Glossary Term

Backward Compatibility

A backward-compatible console, operating system, or service can run software created for an older version of that platform. Support may come from compatible hardware, emulation, translated system calls, or updated game builds. Compatibility is rarely universal: licensing, accessories, online services, unusual hardware features, and technical bugs can exclude particular titles. Enhanced backward-compatible releases may render at higher resolutions, stabilize frame rates, shorten loading, or add automatic HDR without becoming full remasters. The feature helps preserve libraries and reduces the cost of moving to newer hardware.

NBA 2K25 Servers Close December 31, Ending MyCAREER
By • 4 mins read
Game Coverage, News

NBA 2K25 Servers Close December 31, Ending MyCAREER

By • 4 mins read

NBA 2K25’s servers will close on December 31, 2026, taking its MyCAREER mode offline under 2K’s announced retirement plan. That means the basketball game will lose its single-player...

NBA 2K25 will lose its single-player career and MyTEAM when servers close, while existing owners retain downloads and several offline modes.

Ultima Creator Richard Garriott Says Copyrights Will Return in 2027
By • 3 mins read
News, Studios & Publishers

Ultima Creator Richard Garriott Says Copyrights Will Return in 2027

By • 3 mins read

Ultima creator Richard Garriott says he will regain copyrights to his original work in 2027, potentially giving him a route to reissue older games and develop new projects...

Richard Garriott says he expects to reclaim Ultima copyrights from EA next year, opening the door to reissues and sequels while trademark questions remain.

GTA VI Australian Rating Flags High-Impact Violence, Sex and Drug Use
By • 3 mins read
Console Gaming, Game Coverage, News

GTA VI Australian Rating Flags High-Impact Violence, Sex and Drug Use

By • 3 mins read

Grand Theft Auto VI's Australian classification listing flags high-impact violence, sex scenes and drug use, reinforcing the adult tone of Rockstar's next open-world crime game. Its R18+ rating...

GTA VI's Australian demonstration rating flags high-impact adult content, but comparisons with GTA V depend on the version assessed.

Free-to-Play’s Biggest Games Are Losing Revenue Share, Newzoo Finds
By • 4 mins read
Console Gaming, Gaming Industry, News, PC Gaming

Free-to-Play’s Biggest Games Are Losing Revenue Share, Newzoo Finds

By • 4 mins read

The biggest free-to-play games are taking a smaller share of spending on PC and consoles, according to Newzoo's latest research. The five highest-grossing titles accounted for roughly 72%...

The top five free-to-play games take a smaller share of PC and console revenue as spending spreads, while gacha growth reshapes player engagement.

Microsoft Raises Xbox Console Prices Worldwide as Hardware Costs Climb
By • 4 mins read
Console Gaming, News, PC Gaming, Xbox

Microsoft Raises Xbox Console Prices Worldwide as Hardware Costs Climb

By • 4 mins read

Microsoft is raising Xbox console prices worldwide from August 1, adding another cost increase to a console generation that has become more expensive rather than cheaper over time....

Microsoft is raising Xbox console prices worldwide from August 1, citing sharp increases in memory and storage costs across its hardware business.

Global Games Revenue Passes $200B as Mobile Generates $113B
By • 3 mins read
Gaming Industry, Mobile Gaming, News

Global Games Revenue Passes $200B as Mobile Generates $113B

By • 3 mins read

Global games revenue passed $200 billion for the first time in 2025, according to Newzoo figures covered by PocketGamer.biz. PocketGamer.biz reported the development, placing it inside a busy...

Newzoo figures show global games revenue reached $201.6 billion in 2025, with mobile generating $113.3 billion and remaining the largest sector.