Gaming Industry Shakeup: Spielberg Snub, EA’s Exit & Silksong (March 2026)
What are the biggest gaming news stories happening right now? The gaming industry is experiencing major upheavals with Activision reportedly turning down Steven Spielberg for a Call of Duty movie, EA Sports canceling their college basketball game, and Hollow Knight: Silksong finally launching after years of anticipation.
In this comprehensive analysis, I’ll share my insights on these three massive gaming stories that are reshaping the industry in March 2026. From my years covering gaming news and watching corporate decisions unfold, these developments represent fundamental shifts in how publishers approach creative control, licensing battles, and indie game success.
| Story Impact | Industry Significance | Community Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| Spielberg/Activision | Creative control vs prestige | Outrage and disbelief |
| EA Basketball Cancellation | Sports licensing wars | Disappointment |
| Silksong Launch | Indie game milestone | Ecstatic celebration |
Activision Reportedly Passes on Steven Spielberg for Call of Duty Movie
When I first heard that Activision allegedly turned down Steven Spielberg—the director of Saving Private Ryan and Schindler’s List—for their Call of Duty movie adaptation, I genuinely thought it was satire. But according to industry reports from Puck News and verified by multiple outlets, this actually happened, and the reasoning behind it reveals everything wrong with modern gaming corporations.
The Spielberg Proposal and Activision’s Response
From what I’ve gathered through industry sources, Spielberg didn’t just casually express interest—he actively pursued directing the Call of Duty movie. The man who essentially created the modern war film genre with Saving Private Ryan wanted to bring the comprehensive Call of Duty franchise timeline to the big screen. Yet Activision reportedly said no.
The sticking point? Creative control. According to the reports, Spielberg wanted the creative freedom that comes with being, well, Steven Spielberg. Activision, on the other hand, wanted to maintain tight control over their billion-dollar franchise’s cinematic debut. Instead, they chose to work with Paramount Pictures, where they could retain more oversight of the production.
The Historical Irony That Makes This Even Worse
Here’s where this gets almost painfully ironic for anyone who knows gaming history. Call of Duty exists because of Steven Spielberg. Let me explain: Spielberg created the Medal of Honor franchise with EA in 1999, directly inspired by his work on Saving Private Ryan. The original Infinity Ward team that created Call of Duty? They were Medal of Honor developers who left EA to make their own World War II shooter.
In my opinion, turning down the filmmaker who essentially birthed the entire military shooter genre for a Call of Duty movie is like turning down Stan Lee to write a Marvel comic. The community reaction on Reddit’s r/CallOfDuty has been brutal, with one user calling it “one of the biggest fumbles in video game movie history,” and I can’t disagree.
What This Means for Gaming Adaptations
This decision represents a broader problem I’ve seen developing in gaming adaptations. Publishers are so protective of their IPs that they’re willing to sacrifice quality for control. We’ve seen what happens when studios prioritize brand management over creative excellence—just look at the graveyard of failed video game movies from the past two decades.
The success of recent adaptations like The Last of Us and Fallout came specifically because studios gave talented creators the freedom to interpret the source material. By choosing control over Spielberg’s vision, Activision might have just guaranteed their movie joins the ranks of forgettable gaming adaptations.
EA Sports Cancels College Basketball Game After Losing Licensing Battle
In another major blow to sports gaming fans, EA Sports has officially canceled their college basketball game project. I’ve been following this story closely since the leaked internal email from EA’s Sean O’Brien surfaced through Extra Points reporting, and the implications for sports gaming are significant.
The Leaked Email That Revealed Everything
The cancellation wasn’t announced through a press release or corporate statement—it came via a leaked internal email that revealed the brutal reality of modern sports gaming licensing wars. O’Brien’s email to EA staff didn’t mince words: they lost the licensing battle to 2K Sports, and without those crucial college licenses, the project was dead.
From my perspective, this represents EA’s biggest sports gaming setback since losing the NFL 2K competition decades ago. The college basketball space has been vacant since EA’s own NCAA Basketball series ended in 2010, and many fans (myself included) were hoping for its return alongside the successful EA Sports College Football revival.
Why EA Couldn’t Compete with 2K’s Offer
The licensing battle came down to cold, hard cash—and 2K simply outbid EA. According to industry insiders, 2K offered a deal that EA couldn’t or wouldn’t match. This is particularly interesting given EA’s massive resources and their successful partnerships with FIFA (now EA Sports FC), Madden NFL, and the recently revived college football series.
What frustrates me most about this situation is that it continues the monopolistic trends in sports gaming. Instead of competition driving innovation, we’re seeing publishers carve up sports into exclusive territories. Basketball belongs to 2K, football to EA, and gamers lose the benefits of competition.
