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Hundreds of union workers rally across North America to protest Xbox layoffs
Hundreds of unionized video game workers rallied across North America to protest recent layoffs at Microsoft's Xbox division. Members of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and allies gathered to call out corporate greed and demand fair contracts, citing multiple rounds of job cuts impacting studios like Obsidian, id Software, and ZeniMax Online Studios. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma confirmed 3,200 job eliminations, with 1,600 immediate layoffs, leading to legal action from the CWA against Microsoft for alleged mishandling of the cuts.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 multiplayer trailer
Activision Blizzard has released a new trailer showcasing the multiplayer mode for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. This installment marks a return to Nintendo platforms for the series, with the multiplayer promising an invigorating experience.
Games Inbox: What is the best The Simpsons video game?
Readers discuss their favorite Simpsons video games, with a desire for retro collections including titles like Hit & Run and the arcade game. Other topics include the longevity of Fortnite, the future of the Halo franchise, the implications of digital-only consoles, and the state of Blizzard's game development.
Billbil-kun: Diablo IV Age of Hatred Collection releasing on Switch 2 this September
According to leaker Billbil-kun, the Diablo IV Age of Hatred Collection, featuring the expansions Vessel of Hatred and Lord of Hatred, is slated for a September release on the Nintendo Switch 2. Activision Blizzard has not yet officially announced the collection.
Long-awaited Switch 2 version of Diablo 4 reportedly releases days after BlizzCon, and includes both game expansions
A rumored Nintendo Switch version of Diablo 4, reportedly called the 'Age of Hatred Collection,' is said to include both the Vessel of Hatred and Lord of Hatred expansions and is slated for release on September 15. This date follows Blizzard's BlizzCon event, which takes place September 12-13. The report also mentions Diablo 4's availability on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Why Are Video Game Consoles So Expensive These Days (And Games Historically Cheap)?
Video game consoles and games are becoming increasingly expensive due to a confluence of factors including tariffs, AI-driven demand for components, and a structural shift in the console business model. Experts predict hardware costs will remain high for several more years, potentially impacting future console generations like the PlayStation 6 and Project Helix.
A Call Of Duty Studio Could Work On Halo, Report Says
A report suggests that Microsoft enlisted Sledgehammer Games, a Call of Duty studio, to help develop a Halo multiplayer game. While an initial prototype was canceled, Microsoft is reportedly still exploring the proposition. This follows speculation that Activision Blizzard studios might contribute to the Halo franchise after Microsoft's acquisition.
IRL Homescreen for Wii physical discs now includes a secret bookshelf mechanism that will save you from the horrors of…
A DIY project called the 'IRL homescreen' has been updated with a secret bookshelf mechanism that randomly selects a physical game to play. This invention, created by AlmostInventor, uses motors to present the chosen disc and projects game art, offering a novel way to combat indecisiveness. The project highlights a continued desire for physical media integration with digital features, even as companies like Sony move towards digital-only releases.
Call of Duty studio Sledgehammer reportedly worked on a Halo multiplayer prototype before it got canned
Sledgehammer Games, a studio known for its work on Call of Duty, reportedly developed a prototype for a Halo multiplayer game at the request of Xbox. The project was ultimately canceled by Xbox after a testing period in June, though discussions about Activision potentially developing future Halo titles are ongoing. This collaboration was explored following Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
Here's a first for Call of Duty: The Modern Warfare 4 beta will have a campaign mission and Warzone stuff
The upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 beta, starting August 21 for pre-orders, will feature a playable campaign mission titled "Entrenched" for the first time in the series. The beta will also include multiplayer modes and introduce the new Zodiac Resurgence map for Warzone during its second weekend, open to all players from August 28 to September 1. Infinity Ward is aiming to refine gameplay mechanics like muzzle flash and movement, potentially as a response to player disappointment with previous titles and the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6.
Ghostbusters Revisited - A new take on that classic Ghostbusters game is coming to the C64
A new Commodore 64 game, 'Ghostbusters Revisited', is in development by Dave Izon, building upon a previous unfinished demo. This homebrew title aims to recreate the classic Ghostbusters experience with a first-person perspective and proton stream mechanics. It is separate from another project called 'Ghostbusters Remastered'.
