Our Industry News (10/07/23 - 16/07/23)

The publication serves as a weekly roundup of notable developments within the gaming and entertainment sectors, covering the period from 10 to 16 July 2023. Its primary focus is on high‑profile corporate actions, platform expansions, and new game releases that shape industry dynamics. The headline item reports the judicial clearance of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, noting that a federal judge has allowed the deal to close ahead of the July 18 deadline while the FTC initiates an appeal. The piece also highlights Microsoft’s consideration of extreme measures, such as withdrawing Blizzard from the UK to circumvent regulatory blocks, and notes Sony’s silence on the matter.

Other key news includes Antstream’s expansion to Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One, offering over 1,300 titles, alongside a warning that 87 % of classic games are out of print in the United States, raising preservation concerns. The re‑branding of EA Sports FC is announced for 29 September, with the first title featuring women in Ultimate Team and a controversial cover art that omits marquee players. FIFA’s launch of its inaugural title following its split from EA is also mentioned.

The document lists new releases for the week commencing 17 July, detailing titles such as Ember Nights, Cross Rails, and Pimkin 4 across platforms including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and PC. The coverage is global in scope, referencing U.S., UK, and broader international markets, and it draws on public court rulings, corporate statements, and press releases. No specific survey methodology is cited; the information appears aggregated from industry announcements and regulatory filings.