Activision Blizzard
Activision Blizzard business and news from across the web.- 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.
'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 banThe 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 AheadXbox 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 – ReportA 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.
Treyarch confirms Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 and 2 are "being ported to PlayStation" and "will include…Treyarch has confirmed that Call of Duty: Black Ops and Call of Duty: Black Ops II are being ported to PlayStation consoles by Iron Galaxy and will be released in July. These new ports will include the Campaign, Multiplayer, and Zombies modes. While originally released on PlayStation 3, PC, and Xbox 360, these titles have been inaccessible on modern platforms like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, unlike their Xbox counterparts which are playable via backward compatibility.
'There Are Other Xbox Studios in Trouble': Ominous Reports as Microsoft 'Bloodbath' LoomsJournalist Jason Schreier reports that Xbox is facing significant layoffs and potential studio closures beyond Ninja Theory, Double Fine, and Compulsion Games. These "bloodbath" events are expected within the next two weeks, with negotiations underway for studio spin-offs or sales. The situation is attributed to financial pressures, including the costly Activision Blizzard acquisition and a failure to grow Game Pass significantly.
Microsoft's games are bigger than Xbox. So just scrap Xbox.This article argues that Microsoft should discontinue the Xbox as a hardware platform due to its financial unsustainability and focus instead on its game development studios. The author suggests spinning off the gaming division into an independent entity to maximize revenue from its vast portfolio of games like Call of Duty and Minecraft, decoupling them from expensive console hardware.
Former PlayStation boss says Xbox shows a "basic misunderstanding" of the games industry amid leadership changes, mixed messaging, and reports of studio closuresFormer PlayStation boss Shawn Layden believes Xbox's recent inconsistent actions, including shifts in publishing strategy and reports of studio closures like Ninja Theory, indicate a fundamental misunderstanding of the games industry. Despite denials from figures like Matthew Ball, these moves have fueled an identity crisis for Xbox, leading to confusion among players and raising concerns about the company's health.
Call of Duty: Vanguard Releases on Xbox Game PassCall of Duty: Vanguard is now available on Xbox Game Pass for Cloud, Console, and PC, starting June 17, 2026. The addition includes the full campaign, over 20 multiplayer maps, and the Zombies co-op mode. This move by Microsoft follows their acquisition of Activision Blizzard, expanding the Game Pass library with older Call of Duty titles.
Games Inbox: Is Xbox worth saving?This article discusses the uncertain future of Xbox, with readers expressing concern over potential studio closures and a lack of innovation. The piece contrasts Xbox's current strategy with past industry practices of companies like Electronic Arts and questions whether Xbox deserves to be saved given its perceived mismanagement and impact on developers.
Microsoft Planned Closure of Ninja Theory Before Senua’s Reveal – RumorAccording to a report, Microsoft had planned to close Ninja Theory before the studio revealed its new game, Senua. The trailer was reportedly released to attract potential investors or acquirers for the studio. Despite these plans, it remains unclear if Ninja Theory's leadership was aware of the situation, and negotiations are underway for some studios to spin off rather than close, though layoffs are still expected.- Xbox Shows a “Basic Misunderstanding” of the Gaming Industry, Says Former PlayStation ExecFormer PlayStation Studios boss Shawn Layden believes Xbox's recent actions, including impending layoffs and studio closures, demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of the gaming industry. This perspective arises amidst reports of significant financial losses and strategic shifts within Microsoft's gaming division, impacting studios like Ninja Theory, Double Fine, and Compulsion Games.
Upcoming Xbox Exclusives Are Being Sent Out To Die, Analyst Says; Xbox Pushes BackAnalyst Rhys Elliott claims Microsoft is intentionally setting upcoming Xbox exclusives like Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution up for failure to transition away from console hardware. Xbox's Matthew Ball denies rumors of reversing course on exclusives, stating they will remain exclusive and that Microsoft plans to release signature exclusives annually. The article also touches on potential studio closures and layoffs within Xbox due to financial struggles.- Microsoft-owned studios negotiate to avoid closures as CEO wants *more* monetization in gamesMicrosoft-owned studios are reportedly negotiating for independence to avoid potential closures amidst an Xbox 'reset.' CEO Satya Nadella is pushing for increased monetization in games, stating that Xbox has historically subsidized its entertainment. This comes as Microsoft faces layoffs and questions about the profitability of its recent Activision Blizzard acquisition.
EA, the big brains behind The Sims 2 H&M Fashion Stuff, announce they're "transforming how brands connect with audiences" – with in-game billboardsElectronic Arts has announced a new advertising platform that allows brands to place advertisements within their games, aiming to "transform how brands connect with audiences." This initiative includes in-game billboards and custom brand experiences, such as Mountain Dew's Dew University in Madden NFL. The article critiques this move, suggesting it's a way for EA to generate revenue to offset debt from a leveraged buyout and questioning if it will lead to more creative games or further brand integration.
Games Inbox: What is happening to Xbox and can it recover?Readers express significant concern over the future of Xbox, citing massive layoffs, studio closures, and a perceived lack of direction from Microsoft. There is widespread pessimism about Xbox's ability to recover from its current struggles, with some suggesting it's past the point of no return. The discussion also touches on other gaming news, including the upcoming release of Forgotlings, the secrecy surrounding the Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, and opinions on Grand Theft Auto 5's themes.
Hellblade Studio Ninja Theory to be Closed by Xbox, Negotiating to Go Independent – RumorReports indicate that Xbox is planning to close Ninja Theory, the developer of the Hellblade franchise, as part of efforts to improve fiscal year accountability margins. Ninja Theory is reportedly negotiating to become an independent studio, similar to efforts by Double Fine and Compulsion Games. These potential closures and layoffs are expected to occur after Microsoft's fiscal year ends on June 30th, driven by declining revenues and rising hardware component costs.
id Software, Bethesda, Quantic Dream and More to Face Major Layoffs, Studio Closures Soon – RumorReports suggest significant layoffs are imminent across the gaming industry, affecting studios like id Software, Bethesda, Quantic Dream, and BioWare. Microsoft's Xbox division is expected to implement these cuts after its fiscal year ends on June 30th, with CEO Asha Sharma citing declining revenue and a need for increased accountability margins. These layoffs are described as potentially just the beginning of a larger industry downturn.