🍪 Nintendo bulks up, Google blinks, Unity bets on AI.

Hello there, industry watchers, trend chasers. Today we’ve got consolidation plans from Nintendo, a major app-store concession from Google, another “AI will save us” pitch from Unity, a studio closure at Atomhawk, and BlizzCon locking in 2026. Buckle up.

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🎨 Atomhawk closes its Canadian studio

Art & design house Atomhawk shut its Canada branch “with a heavy heart,” saying it’s supporting affected staff. The UK operation continues. (Atomhawk was acquired by Sumo Group in 2017; Sumo was acquired by Tencent in 2021.)

📢 “This decision affects a small team of undeniably brilliant artists… We are supporting all those affected.”

🦊 Kiki: Outsourcing studios are the invisible ribcage of this industry — you don’t notice them until the body can’t breathe.

🍪 Chip presses a tiny “Hire Me” sign against the glass.

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🟩 Google–Epic détente: lower Play fees + real alternatives

Google‘s proposed settlement with Epic Games would cap service fees at 9% or 20% (tiered), allow side-by-side alternative payments, and open a Registered App Store program with fewer “scare screens.” Judge approval pending.

📢 “Expanding developer choice and flexibility, lowering fees… encouraging more competition,” says Android’s Sameer Samat. Epic’s Tim Sweeney calls it “awesome.”

🦊 Kiki: Not a revolution — but it’s the first time the castle opened a side gate without throwing rocks. Your move, Apple.

🍪 Chip drops a 30% cut into a shredder and looks relieved.

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⚙️ Unity: AI for creation and discovery

Unity CEO Matthew Bromberg says gen-AI discovery tools will be “front and center” as game volume explodes; Unity touts Vector AI and “Create” growth while still posting a net loss.

📢 “AI will make development ever more accessible… and put discovery in the forefront.”

🦊 Kiki: Translation: ‘We need better ads and better store placement, and we’re going to call it AI.’ If it actually helps indies get seen, I’ll eat my words — and your Steam page.

🍪 Chip searches “discoverability” and gets lost on page 7.

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🧱 Nintendo: buying devs, building muscle

Nintendo plans to acquire development companies (subsidiaries), expand internal facilities, and invest in non-game entertainment after the Mario movie’s success — plus a push to deepen Nintendo Account touchpoints.

📢 “We will strengthen internal game development… including acquiring development companies and augmenting facilities.” — Shuntaro Furukawa

🦊 Kiki: Nintendo doing M&A is like your quiet cousin showing up ripped after summer — fewer contractors, more in-house muscle. Expect tighter pipelines on flagship IP.

🍪 Chip flexes… snaps in half (still delicious).

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🛍️ Nintendo Store app goes global

A Nintendo Store app launches on iOS/Android outside Japan: browse Switch 2 hardware, games, merch; wish-list sale alerts; play-activity review; event check-ins.

📢 “Stay up-to-date with the latest news… and jump directly to My Nintendo Store to purchase.”

🦊 Kiki: This is less “storefront” and more “funnel.” Expect push-note boss fights during holiday sales.

🍪 Chip enables notifications, immediately regrets enabling notifications.

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🧊 BlizzCon 2026: dates, prices, add-ons

BlizzCon returns to Anaheim Sept 12–13, 2026.

Early-bird passes $249.99 (Nov 7–9), standard $289.99 (Nov 18). Add-ons: Charity Night $499.99 (Make-A-Wish), Darkmoon Faire After Hours $89.99. Opening Ceremony + select panels will stream free.

📢 “A uniquely special celebration of creativity and connection,” says Blizzard Entertainment president Johanna Faries.

🦊 Kiki: If they’ve really rebuilt trust, the floor energy will tell you. If not, the merch line will.

🍪 Chip equips +20 Stamina for queueing.

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Stay pragmatic — Google’s fee shift is real leverage for mobile devs.
Keep building in-house strength — Nintendo’s move signals where long-term quality comes from.
Remember — AI hype means nothing if discoverability still buries good games.

— 🦁 Leo

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