Activision Blizzard
Activision Blizzard business and news from across the web.
Double Fine is the latest team at Microsoft to unionizeDouble Fine, the studio behind Psychonauts, has filed a petition to unionize with the National Labor Relations Board, with all 42 employees participating. The studio is organizing with the Communications Workers of America, a union that has previously supported labor efforts at other Microsoft-owned studios like Activision and ZeniMax.
Double Fine is unionising at Xbox Game StudiosDouble Fine, the developer of Psychonauts, has filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to unionize with the Communications Workers of America. This move involves 42 employees and follows similar unionization efforts within Microsoft's gaming divisions, including Activision Blizzard and Zenimax. While Microsoft has historically taken a neutral stance on unionization, the company has faced delays in collective bargaining with previously formed unions.
Is Bungie Sony's Worst Ever Acquisition After $765 Million Write-Down?Sony has reported a $765 million impairment loss on its acquisition of Bungie, significantly devaluing the developer since its $3.6 billion purchase in 2022. This write-down, partly due to the underperformance of games like Marathon and Destiny 2's declining player base, raises questions about whether Bungie is Sony's worst acquisition. The article also touches on Sony's broader struggles with live service games and other studio acquisitions.
Bungie’s value keeps on dropping in latest Sony financialsSony reported significant impairment losses of approximately $565 million USD in the last quarter related to its acquisition of Bungie, bringing the total annual loss to around $765 million USD. This financial downturn coincides with declining player counts for Destiny 2 and underperformance of the newly released Marathon, as well as substantial layoffs at Bungie since its acquisition.
ESA Says Bill Pushing For Offline Versions Of Live-Service Games Would Hurt DevelopersThe Entertainment Software Association is opposing California Assembly Bill 1921, which would require developers of live-service games to provide advance notice of server shutdowns, offer refunds, and potentially make games playable offline. The ESA argues this legislation would divert resources from creating new content and doesn't reflect the realities of modern game development.
Xbox scraps Microsoft Copilot in yet another win for new CEO Asha SharmaXbox CEO Asha Sharma has announced the discontinuation of Microsoft Copilot development for consoles and mobile, prioritizing community connection and addressing player and developer friction. This decision marks a significant shift away from AI integration for Xbox, contrasting with Microsoft's broader AI initiatives and the continued embrace of the technology by other industry figures and companies.
Microsoft ends Copilot AI on Xbox to help 'get the business back on track,' as new CEO simultaneously welcomes…Microsoft's Xbox division is shifting its strategy away from AI features, with CEO Asha Sharma announcing the discontinuation of Copilot on mobile and console. This move coincides with Sharma bringing in several former colleagues from Microsoft's CoreAI division to leadership roles within Xbox. The company aims to focus on deepening community connections and addressing player and developer friction to improve business performance.- The next Call of Duty is not coming to PS4 (or presumably Xbox One)Activision Blizzard is focusing on next-generation platforms for the upcoming Call of Duty title, indicating it will not be released on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One. This suggests a move towards prioritizing current-gen consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
2026’s Call of Duty is not coming to PS4Activision has confirmed that the next Call of Duty title, and subsequent releases, will not be available on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One. This marks the end of last-generation support for the franchise, which has spanned multiple console generations since Call of Duty: Ghosts in 2013. The decision is expected to allow developers to focus resources on current-generation platforms like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Bungie Under Fire: Are Marathon Player Numbers Being Hidden After Launch? | Invision Game CommunityBungie is facing community backlash regarding the launch of its multiplayer extraction shooter, Marathon, with accusations of hiding player numbers. The article clarifies that discussions about player counts are being moderated on Reddit and that player data remains publicly accessible via platforms like SteamDB. A separate incident involving a chat filter censoring a competing game's name was also addressed.
