The Weekly Download by Big Games Machine is your essential weekly speedrun through the biggest stories in the global video games industry.

In the first episode of 2026, we’ll be taking a look at some of the stories that could shape the industry across the next 12 months!

This week's headlines:

• Xbox suffers "worst year on record" for console sales in the UK
• Sony AI patent will see games play themselves if players are stuck
• UK games revenue rose 7.4% to hit £5.4bn in 2025

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

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Links to this week's stories:

• https://www.eurogamer.net/xbox-suffers-worst-year-on-record-for-console-sales-in-the-uk
• https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sony-ai-patent-will-see-playstation-games-play-themselves-when-players-are-stuck/
• https://www.gamesindustry.biz/era-uk-games-revenue-rose-74-to-hit-54bn-in-2025
• https://www.timeextension.com/news/2026/01/beyond-incredibly-dumb-the-internet-doesnt-like-people-sealing-up-graded-3ds-consoles
• https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crmlnmnwzk2o