Activision Blizzard
Activision Blizzard business and news from across the web.
State of Decay studio Undead Labs potentially up for closure, sources claim, with Bethesda and Blizzard also facing layoffsMicrosoft is reportedly planning significant layoffs across its gaming division, potentially including the closure of Undead Labs, the studio behind State of Decay. Bethesda and Blizzard Entertainment are also expected to face substantial job cuts as part of a company-wide "reset." Union workers are negotiating with management to protect jobs or secure severance packages amid these widespread reductions.
CWA union says Xbox workers are not "disposable" as layoffs loomThe Communications Workers of America (CWA) union is supporting Xbox employees facing potential layoffs, stating they will not be treated as "disposable." Union representatives highlighted Microsoft's financial resources, including recent console price increases and executive compensation, as evidence that layoffs are a choice. An Xbox spokesperson acknowledged the company respects employees' rights and is negotiating in good faith with the CWA.
Xbox reportedly stops signing third-party Game Pass dealsXbox has reportedly halted new third-party deals for Game Pass, with sources indicating that developers were informed of a pause in negotiations. This decision comes as new Xbox boss Asha Sharma assesses the company's strategy following significant acquisitions and a recent price increase on consoles. While the future of third-party content on Game Pass is uncertain, the service remains a key component of Xbox's business model.
PS6 will cost Sony £750 just for the raw materials says insiderAn insider estimates the raw materials for the PlayStation 6 could cost around $960 (£730), significantly increasing the potential retail price. This surge is attributed to rising memory and hard drive costs, driven by demand for AI data centers, impacting all hardware manufacturers. Sony and Microsoft may face difficult decisions regarding console pricing and profitability.
New report reveals the Nintendo Switch 2 is the second fastest-selling video game hardware in US history, as Xbox and…A new report indicates the Nintendo Switch 2 has become the second fastest-selling video game hardware in US history, selling 5.9 million units in its first year. Meanwhile, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series console sales have declined significantly due to price hikes, with PlayStation hardware unit sales reaching their lowest May total since 2000.
Valve can afford a niche, pricey hardware launch; Sony and Microsoft can’tThe article analyzes the impact of rising hardware component prices on the video game industry, particularly for console manufacturers like Sony and Microsoft. While Valve's Steam Machine can find a niche despite its high price, Sony and Microsoft face greater risks if their next-generation consoles are priced out of the mass market due to these ongoing supply chain and pricing issues.
Grand Theft Auto 6 demand may be so high it will "likely outstrip supply" this holiday season, a video game retailer warnsA video game retailer warns that demand for Grand Theft Auto 6, launching November 19, will likely outstrip supply for consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S this holiday season. Ongoing hardware component shortages, exacerbated by the generative AI boom, are limiting the availability of units needed to meet the anticipated surge in interest.- This Is Could Be Your Last Chance To Get An Xbox Series S This CheapMicrosoft is increasing the prices of Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles starting August 1, with the Xbox Series X rising to $800 and the Xbox Series S to $500. A limited-time deal offers the Xbox Series S 512GB for $380 at Amazon as part of its Prime Day sale, which ends June 26.
Xbox console prices are about to rise for the second time in a year, just before GTA VI launches — so you really don't want to miss this Xbox Series X deal at Walmart while it lastsMicrosoft has announced that the prices for Xbox Series X and Series S consoles will increase by $100 and $150 respectively, effective August 1, 2026. The company will also discontinue its 2 TB model. This price hike comes shortly before the launch of Grand Theft Auto VI, with a current Walmart deal offering a discount on the 1 TB Xbox Series X model.- Epic Games’ Tim Sweeney is trying to reinvent the metaverse (again) without calling it thatEpic Games CEO Tim Sweeney is discussing new technologies for massively multiplayer online games, aiming to support millions of concurrent players without complex programming. He also addresses industry challenges like high AAA development costs and player retention in live service games, proposing solutions involving cross-game social links and asset ownership, potentially utilizing blockchain technology.
