Strategic Advisory & Market Intelligence Archives

Gamescom 2026: What the world’s biggest gaming event tells us about the games industry

September 10, 2026• Events & Trade Shows, Insights, Strategic Advisory & Market Intelligence

Back from Cologne after another packed gamescom, we look back at gamescom 2026, the continued international growth of the event and a week spent meeting people from across the global games industry

Another gamescom is in the books. For Games Branding, Cologne has been part of the calendar for many years. But gamescom 2026 once again demonstrated just how international the games industry has become.

Across a very busy few days, we met game developers, publishers, gaming hardware companies, creators, media and industry partners from around the world, reconnecting with familiar faces while starting plenty of new conversations.

The scale of gamescom continues to grow. gamescom 2026 welcomed 368,000 visitors from 131 countries, including more than 36,000 trade visitors.
A record 1,743 companies from 66 countries exhibited at the show, with international companies accounting for 72% of exhibitors.

Those are enormous numbers. But walking the halls in Cologne, the more interesting story wasn’t simply how big gamescom has become. It was how global the business of games now is.

A global games industry under one roof
Few events bring together so many different parts of the international games
industry in one place.

Major publishers share the show floor with independent developers, emerging
studios, hardware and technology companies, creators, media and businesses
from markets across Europe, Asia, North America and beyond.

For a few days in Cologne, an industry normally spread across continents and
time zones suddenly feels remarkably close together.

And for an industry that spends much of the year communicating through
screens, gamescom remains an important reminder of the value of meeting
face-to-face.Sometimes a 20-minute conversation in Cologne can accomplish
more than months of emails.

A challenging industry, but not one standing still
It would be difficult to talk about the state of the games industry in 2026 without
acknowledging that the sector has been through a challenging period.

Budgets are under pressure, competition is intense and standing out in an
increasingly crowded global market remains a challenge for companies of
every size.

But Cologne didn’t feel like an industry retreating. Quite the opposite.

Throughout the week, the halls were filled with new games, new technology, new companies and people arriving from around the world to meet, reconnect and look towards what comes next.

The atmosphere reminded us that even during periods of change, this remains an extraordinarily creative and ambitious global industry.

The international side of gamescom
One of the things we have always enjoyed about gamescom is its international
character.

A single day can take you through conversations with people from completely
different parts of the world, different areas of the industry and companies at
very different stages of their journey.

Meet the new Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded Controller!

August 18, 2025• Insights, PR & Media, Strategic Advisory & Market Intelligence, Videogames

Leading gaming accessories maker Turtle Beach Corporation (Nasdaq: TBCH) and its Victrix esports brand, has announced the new Turtle Beach^® Victrix™ Pro BFG™ Reloaded Wireless Modular Controller. The successor to the original top rated Victrix Pro BFG controller that’s already well-regarded and used by competitive esports gamers and the fighting game community (FGC) the world over, the new Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded controller now includes a reconfigured Fightpad module that’s ergonomically optimized for gamers to place their wrist on the controller’s grip – putting key buttons within easier reach, and comes with Hall Effect thumbsticks and triggers – two of the most sought-after upgrades requested by fans.

The Designed for Xbox version of the Turtle Beach Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded controller is compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows; while the officially licensed PlayStation^® version is compatible with PS5^® and PS4^® consoles and Windows. Both versions come in black or white colorways and are available for purchase today at participating retailers in Norway/Finland/Denmark/Sweden.

“We’ve been taking detailed notes from the community on what they’d want to see in a future BFG controller, and when gamers get their hands on the new Reloaded model, I’m confident they’ll agree the Victrix brand has once again delivered the most customizable and reliable performance-driven controller around.” said Trevor Lehr, Director, Victrix Product Management, Turtle Beach.

The Turtle Beach Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded controller is the next evolution of the award-winning modular Pro BFG premium wireless controller, built for elite gamers who demand precision, customization, and versatility.

Designed with a modular layout, the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded controller adapts to any playstyle, whether playing fighting games, first-person shooters, or action-packed RPGs. At the controller’s core are customizable modules with built-in Hall-Effect technology, ensuring drift-free precision and consistent, reliable input accuracy. With three modules and 11 interchangeable components, including various thumbsticks (two standard caps, one dome cap, one sniper stick), and a selection of D-pads and gates, gamers can customize their controller for optimal comfort and performance.

Stay ahead of the competition with four mappable quick-action back buttons, delivering faster response times and enhanced control. The patented 5-stop Hall-Effect Clutch Triggers with Hair-Trigger mode deliver adjustable sensitivity, ideal for FPS gamers who need lightning-fast reactions. On Xbox consoles, experience immersive Dolby Atmos^® surround sound with a free lifetime subscription, while gamers on PS5 can connect a compatible headset via the controller’s 3.5mm audio port to experience 3D Audio* in supported games. For the FGC, the ergonomically optimized 6-button Fightpad module with Kailh microswitches provides tournament-level precision, helping players execute flawless combos with ease. No matter the genre, the Turtle Beach Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded controller is built to elevate performance.

