Exclusive Gaming News And Updates: E3 Is Dead, Amazon Warhammer Show Deal, Nemesis New Record And More

As we wind down the year, the gaming scene is buzzing with exciting updates. From E3’s demise to thrilling partnerships and crowdfunding triumphs, here’s your scoop on the Games Industry News for December 19th, 2023. Let’s get into it!

E3 Declared Officially Dead

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has officially bid farewell to the once-mighty Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). In an interview with The Washington Post, ESA President Stanley Pierre-Louis confirmed E3’s demise, acknowledging its struggle in the ever-evolving industry. The attempt at a digital format in 2021 fell short, and the pandemic dealt the final blow.

Pierre-Louis highlighted how companies now connect with consumers through diverse channels, making traditional tradeshows like E3 obsolete. As we say goodbye to E3, nostalgia fills the air. The gaming landscape has shifted, with social media and individual showcases taking the spotlight. What’s next to carry on E3’s legacy remains a curious question.

Amazon and Games Workshop Finalize Warhammer Show Deal

In brighter news, the Warhammer universe is stepping onto the television stage. Games Workshop and Amazon have officially joined forces to bring Warhammer to the small screen. The collaboration, announced last December with Henry Cavill as a key player, is a thrilling venture.

Details of the show remain a mystery, but the focus is on assembling a scriptwriting team and defining creative guidelines. According to Games Workshop’s investor update, significant scriptwriting efforts may kick off later in 2025. Warhammer fans, the wait may be long, but the prospect of seeing their beloved universe on TV is undeniably exciting.

Nemesis: Retaliation Soars to Crowdfunding Records

Awaken Realms, a Polish company, has hit crowdfunding gold with Nemesis: Retaliation, the third installment in its co-op survival board game series. Launched on Gamefound with a $50,000 goal, the campaign closed on December 14th, raising over $12.2 million from 41,000 backers globally.

This achievement marks Gamefound’s third-highest board game crowdfunding campaign, following Kingdom Death: Monster 1.5 and Frosthaven. Nemesis: Retaliation, drawing inspiration from the Alien films, promises an immersive experience. Backers can expect their copies to arrive in April 2025, according to the Gamebacker page.

Larian CEO: “Almost Nobody Left” from D&D Team that Helped with Baldur’s Gate 3 after Layoffs

Recent layoffs at Hasbro Inc. reached beyond the toy division, impacting Wizards of the Coast and the Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) team. Swen Vinke, CEO of Larian Studios, expressed gratitude for the D&D team’s contribution to Baldur’s Gate 3. However, Vinke’s gratitude was tinged with sadness, revealing that “almost nobody” from the original team remained due to the layoffs.

The layoffs also affected Megan Golbraith Donahue, director of the successful Magic: the Gathering: Universes Beyond sets. Despite the extraordinary success of D&D and Magic, the layoffs underscore the unpredictability of corporate decisions in the gaming industry.

New York Game Cafes Win Battle for Unionization

In a heartening turn of events, workers at New York tabletop cafes, including The Brooklyn Strategist, Hex & Company, and Uncommons, have successfully unionized. Overcoming attempts at union busting, The Brooklyn Strategist secured a resounding 17-1 vote in favor of unionization. Christine Carmack, an employee, expressed eagerness for positive change and collaboration with management.

Amidst tales of industry challenges, this victory for unionization stands out as a triumph for workers in the tabletop games industry.

James McCaffery Dies

The gaming community mourns the loss of James McCaffery, the renowned voice actor behind Max Payne and Alex Casey in Alan Wake 2. McCaffery, aged 65, passed away on Sunday after a battle with cancer. His contributions to the gaming world will be remembered fondly.

And that’s a wrap for our Games Industry News Roundup this week! Stay tuned for more updates on the tabletop games industry and related media. Until next week, happy gaming!

In memory of James McCaffery (1958-2023).