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Three Xbox Studios at Risk of Closure, in Talks to Become Independent
Reports indicate that three Xbox first-party developers, Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory, are at risk of closure and are in negotiations with Microsoft to become independent studios. This news follows recent speculation about potential studio closures within Xbox Game Studios, with CEO Satya Nadella emphasizing the need for Xbox to become a sustainable business.
Several Xbox Studios at Risk of Closure, in Talks to Become Independent
Several Xbox first-party studios, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory, are reportedly at risk of closure and are in negotiations with Microsoft to spin off as independent entities. This news follows comments from CEO Satya Nadella about Xbox needing to become a sustainable business. Compulsion Games' title 'South of Midnight' was recently released on PlayStation 5.
There's never been an easier time to boycott Microsoft, the most boring video game publisher in the business
This opinion piece argues that Microsoft's gaming division lacks innovation and momentum, making it an easy target for boycotts. The author criticizes recent game announcements like Halo and Gears of War remakes, and highlights the company's perceived stagnation despite owning numerous studios and franchises. The article suggests that boycotting Microsoft is a small sacrifice given the company's broader business practices and the abundance of alternative games available.
Fable Has Been Rated for Release in South Korea, Australia
Fable has received ratings in South Korea and Australia, suggesting a release in late 2024, potentially September or October. These ratings indicate mature content including language, violence, and criminal acts. Playground Games is continuing to recruit staff for the title, which is expected to launch before Grand Theft Auto 6.
Fable Studio Seeks A Producer, Game Designer, and More to Help Finish Development
Developer Playground Games is actively recruiting for multiple roles to finalize the development of Fable, following the recent launch of Forza Horizon 6. The studio is leveraging talent from other Xbox Game Studios, including Blizzard's cinematics team. Fable is set to release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S in Autumn, featuring a new take on the franchise's morality system and combat mechanics.
XBOX Celebrates Global Accessibility Awareness Day with Improved Adaptive Thumbstick Toppers and More
Xbox is celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day with updates to its Adaptive Thumbstick Toppers, including a new Goal Post shape available through Xbox Design Lab. The company also refreshed its Accessible Gaming page on Xbox.com for easier navigation of features and tools. Several games like Forza Horizon 6, Kiln, Sea of Thieves, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 are highlighted for their ongoing commitment to inclusive design and accessibility features.
Politicians accuse Rockstar of obstructing legal process, eBay rebuffs GameStop, and video game hardware screams now - Patch Notes #52
This week's Patch Notes covers several key industry events, including politicians accusing Rockstar Games of obstructing legal processes related to union-busting allegations for Grand Theft Auto 6. eBay rejected a takeover bid from GameStop, while Nintendo cited geopolitical and technological factors for its Switch 2 price increases. Additionally, Subnautica 2 achieved over a million sales in its first hour, and Valve's new Steam Controller features an audible alert when dropped.
Kiln Review – Double Fine’s Latest Has Charm but Limited Depth
Kiln, Double Fine's latest offering, features a charming art style and satisfying pottery-making mechanics, but its multiplayer-focused gameplay loop lacks depth and variety. The team-based "Quench" mode, while occasionally thrilling, becomes repetitive due to a limited number of stages and content, ultimately holding the game back despite its creative premise.
Psychonauts developer Double Fine will unionise with CWA
Double Fine, the studio behind Psychonauts, is unionizing with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) alongside other Microsoft game studios. The CWA confirmed that Double Fine workers are forming a union to preserve commitments to creative excellence, diversity, inclusion, and worker quality of life. Microsoft has adopted a neutral stance regarding the unionization efforts.
Double Fine is the latest team at Microsoft to unionize
Double 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.
Business and Finance
Double Fine, the studio behind Psychonauts, has formed a union, becoming the latest Microsoft-owned studio to do so. This move signifies a growing trend of labor organization within the gaming industry.
Double Fine is unionising at Xbox Game Studios
Double 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.
Workers for Xbox studio Double Fine are forming a union
Workers at Xbox studio Double Fine, known for the Psychonauts series, are forming a labor union. The employees are organizing with the Communications Workers of America.
Double Fine has filed a petition to unionize in conjunction with Communications Workers of America
Double Fine has filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to unionize, in conjunction with the Communications Workers of America. The petition was filed on May 7, 2026, marking a significant step in the company's labor relations efforts.
First-party Xbox studio Double Fine is unionizing
First-party Xbox developer Double Fine, known for the Psychonauts series, has filed to unionize under the Communications Workers of America. The union would represent 42 employees, and the company leadership is requesting voluntary recognition from Microsoft, which has adopted a neutral stance.
PS5 Port of 2017 PS4 Action Game Possibly Leaked
A PlayStation 5 port for the 2017 PlayStation 4 game Gang Beasts may be in development, as indicated by a recent ESRB rating. Developed by Boneloaf and originally published by Double Fine, Gang Beasts is a multiplayer party game known for its slapstick combat. It is currently playable on PS5 via backwards compatibility, and a native port could potentially offer a free upgrade to existing owners.
The 10 best RPGs for kids if you're looking for family-friendly gaming sessions
This guide highlights ten role-playing games suitable for children, focusing on family-friendly experiences. The selection includes titles like Monster Hunter Stories 3, Costume Quest 2, and Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu/Eevee, emphasizing accessible gameplay and engaging narratives for younger players across various modern platforms.
Xbox Games Showcase 2026: What to Expect From the Biggest Xbox Event in Years
The Xbox Games Showcase 2026 is set to be a pivotal event for Microsoft, featuring new game announcements and a deep dive into Gears of War: E-Day. The showcase will also highlight the company's new direction under leadership of Asha Sharma, following Phil Spencer's retirement. Potential teases for next-generation hardware and updates on titles like Fable, Forza Horizon 6, and remakes of Halo: Combat Evolved and Fallout 3 are expected.
Best PC Game Pass Games in the Philippines (Updated April 2026) — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
This guide highlights notable games available on PC Game Pass in the Philippines as of April 2026, including titles like Kingdom Come: Deliverance, The Alters, and Wasteland 3. It also lists games departing the service on April 30, 2026, and discusses the value proposition of the subscription service for Filipino gamers.
Games Inbox: What new characters will be in the next Smash Bros.?
Readers discuss potential new characters for a future Super Smash Bros. installment, suggesting characters from Resident Evil and other franchises. The discussion also touches on Nintendo's upcoming Direct presentations and the potential for lower-budget sequels for lapsed franchises like Star Fox and F-Zero.
