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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.
Modern Warfare 4 is coming to Xbox Game Pass, but not for a long time
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will be available on Xbox Game Pass starting in Holiday 2027, a year after its October 23, 2026 release date. While previous Call of Duty titles launched day one on Game Pass, Modern Warfare 4 will require a separate purchase for day-one access. This decision comes as Microsoft aims to boost sales for the new installment amidst ongoing studio closures and cost-cutting measures.
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.
Subscriptions, Clouds, and Streams
Activision is promoting Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 by highlighting that it will not be available on Game Pass. Xbox has reportedly paused new third-party deals for Game Pass, impacting the availability of games on the subscription service.
Xbox marketing takes embarrassing turn with new Call of Duty ads loudly disclaiming 'NOT ON XBOX GAME PASS THIS…
Xbox has launched new advertising campaigns for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 that explicitly state the game will not be available on Xbox Game Pass this year. This marketing shift follows a business decision to exclude new Call of Duty titles from the subscription service at launch to boost direct sales, after the service reportedly incurred significant losses.
Evening Reading - June 26, 2026
This edition of Evening Reading covers news and deals from June 26, 2026, including updates on Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves and LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. It also notes a decrease in PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X sales in the US for May and highlights weekend download deals for Nintendo Switch and PC.
How To Unlock The Kowakujo Easter Egg Song In Black Ops 7 Zombies
This guide details how to unlock the secret Easter egg song, "Evencry," on the new Zombies map, Kowakujo, in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. Players must find three hidden blue headphones scattered across the map, which are performed by Kevin Sherwood, Cole Rolland, and Malukah.
CrackPots - A ColecoVision homebrew adaptation of Activision Atari 2600 classic!
Electric Dreams has released CrackPots, a homebrew adaptation of Activision's 1983 Atari 2600 game, for the ColecoVision. This new version features updated graphics, animated backgrounds, and enhanced sound capabilities while retaining the original's core gameplay of dropping pots to defeat incoming bugs.
Meteo Mission Accomplished - Star Fox
This guide explains how to achieve 'Mission Accomplished' in the Meteo mission of Star Fox by flying through seven gold rings to open a wormhole to Katina. Successfully navigating these rings bypasses the end-of-stage boss. The article also briefly mentions a future Star Fox (2026) and the author's background working with Activision.
There's a surprising amount of major games you can't play on Valve's Steam Machine - here are eight of the biggest, and why
Valve's Steam Machine, despite its potential, faces significant limitations due to its SteamOS (a Linux variant) not supporting many popular games. This is primarily caused by anti-cheat software, which is incompatible with Linux, rendering titles like Destiny 2, Fortnite, Battlefield 6, Apex Legends, GTA Online, EA Sports FC 24, and modern Call of Duty games unplayable. While installing Windows is an option, it defeats the purpose of the console-like device.
Persona 5 Royal Infiltrates Call of Duty: Mobile Season 6 - Take Your Heart
Call of Duty: Mobile Season 6, titled 'Take Your Heart,' launches July 1, featuring a collaboration with the JRPG Persona 5 Royal. The update includes Persona 5 Royal-themed elements in the Plunder mode, a themed event space, new Operator and Weapon Series Armories, the Throwable Frenzy Multiplayer mode, the FSS Hurricane SMG, and a new Battle Pass.
Call Of Duty Season 4 Reloaded Patch Notes Detail Major Gameplay Changes For Warzone
The Season 4 Reloaded update for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Warzone introduces significant gameplay changes, including weapon tuning, Zombies map improvements, and adjustments to Warzone's supply boxes, Hot Zones, and equipment. This midseason update, themed as the Summer of Action, also features a Nicolas Cage operator, new weapons, a Zombies map, and a summer-themed Rebirth Island. Key changes include nerfs to dominant weapons like the Voyak KT-3 and Kogot-7, adjustments to the Totenreich Zombies map, and fixes for Endgame. Warzone's Ranked Play restricts certain weapon attachments, while supply boxes will now disable in the gas, and Gulag wait times are dynamic. Equipment like the Point Turret and Stims receive nerfs, and the Grappling Hook is also adjusted, with some Warzone weapons receiving buffs.
