Layoffs, Price Increases, PS5 Slim, Rise Of AI, Microsoft Buys Activision: The Biggest Gaming News Of 2023
By Eddie Makuch on
2023 was another big year for the video game industry, with many memorable moments, ups and downs, and storylines that dominated the headlines. With the end of the year in sight, we're looking back at the year that was and compiling the biggest news of 2023.
Perhaps the biggest storyline of 2023 related to the human element of making games. 2023 was marked with significant layoffs, studio closures, and other difficult news for the people who make games. By some estimates, more than 7,000 jobs were lost this year alone. All the while, major gaming companies made massive profits in 2023, and there has been a renewed discussion about the overall health, viability, and sustainability of game development at large.
Some believe the AAA gaming business is unsustainable and headed for a crash, if it hasn't happened already.
Another major story from 2023 was Microsoft's $68.7 billion to buy Activision Blizzard finally, after a lengthy regulatory approval process, getting completed in October. This brought an end to 18 months of regulatory process that included many secret documents and personal emails finding their way online and providing a rare peek behind the curtain.
2023 also saw notable events like the closure of the Overwatch League and the shutdown of the Wii U and 3DS eShops. Beyond that, in 2023 we tragically lost beloved video game actors like Lance Reddick (Destiny, Horizon) and Annie Wersching (The Last of Us). The communities surrounding those games celebrated their lives and legacy with tributes.
The year is poised to end with even more big news, as Rockstar will reveal the first GTA 6 trailer on December 5. The Game Awards, too, might bring some big news--so keep checking back with GameSpot for more.
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