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Japanese companies like Nintendo, Capcom, and Konami are healthier because they have smaller teams, don't have frequent layoffs, and don't pay executives $30 million, says expert
An expert suggests that Japanese game companies like Nintendo, Capcom, and Konami are more stable due to smaller teams, fewer layoffs, and more reasonable executive salaries compared to their Western counterparts. While global layoffs are projected to reach over 57,000 between 2022 and 2026, the majority of these events and affected workers are concentrated in North America and Europe, with California being particularly hard-hit.
Activision Blizzard faces renewed sexual harassment and discrimination allegations in latest lawsuit
Activision Blizzard is facing a new lawsuit from a former employee alleging sexual harassment, retaliation, and discrimination over a 14-year period. The suit details accusations of inappropriate touching, attempted rape, and sabotage by 10 men, with claims that HR and superiors dismissed her reports. Blizzard stated they take the allegations seriously and strive for a respectful workplace.
Activision Blizzard sued by former employee over sexual harassment
Activision Blizzard is facing a lawsuit from a former employee alleging a pervasive 'frat boy' workplace culture that fostered sexual harassment and assault. The lawsuit details accusations of objectification, workplace pornography, and physical assault by male employees and supervisors. The company states it is taking the allegations seriously and strives for a respectful workplace.
Microsoft doesn't dismiss rumours a major Xbox Game Pass shake-up is on the way, which reportedly removes day-one game offerings entirely
Rumors suggest Microsoft is planning a significant overhaul of Xbox Game Pass, potentially removing day-one game offerings and cloud streaming from all tiers. A new ad-supported tier and a family plan are also reportedly in development, with changes possibly occurring between February and April 2027. Microsoft has stated no changes are finalized but regularly tests new offerings.
'We can't stuff AI back in a box' says former US president Barack Obama, confirming he's 'not a doomer' while still calling for more government AI regulation
Former US President Barack Obama shared his views on Artificial Intelligence, emphasizing the need for public debate and government regulation rather than relying solely on industry self-regulation. While acknowledging AI's potential for breakthroughs, he also warned of disruptions and inequality, stating that humanity cannot 'stuff AI back in a box' but can collectively determine its development and use.
Where have all the RTX 5090s gone? Stock of the high-end GPU is disappearing from US online retailers
The high-end Nvidia RTX 5090 graphics card is largely unavailable at its manufacturer's suggested retail price from major US online retailers, with third-party sellers listing it at significantly inflated prices. This scarcity is attributed to a combination of strong consumer demand for high-end hardware and potential redirection of chips towards AI development and professional products, impacting availability for gamers.
Microsoft Reacts To Xbox Game Pass Rumor That Could Change The Service In A Big Way
A recent rumor suggests Microsoft is planning a significant overhaul of Xbox Game Pass in 2027, potentially introducing tiered pricing with ads and removing day-one releases for some titles. Microsoft has responded by stating they regularly test offerings but have no finalized plans to announce. The article also touches on recent changes made by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, including price adjustments and the removal of new Call of Duty games from day-one access.
Diablo IV: Age of Hatred Collection now available on Nintendo eShop
The Diablo IV: Age of Hatred Collection is now available on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch and the unreleased Nintendo Switch 2. A physical edition is also available, though it disappointingly contains only a code in the box.
Why does this prominent Washington state politician think video games can be 'soft power?'
Washington state Secretary of State Steve Hobbs believes video games can serve as a tool for geopolitical 'soft power,' promoting culture and commerce rather than conflict. He contrasts this with 'hard power' and argues that creative industries are vital to a nation's global standing, citing examples like CD Projekt Red's The Witcher series. The discussion also touches on criticisms of cultural imperialism and the prioritization of hard power by some administrations.
Diablo IV on Nintendo Switch 2 runs at 30fps quality mode and 40fps performance with VRR TV
Activision Blizzard has detailed the performance of Diablo IV on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. The game will feature a quality mode running at 30fps and 1080p in handheld, and a performance mode targeting 40fps with Variable Refresh Rate support on compatible TVs.