Looking beyond the thrill of competition; comfort and convenience are key. Gamers can easily remap buttons, optimize triggers, adjust deadzones, and more using the free Victrix Control Hub app available on Xbox consoles and Windows. The controller’s enhanced, textured grips and ergonomic design ensure maximum comfort during extended gaming sessions. With a built-in rechargeable battery, gamers will enjoy up to 20-hours of gameplay per charge and experience low-latency wireless gaming with up to 30-foot range. Alternatively, players can use the high-speed 3-meter braided USB-C cable for rock-solid wired performance in tournament play. On the officially licensed for PlayStation version of the controller, the multi-platform mode switch lets you jump between PS5, PS4, or PC gaming modes with ease.

With pro-level customization and premium build quality, the Turtle Beach Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded is the ultimate controller for gamers who refuse to settle. Dominate the competition with a controller built for champions. Victory above everything!

For more information on the latest Turtle Beach products and accessories, visit www.turtlebeach.com and be sure to follow Turtle Beach on TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Follow Turtle Beach’s Victrix brand at VictrixPro – PDP Gaming and on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

About Turtle Beach Corporation

Turtle Beach Corporation (the “Company”) (www.turtlebeachcorp.com) is one of the world’s leading gaming accessory providers. The Company’s namesake Turtle Beach brand (www.turtlebeach.com) is known for designing best-selling gaming headsets, top-rated game controllers, award-winning PC gaming peripherals, and groundbreaking gaming simulation accessories. Innovation, first-to-market features, a broad range of products for all types of gamers, and top-rated customer support have made Turtle Beach a fan-favorite brand and the market leader in console gaming audio for over a decade. Turtle Beach Corporation acquired Performance Designed Products LLC (www.pdp.com) and its Victrix brand in 2024. Turtle Beach’s shares are traded on the Nasdaq Exchange under the symbol: TBCH.

TURTLE BEACH REVEALS NEW, OFFICIALLY LICENSED REMATCH WIRELESS CONTROLLER: DONKEY KONG FOR NINTENDO SWITCH & NINTENDO SWITCH 2 SYSTEMS

July 18, 2025• PR & Media, Strategic Advisory & Market Intelligence, Videogames

San Diego, CA – Leading gaming headset and accessories maker Turtle Beach Corporation (Nasdaq: TBCH) today announced the brand is now the official gaming headset and fight stick partner for the 12^th season of the popular Street Fighter™ tournament series, Capcom Pro Tour 2025 (CPT 2025). For CPT 2025, Turtle Beach will be providing the brand’s top-rated Stealth 700 wireless gaming headsets and its highly esteemed Victrix Pro KO Leverless and Victrix Pro FS Arcade fight sticks.

Kicking off the partnership this week at Combo Breaker 2025, players from all over the world descend upon the Midwest as they compete in the second offline Premier tournament of CPT 2025, offering competitors the chance to gain critical early season points in their journey to Capcom Cup XII qualification. Combo Breaker, now in its 10^th year, is a highly popular annual gaming festival dedicated to competitive fighting games that showcases a vast number of tournaments, community activities, exhibitors, vendors, artists and more.

“Turtle Beach and Victrix are proud to be the officially licensed gaming peripheral partner for Capcom Pro Tour,” said Billy Brisebois, Sr. Brand Marketing Manager, Turtle Beach Corporation. “With victory in mind, our award-winning Victrix Pro KO Leverless Fight Stick and Turtle Beach Stealth 700 wireless headset are built for competitive gamers looking to make their mark during the CPT 2025. We’re excited for a full year of gaming with our friends at Capcom and look forward to seeing competitors and fans at more upcoming events like EVO Las Vegas!”

Rick Thiher, Event Director at Combo Breaker added, “Victrix has been one of the most reliable partners in the fighting game community, to the point where Combo Breaker’s show floor would feel foreign without their crew laser engraving arcade sticks on-site. Seeing them expand their support of the community to the whole Capcom Pro Tour is an exciting development.”

Recently named 2024 Best Tech at the 2025 EVO Awards, the fully customizable Victrix Pro KO Leverless Fight Stick is designed to fit any fighting gamer’s platform preference and play style, and to level-up the execution of their combination capabilities in a match. Hot-swappable Cherry MX Speed Silver RGB switches, customizable RGB lighting, a removable aluminum top plate, and up to 16 moveable and mappable buttons make this fight stick’s ultra-premium design exceed the highest standard, and these standout features and components combo to deliver an unmatched fighting game experience. Available for $249.99 MSRP at www.turtlebeach.com and participating retailers.

The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 wireless multiplatform gaming headset is redesigned for a third generation of premium game sound. Gamers can dominate on consoles and PC with the Stealth 700’s CrossPlay dual wireless transmitter system, which includes two wireless USB transmitters allowing gamers to easily change the headset’s audio source at the touch of a button. Additionally, simultaneous Bluetooth 5.2 keeps players connected to their mobile devices while never losing game audio. The new Stealth 700 also features massive and powerful 60mm Eclipse™ Dual Drivers, a third-generation flip-to-mute mic with A.I. noise-cancellation and echo reduction to ensure gamers sound excellent, a whopping 80-hour battery life with quick-charge functionality, and much more. Available for $199.99 MSRP at www.turtlebeach.com and participating retailers.

