Activision Blizzard
Activision Blizzard business and news from across the web.
Does anyone actually want new consoles?The article questions the demand for new console generations, citing current high prices, component shortages exacerbated by AI, and a general apathy towards incremental hardware upgrades. It suggests that the high cost of living and the availability of existing consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, which still feel largely untapped, make a new generation financially unappealing for consumers. Furthermore, the lack of compelling exclusive software and the industry's focus on live service games and layoffs further diminish the perceived value of new hardware.- GTA6 devs accuse Rockstar of crunch and pay inequity, Spanish Ubisoft devs go on strikeDevelopers at Rockstar Games have accused the studio of crunch, pay inequity, and using legal loopholes to bypass UK labor laws, amidst the development of Grand Theft Auto VI. Meanwhile, Ubisoft Barcelona developers in Spain have gone on strike over restructuring and job losses, demanding better working conditions and job security. A new fund has also been established to financially assist game developers who have lost their jobs.
Digging into SAG-AFTRA’s Stellar Win With Sarah ElmalehActor and SAG-AFTRA Interactive Media Negotiating Committee chair Sarah Elmaleh discusses the recent Interactive Media Agreement that ended an 11-month strike. The deal includes improved actor pay, new safety standards, and terms for the use of generative AI, giving actors more control over their data. Elmaleh shares her experience navigating the three-year negotiation process.
Another giant US company is looking to expand into gaming claims reportNBCUniversal, the company behind Universal Pictures and the streaming service Peacock, is reportedly considering expanding into the video game business. This potential move comes as the company is preparing for a spin-off from Comcast. While no specific plans have been revealed, NBCUniversal is assessing various growth opportunities, with gaming being one of them.
Millie Bobby Brown is hyped for GTA 6 even though she never does crimesActress Millie Bobby Brown expressed her excitement for Grand Theft Auto 6, calling the series a 'passion' despite her tendency to play games by strictly following rules, such as stopping at red lights. She admitted to playing Grand Theft Auto 5 in a manner akin to The Sims, a habit her husband has teased her about. The article also touches on the potential for celebrity cameos in future Rockstar Games titles.
Sony kills game ownership and says it's all your faultSony is phasing out physical game discs for new PlayStation titles by 2028, effectively ending the concept of game ownership as players will no longer be able to buy, sell, or preserve physical copies. This move, driven by business decisions and a lack of competition, raises concerns about game preservation, consumer rights, and the loss of tangible connection to games and their creators.
Xbox Testing the Ability to Convert Game Discs Into Digital Licenses – RumorRumors suggest that Xbox is testing a feature that would allow players to convert physical game discs into digital licenses for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. This potential move aims to help players with large physical game collections access their libraries digitally. Older console generations like Xbox 360 and the original Xbox would not be supported.
Consoles continue their trend of just becoming worst PCsThe article argues that modern consoles like PlayStation and Xbox are becoming inferior versions of PCs, losing their unique advantages. Factors like the shift to digital-only, rising prices, and the diminishing value of exclusives are making PCs a more compelling and flexible gaming platform.
This Week In Games Was Bad, But Next Week May Be WorseThe gaming industry experienced a particularly bleak week with multiple significant layoffs, studio closures, and price increases. Microsoft's Xbox division saw widespread job cuts, while Sony announced plans to end physical disc production for PlayStation games by 2028. These events, coupled with delays and the ongoing impact of AI discussions, paint a grim picture for the industry's immediate future.
Next-Gen Xbox May Not Have Disc Drive, Disc-To-Digital Feature Coming, Reports SayReports suggest Microsoft's next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, may omit a disc drive, following similar trends from Sony. Microsoft is reportedly testing a "disc-to-digital" feature that would allow users to convert physical Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S discs into digital entitlements tied to their Microsoft account.
PlayStation killing discs is bad for everyone, whether you care about physical games or notSony's decision to cease production of physical PlayStation game discs in 2028 is a significant loss for consumers, impacting game preservation and the used games market. While digital distribution benefits publishers, the end of physical media raises concerns about long-term game access, potential surveillance pricing, and Sony's complete control over its ecosystem.