The Broader Impact on Sports Gaming
This cancellation signals a troubling trend in sports gaming that I’ve watched develop over the past decade. The costs of licensing have become so astronomical that only the biggest publishers can afford to compete, and even then, they’re choosing their battles carefully.
For basketball fans looking for alternatives, there are still basketball gaming alternatives in unexpected places, but nothing can replace the authentic college basketball experience many of us have been craving since 2010.
Hollow Knight: Silksong Finally Launches After Seven Years
Now for the good news that has the gaming community absolutely buzzing: Hollow Knight: Silksong has finally launched in September 2026, ending one of gaming’s longest and most agonizing waits. I was there when the servers crashed, when Steam’s store page went down, and when the PlayStation Network buckled under the weight of millions of simultaneous downloads.
The Seven-Year Journey to Release
Team Cherry’s journey with Silksong has been nothing short of extraordinary. What started as DLC for the original Hollow Knight evolved into a full sequel that took seven years to complete. As someone who’s followed every update, every Nintendo Direct appearance, and every cryptic tweet from the three-person development team, I can tell you that the wait has been worth it.
The game that launched has exceeded even my highest expectations. Team Cherry didn’t just create a sequel—they’ve crafted what many are already calling one of the greatest Metroidvanias ever made. The complete Hollow Knight Silksong guide I’ve been working on barely scratches the surface of this massive game’s content.
How a Three-Person Team Broke the Internet
When Silksong launched on September 4th, 2026, it literally broke the internet’s gaming infrastructure. Steam’s servers crashed within minutes, the PlayStation Store went down for nearly an hour, and even the Nintendo eShop experienced significant slowdowns. I’ve covered major AAA launches from billion-dollar studios that didn’t generate this level of demand.
What makes this even more impressive is that Team Cherry is just three developers from Adelaide, Australia. While Activision needs corporate approval for creative decisions and EA battles over licensing deals worth millions, Team Cherry quietly spent seven years perfecting their vision. The Silksong’s historic gaming industry impact proves that passion and creative freedom can triumph over corporate resources.
The Content That Justifies the Wait
Having spent the past few days diving deep into Silksong, I can confirm that the scope is staggering. The game features over 200 unique enemies, as detailed in this detailed enemy guide for Silksong, compared to the original’s 140. The map is reportedly 1.5 times larger than Hollow Knight’s already massive world, with entirely new kingdoms to explore.
The combat system has been completely revamped around Hornet’s acrobatic silk abilities, creating a faster, more vertical gameplay style that distinguishes it from the original while maintaining that signature Team Cherry precision. Every boss fight I’ve encountered feels like a carefully choreographed dance of death that demands mastery of the new mechanics.
What Silksong’s Success Means for Indie Gaming
Silksong’s launch represents a watershed moment for indie gaming. In an industry increasingly dominated by corporate acquisitions, licensing wars, and creative compromise, Team Cherry’s success proves that there’s still room for artistic vision and patient development.
The three-person team’s Team Cherry’s development philosophy of “it’s done when it’s done” stands in stark contrast to the deadline-driven, shareholder-focused approach of major publishers. They turned down acquisition offers, publisher deals, and pressure to release early, choosing instead to perfect their vision.
Connecting the Dots: What These Stories Tell Us About Modern Gaming
Looking at these three stories together, I see a clear pattern emerging in the gaming industry of 2026. On one side, we have corporate publishers like Activision and EA making decisions based on control, licensing costs, and risk management. On the other, we have independent creators like Team Cherry proving that creative freedom and artistic vision still matter.
The Cost of Corporate Control
Activision’s rejection of Spielberg and EA’s loss in the basketball licensing war both stem from the same root cause: the corporatization of gaming creativity. When decisions are made in boardrooms rather than development studios, when spreadsheets matter more than creative vision, we get situations where the director of Saving Private Ryan isn’t good enough for Call of Duty.
I’ve watched this trend accelerate over my years covering the industry. Publishers are increasingly risk-averse, preferring known quantities and maintaining control over taking chances on visionary creators. The irony is that this approach often leads to bigger failures than taking creative risks would have.
The Indie Revolution Continues
Meanwhile, Silksong’s success story offers hope. While major publishers fight over licenses and creative control, a three-person team in Australia created one of 2026‘s most anticipated and successful launches. They did it without corporate oversight, without licensing deals, and without compromising their vision.
This isn’t just about one game’s success—it’s about proving that there’s still a massive appetite for games created with passion rather than spreadsheets. The gaming community’s response to Silksong shows that we’re desperate for experiences that feel crafted rather than manufactured.
The Community Response: Gamers Have Had Enough
The gaming community’s reaction to these three stories has been telling. The outrage over Activision’s Spielberg decision, the frustration with EA’s licensing loss, and the overwhelming joy for Silksong’s launch all point to the same conclusion: gamers are tired of corporate gaming decisions that prioritize control over quality.
