Activision Blizzard
Activision Blizzard business and news from across the web.
Double Fine, Ninja Theory reportedly among multiple Xbox studios rushing to negotiate an exit as Microsoft plans more…Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly planning further studio closures and restructuring, with Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Compulsion Games in negotiations to spin off independently. New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and CCO Matt Booty have indicated the current business model is unsustainable, leading to expected layoffs and studio cuts, following the recent closure of Tango Gameworks.
Xbox is reportedly considering closing South of Midnight studio, Compulsion Games, with Double Fine and Ninja Theory also allegedly at riskXbox is reportedly considering closing several of its game development studios, including Compulsion Games, the developer of South of Midnight, and potentially Double Fine and Ninja Theory. Leadership at Compulsion Games is reportedly in negotiations regarding the studio's future, amidst broader reports of potential layoffs and restructuring within Microsoft's gaming division.
Xbox reportedly shutting down South of Midnight dev Compulsion GamesXbox is reportedly shutting down Compulsion Games, the studio behind South of Midnight and We Happy Few. This closure, which could affect over 90 employees, comes amid broader financial challenges and restructuring within Xbox's gaming division under CEO Asha Sharma. The report suggests an official announcement is imminent.
UK Charts: FF7 Rebirth Falls Off A Cliff As FC 26 Returns To The Top SpotThe latest UK video game sales charts show EA SPORTS FC 26 returning to the number one spot, likely due to the start of the World Cup 2026. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth saw a significant drop from second to thirtieth place, a common trend for games after their initial launch week. No new titles entered the top 40 this week.
Blizzard issues complaint against Project Ascension WoW private server as Classic Plus rumors build ahead of BlizzConBlizzard Entertainment has filed a lawsuit against the operators of Project Ascension, a popular World of Warcraft private server, alleging copyright infringement and other violations. This legal action comes amid growing anticipation for official Classic Plus content from Blizzard, with speculation centering on an announcement at BlizzCon 2026. The lawsuit against Project Ascension, which claims over one million players and generates revenue through donations, follows Blizzard's previous actions against other private servers like Nostalrius and Turtle WoW.
As Xbox eyes layoffs, Microsoft's CEO says its videogames aren't monetised enough—so it's not the cancelled games or $68.7 billion deals or AI overspending, thenMicrosoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that the company's video games are not sufficiently monetized, suggesting this is the core issue rather than cancelled projects or large acquisitions. This comes amid layoffs at Xbox, with Xbox CEO Asha Sharma calling for a "reset" to better meet fan expectations. The article also touches on the rising costs of game development and the industry's struggle to find sustainable monetization models.
UK software sales chart for the week ending June 13, 2026 – Pokemon Pokopia back in the top fiveEA Sports FC 26 has reclaimed the top spot in the UK software sales chart for the week ending June 13, 2026, driven by World Cup interest. Nintendo's Pokemon Pokopia also re-entered the top five, leading other Nintendo exclusives like Mario Kart World and Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream.
Microsoft CEO says Xbox must become 'sustainable' as it reportedly considers major spinoffMicrosoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that Xbox must become a 'sustainable' business, implying it has been subsidized rather than profitable. This follows reports that Microsoft is considering spinning out Xbox into a standalone unit, potentially to sell it or find a partner. The company also aims to speed up development for major franchises like Halo and The Elder Scrolls, while addressing challenges like memory chip price increases driven by AI companies.
Microsoft CEO admits "there's more monetization of Xbox games happening on YouTube" than the company as it tries to "turn this into a sustainable business"Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that the company needs to make Xbox a sustainable business, noting that more monetization of Xbox games occurs on YouTube than within Microsoft itself. He acknowledged industry-wide challenges like rising manufacturing costs and the need to define Xbox's future strategy to ensure economic relevance for both the company and its customers.
What went wrong with Sega's $776m acquisition of Angry Birds giant Rovio?Sega Sammy's $776 million acquisition of Rovio has faced significant challenges, resulting in a $200 million impairment due to profitability falling below forecasts. Issues include difficulties integrating Rovio's technology and the mature state of the Angry Birds franchise in a rapidly changing mobile market with increased user acquisition costs and platform shifts. While Take-Two's acquisition of Zynga eventually proved successful, Sega's situation highlights the complexities and risks involved in acquiring mobile game companies, particularly when relying heavily on established IP.
