The gaming industry never stops evolving, and this week brings a mix of exciting opportunities, industry shifts, and unexpected setbacks. From BAFTA’s Young Game Designers competition opening its doors to aspiring developers, to the closure of Sony’s Japan Studio, problematic NES cartridges, and the arrival of Mortal Kombat’s Sub-Zero in Fortnite, here’s everything you need to know.
BAFTA Young Game Designers Competition Now Open
Opportunity for Young Developers to Shine
For young aspiring game developers in the UK, the BAFTA Young Game Designers (YGD) competition is officially taking entries for 2025. Open to players aged 10-18, this competition is a fantastic opportunity to gain industry recognition and take a step towards a career in game development.
There are two categories:
- Game Making Award: For those who have created an original game (individually or in teams of up to three).
- Game Concept Award: For those who have a fresh idea for a game, even if they haven’t built it yet.
Winners will be announced later this year in a virtual ceremony, with top game makers and industry professionals offering mentorship and opportunities. The deadline for submissions is March 12, 2025, at 5 PM (UK time), so if you’re an aspiring game designer, now is the time to get creative!
Former PlayStation Exec Shuhei Yoshida on Japan Studio’s Closure
Why Sony Shut Down Japan Studio
In a recent interview on the Sacred Symbols PlayStation Podcast, former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida shed light on the difficult decision to shut down Sony’s Japan Studio in 2021.
Despite being responsible for beloved titles like Ape Escape and Gravity Rush, Japan Studio struggled to produce AAA-level hits. Yoshida admitted that the market shift towards large-scale projects made it increasingly difficult for smaller, double-A games to thrive.
Although Japan Studio is gone, its creative spirit lives on in projects like Slitterhead, developed by ex-Japan Studio director Keiichiro Toyama, and the upcoming Patapon-inspired game Ratatan.
Limited Run Games’ NES Cartridges May Damage Consoles
Retro Gaming Fans Beware
Retro gaming enthusiasts who purchased Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland and Piopow on NES should be cautious. Limited Run Games has warned customers that due to voltage regulation issues, these cartridges could damage consoles or themselves over time.
The company confirmed that the issue stemmed from working with an unfamiliar manufacturer rather than its usual trusted partner. As a result, Limited Run has halted shipments of these games and will re-manufacture them with a more reliable supplier.
Customers awaiting their orders can either wait for a fixed version or request a full refund. Those who already received a faulty cartridge will get a replacement at no additional cost.
This isn’t Limited Run’s first quality control issue—last year, it apologized for selling CD-Rs instead of pressed discs in a D re-release for the 3DO. Moving forward, the company is pledging to avoid similar mistakes.
Fortnite Chapter 6, Season 2: Lawless Introduces Sub-Zero
A Crime-Fueled Season and Epic Crossovers
Fortnite’s upcoming season, Lawless, is set to drop on February 21, bringing a mix of crime-themed gameplay and high-profile character crossovers.
Mortal Kombat’s Sub-Zero will join the battle, marking another major franchise collaboration for Fortnite. Alongside him, the game will introduce a cops-and-robbers-style heist mode, where players can ransack banks, pull off train heists, and make dramatic getaways.
Other characters joining this season include Big Dill, a giant pickle, proving once again that Fortnite thrives on its bizarre and unpredictable crossovers.
This follows the recent Demon Hunters season, which included Baymax from Big Hero 6 and Godzilla. With Fortnite continuing its Disney collaboration and expanding its in-game universe, the game remains a leader in live-service gaming.
Final Thoughts
What’s Your Take on This Week’s Gaming News?
This week’s gaming news highlights the industry’s highs and lows. While young creators get a chance to break into the field with BAFTA’s YGD competition, industry veterans reflect on the challenges of keeping beloved studios afloat. Retro gaming fans face hardware risks, while Fortnite continues to dominate with new content and crossovers.
What are your thoughts on these stories? Are you planning to enter BAFTA’s competition, or are you excited about Sub-Zero in Fortnite? Let us know in the comments!
