Flying to Paris to Dance With Pikachu, and Writing for New York Times Again

This industry update provides a curated overview of significant developments in the gaming sector as of late September 2025. The primary purpose is to synthesize recent professional reporting on major corporate acquisitions, game releases, and industry trends, while offering personal insights from recent international travel to preview events and cultural hubs.

Key industry developments include the notable $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts by a consortium involving Saudi Arabia and Jared Kushner, a transaction that underscores the high valuation and strategic importance of the gaming market. In the software space, the report highlights the ongoing difficulty of Hollow Knight: Silksong following recent updates, the transition of Hades 2 out of early access, and a critical assessment of Borderlands 4, which is noted for its challenging single-player tuning. Furthermore, the analysis touches upon the evolving relationship between Hideo Kojima and Konami, noting that despite past conflicts, the legacy of the Metal Gear franchise remains a significant influence in contemporary game design.

The scope of this information is global, encompassing major studio activities in Europe and the United States. The methodology relies on a combination of firsthand journalistic experience, including preview events in Paris and game reviews, supplemented by analysis of broader market movements and professional commentary from industry observers. The content serves as a snapshot of the current gaming landscape, reflecting a period of high-profile corporate consolidation and significant software launches.