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Valve can afford a niche, pricey hardware launch; Sony and Microsoft can’t
The 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 warns
A 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 Cheap
Microsoft 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 lasts
Microsoft 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 that
Epic 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 Universe
Xbox 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 pivot
Xbox 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 – Rumor
Rumors 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 reveal
Industry 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, 2026
This 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 CEO
Xbox 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 5
The 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 Microsoft
Microsoft 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 reboot
This 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.
'Many people want to use VPNs for privacy—that is important—but we know that some children use them to get around restrictions': UK government considering VPN ban
The UK government is considering new restrictions on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), potentially banning their use for individuals under 16 to prevent them from bypassing age verification checks on social media. While acknowledging the privacy benefits of VPNs for adults, the government is researching their use by children to circumvent online restrictions. Further statements on potential VPN regulations are expected in July.
After playing Modern Warfare 4 I'm pretty certain that Call of Duty multiplayer is firing on all cylinders once…
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is a polished first-person shooter that significantly improves upon previous entries by dropping support for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Developed by Infinity Ward, the game features enhanced movement, weapon handling, and visual detail, with a focus on balanced firefights and refined TTK. The multiplayer experience includes new features like the Apex Attachment system and a redesigned Gunsmith, alongside a campaign and a returning DMZ mode, aiming to revitalize the franchise.
Games Inbox: Do you need to buy a PS5 Pro to play GTA 6?
A reader expresses concern about how Grand Theft Auto 6 will perform on a standard PlayStation 5, speculating that a PlayStation 5 Pro might be necessary. The article also touches on industry topics like Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Capcom's success, and the merits of game remakes versus new titles.
Xbox’s Biggest Problems May Still Be Ahead
Xbox is facing significant internal challenges despite a recent showcase of upcoming games like Gears of War: E-Day. CEO Asha Sharma admitted to substantial financial losses and poor investment returns over the past five years, citing issues with funding franchises and inadequate infrastructure. Reports suggest impending layoffs and potential restructuring, including spinning off Xbox as a subsidiary or forming joint ventures, as Microsoft seeks to make its gaming division a sustainable business.
Xbox is Punishing its Studios For Following Previous Orders – Report
A report indicates that Xbox is punishing its studios for following previous directives, leading to significant layoffs and studio closures. This follows major investments like the Activision Blizzard acquisition and the push for Game Pass, with some studios being criticized for prioritizing the subscription service over individual game sales. The situation has created an environment of fear and uncertainty, impacting game development.