"Call of Duty is bigger than the Marvel Cinematic Universe": New Xbox CEO brags as more of its games turn to…
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma claims the Call of Duty franchise is larger than the Marvel Cinematic Universe, citing its success in video games and upcoming adaptations. While the MCU has grossed over $30 billion, Sharma believes Call of Duty's consistent sales and popular free-to-play titles give it broader cultural impact. Xbox is expanding its gaming IPs into film and TV, with projects based on Gears of War, Sea of Thieves, Minecraft, Fallout, and Wolfenstein in development.
GTA 6 is a 'singleplayer experience', leaving me to question what's going on with GTA Online
Rockstar has confirmed Grand Theft Auto 6 will launch as a singleplayer experience in November 2026, leaving uncertainty about the future of its lucrative Grand Theft Auto Online component. While a "top secret" feature for online lobbies was revealed in court documents, Rockstar has remained silent on GTA Online's fate, though historically multiplayer modes have launched post-singleplayer release. The article speculates on potential models for a new online service, including standalone releases or subscription expansions.
Nicolas Cage skin added to Call Of Duty: Black Ops 7 despite Activision promise
Activision has added a Nicolas Cage skin to Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, despite previous promises to reduce random crossover content. This move has drawn criticism from fans who felt the series was drifting from its authentic military roots. The article also touches on other controversial skins added in previous seasons, including characters from Fallout, RoboCop, and Half Baked.
Nicolas Cage becomes a Call of Duty skin in what may be one last hurrah for goofy collaborations
Activision has revealed that actor Nicolas Cage will be added as a playable operator in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Warzone as part of the Season 4 mid-season update. This "Summer of Action" event also includes new maps, modes, and a limited-time event pass, with Cage's skin available on the premium track. While this marks a return for celebrity collaborations, developer Infinity Ward has stated that future Call of Duty titles like Modern Warfare 4 will focus on more authentic cosmetics.
Black Ops 7's incredibly popular Classic mode is here to stay, and it's getting four new maps
Treyarch has announced that the popular "Classic mode" in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will become a permanent addition to the game starting with the Season 4 Reloaded update on June 25. The mode, which removes modern movement features and restricts loadouts to evoke an older Call of Duty feel, has been a hit with players. Four new classic maps, Launch, Fringe, Hacienda, and Gridlock, will also be added to the mode's rotation.
Xbox boss declares Call Of Duty is bigger than Marvel and the MCU
Xbox boss Asha Sharma has claimed that the Call of Duty franchise is financially larger than the Marvel Cinematic Universe, citing revenue figures. While acknowledging Call of Duty's significant financial success, the article notes that the MCU has generated more cultural fervor and hype, particularly with recent trailer view counts. Sharma also highlighted the success of Xbox's video game adaptations like Fallout and Minecraft, and announced plans for a Sea of Thieves live-action movie.
EA Reportedly Lays Off More Staff in US and India
Electronic Arts has reportedly conducted another round of layoffs affecting recruitment, customer support, trust and safety, and IT teams in the US and India. This follows previous workforce reductions, including those impacting the Battlefield and Skate development teams. The news comes as EA is reportedly in talks to sell itself to a consortium for $55 billion.
The Call of Duty: Black Ops PS5 Ports Might Be $40 Each without Any DLC
Activision is reportedly planning to release PlayStation 5 ports of Call of Duty: Black Ops and its sequel in July for $39.99 each, without any DLC. These ports are expected to be basic remasters of the original PlayStation 3 titles, with no apparent technical improvements. While Xbox Series X|S versions are not planned, the Xbox Store lists the backwards compatible versions of these games for the same price, with DLC map packs costing an additional $10 each.
