November 2025 marked a significant downturn for the gaming industry, recording the lowest hardware sales in 30 years. According to Circana, only 1.6 million units of video game hardware were sold, a stark contrast to the 1.4 million sold back in 1995. This decline is shocking, especially considering November is typically a booming month for sales due to Black Friday and holiday shopping. The average price for new gaming hardware reached an all-time high of $439, which likely deterred many potential buyers.

Long-lost NES puzzle game Xcavator, developed by Chris Oberth in 1991, is making a triumphant return thanks to a collaboration between iam8bit and the Video Game History Foundation. This unreleased gem will be available as a fully polished cartridge edition, priced at $100, and set to launch in 2025. The package includes an authentic NES cartridge and a detailed manual that not only chronicles the games troubled past but also sheds light on Oberths career and the broader challenges of preserving 8-bit history.

After nearly a year of striking, SAG-AFTRA has reached a tentative agreement with major video game companies, signaling a pivotal moment for voice actors in the gaming industry. This agreement, which includes industry giants like Activision, Disney, and EA, aims to establish crucial protections for performers in the age of artificial intelligence. The union’s decision to suspend the strike highlights the importance of negotiating terms that safeguard the livelihoods of voice actors against the encroaching influence of AI technology.

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has officially named its highly anticipated game, previously known as Project Century, as Stranger Than Heaven. Set in the intriguing backdrop of Japan in 1915, this new title has gamers buzzing with excitement, although details remain scarce. The studio, renowned for its Like a Dragon and Yakuza series, has left fans speculating whether this will be a fresh entry in the beloved franchise or an entirely new venture.

In a significant turn of events, People Can Fly has announced the cancellation of two unannounced games, Project Gemini and Project Bifrost, due to ongoing disagreements with their publisher, Square Enix. This decision comes on the heels of previous layoffs at the studio, which saw over 30 developers let go earlier this year. The CEO, Sebastian Wojciechowski, expressed deep regret over the situation, highlighting the lack of communication from the publisher as a critical factor in the cancellation.