You won’t believe what slipped past the Joker this week — and it’s not even the wildest story in gaming. Read on for the biggest business moves, festival highlights, and fresh releases you can’t miss.
Weekend gaming plans: narrative showcases and two big launches
Today marks the start of LudoNarraCon on Steam, a multi-day showcase focused on story-driven games that runs through Monday, May 13. Expect developer talks, discounts, and a variety of demos — a chance to try both released titles and upcoming projects. Past editions let players test games like Stray Gods and Loco Motive; this year’s slate includes The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood, Lil Guardsman, Yes, Your Grace, Pacific Drive, Slay the Princess, A Highland Song, and Duck Detective.
Also arriving on release day: Little Kitty Big City, which will finally let players see what the game’s feline protagonist is all about. Another long-awaited title, Animal Well, is also available now for players to try.
Electronic Arts: strong earnings, future projects, and AI plans
Electronic Arts reported $7.43 billion in revenue for the fiscal year ended March 31, with net income of $1.27 billion — a year-over-year rise of 2% in revenue and 59% in profit. EA attributes much of this performance to EA Sports FC 24 and Madden NFL.
Looking ahead to fiscal 2025 (the year running until March 31 next year), EA said it will release two as-yet-unannounced games. One is expected to be a partner title, similar to the release pattern of Wild Hearts, and EA indicated that partner title is scheduled for early 2025. The other is an original EA-owned IP without a confirmed launch window. Industry reporter Jeff Grubb has suggested that the unannounced in-house project could be the next Dragon Age: Dreadwolf.
On the investor call, CEO Andrew Wilson said EA expects more than half of its development processes to be “positively impacted” by artificial intelligence, emphasizing potential gains in efficiency and developer empowerment. Earlier this year, in February, EA cut roughly 670 positions — about 5% of its workforce — and canceled a first-person Star Wars shooter that Respawn Entertainment had been developing.
Capcom’s upbeat forecast for the coming year
Capcom released results showing solid increases in both revenue and profit for the fiscal year that ended in March, and the company is projecting even stronger performance in the next fiscal year (ending March 31, 2025). Analysts and fans are reading that outlook as a hint of a healthy release schedule ahead.
More shakeups at Xbox: further layoffs reportedly planned
According to Bloomberg reporting by Jason Schreier, Microsoft’s Xbox division is planning additional staff reductions. Recent studio closures — including Tango, Arkane Austin, Roundhouse, and Alpha Dog — are part of a broader “cost reduction” strategy, and Schreier reports that Xbox has told multiple employees that more cuts could follow.
Wholesome Games joins the No-E3 lineup with a dedicated showcase
The “No-E3” celebrations are taking shape: Wholesome Games confirmed a Wholesome Direct for June 8, one day before Microsoft’s event. Several developers have already committed to showing their games, including the teams behind Minami Lane and Anaïs Salla (known for Nom Nom Cozy Café and a role on Minabo).
Quick roundup — the top stories for Thursday, May 9
– Electronic Arts posts $7.43B revenue and $1.27B net income for the fiscal year ended March 31, with EA Sports FC 24 and Madden cited as key revenue drivers.
– EA plans two unannounced releases in fiscal 2025: one partner title slated for early 2025 and one internal IP with no set launch window; Jeff Grubb has speculated the latter could be Dragon Age: Dreadwolf.
– EA tells investors that AI will positively impact over half of development processes.
– In February, EA laid off 670 employees (about 5% of staff) and canceled Respawn’s Star Wars FPS.
– Capcom posts strong fiscal-year results and forecasts further growth for the year ending March 31, 2025.
– Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier reports that Xbox’s recent studio closures are part of ongoing cost-cutting and that additional layoffs are expected.
– Wholesome Games will host a Wholesome Direct on June 8 as part of the No-E3 festivities; developers such as Minami Lane and Anaïs Salla are participating.
– LudoNarraCon launches on Steam today through May 13 with demos, talks, and discounts for narrative-focused games.
– New releases to check out: Little Kitty Big City and Animal Well.
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Logan Whitmere is a gaming enthusiast who lives and breathes video games. Whether it’s reviews, gaming tips, or news about the latest releases, Logan’s passion and expertise bring the virtual world to life for every reader.