Call of Duty 2026 is Not Coming to Previous-Gen Consoles, Ending 12-Year StreakThe next Call of Duty title, rumored to be Modern Warfare 4, will not be developed for the PlayStation 4, ending a 12-year streak of cross-generational releases. This marks the first time since Call of Duty: Ghosts in 2013 that a new entry will be exclusive to current-generation consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
Microsoft Gaming Branding Was “A Temporary Legal Thing” for Activision Blizzard Acquisition – RumorA rumor suggests that Microsoft's rebranding of its gaming division to Microsoft Gaming was a temporary legal measure to facilitate the Activision Blizzard acquisition. The company has since reverted to the Xbox branding, with executives Asha Sharma and Matt Booty discussing future plans and a new logo. The initiative aims to refocus on console experiences and deliver great games.
Xbox has only two options for the future and Microsoft won’t like either of them - Reader’s FeatureA reader suggests Microsoft has only two viable options for the future of Xbox: either transition to a third-party developer model releasing games on all platforms, or sell off its gaming division entirely. The author argues that the Xbox hardware experiment has failed due to declining console sales and the inability of recent acquisitions to significantly boost market share.
Loving MMOs in 2026 is an exercise in frustration, grief, and moving onThe current state of MMORPGs in 2026 is frustrating due to a lack of new titles and constant changes to existing ones, leaving players reliant on older games. This situation is attributed to the conflict between the long development cycles of MMOs and the short-term profit demands of shareholders, leading to cancellations and instability within the genre.- Betawatch: Neverness to Everness and Heroes of Might & Magic Olden Era open their gatesSeveral MMORPGs have launched or entered testing phases, including the full release of Neverness to Everness and early access for Heroes of Might & Magic Olden Era. TERA 2 is confirmed to be in development with Unreal Engine 5, while Scars of Honor and Gods, Death & Reapers are undergoing playtests and alpha phases respectively. Reaper Actual has secured further venture capital funding.
- WoW Factor: Mike Ybarra is blaming Ion Hazzikostas for actually getting better at his jobFormer Blizzard executive Mike Ybarra has criticized current World of Warcraft Game Director Ion Hazzikostas's leadership, suggesting the game has declined under his direction. The author argues that Hazzikostas has actually shown growth and made positive design changes, shifting focus beyond just raiding to include more player-friendly content like housing. The article contends that Ybarra's criticisms are misplaced and reflect a personal preference for past game states rather than the actual health of World of Warcraft.
Why Gaming Friends Fade: The Science Behind LossThis analysis explores the scientific reasons behind the loss of friendships, particularly those formed through gaming, during adulthood. It highlights research indicating that adult friendships naturally decay without consistent interaction and that life-stage pressures like parenthood significantly reduce social time. The article emphasizes that online friendships are genuine and provide crucial social support, but are also vulnerable to dissolution, leading to loneliness which is now considered a public health crisis with serious health implications.
Battlefield Movie Bidding War Heats Up, As These 5 Studios Reportedly Made Offers For ItA fierce bidding war is underway for the rights to a Battlefield movie, with Warner Bros. Discovery, Amazon MGM Studios, Sony, Universal, and Netflix reportedly submitting offers. Christopher McQuarrie is attached to write and direct, with Michael B. Jordan potentially starring and producing. The project is expected to command a high price, reflecting the current Hollywood trend of adapting successful video game franchises.
Former ESO boss Matt Firor talks about the death of unrealised MMO Project Blackbird: 'Microsoft is Microsoft'Former Elder Scrolls Online director Matt Firor discussed the cancellation of Project Blackbird, an unreleased MMO from Zenimax Online Studios. Firor expressed disappointment, calling it a missed opportunity for all involved, and reflected on how Microsoft's business priorities led to the project's demise.
Monument Valley CEO Calls Job Security 'Too Romantic' | HappyGamerThe CEO of Ustwo, the studio behind Monument Valley, has sparked controversy by calling job security 'too romantic' amidst industry-wide layoffs. This statement contrasts with the current climate of mass job cuts at companies like Microsoft and Sony Interactive Entertainment. The article argues that prioritizing shareholders over employees is a shortsighted business practice that damages the industry's reputation and talent retention.