Competition for CPT 2025 will be played on the critically acclaimed Street Fighter™ 6 which has sold more than four million units since launch. Street Fighter 6 represents the next evolution of the Street Fighter series with a combo of unique fighting game innovations, brimming with content across three brand new game modes – Fighting Ground, World Tour, and Battle Hub. Players around the world can get their hands on all the hard-hitting action now on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, WindowsPC, and via Steam. Additionally, Street Fighter 6 and Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Fighters Edition will be available on Nintendo Switch™ 2 starting on June 5, 2025.

For more information on the latest Turtle Beach products and accessories, visit www.turtlebeach.com and be sure to follow Turtle Beach on TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

About Capcom

Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher, and distributor of interactive entertainment for game consoles, PCs, handheld, and wireless devices. Founded in 1983, the company has created hundreds of games, including groundbreaking franchises Resident Evil™, Monster Hunter™, Street Fighter™, Mega Man™, Devil May Cry™ and Ace Attorney™. Capcom maintains operations in the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and Tokyo, with corporate headquarters located in Osaka, Japan. More information about Capcom and its products can be found at www.capcom.com or news.capcomusa.com.

Capcom^®, and the Capcom logo are registered trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd. in the U.S. or other countries. Ace Attorney, Devil May Cry, Mega Man, Monster Hunter, Resident Evil and Street Fighter are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd. and/or its subsidiaries, in the U.S. and/or other countries.

About Turtle Beach Corporation

Turtle Beach Corporation (the “Company”) (www.turtlebeachcorp.com) is one of the world’s leading gaming accessory providers. The Company’s namesake Turtle Beach brand (www.turtlebeach.com) is known for designing best-selling gaming headsets, top-rated game controllers, award-winning PC gaming peripherals, and groundbreaking gaming simulation accessories. Innovation, first-to-market features, a broad range of products for all types of gamers, and top-rated customer support  have made Turtle Beach a fan-favorite brand and the market leader in console gaming audio for over a decade. Turtle Beach Corporation acquired Performance Designed Products LLC (www.pdp.com) in 2024. Turtle Beach’s shares are traded on the Nasdaq Exchange under the symbol: TBCH.

It Goes On And On And On: Discounts Of Up To 80% In The Toplitz Productions Publisher Sale

July 10, 2025• PR & Media, Social Media, Strategic Advisory & Market Intelligence, Videogames

Oberhaching, Germany – For German publisher Toplitz Productions the end of the Steam Summer Sale is only the beginning. Fresh on the heels of the coveted bargain event, low prices with discounts of up to 80% continue with the dedicated publisher sale available through July 20.

With the Plant A Tree update as well as the two DLCs Echoes of Nature and the Original Soundtrack Vol. 2 recently released to great community acclaim, there has never been a better time to dive into the immersive world of Medieval Dynasty, which accumulated a review score of 90% since its original release. And with a gorgeous discount of 40% this is the perfect starting point to experience life in medieval times.

Tend to your gardens and fields with a multitude of titles from the Toplitz Productions portfolio like the ever-popular Farmer’s Dynasty, available with a price reduction of 80% or the lo-fi gem Harvest Days: My Dream Farm, inviting you to build a life away from the big city hustle and bustle with 50% off, while the cozy Garden Simulator has been reduced by 75%.

Do you have what it takes to become Daymiō and bring peace to the fictitious Nata Valley? Take on the challenge of the open world survival RPG Sengoku Dynasty and its content rich, visually stunning world of Japan during the infamous Sengoku era. Recently enhanced with the ‘Bushidō’ update adding raids and a new level of immersion to the game, during the publisher sale Sengoku Dynasty as well as the Digital Deluxe Edition are available with an irresistible discount of 35% each.

If management is your desire, we’ve got you covered. With the Giant series being a staple in the logistics and business management genre, classics like Industry Giant 2, Transport Giant or Traffic Giant can be added to your library with a fantastic discount of 80%, while the modern interpretation Industry Giant 4.0 slashed 50% off its original price.

For the full list of discounted titles, including the mystery survival adventure Starsand, the life sim Lumberjack’s Dynasty or the grim action-adventure Serum head to the official publisher sale page of Toplitz Productions on Steam.

About Toplitz Productions
The German-Austrian publisher, whose name originates from the mysterious Toplitz Lake in the heart of Austria, develops and publishes games with “heart & soul” for all platforms. The company consists of a healthy mix of experienced industry veterans and young talents, all of whom are passionate gamers. They enjoy working with creative developers on many exciting titles, such as those from the “Dynasty” and “Giant” series.

Stay up to date and learn everything worth knowing about Toplitz Productions by following the company on X, Facebook, the official website and Instagram.