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:

• Valve faces legal action in the UK over Steam prices
• Highguard’s controversial launch raises many questions
• Ubisoft announces redundancy programme as unions commit to strikes

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

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Links to today’s talking points:

• https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2g1md0l23o
• https://www.vice.com/en/article/why-highguard-is-facing-so-much-backlash-from-players/
• https://www.gamesindustry.biz/ubisoft-launches-voluntary-redundancy-process-to-cut-200-jobs-from-paris-head-office
• https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/-it-s-time-for-real-accountability-ubisoft-unions-call-international-strike?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=bluesky
• https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2026/01/larian-ceo-swen-vincke-sticks-his-foot-in-it-again-thinks-game-reviewers-should-also-be-reviewed
• https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/indie-dev-who-turned-to-social-media-to-lengthen-their-games-credits-ended-up-taking-300-hours-to-add-60000-names/