'I cannot do my job when Microsoft refuses to do theirs', say Xbox union workers as destructive reset looms from a company that spent over $80 billion on AI last yearUnionized workers at Microsoft and its subsidiaries are speaking out against the company's pattern of layoffs and studio closures, despite significant investments in AI and high executive pay. Employees express frustration over job insecurity, feeling expendable despite hard work and successful projects. They argue that Microsoft has the financial resources to protect its workforce, citing billions invested in AI and recent console price increases, and are demanding better treatment and transparency.
Games Inbox: Will there be a definitive PS6 version of GTA 6?Readers discuss the potential for Grand Theft Auto 6 to be released on the PlayStation 6, speculating on performance and exclusivity deals with Sony and Rockstar Games. Other topics include the possibility of a Dead Rising 2 Deluxe Remaster, the future of Nintendo Switch 2's lineup, and the financial implications of Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard.- Rumor: Microsoft’s next layoffs are poised to hit Blizzard, Bethsoft, and Undead LabsRumors suggest Microsoft is planning significant layoffs across several of its gaming studios, including Undead Labs, Blizzard Entertainment, and Bethesda Softworks. These cuts are reportedly the largest for Xbox and come as the company evaluates its recent Activision Blizzard acquisition. Unionized workers at Xbox are reportedly organizing to negotiate over potential job losses.
Io Interactive Laying Off Staff After Partner Withdraws from Project FantasyIO Interactive has announced layoffs following the withdrawal of funding for their new intellectual property, Project Fantasy, by an external partner, rumored to be Microsoft. Despite the setback, the company remains committed to the project's completion. This decision comes amid broader shifts within Xbox's business strategy under new leadership.
Xbox could cancel Marvel's Blade and close Arkane in July bloodbath, report says, or the studio may be sold offXbox is reportedly considering closing or selling Arkane Studios and canceling its game Marvel's Blade due to budget and release date issues. This is part of a larger wave of layoffs expected in July as Microsoft aims to cut costs. Other studios like Arkane Austin and Compulsion Games have also faced closures or struggles.
Report: Xbox considering sale or closure of Arkane, other studios, as layoffs loomA report suggests Xbox is considering selling or closing several studios, including Arkane Studios, Double Fine, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs, as part of a major 'reset' under new CEO Asha Sharma. The upcoming game 'Blade' is reportedly over budget and may be canceled. Mass layoffs affecting over a thousand roles are also anticipated across Xbox in early July, following the Activision Blizzard acquisition.
Modern Warfare 4 Facebook ads want to make sure everyone understands this year's Call of Duty won't be on Xbox Game PassActivision is using Facebook ads to inform players that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will not be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch, a shift from previous years. This marks a change in Microsoft's strategy for its gaming division under new leadership. The game will release on October 23rd for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch, with pre-orders offering early access to the campaign and an expanded DMZ mode.
ESA VP calls Minecraft Community Servers “illegal,” which is an impressively stupid thing to say in an industry full of impressively stupid things alreadyAn Entertainment Software Association VP called Minecraft community servers "illegal," a statement widely criticized as inaccurate and damaging. While individual servers can violate EULAs, the concept of community servers is officially supported by Mojang and Microsoft. This statement occurred during a California Senate committee hearing opposing the Protect Our Games Act, which aims to ensure players retain access to games after services shut down.
Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 advert shows Xbox's embarrassing Game Pass U-turnAn advert for Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 highlights Microsoft's reversal on offering new Call of Duty titles day one on Xbox Game Pass. After acquiring Activision Blizzard, Microsoft initially planned to include new releases like Black Ops 6 on Game Pass, but this strategy has been abandoned after only two years. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced a price cut for Game Pass with the caveat that future Call of Duty games will not launch on the service, a move that has led to awkward marketing disclaimers.