Today’s Gaming News Roundup
Every gamer knows the anticipation of a new Grand Theft Auto or Mafia game. The thrill of exploring vast open worlds is unmatched! Take-Two’s boss is confident about what these franchises will bring to our screens next.
Will the next GTA 6 redefine open-world gaming? Are we finally going to get more from the gritty world of Mafia? Will there ever be a new franchise to rival these two titans?
Nobody actually knows the answers to these, but hopefully we’ll find out in the next year or so. Let’s check out the details from these series and more gaming news in today’s roundup.
Take-Two Boss Confident in Mafia Franchise After The Old Country Performs ‘Well Ahead of Expectations’
Take-Two Interactive’s CEO, Strauss Zelnick, has hinted at a promising future for the Mafia franchise. This comes after “Mafia: The Old Country” exceeded performance expectations. Released on August 7, 2025, the game has captivated players with its immersive storytelling and rich atmosphere. Although exact sales figures weren’t disclosed, the positive reception suggests the franchise is far from fading.
So, what’s next for Mafia? With such a strong performance, we might see more new additions to the series. Could there be another sequel or even a spin-off in the works?
Is GTA 6’s delay that bad, compared to GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2?
Rockstar Games is famous for multiple game delays, but GTA 6 is a different beast. It’s been over a decade since GTA 5 launched in 2013. Fans have been eagerly waiting for announcements, but 2026 is the rumored release year.
Rockstar’s pattern shows delays usually lead to polished products, but this wait feels endless. In the meantime, Rockstar has kept fans engaged with consistent updates and expansions to GTA Online, maintaining its popularity and revenue stream.
Mafia: The Old Country’s $50 Price Point Paid Off, Take Two Boss Says
Take-Two’s latest earnings call brought mixed news. The big headline? A six-month delay for GTA 6. But, on the brighter side, CEO Strauss Zelnick highlighted the success of Mafia: The Old Country.
Released in August and priced at $50, this prequel set in early 1900s Sicily has exceeded expectations. Unlike other franchise entries, it’s more linear and story-driven. Why did this approach work?
GTA 6 Aiming For ‘Perfection’ As CEO References Past Metacritic Scores Over 95
Rockstar Games aims for perfection with GTA 6, referencing past high Metacritic scores over 95. The CEO mentioned this in a recent update, highlighting their solid track record. GTA 6’s development is being closely watched, with expectations for a 2025 release.
Fans are eager to see if it can match or exceed earlier successes. The company is reportedly investing heavily in both technology and talent to ensure GTA 6 surpasses its predecessors.
Take-Two blames Borderlands 4’s “softer” than expected sales on troublesome PC release
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick admitted Borderlands 4’s sales were “softer” than expected. The dip is blamed on challenges with the PC release. Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford previously claimed there were “few real issues” with the game.
However, players reported big performance complaints. This comes after the recent delay of GTA 6.
Don’t sleep on the new solarpunk colony sim from devs behind Firewatch, Mini Motorways, Gone Home, and more
“Generation Exile,” a recent release on Steam, is struggling to stand out amid a flurry of end-of-year game launches. Released on November 4, 2025, the game has been overshadowed by more prominent titles like “Starfield” and “Baldur’s Gate 3.” Despite its unique blend of RPG elements and survival mechanics, it’s received lukewarm reviews, currently holding a 68% rating on Steam. This timing could spell trouble for “Generation Exile. ”
Competing against big-budget games with massive marketing campaigns isn’t easy. Smaller indie titles often rely on word-of-mouth and niche appeal, but with so many options, “Generation Exile” risks being forgotten. Could a sale or update boost its visibility?
Grand Theft Auto VI Release Date Delayed To November 2026
Grand Theft Auto, one of the most iconic franchises in gaming history, has fans actively anticipating its next installment. It’s been a staggering 12 years since the last release, and Rockstar’s most recent venture, Red Dead Redemption 2, launched seven years ago. The excitement reached a fever pitch when the second trailer dropped, racking up over 137 million views online. Unfortunately, the initial launch scheduled for May 2026 is now postponed to November 19, 2026, as revealed by Bloomberg through Take-Two’s quarterly earnings report.
Rockstar addressed the delay on their website, citing the need for additional time to ensure the game meets the high standards their fans expect and deserve. While the extended wait might be tough, this news assures gamers that Rockstar is committed to delivering a polished and exceptional gaming experience. Exciting times are on the horizon for gamers as Rockstar Games gears up to transport players to the expansive state of Leonida and the much-anticipated modern-day Vice City in GTA VI.
“Ah shit, here we go again”: GTA 6 developers speak from the picket line about Rockstar North “union-busting”
Rockstar Games recently fired 34 employees, 31 in the UK and three in Canada, citing “gross misconduct” and the sharing of “confidential information on a public forum.” The UK’s IWGB Game Workers union claims the real motive was to prevent unionization among the dismissed UK workers. In response, the IWGB has started legal proceedings to have the UK-based employees reinstated and organized protests to rally support. I attended a protest outside Rockstar North’s Edinburgh office yesterday.
The atmosphere was spirited, with attendees chanting for workers’ rights. Politicians showed up, and creative signs dotted the crowd, including one mimicking GTA’s wanted system. Initially showing two stars, the sign filled up as the protest gained momentum.
Full story via Rock Paper Shotgun
Square Enix announces mass layoffs, with over 100 UK staff reportedly expected to be at risk
Square Enix is making some tough decisions, folks. They’re laying off staff in their Western business arms, impacting over 100 UK employees. While the exact number of US-based workers isn’t clear, it’s evident that many are facing uncertainty. This move is part of a restructuring effort to cut costs and refocus on their Japanese development base.
So, what’s driving these changes? It’s all about consolidating resources and streamlining operations. By honing in on its core strengths, Square Enix aims to bolster its future projects.
Original report: Rock Paper Shotgun
What do you think about the new Mafia game?
I know GTA is an undisputed champion in the open-world crime game genre, but where does Mafia fit into the equation? I haven’t tried any of the games, but the reviews seem mostly positive. I can’t tell if it’s hype or actual amazingness, though. What are your thoughts on the Mafia franchise, particularly The Old Country? Are there contenders lurking in the shadows ready to dethrone them? Let me know what you think below!
