What Just Happened in Gaming? 10 Major Events You Shouldn’t Miss This Month!

🎮 Industry Policies & Initiatives

Europe’s “Stop Killing Games” Petition Hits 1 Million Signatures

The “Stop Killing Games” initiative, led by YouTuber Ross Scott, passed the 1 million signature milestone in late June. The campaign urges the EU to legislate against the deletion of digital games and the shutdown of online servers, promoting the right to game ownership. However, with roughly 40% of signatures often deemed invalid, the petition still needs more support before the July deadline. In the UK, the campaign also passed 100,000 signatures, triggering a formal response from Parliament.

📉 Layoffs & Restructuring

Massive Layoffs Hit Microsoft Gaming

Microsoft announced layoffs affecting over 9,100 employees (roughly 4% of its total workforce), significantly impacting Xbox, ZeniMax, Activision-Blizzard (King), and Turn 10 Studios. Several projects, such as Everwild and Perfect Dark, were reportedly canceled or put on indefinite hold. Xbox head Phil Spencer framed the decision as part of a broader strategy shift toward long-term efficiency and competitiveness.

🏆 Events & Esports

Summer Game Fest & Future Games Show Deliver Major Reveals

Summer Game Fest 2025 (early June) featured major announcements including Resident Evil: Requiem, 007 origin story First Light, Lies of P: Overture, Atomic Heart 2, and Splitgate 2. Blackpink’s Jennie debuted her new song “ZEN” as the official trailer soundtrack.

Future Games Show Summer Showcase (June 7) revealed over 50 new titles across PC and console platforms.

Future Games Show @ Gamescom 2025 is scheduled for August 20, promising even more reveals and hands-on previews.

🆕 Key Game Releases (July 2025)

Date Title Genre / Notes

July 1 Mecha Break PvPvE mech shooter

July 10 Mycopunk Co-op shooter set in a fungal post-apocalypse

July 11 Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 Remake of skateboarding classics

July 24 Killing Floor 3 Long-awaited zombie shooter sequel

July 29 Tales of the Shire Cozy life-sim in the Lord of the Rings world

🔍 Blockchain Gaming Loses Ground

While traditional gaming thrives, blockchain-based games are struggling. No major July release includes blockchain or crypto elements. Meanwhile, several Web3 titles like Deadrop, Ember Sword, and Nyan Heroes are shutting down, signaling waning interest and difficult economics in the sector. This stands in contrast to continued investment and innovation in conventional PC and console titles.

🌍 Esports Highlights

Global Tournaments Heating Up This Summer

Esports World Cup 2025 (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, July 8–August 24): Over 2,000 players, 200 teams, 25 games, and a prize pool exceeding $70 million USD. Football star Cristiano Ronaldo is the event’s ambassador.

League of Legends MSI 2025 (Markham, Canada): Runs from June 27 to July 12. The tournament introduces the “Fearless Draft” pick/ban system.

Free Fire India Cup 2025: Kicking off in mid-July, the tournament marks the comeback of Free Fire in India after a three-year ban.

CS2 BLAST Austin Major 2025: Group stage took place in mid-June in Austin, Texas, featuring some of the top teams in Counter-Strike.

🕹️ Industry Trends & Commentary

Strong Metrics for June: Across PC, console, and mobile, engagement and spending remained high.

Top 10 Problems Facing the Industry in 2025: Widespread layoffs, IP stagnation, exec overreach, studio closures, and venture capital hesitation are creating what many describe as a “reset period.”

GOTY 2025 Forecast: With GTA 6 delayed to 2026, mid-tier AA and breakout indie titles like Clair Obscur, Death Stranding 2, and Split Fiction are emerging as potential Game of the Year contenders.

✍️ Final Thoughts

The past month has been defined by two opposing forces: corporate restructuring and layoffs on one side, and a surge of creativity, events, and community engagement on the other. While Web3 ambitions fade and consolidation continues, traditional gaming remains resilient with packed release calendars and vibrant esports momentum.