Report: Microsoft weighing up spinning off XboxMicrosoft is reportedly considering spinning off or restructuring its Xbox division as a wholly owned subsidiary to improve its financial sustainability. New Xbox boss Asha Sharma has reportedly received approval to increase spending on key franchises like Halo and Fallout to accelerate development, despite recent revenue declines and plans for further layoffs.
Xbox Wants Faster Fallout, Elder Scrolls Games to Bolster BusinessMicrosoft is reportedly looking to accelerate the development of new titles in its Fallout and The Elder Scrolls franchises to improve the sustainability of its Xbox business. CEO Satya Nadella emphasized the need for Xbox to become profitable, while new boss Asha Sharma is tasked with streamlining game development. The company is considering various restructuring options for the Xbox unit, and future game releases may depend on the business's health, potentially impacting their availability on other platforms like PlayStation.
Xbox’s real exclusivity problem is they don’t make games people want - Reader’s FeatureA reader argues that Xbox's primary issue is a lack of desirable games, not its exclusivity policies. Despite owning major studios like Activision Blizzard and Bethesda, the author believes Xbox has been mismanaged for over a decade, leading to a decline in relevance and a lack of compelling titles that justify purchasing an Xbox Series X console.
Microsoft considered cutting Xbox off entirely and making it easier to sell, report saysA report indicates that Microsoft considered spinning out Xbox as a separate subsidiary or even selling the brand entirely due to declining console sales and plateauing Game Pass figures. This comes amid internal acknowledgments of Xbox's underperformance and expected layoffs. The report suggests these considerations were internal discussions and no specific partners or buyers were identified.- Morning ConsolidationAnalysts suggest Xbox may implement studio shutdowns and ad-funded subscriptions following Asha Sharma's warning of a company 'reset'. Additionally, servers for Grid Legends will be shut down on PlayStation and other platforms.
Spyro: A Realm Beyond studio CEO says there was no 'pushback' to becoming independent from Activision Blizzard, but the process and planning the game at the same time was 'complex' — 'I think that was the biggest challenge'Toys for Bob, the studio behind Spyro: A Realm Beyond, has stated that neither Activision Blizzard nor Microsoft opposed their decision to become an independent studio again. Studio Head Paul Yan described the process as complex due to the simultaneous planning of the new game and navigating the legal and logistical separation from their former parent company.
Overwatch reveals new character Shion, a motorcycle-riding DPS hero for season 3Blizzard Entertainment has revealed Shion, the 52nd playable hero for Overwatch, who will be added in Season 3: Into the Tiger’s Den on June 16. Shion is a damage-class flanker with cybernetic enhancements and an oni-inspired design, utilizing dual pistols, a dash ability, and a motorcycle for offense and mobility. The new hero will be available to all players for free, coinciding with a Japanese crime syndicate theme for the season, including new cosmetics and the Neon Junction map.
Toys for Bob says independence has allowed the studio to rediscover what it lovesToys for Bob, known for Skylanders and Crash Bandicoot 4, has become an independent studio following Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. This independence allows the team to focus on character-driven games, moving away from support roles on titles like Call of Duty. The studio is partnering with Activision to develop the newly announced Spyro: A Realm Beyond, set for release in spring 2027 on PC, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 5.
Xbox preparing for mass layoffs as Project Helix implied for Christmas 2027Xbox is reportedly preparing for significant layoffs, potentially affecting around 1,000 employees, as the company faces declining revenue despite substantial investments. This comes as Xbox leadership discusses the high cost of console components and the need for new business models for the upcoming 'Project Helix,' rumored for a Christmas 2027 launch. The company has also seen multiple game cancellations and studio closures in recent years.
Xbox announces business 'reset' amid reports of layoffs and studio closuresXbox CEO Asha Sharma announced a business 'reset' for Microsoft's gaming division, signaling significant layoffs and potential studio closures following years of declining revenue. The memo cites a substantial increase in component costs for hardware and memory, exacerbated by past expansion choices, as a major challenge. Sharma and Xbox content chief Matt Booty aim to revive the company by evolving its business model and partnerships over the next 100 days.