Stop Killing Games Creator Pauses as Campaign Advances
▼ Summary
– Kotaku’s Morning Checkpoint highlights mixed gaming news, including retro music additions to Nintendo’s app and IGN layoffs.
– The Stop Killing Games campaign is now in a waiting phase after closing its EU petition, with Ross Scott taking a break.
– IGN laid off eight more staff due to cost-cutting by parent company Ziff Davis, despite reported revenue increases.
– Nintendo added Pilotwings series soundtracks to its music app, allowing extended playback of tracks like “Flight Club.”
– Unity’s popularity among game devs dropped to 41% in 2025, with many shifting to Godot after Unity’s controversial fee policies.
The gaming industry continues to evolve with both exciting updates and sobering developments. From nostalgic soundtracks finding new life to corporate layoffs and shifting developer preferences, there’s plenty to unpack for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Ross Scott’s Stop Killing Games campaign has reached a pivotal moment. After a year of vigorous advocacy against publishers permanently shutting down online games, the initiative is now in a holding pattern. The European Union petition, a cornerstone of the effort, has closed for signatures, leaving supporters in wait-and-see mode. In a recent update video, Scott confirmed he’s stepping back temporarily but promised to reengage if momentum picks up again.
IGN faces another round of layoffs, with eight more staff members let go by parent company Ziff Davis. The IGN Union expressed frustration, noting these cuts come despite reported revenue growth. This follows earlier workforce reductions, including three dismissals last year, raising questions about corporate priorities in a thriving market.
Nintendo Music app subscribers now have access to the full Pilotwings soundtrack. The update includes tracks from Pilotwings, Pilotwings 64, and Pilotwings Resort, all playable on loop for up to an hour. For fans of the series’ iconic “Flight Club” theme, this is a welcome addition to the streaming library.
Rumors suggest the Switch 2 may introduce smaller game cartridges. Taiwanese manufacturer Marconix hinted at expanded storage options beyond the current 64GB standard, which could reduce reliance on digital-only releases. Smaller, more affordable carts might encourage third-party developers to avoid controversial key cards, offering players greater flexibility.
Unity’s dominance among game engines appears to be waning. Data from the 2025 GMTK Game Jam shows only 41% of participants used Unity, down from 60% in 2021. Meanwhile, the open-source Godot engine surged to 39%, likely fueled by backlash over Unity’s ill-received runtime fee proposal in 2023. Though the company reversed course, the damage to its reputation among indie developers seems lasting.
The gaming landscape remains as dynamic as ever, blending creativity with corporate challenges. Whether it’s preserving classic experiences or navigating industry shifts, these developments underscore the passion and complexity driving the world of interactive entertainment.
(Source: kotaku)
