Best of GamesIndustry.biz — November 2025

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   GamesIndustry.biz·26w

   The Steam Machine could be an industry turning point | Opinion

   Valve's upcoming Steam Machine represents a strategic challenge to both Microsoft and Sony in the console market, leveraging a decade of development on Steam Deck and SteamOS. The device combines competitive pricing with access to extensive Steam libraries and a Linux-based OS that outperforms Windows in gaming benchmarks through lower overhead and the Proton emulation layer. This timing particularly impacts Microsoft's pivot toward Xbox-Windows integration, as Valve's approach offers similar PC-console hybrid functionality at mass-market prices. The Steam Deck served as a crucial testbed, proving that optimized software can deliver strong gaming performance on modest hardware specs.

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   GamesIndustry.biz·27w

   What's going on with Acclaim?

   Acclaim, the iconic 1990s game publisher that went bankrupt in 2004, has been resurrected by CEO Alex Josef and industry veterans. The new Acclaim focuses on indie game publishing rather than reviving old IP like Turok or Mortal Kombat, which are scattered across different rights holders. Josef emphasizes a calculated approach, targeting late-stage indie projects to minimize risk while building developer relationships. The strategy prioritizes helping small to mid-size creators gain visibility over chasing nostalgic franchises, despite the brand's retro appeal.

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   GamesIndustry.biz·28w

   Nintendo wins lawsuit against streamer who livestreamed priated games before release

   Nintendo successfully sued streamer Jesse Keighin for livestreaming pirated Switch games before their official release. Keighin streamed leaked titles over 50 times since 2022, including unreleased games like Mario & Luigi: Brothership and Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, using modified consoles and emulators. Despite receiving numerous takedown notices, he continued streaming and shared emulator links with viewers. The court ordered him to pay $17,500 in damages after he failed to appear in court. This follows Nintendo's broader legal campaign against piracy, including a recent lawsuit seeking $4.5 million from another individual for similar violations.

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