwide in support of children.

Global livestreaming service Twitch unveiled a wave of new product, creator and community updates during the TwitchCon Europe 2026 Opening Ceremony in Rotterdam last week.

Three exciting new game trailers have debuted during the PC Gaming Show and Future Games Show showcases as part of Summer Game Fest 2026: the PlayStation platform announce of painted afterlife Soulslike Prison of Husks, demo launch of dice-crafting RPG Spellsided, and new gameplay reveal for magical co-op adventure Witchspire.

Indie developers can sign up now for the Ludeo Indie Program, a new initiative from Ludeo designed to help indie game developers transform creator-driven discovery into instantly playable gameplay experiences.

Mintrocket, the award-winning developer behind DAVE THE DIVER, formally unveiled its next genre-blending title: BANCHO THE CHEF. This all-new adventure follows the enigmatic Bancho through his early formative years as an aspiring cook, travelling across Asia to study regional cuisines, refine his craft, and ultimately become the master chef fans know and love. 

As organisations face increasing pressure to stand out in saturated markets while operating with leaner teams and tighter budgets, communications veteran Sam Forrest has launched GunDog Communications, a specialist consultancy designed to give SMEs and growing businesses access to senior-level communications expertise without the cost of a full-time Communications Director.

IO Interactive, the independent video game developer and publisher behind the HITMAN franchise, and Amazon MGM Studios are thrilled to announce that 007 First Light, has reached 1.5 million units sold within the first 24 hours, making it the fastest-selling title in IO Interactive's history. 007 First Light is available now on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, on Amazon.com, on PC, on Steam and Epic Games Store, as well as at key retailers.

Snail Games and its indie publishing imprint, Wandering Wizard, have made the strategic decision to partner with and publish three titles from Polish development teams to highlight emerging talent from the region. Studios included in this initiative are Above The Desk, creators of Above the Snow; Donkey Crew, the team behind Bellwright; and Frozen Way Games, who are currently developing Honeycomb: The World Beyond.

Alan Boswell Group is to sponsor the branded guest wristbands at the forthcoming MCV/DEVELOP Awards 2026. GOLD AND PLATINUM TABLES NOW SOLD OUT! But we still have tickets for sale, so book here. Kate Walker, Account Director at Alan Boswell Group, said: “We’re thrilled to be sponsoring the MCV Develop Awards …