- Xbox CEO says Call of Duty is bigger than the Marvel Cinematic UniverseXbox CEO Phil Spencer stated that the Call of Duty franchise is more popular than the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He also confirmed that the next Call of Duty title will be released on the Nintendo Switch 2, highlighting Xbox's strategy to leverage its acquired IPs like those from Bethesda and Activision Blizzard.
Analysts attempt to make sense of Xbox's latest exclusivity pivotXbox is undergoing another strategic shift regarding game exclusivity, moving from a multiplatform approach back towards select console exclusives. This pivot, occurring under new leadership, aims to re-establish reasons for consumers to invest in the Xbox ecosystem, balancing a console business with a platform-agnostic publishing strategy.
PS6 Could Use AI Features Like Frame Generation to Offer The “Feel” Of 4K120 FPS – RumorRumors suggest the PlayStation 6 may utilize AI-driven frame generation to achieve the visual experience of 4K 120 FPS while keeping costs down. Leaks indicate features like AI, ray tracing, and PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution will be key. Despite concerns over RAM prices, industry insiders believe Sony will stick to a 2027 launch, with AMD already testing PS6 chips.
The grim industry summer continues as EA lays off staff ahead of $55 billion sale to Saudi Arabia, likely to soothe the…Electronic Arts is reportedly laying off an unknown number of staff ahead of its $55 billion sale to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which will hold a 93.4% stake. These layoffs, affecting teams like recruitment and customer support, are occurring before the acquisition closes, likely due to EA's significant loan debt. This follows a trend of industry layoffs, including Microsoft's recent actions after acquiring Activision Blizzard, and raises concerns about sportswashing.
"This is going to be a niche device" – Analysts react to the $1,000+ Steam Machine price revealIndustry analysts are reacting to Valve's Steam Machine pricing, which starts at $1,049, significantly higher than initially anticipated. This increase is attributed to global component shortages, particularly memory and storage, exacerbated by the generative AI boom. Experts believe this high price point positions the Steam Machine as a niche product and raises questions about the future pricing of upcoming consoles from Sony and Microsoft, with some predicting they will also exceed $1,000.
Evening Reading - June 22, 2026This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers various gaming news and features. It includes reviews for The Adventures of Elliot and UFC 6, a preview of Rhythm Heaven Groove, and updates on Sega's new titles, Steam Machine components, and a potential Sea of Thieves live-action movie. The article also touches on Final Fantasy 7 Remake director's desire for original projects and the possibility of custom Steam Machines with an updated SteamOS.
Call of Duty is “Bigger Than The Marvel Cinematic Universe”, Claims Xbox CEOXbox CEO Asha Sharma and CCO Matt Booty discussed the immense success and cultural impact of Xbox's franchises in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. Sharma claimed Call of Duty is larger than the Marvel Cinematic Universe, while Booty detailed upcoming adaptations for Gears of War and the continued investment in Halo.
UK software sales chart for the week ending June 20, 2026 – The Adventures of Elliot debuts, Tomodachi Life back in the top 5The latest UK software sales chart for the week ending June 20, 2026, shows The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales debuting at #6. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream climbed to #3, while EA Sports FC 26 remained at #2. The chart includes sales data for numerous titles across various publishers.
5 promising games recently cancelled by MicrosoftMicrosoft has recently cancelled several promising game projects, including 'Odyssey,' 'Everwild,' 'Perfect Dark,' 'Contraband,' and 'Project Blackbird,' as part of a broader cost-cutting strategy under new CEO Asha Sharma. These cancellations have led to studio closures and significant layoffs, with former employees expressing disappointment over the loss of potentially exciting titles and the shift away from riskier, ambitious projects.- Betawatch: EverQuest Legends’ preorders, ArcheAge’s rebootThis week's Betawatch covers several MMORPGs, including EverQuest Legends opening preorders for its July 28th launch and ArcheAge receiving a reboot for Chinese players. The article also highlights ongoing beta tests and demos for games like Embers of the Uncrowned and RF Online Next, while noting delays for Outward 2 and providing updates on Guild Wars 3's business model.