The Team is back on a public channel, loot boxes under PEGI’s scrutiny, Binance suspending its services in France: this week has brought a wide range of geek news. We’re sorting through it all to keep only what really matters, with the facts and the concrete consequences for players, viewers, and users.
The Team after Game One: a return on France TV Slash starting September 2026
For those who followed the Game One shows, the news broke in early July: The Team is coming to France TV Slash, with a broadcast also planned on Twitch. The contract is for one year, time to prove that the French gaming audience is still present after the channel’s closure.
Specifically, we will see the shows TEAMG1 and LEVEL ONE in a new season starting September 6, 2026. The shift from a paid cable channel to a free public platform changes the game in terms of accessibility. Anyone with an internet connection will be able to watch without any additional subscription.
The Twitch format alongside France TV Slash shows a desire to capture two audiences: those who watch TV on replay and those who engage in live chat. We’ll closely follow the news on La Caverne du Geek to see how this dual broadcast unfolds at the start of the school year.
The gamble remains risky. A one-year contract is short to establish an audience on a new platform. If the numbers don’t follow, renewal is not guaranteed.
Loot boxes and PEGI classification: what changes for video games in Europe
Since June 2026, the PEGI classification system has tightened its rules by explicitly incorporating loot boxes and in-game purchases into its assessment. This is not just a cosmetic addition on the cover.
In practice, a game that features loot box mechanics may end up with a higher classification than before. For publishers, this potentially means a reduced target audience and enhanced warnings visible to parents before purchase.
What this means for players and publishers
- Free-to-play games with gacha systems (Genshin Impact, FIFA Ultimate Team, and their equivalents) may see their PEGI classification raised
- Sales platforms (Steam, PlayStation Store, eShop) will need to display these new warnings prominently at the time of purchase or download
- Publishers looking to maintain a low classification may need to rethink their monetization mechanics, which would directly impact game design
Europe is pushing publishers to choose between aggressive monetization and public accessibility. We will see in the coming months if some studios adapt their business models or if reclassifications have no effect on sales.
Binance suspended in France: crypto-gamers in uncertainty
For players using cryptocurrencies (in-game NFT purchases, play-to-earn, trading tokens related to games), Binance’s suspension in France since July 1, 2026 poses a concrete problem. The platform did not obtain its MiCA approval in time.
Spot trading is completely halted, orders have been canceled, and trading bots disabled. Savings and staking products are closed to new subscriptions. For users who had funds on the platform, the priority is to check the status of their wallet and consider transferring to a compliant platform.
MiCA regulation and its impact on the crypto gaming ecosystem
The MiCA regulation (Markets in Crypto-Assets) imposes a strict regulatory framework on exchange platforms to operate in Europe. Binance is not the only one affected, but it is by far the most used by French players buying or selling digital assets related to gaming.
Feedback varies on this point: some users were able to withdraw their funds without difficulty before the deadline, while others report delays. If you are affected, it’s better not to wait to take action.
PlayStation and the end of physical games announced for 2028
PlayStation has confirmed the end of physical video games starting in 2028. For collectors and players who resell their used games, the physical market has an official expiration date.
This announcement has immediate repercussions. The second-hand market will likely see a spike in speculation on rare physical editions. Players who rely on limited internet connections lose an option for accessing games without massive downloads.
On the reseller side (micromania, independent shops), the business model based on trade-ins and resale of physical games will need to pivot. We’re talking about merchandise, accessories, prepaid cards, but the loss of revenue will be hard to compensate.
State of Play June 2026 and notable video game announcements
The latest State of Play from Sony delivered its share of announcements. Rather than listing all the trailers, here’s what deserves attention:
- Several returns of cult franchises, with sequels and remasters targeting nostalgia while modernizing gameplay
- New ambitious productions focused on storytelling, in line with what Sony has been pushing for a few years
- Confirmed release dates for anticipated titles, finally allowing for a purchase calendar to be set
The gaming calendar for the second half of 2026 looks busy, with the Tokyo Game Show approaching and its lineup of exhibitors already announced. Players managing a limited budget should prioritize their purchases now.
Between The Team’s return to public service, PEGI’s tightening on loot boxes, and Binance’s suspension, this week reminds us that the geek ecosystem is not limited to trailers and release dates. Regulatory and industrial decisions shape the experience of players as much as the games themselves.