Five Video Games Newsletters Worth Reading: February 6, 2025

The 100th edition of the Video Games Industry Memo serves as a milestone reflection on the evolving landscape of gaming journalism. The primary purpose of the publication is to analyze the political, economic, and media forces shaping the global video games business. To mark this centennial issue, the author provides a curated list of recommended newsletters, highlighting the shift toward independent, creator-led media platforms as traditional trade press outlets decline.

The recommended resources are categorized by their specific industry utility. Game File is identified as the premier source for breaking news and industry scoops, while AI and Games is highlighted for its academic rigor and technical clarity regarding artificial intelligence. For sector-specific intelligence, the analysis points to mobilegamer.biz for mobile market data and developer trends, and GameDiscoverCo for its deep-dive data suites and benchmarks concerning the PC market. Finally, The Community Dev is noted for its practical, expert-led guidance on community management and marketing strategies.

Beyond these recommendations, the publication addresses broader industry developments, including the Entertainment Software Association’s concerns regarding potential U.S. tariffs on Taiwanese semiconductors and a House of Lords report warning that the United Kingdom risks becoming an "incubator economy" without increased support for creative tech startups. The author also notes significant corporate shifts, such as Sumo Group’s decision to pivot exclusively toward development services, effectively ending its internal intellectual property initiatives. These insights reflect a commitment to tracking the structural and regulatory challenges currently impacting the global gaming sector.