As we roll into the summer heat, the game audio world is buzzing with innovation, recognition, and a few hard truths. Here’s what’s been making noise across the industry:
Microsoft Layoffs Hit the Industry Hard
Unfortunately, not all news this month is celebratory. Microsoft has announced major layoffs across its gaming division, affecting a wide swath of talented professionals. These job losses have sent ripples through the industry, with studios and communities rallying in support.
To everyone impacted: our hearts are with you. The strength of this industry is in its people, and we stand in solidarity with our fellow creators—hoping you land somewhere even better, very soon.
GDC 2026 Speaker Submissions Now Open
Planning ahead? GDC 2026 is now accepting talk proposals through August 7. This year, organizers are encouraging more interactive formats, open discussion, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. If you’ve got a session idea that can spark conversation and inspire, now’s the time to submit!
Link: https://gdconf.com/gdc-call-for-submissions/
Develop: Star Awards Highlights Best in Game Audio
The Develop: Star Awards took place on July 9th, and the Best Audio category was stacked with powerhouse titles:
- Astro Bot
- Atomfall
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
- Monument Valley 3
- Tales of Kenzera: Zau
Each nominee showcased stellar sound design and music direction, but the big win went to:
Best Audio: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle | MachineGames | Bethesda Softworks
A huge congratulations to the team for continuing to raise the bar for immersive audio experiences.
Link: https://www.developconference.com/awards
Switch 2 Races Ahead with Mario Kart World
The Nintendo Switch 2 has made a massive impact, crossing 5 million units sold in just its first month. Leading the charge? Mario Kart World, a fast favorite among fans and critics alike.
While the visuals are spectacular, it’s the soundtrack that has us revving our engines—returning beloved musical themes while debuting fresh, soon-to-be-iconic tunes. It’s a full-throttle reminder of how crucial audio is to game immersion.
Link: https://gamerant.com/nintendo-switch-2-sales-milestone/
Karlach: Devil in the Details
In an interview with TheGamer, Samantha Béart, the voice behind Baldur’s Gate 3‘s fiery fan-favorite Karlach, shared deep insights into the character’s complex backstory:
“That she is a really sweet, nice, happy-go-lucky person… I imagined being locked in a supermax prison, with no hope of getting out… and then finally actually getting out and going, ‘I get to decide who I am now.’”
It’s a powerful reminder of the role performance and audio storytelling play in creating layered, resonant characters.
Link: https://www.thegamer.com/samantha-beart-interview-karlach-baldurs-gate-3/
Death Stranding 2’s Adaptive Audio is a Game-Changer
Death Stranding 2 has landed—and with it, a beautifully reactive score that dynamically syncs to the player’s movements.
Trip, stumble, or stride confidently—every footstep subtly reshapes the music in real time. This isn’t just a soundtrack; it’s a musical reflection of your journey, giving real weight to the phrase: Every Step Means Something.
Link:https://gamerant.com/death-stranding-2-adaptive-music-moments-movement/
Players Say No to Losing Purchased Games
The “Stop Killing Games” petition has officially surpassed 1 million signatures, far beyond its 100k goal. This public push has prompted the UK government to consider legislation that would prevent publishers from delisting online games purchased by players.
It’s a strong statement in defense of player rights—and by extension, the preservation of audio, art, and design that make up our digital culture.
Link: https://www.stopkillinggames.com/
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Season 2 Announced
At Anime Expo LA, CD Projekt RED and Studio Trigger confirmed that Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is getting a Season 2. A visual and sonic masterpiece, the original series left a lasting impression with its pounding synth soundtrack and gritty atmosphere. We can’t wait to hear what’s next.
Link: https://www.cdprojekt.com/en/media/news/cyberpunk-edgerunners-2-officially-announced/
Call of Duty: WWII Pulled After Hackers Hijack PCs
The PC version of Call of Duty: WWII was temporarily taken offline after reports emerged of a severe remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability allowing hackers to hijack other players’ computers during multiplayer matches. The issue surfaced shortly after the game was added to Microsoft’s Game Pass, with attackers reportedly opening command prompts, sending messages, and even forcing shutdowns. The vulnerability affects only Windows PCs, likely due to the game’s peer-to-peer networking structure. Players are urged to avoid the game on PC until a fix is released, keep systems updated, and use reliable anti-malware tools.
Whether it’s in adaptive audio, character performance, or industry advocacy, game audio continues to push boundaries. Here’s to everyone working behind the scenes to make games sound unforgettable.
Stay tuned, stay inspired, and keep listening.
