43% of kids want in-game currencies for Xmas, survey highlights gacha and live-service woes in Japan & 56% of U.S. game workers want to join a union

The Weekly Download by Big Games Machine is your essential weekly speedrun through the biggest stories in the global video games industry.

This Week's Headlines:

• Reports from the ESA claim 43% of US kids want in-game currencies as Christmas gifts
• 70% of gacha/live-service games in Japan are discontinued by their third year on the market
• The GDC 2025 Game Industry Salary Report indicates 56% of U.S. game workers want to join a union

Hosted by industry experts Tom and Alex, we break down the most intriguing, complex, and vital developments of the week to keep you informed.

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Stories mentioned in this episode can be found below:

• https://www.gamesindustry.biz/nearly-half-of-us-kids-want-in-game-currency-this-christmas
• https://automaton-media.com/en/news/more-than-70-of-gacha-and-live-service-games-in-japan-get-discontinued-before-their-third-year-gacha-game-researcher-finds/
• https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/half-of-us-game-workers-want-to-join-an-union-survey-says
• https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/honored-to-be-selected-texas-based-developer-hired-by-nintendo-for-switch-2-game-updates/
• https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/hypixel-acquires-hytale-back-from-riot-games
• https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/you-probably-didnt-expect-to-see-me-here-epic-and-unity-announce-unique-partnership/
• https://www.pcgamer.com/games/city-builder/after-the-bungled-launch-of-cities-skylines-2-paradox-interactive-and-colossal-order-part-ways-as-development-moves-to-a-new-studio/