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'It’s so much easier to steal this than to rob a bank': $100,000,000+ worth of AI data center freight…
The rapid expansion of AI data centers across the US has led to a surge in sophisticated cargo theft, with thieves targeting shipments of server equipment and other high-value components. Incidents include highway robberies and elaborate online heists, resulting in over $100 million in stolen freight since June. Law enforcement agencies and private security firms are increasing efforts to combat these organized criminal operations.
Xbox leader Asha Sharma says there's "more demand than consoles available" as Xbox hardware sales dip by 14%
Xbox hardware sales have seen a 14% year-on-year dip, despite Xbox leader Asha Sharma claiming demand outstrips supply. Microsoft's financial results show a 2% decline in overall Xbox revenue, attributed to lower console sales and reduced third-party content and Game Pass revenue, though first-party content and PC gaming showed growth. The company is facing ongoing restructuring and external criticism regarding its cloud services.
Xbox first-party content partially offsets 2% drop in Q1 revenue, hardware decreases 14%
Microsoft reported strong overall revenue for the first quarter, with Xbox content and services revenue seeing a slight 2% decrease, partially offset by growth in first-party titles like Minecraft and Call of Duty. Hardware sales declined 14%, but the company anticipates mid to high-single digit growth for Xbox content and services in the next quarter, driven by upcoming game launches. The report also noted ongoing workforce reductions within the Xbox division.
As Skydance merges with Warner Bros. and Paramount, the company offers voluntary redundancy and mandates return to the office
Skydance, the newly formed entity combining Warner Bros. and Paramount, has implemented a mandatory five-day return-to-office policy for all employees, citing the importance of in-person collaboration. The company has also offered voluntary buyouts as part of its integration process. This move follows similar return-to-office mandates from EA and voluntary buyout offers from Microsoft.
Project Titan's end 'immediately instilled a culture of humility' in the Overwatch team which has helped…
The cancellation of Blizzard's MMO Project Titan instilled a culture of humility and resilience within the Overwatch development team, which has helped them navigate challenges over the past decade. Despite a difficult start and the pressure to create a revenue-generating game, the team has managed to bring Overwatch back on track and is proud of its current state.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 review
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is a triumphant return to form for the series, with Infinity Ward delivering an exceptional experience across multiplayer, campaign, and its new extraction mode, DMZ. The game boasts superb gunplay, a compelling campaign that focuses on relatable characters, and a well-realized extraction mode that respects player time. While previous entries have faltered, Modern Warfare 4 sets a new benchmark for what Call of Duty should aspire to.
Call of Duty passes $40 billion in lifetime revenue, making it one of the most-lucrative videogame franchise ever
The Call of Duty franchise has surpassed $40 billion in lifetime revenue, solidifying its position as one of the most lucrative in gaming history. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced the milestone, highlighting the success of titles like Modern Warfare 2 (2022), which generated $1 billion in its first 10 days. The franchise's consistent annual releases from studios like Infinity Ward and Treyarch have been key to its enduring popularity and financial success.
Skydance launches employee Voluntary Buyout Program following merger
Skydance has launched a voluntary buyout program for employees following its merger with Paramount and Warner Bros. The program offers financial and career support to staff who choose to leave, with rumors suggesting it precedes potential forced layoffs as the two companies integrate.
Anthropic files S-1 with SEC, will IPO on NASDAQ and trade with ANT stock symbol
Anthropic, the creator of the AI model Claude, has filed an S-1 with the SEC to go public on the NASDAQ under the stock symbol ANT. The company reported $2.7 billion in profit for the first half of 2026 and had previously proposed a valuation of $965 billion. This move follows other major tech IPOs, including Elon Musk's SpaceX.
UK software sales chart for the week ending October 24, 2026 – Call of Duty, Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, Final Fantasy Resonance in the top 5
The UK software sales chart for the week ending October 24, 2026, shows Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 in the top position, with the majority of sales on PlayStation 5. Nintendo Switch Sports Resort debuted at number two, and Final Fantasy Resonance entered at number four.