UK software sales chart for the week ending September 12, 2026 – Onimusha: Way of the Sword doing well
The UK software sales chart for the week ending September 12, 2026, shows Onimusha: Way of the Sword climbing to the number one spot. Nintendo titles Pokemon Pokopia and Mario Kart World also saw significant movement, ranking third and sixth respectively.
Games Inbox: Are Jason and Lucia from GTA 6 good characters?
Readers express skepticism about the likability of Grand Theft Auto 6 protagonists Jason and Lucia, contrasting them with Arthur Morgan from Red Dead Redemption 2. Concerns are raised about the characters' dry presentation in recent footage and a perceived lack of memorability. Other topics include dissatisfaction with Mario Kart World's Grand Prix modes, questions about Marvel's Wolverine's accessibility features, and commentary on long game development cycles and Sony's recent fan reception.
More than 40% of people cancelling Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus and Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions blame rising costs
New data from Circana indicates that over 40% of US consumers cancelling Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, and Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions cite rising costs as the primary reason. While the overall number of cancellations may not be increasing, the perceived value for money is declining for many users, leading them to discontinue their subscriptions.
Sega and Netflix partner for a "cute yet cool" Sonic TV Show, a Crazy Taxi film, and a "badass action" Stranger Than Heaven adaptation
Netflix and Sega have partnered to create multiple adaptations, including a new animated Sonic the Hedgehog TV show, a film based on Crazy Taxi, and a movie adaptation of the upcoming game Stranger Than Heaven. The deal aims to leverage popular Sega franchises for streaming content.
Cyberpunk 2077 is coming to Battle.net for some reason, and Geralt will be in Diablo 4
Cyberpunk 2077 and its expansion will be released on Blizzard's Battle.net digital storefront later this year, joining other non-Blizzard titles. Additionally, Geralt from The Witcher series will appear as a barbarian skin in Diablo 4 for players who pre-purchase The Witcher 3's Songs of the Past DLC on Battle.net. The collaboration also includes Edgerunners-themed cosmetics for Overwatch next year.
MMO Week in Review: Foreverrrrr
BlizzCon 2026 saw major announcements including a new open-world StarCraft shooter, Diablo V for 2029, and World of Warcraft Forever launching soon. The event also revealed World of Warcraft's next retail expansion, The Last Titan, and sparked controversy over World of Warcraft Forever's monetization. Other news included the sunsetting of Ship of Heroes, layoffs at Pantheon Rise of the Fallen, and business dealings involving ArcheAge.
StarCraft is a narrative-driven shooter with 'a definitive ending' and 'not a seasonal game'
Blizzard Entertainment announced a new StarCraft game, described by GM and creative director Dan Hay as a narrative-driven, open-world shooter with a definitive ending, not a seasonal live-service title. Set 70 years after StarCraft 2, the game will feature a customizable protagonist and allow players to explore a rich world, engage in serious missions with narrative consequences, and scavenge for gear. The game is slated for a 2030 release.
StarCraft, Diablo 5 and WoW Forever Define BlizzCon 2026
Blizzard Entertainment unveiled a significant lineup of new games and updates at BlizzCon 2026, including a new StarCraft open-world shooter targeting 2030 and Diablo 5 for 2029. World of Warcraft Forever, a remastered version of the original game, will launch November 4. The event also featured new content for Diablo 4, Overwatch, Warcraft 3, Hearthstone, and Heroes of the Storm, alongside a Diablo animated series.
Fans raise a ruckus over the paywalling of World of Warcraft Forever’s Skyborne ‘cash elves’
Players are expressing significant dissatisfaction with World of Warcraft Forever's decision to lock the new Skyborne race behind a paywall, rather than including it with the game or subscription. Multiple bundles are offered, ranging from $30 to $80, with some including WarCraft III: Reforged. This move has sparked debate about value and the precedent it sets for future monetization in MMORPGs.
Diablo IV: Age of Hatred Collection coming to Switch 2 on 16th September for $69.99
Activision Blizzard has announced that the Diablo IV: Age of Hatred Collection, which includes the Vessel of Hatred and Lord of Hatred DLC, will be released for the Nintendo Switch 2 on September 16th for $69.99. The game will be available both physically and digitally.