Opinion: Deprofessionalization could foster toxic work environments on small teams
The article discusses the concept of 'deprofessionalization' in the game industry, where reduced general employment drives out career professionals, potentially fostering toxic work environments, particularly in indie development. It draws parallels between historical instances of harassment at both large and small studios, highlighting how relaxed professional standards can lead to inappropriate conduct and drive talent away from the industry.
As Xbox head Asha Sharma reportedly visits Bethesda HQ, workers put up red flags representing laid off staff and a giant inflatable rat outside
Communications Workers of America union members protested outside Bethesda's headquarters with red flags representing laid-off workers and a giant inflatable rat. The protest coincided with a reported visit from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and highlights ongoing concerns about Microsoft's significant layoffs within its gaming divisions, including Bethesda and Activision Blizzard.
GTA 6 Owner Take-Two Is Not Interested In Selling To Netflix Or Anyone Right Now
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick stated the company has no interest in being acquired by Netflix or any other entity, emphasizing its strong independent position in the market. He confirmed ongoing partnerships with Netflix for game distribution, including for Grand Theft Auto VI, but dismissed speculation that these collaborations signal a potential buyout. Zelnick highlighted Take-Two's significant revenue and consistent profitability as reasons for remaining independent, especially in a market seeing major consolidations like Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard and Saudi Arabia's PIF deal for Electronic Arts.
Google’s Pixel 11 Event Starts at 6PM ET Wednesday — But Its Own Store Spoils It Eight Hours Early
Google's upcoming 'Made by Google 2026' event, scheduled for Wednesday at 6 PM ET, has been preempted by leaks from its own Google Store, which revealed preorder details eight hours early. The event is expected to unveil four new Pixel phones, including the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold, alongside the Pixel Watch 5 and potentially a Pixel Tag tracker. Leaks suggest the new phones will feature a Tensor G6 chip built on TSMC's 2nm process, increased base storage, but reduced RAM for Pro models, with price increases across the board.
HandyGames rebrands as THQ Nordic Mobile
HandyGames has rebranded as THQ Nordic Mobile, shifting its focus to bringing premium PC and console titles to mobile platforms, while its development studio continues as HandyGames. Separately, leaked emails reveal Blizzard Entertainment was Xbox's top-performing studio for FY26, driven by Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred and Overwatch, marking its third highest fiscal year for revenue.
Blizzard says Diablo and Overwatch ‘drove exceptional performance’ in 2026
Leaked emails from Blizzard boss Johanna Faries indicate that Blizzard Entertainment achieved exceptional performance in fiscal year 2026, marking its third highest revenue year in history and first back-to-back growth since FY17. Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred and Overwatch were highlighted as key drivers of this success, with Overwatch delivering its strongest quarter since 2022.
Unity credits AI advertising platform for driving its 'best quarter ever'
Unity reported its best quarter ever, with total revenue reaching $546 million, a 24% increase year-over-year, driven primarily by its AI-driven advertising platform, Vector AI. Despite a net loss of $23 million, the company has significantly reduced its losses compared to the previous year. CEO Matthew Bromberg highlighted the company's "ecosystem" strategy and anticipates growth from generative AI's impact on game development.
Blizzard is now reportedly Microsoft's top studio, according to leaked email
A leaked email reveals that Blizzard Entertainment was Microsoft's top-performing studio within the Xbox division for fiscal year 2026, driven by strong revenue from Diablo 4 and Overwatch. Despite industry-wide layoffs and ongoing protests, Blizzard achieved significant growth, with Overwatch experiencing its best quarter since 2022. The company is reportedly preparing for Blizzcon 2026 with potential new game announcements.
Weekend PC Download Deals for Aug. 7: Steam Cyberpunk Fest
This weekend's PC gaming deals include a Steam Cyberpunk Fest featuring discounts on titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Deus Ex games. Several storefronts like Epic Games Store, GOG.com, and Humble Bundle are also offering significant sales on various games, with some titles available for free. Additionally, Ubisoft is celebrating 25 years of Ghost Recon with deep discounts and a free trial for Ghost Recon Wildlands.
