Activision Blizzard
Activision Blizzard business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Xbox Testing the Ability to Convert Game Discs Into Digital Licenses – Rumor
Rumors 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 PCs
The 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 Worse
The 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 Say
Reports 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 not
Sony'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 year
Unionized 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 Labs
Rumors 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 Fantasy
IO 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 off
Xbox 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 loom
A 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 Pass
Activision 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 already
An 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-turn
An 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.
State of Decay studio Undead Labs potentially up for closure, sources claim, with Bethesda and Blizzard also facing layoffs
Microsoft is reportedly planning significant layoffs across its gaming division, potentially including the closure of Undead Labs, the studio behind State of Decay. Bethesda and Blizzard Entertainment are also expected to face substantial job cuts as part of a company-wide "reset." Union workers are negotiating with management to protect jobs or secure severance packages amid these widespread reductions.
CWA union says Xbox workers are not "disposable" as layoffs loom
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) union is supporting Xbox employees facing potential layoffs, stating they will not be treated as "disposable." Union representatives highlighted Microsoft's financial resources, including recent console price increases and executive compensation, as evidence that layoffs are a choice. An Xbox spokesperson acknowledged the company respects employees' rights and is negotiating in good faith with the CWA.
Xbox reportedly stops signing third-party Game Pass deals
Xbox has reportedly halted new third-party deals for Game Pass, with sources indicating that developers were informed of a pause in negotiations. This decision comes as new Xbox boss Asha Sharma assesses the company's strategy following significant acquisitions and a recent price increase on consoles. While the future of third-party content on Game Pass is uncertain, the service remains a key component of Xbox's business model.
PS6 will cost Sony £750 just for the raw materials says insider
An insider estimates the raw materials for the PlayStation 6 could cost around $960 (£730), significantly increasing the potential retail price. This surge is attributed to rising memory and hard drive costs, driven by demand for AI data centers, impacting all hardware manufacturers. Sony and Microsoft may face difficult decisions regarding console pricing and profitability.
Weekend PC Download Deals for June 26: Steam Summer Sale and friends
Multiple PC gaming storefronts, including Steam, GOG.com, and Epic Games Store, are hosting major summer sales with thousands of deals. Notable discounts are available on titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, DOOM: The Dark Ages, and Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition. Some platforms also offer free titles or additional discounts for subscribers.
New report reveals the Nintendo Switch 2 is the second fastest-selling video game hardware in US history, as Xbox and…
A new report indicates the Nintendo Switch 2 has become the second fastest-selling video game hardware in US history, selling 5.9 million units in its first year. Meanwhile, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series console sales have declined significantly due to price hikes, with PlayStation hardware unit sales reaching their lowest May total since 2000.