Reddit and Social Media Explode
I’ve been monitoring gaming communities across Reddit, Twitter, and Discord since these stories broke, and the sentiment is remarkably consistent. The r/CallOfDuty subreddit’s reaction to the Spielberg news was particularly brutal, with the top comment stating, “This is why we can’t have nice things.” The community sees this as another example of Activision prioritizing control over quality.
The EA basketball cancellation generated a different type of frustration—resignation. Many fans expressed that they weren’t even surprised anymore, with one commenter noting, “EA and losing licensing battles, name a more iconic duo.” The cynicism reflects years of watching exclusive licenses fragment the sports gaming market.
Meanwhile, r/HollowKnight has been in a state of perpetual celebration since Silksong’s launch. The subreddit that became infamous for its descent into madness during the wait (“Is Silksong even real?”) has transformed into a jubilant community sharing discoveries, strategies, and appreciation for Team Cherry’s work.
The Power of Player Voice
What I find most encouraging is how unified the gaming community has become in demanding better. We’re no longer accepting corporate excuses for mediocrity. When publishers make obviously bad decisions—like turning down Steven Spielberg—we’re calling them out immediately and forcefully.
This community pressure is having an effect. Publishers are increasingly having to justify their decisions to skeptical audiences who remember broken promises and failed adaptations. The success of player-friendly approaches, like Team Cherry’s transparent development process, provides a clear contrast to corporate opacity.
What Happens Next: Predictions for the Industry
Based on these three major stories and my experience covering the gaming industry, here’s what I expect to see in the coming months and years:
The Call of Duty Movie’s Uncertain Future
Without Spielberg’s involvement, I predict the Call of Duty movie will struggle to differentiate itself from the countless mediocre military action films already cluttering streaming services. Paramount’s track record with video game adaptations is mixed at best, and without a visionary director, this project risks becoming another forgettable gaming movie.
The film will likely focus on latest Warzone weapon rankings and multiplayer elements to appeal to the game’s core audience, but this approach rarely translates well to cinema. I expect a formulaic action movie that satisfies neither gaming fans nor general audiences.
2K’s Basketball Monopoly Strengthens
With EA out of the college basketball picture, 2K now has complete control over basketball gaming. This monopoly will likely lead to the same issues we’ve seen in other sports gaming monopolies: incremental improvements, aggressive monetization, and a lack of innovation due to absent competition.
I predict we’ll see 2K’s college basketball game release in 2026 or early 2026, priced at full retail with extensive microtransactions. Without competition to keep them honest, expect the same problematic monetization models that have plagued NBA 2K in recent years.
The Indie Renaissance Accelerates
Silksong’s success will inspire a new wave of indie developers to pursue ambitious projects without publisher oversight. I expect to see more crowdfunding campaigns, early access successes, and patient development cycles as creators recognize that quality and vision can still triumph over corporate resources.
The tools for indie development continue to improve, distribution platforms are more accessible than ever, and the audience for unique, passionate gaming experiences has never been larger. Silksong proved that players will wait for quality—expect more developers to take that lesson to heart.
Lessons for Gamers and the Industry 2026
These three stories offer crucial lessons for both gamers and industry professionals. As someone who’s watched the gaming industry evolve over decades, I believe these events represent a turning point in how we think about game development, adaptation, and publishing.
For Publishers: Control Isn’t Everything
Activision’s Spielberg decision should serve as a cautionary tale for publishers obsessed with maintaining control. The most successful entertainment adaptations in recent years—from The Last of Us to Arcane—succeeded precisely because publishers trusted creative visionaries.
The gaming industry needs to learn from Hollywood’s evolution. Film studios discovered that giving proven directors creative freedom often results in both critical and commercial success. Gaming publishers still seem stuck in the mindset that they know better than Academy Award-winning directors how to adapt their properties.
For Developers: Patience and Vision Pay Off
Team Cherry’s seven-year development of Silksong might seem excessive in an industry obsessed with annual releases and quarterly earnings, but their patience has been vindicated. By refusing to compromise their vision or rush to market, they’ve created something truly special that will be remembered long after this year’s cookie-cutter AAA releases are forgotten.
I encourage developers to look at Silksong’s success not as an anomaly but as proof that there’s still room in the industry for artistic ambition. Yes, it requires sacrifice and patience, but the result—both creatively and commercially—justifies the effort.
For Gamers: Vote with Your Wallets
The massive success of Silksong and the backlash against corporate decisions like Activision’s show that gamers have more power than ever. Every purchase is a vote for the kind of games and industry practices we want to see. Supporting independent developers and calling out poor corporate decisions creates pressure for change.
I’ve seen how community movements can influence industry direction. The revival of college sports games came from sustained fan pressure. The improvement in video game adaptations followed years of criticism. Keep making your voices heard—the industry is listening, even when it seems like they’re not.