Why private equity acquisitions like the one that just claimed BioWare are so dreaded
The closure of BioWare and subsequent layoffs at Electronic Arts highlight the detrimental impact of private equity acquisitions on game studios. This article details how leveraged buyouts, often involving significant debt and aggressive profit extraction strategies, can lead to the demise of companies and widespread job losses, even when the acquired entities have strong intellectual property.
Still mad at Valve for Steam's AI disclosures, Epic Games boss criticizes "forcing developers to write a political statement to be used against them by the hate mob"
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has strongly criticized Valve's policy requiring developers to disclose the use of generative AI in their games on Steam. Sweeney called the policy "abhorrent" and a "Scarlet Letter," arguing it forces developers into making political statements that can be used against them by critics. The article highlights Sweeney's long-standing advocacy for generative AI in game development and contrasts Valve's approach with Epic's own embrace of the technology.
Modern Warfare 4 players declare 'broken' on DMZ perk that lets you self-revive after full death
Players are calling the 'Possum' operator trait in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4's DMZ mode 'broken' due to its ability to self-revive from a full death, storing health to maximum once per match. This perk, accessible early in the Warfighter skill tree, allows players to spring back to life after being killed, leading to frustrating scenarios for opponents. The article suggests Infinity Ward needs to re-evaluate the perk's execution, possibly by increasing its cooldown or adding a more significant in-game cue, drawing parallels to the 'Necromancer' perk in Hunt: Showdown which allows players to burn bodies to prevent revivals.
Prospective Buyers Reportedly Value Xbox As High As $150 Billion
A new report suggests that private equity firms have considered purchasing Microsoft's Xbox division for as much as $150 billion. Despite these considerations, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has previously stated that Xbox is not for sale. The article also touches on Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's comments about Xbox needing to improve its financial performance, which has led to layoffs and studio departures.
Xbox is reportedly planning three waves of layoffs between now and January as part of its plan to cut 3,200 jobs by the…
Xbox is reportedly planning three more waves of layoffs in November and January 2027 as part of its plan to cut 3,200 jobs by the end of the fiscal year. These cuts have reportedly demoralized employees and led to the separation from several studios, with Ninja Theory at risk of closing. The article also touches on internal projections for the next-gen Xbox and an upcoming Xbox Game Pass overhaul.
Games like Call of Duty and EA Sports FC most at risk of losing players during GTA 6 launch, according to new data
New data from gaming consultancy Open World suggests that titles like Call of Duty, Apex Legends, and EA Sports FC are most at risk of losing players during the launch of Grand Theft Auto 6. The analysis indicates that competitive shooters and sports games, along with driving and high-stakes session games, are most likely to see player migration. Developers are advised to avoid major content updates or marketing pushes during GTA 6's launch window to mitigate player loss.
Xbox Will Go Through More Layoffs in October, November, and January – Rumor
Xbox is reportedly planning multiple rounds of layoffs in October, November, and January, following an initial wave in July. CEO Asha Sharma cited a need to cut costs and improve profitability due to over-expansion and underperforming investments. These cuts are part of a larger plan to reduce approximately 3,200 jobs by fiscal year 2027 and have already led to the divestment of several studios.
Epic AI Change Sparks Massive Fight Over AI/Vibe Coding
Epic Games' CEO Tim Sweeney announced a significant pivot towards "maximum AI acceleration," aiming to increase AI use in development and bring benefits to Unreal Engine users. This move has sparked a heated debate within the gaming industry, with figures like artist Kenney Vleugels criticizing the embrace of AI, while an Xbox strategy manager argues that ignoring AI means planning for a "fake future."
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4:s kampanj får riktigt bra Steam-omdömen
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4's single-player campaign is receiving highly positive reviews on Steam, with 92% of players giving it a thumbs up. Many are calling it the best Call of Duty campaign since 2019's Modern Warfare, praising its graphics, performance, voice acting, and pacing. The early access for the DMZ mode also launched on the same day.
Resident Evil 7 Team Took Cues From The Last of Us To Garner Critical Acclaim, Says Former Exec
Former Capcom manager Miguel Corti revealed that Resident Evil 7's development shifted focus from Call of Duty-like action to narrative-driven gameplay after the critical success of The Last of Us. This change in direction is credited with revitalizing the Resident Evil franchise, leading to acclaimed titles like Resident Evil Village and Resident Evil Requiem.
