🍪 EA’s $55B Deal, Indie Creators’ Reality, Japan’s AI Shift, Google vs. Epic, and Pokémon in the Ring
Hello there deal-makers, indie dreamers, and lucha believers.
Today we’ve got EA swallowed whole in a $55B buyout, indie creators proving the grind is real, Japan’s dev scene leaning hard on AI, Google begging the Supreme Court for mercy, and Pokémon body-slamming its way into lucha libre. Let’s get into it.
đź’¸ EA Goes Private in $55B Deal
Electronic Arts (EA) has officially agreed to a $55 billion acquisition by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), alongside Silver Lake and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners. The deal means EA will no longer be publicly traded, with CEO Andrew Wilson staying at the helm until the buyout closes in Q1 FY27.
📢 Andrew Wilson: “Together with our partners, we will create transformative experiences to inspire generations to come.”
🦊 Kiki’s Opinion: Biggest buyout since Microsoft–Activision, but let’s be real — most players don’t care who signs EA’s checks. Saudi fund, Kushner, or Mickey Mouse, people will still log into FC and Apex if they enjoy them. The noise about politics won’t outweigh the pull of the games themselves. 🍪 Chip clutches a calculator as zeroes flood the screen, then nervously peeks from behind a stack of FIFA packs.
🎥 92.7% of Creators Are On Their Own
A new YRS TRULY report shows that 92.7% of gaming content creators work independently, with nearly half juggling part-time creation alongside full-time jobs or studies. Just 30% make content full-time.
📢 Report note: “Only the most prominent can afford to pursue content creation full-time. For the majority, time is limited — making clear brand communication critical.”
🦊 Kiki’s Opinion: Brands still treat creators like endless billboards, but the truth is most of them are hustling between shifts. If you want their loyalty, cover their travel, pay fair, and don’t ghost them after a campaign. Otherwise? They’ll skip your pitch faster than a TikTok swipe. 🍪 Chip juggles a mic, a laptop, and a day-job badge — sweating, but still hitting “upload.”
🤖 Over Half of Japan’s Game Companies Use AI
The Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA) Industry Report preview reveals that 51% of Japanese studios now use AI in development. The main uses? Visual assets, character images, writing support, and even building in-house engines. Heavy hitters like Capcom, SEGA, and Square Enix are already in — while Nintendo says “nah.”
📢 Square Enix CEO Takashi Kiryu: “We will be aggressive in applying AI.”
🦊 Kiki’s Opinion: Japan is showing the world that AI isn’t a side tool — it’s the new pipeline. Nintendo’s resistance is noble, but in a few years, “AI-assisted” won’t even be a buzzword. It’ll just be game dev. 🍪 Chip wears a tiny hardhat, watching an army of robo-arms print character art while he labels files “v17_final_FINAL.”
⚖️ Google Begs Supreme Court in Epic Fight
Google is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to block a lower court ruling that forces it to allow third-party app stores (like Epic Games’s) on Android for three years. The order kicks in October 22, unless the justices intervene.
📢 Epic’s Natalie Thorpe Munoz: “Consumers and developers should benefit from competition, choices, and lower prices.”
🦊 Kiki’s Opinion: Google crying “irreparable harm” is wild when their Play Store prints money. This isn’t about safety — it’s about keeping rent. Epic just proved you can land punches on giants, and Google’s scrambling for a timeout. 🍪 Chip rings a tiny bell like a boxing ref, then tapes a “Side-load OK?” sign to an Android robot.
🤼 Pokémon Takes Over Lucha Libre
In Mexico City, The PokĂ©mon Company partnered with Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) – Promociones MĂ©xico Coliseo y RevoluciĂłn wrestling for a two-hour show where luchadors cosplayed as Hawlucha and Machamp, bringing PokĂ©mon Legends: Z-A hype to life. Fans got themed hats, mascots, and exclusive medals.
📢 Fans in attendance: “The vibes were great — even if you don’t speak Spanish.”
🦊 Kiki’s Opinion: Forget concerts and trailers — this is how you sell a game. Pokémon fusing with lucha libre culture was pure fan service. Someone give Machamp a new form so the rematch hits harder. 🍪 Chip puts on a mini luchador mask, flexes (badly), then raises his arm as Pikachu crowns him champ.
And that’s today’s cookie batch.
EA’s future just got political, creators keep grinding unpaid hours, Japan’s dev scene embraces AI, Google’s empire shakes, and Pikachu’s out here suplexing Machamp.
Stay sharp, keep spicy, and remember: the games are fun, but the drama is undefeated.
đź“© Got tips or drama crumbs? Contact us here!
🍪 Subscribe to our newsletter & help spread the cookies.