The Bigger Picture: Gaming’s Identity Crisis
These three stories—Spielberg’s rejection, EA’s basketball cancellation, and Silksong’s triumph—represent the gaming industry’s ongoing identity crisis. Are we an artistic medium capable of attracting and empowering visionaries like Spielberg? Or are we a corporate entertainment product to be managed, licensed, and controlled?
The answer, frustratingly, is both. But I believe we’re at an inflection point where the scales might finally tip toward creativity. The success of independent games, the improvement in adaptations that embrace creative freedom, and the growing sophistication of gaming audiences all point toward a future where artistry matters more than spreadsheets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Activision really turn down Steven Spielberg for the Call of Duty movie?
According to industry reports, Activision wanted to maintain creative control over the Call of Duty movie adaptation, while Spielberg expected the creative freedom typically given to directors of his caliber. Rather than compromise, Activision chose to work with Paramount Pictures where they could retain more oversight. In my opinion, this decision prioritizes brand control over potential quality.
Is EA completely out of basketball gaming now?
EA is out of the college basketball space after losing the licensing battle to 2K Sports, but they could theoretically still create NBA or street basketball games. However, given 2K’s dominance in the basketball gaming market and EA’s focus on other sports franchises like FIFA (EA Sports FC) and Madden, it’s unlikely we’ll see EA return to basketball anytime soon.
How long was Hollow Knight: Silksong actually in development?
Hollow Knight: Silksong was in development for approximately seven years. It was initially announced in February 2019 as a full sequel (originally planned as DLC), but development actually began earlier. Team Cherry, the three-person development team, took their time to ensure the game met their high standards, finally releasing in September 2026.
Will there be any competition for 2K in basketball gaming?
With EA’s exit from college basketball, 2K essentially has a monopoly on licensed basketball gaming. While indie developers might create arcade-style basketball games, the massive licensing costs make it virtually impossible for new competitors to enter the simulation basketball space. The best multiplayer gaming experiences in sports are increasingly becoming monopolized by single publishers.
What made Hollow Knight: Silksong so successful at launch?
Silksong’s success stems from multiple factors: the original Hollow Knight’s beloved status, seven years of anticipation building demand, Team Cherry’s commitment to quality over deadlines, and the game delivering on its massive expectations. The combination of artistic excellence, patient development, and community goodwill created perfect launch conditions that crashed multiple digital storefronts.
Could another director still make a Call of Duty movie?
Yes, Activision is still proceeding with a Call of Duty movie through Paramount Pictures, just without Spielberg’s involvement. However, the director they choose will likely have less creative control and industry clout than Spielberg would have brought. This potentially limits the film’s artistic ambitions and crossover appeal to non-gaming audiences.
What does Team Cherry’s success mean for other indie developers?
Team Cherry’s success with Silksong proves that indie developers can compete with AAA studios if they focus on quality and artistic vision. Their ability to maintain independence, take their time with development, and still achieve massive commercial success provides a roadmap for other ambitious indie developers. It demonstrates that patience and refusing to compromise on vision can pay off tremendously.
Final Thoughts: A Week That Changed Gaming
This week in gaming—with Activision’s Spielberg rejection, EA’s basketball exit, and Silksong’s triumphant launch—feels like a microcosm of everything happening in our industry right now. We’re watching the old guard make questionable decisions based on control and licensing while independent creators prove that passion and patience still matter.
As I reflect on these stories, I’m struck by how they all revolve around the same fundamental question: What matters more in gaming—corporate control or creative excellence? Activision chose control over Spielberg’s vision. EA lost control due to licensing costs. Team Cherry maintained complete control by staying independent. The different outcomes speak volumes.
The gaming industry stands at a crossroads. We can continue down the path of corporate consolidation, exclusive licenses, and creative compromise, or we can embrace the lessons from successes like Silksong and failures like the Spielberg rejection. As someone who’s loved gaming for decades, I’m hopeful that these stories mark the beginning of a shift toward creative freedom and artistic ambition.
The future of gaming doesn’t belong to corporations afraid of losing control—it belongs to creators with vision and communities that support them. Whether that’s a legendary film director wanting to adapt a beloved franchise or a three-person team spending seven years perfecting their dream game, excellence comes from creative freedom, not corporate oversight.
These three stories from March 2026 might seem unconnected on the surface, but together they tell the story of gaming’s ongoing evolution. We’re witnessing the industry grapple with its identity, and while there will be missteps like Activision’s decision and disappointments like EA’s cancellation, the overwhelming success of passion projects like Silksong gives me hope for gaming’s future.
The message is clear: gamers want quality over quantity, vision over safety, and creativity over control. The publishers who understand this will thrive. Those who don’t will watch as independent creators and visionary directors take their audiences elsewhere. The choice, ultimately, is theirs to make.