Facebook business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Evening Reading - October 27, 2026
This edition of Evening Reading covers several game-related news items including Pokemon Unite ending service in March 2027, Valorant's latest patch, and a cyberattack on Warhorse Studios. It also notes the announcement of a Nintendo Indie World Showcase, Capcom delisting Street Fighter 5, and Evo Brazil's confirmed dates. Business news includes investments from Nvidia and AMD into Facebook, and Seagate's earnings report.
Evening Reading - October 21, 2026
Electronic Arts announced the closure of BioWare and layoffs affecting 400 employees. Other gaming news includes a permanent Pokemon store opening in London in 2029, and DICE and Respawn working on a new Star Wars shooter, reportedly Battlefront 3. Xbox Cloud Gaming rates and EA Sports' new 'open-world' football project were also mentioned.
Meta to pay $25 billion over Cambridge Analytica case
A New Mexico court has ordered Meta, the parent company of Facebook, to pay $25 billion in a data privacy case related to Cambridge Analytica. The judge ruled that Facebook failed to conduct a proper internal investigation after the political consulting firm harvested data from up to 87 million users for political campaign strategizing.
MMO Business Roundup: New VR glasses, Microsoft kills a game, and controllers that can read credit cards
Microsoft's recent layoffs may have led to the cancellation of a new Age of Empires game, with the studio World's Edge reportedly working on an unconfirmed project before its closure. Facebook unveiled new VR glasses focused on general use, capable of playing Meta Quest games and connecting to consoles. Sony patented a controller design that can read NFC information, potentially for payment processing or data transfer.
13 years in and on its third console generation, how does GTA 5 hold up for a return visit?
This analysis revisits Grand Theft Auto 5 thirteen years after its initial release and on its third console generation, the PlayStation 5. While the game's visuals and technical enhancements, including ray tracing and DualSense haptics, hold up remarkably well, its satirical commentary on American capitalism and societal issues feels dated and at times exhausting. The article highlights how GTA Online has become the primary driver of the game's longevity, evolving into a live service that continues to resonate with players.
Meta's latest teen safety commitments are US-only (for now)
Meta has implemented new teen safety commitments, but these are currently limited to the United States. The UK government is seeking to introduce time limits for teenagers using Meta's platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.
Midday Metaverse
This article discusses how Facebook's monetization strategies are being utilized by far-right pages. It also briefly mentions Wi-Fi router brands and software support, alongside a note about the Calibre book manager.
Evening Reading - July 29, 2026
This edition of Evening Reading covers several gaming industry updates, including a sequel in development for Wuchang: Fallen Feathers and a DLC release for Pokemon Pokopia. Financial reports from Capcom, SK Hynix, Electronic Arts, Facebook, and Microsoft are highlighted, with EA CEO Andrew Wilson's compensation increasing due to Battlefield 6's success. Additionally, Facebook's Reality Labs reported significant losses, while Silent Hill: Townfall is noted for its innovative use of outdated technology. The article also touches on streaming events and new content for Marvel's Spider-Man 2.
Facebook (META) Reality Labs lost $4.62 billion in Q2 2026
Meta's Reality Labs division reported a loss of $4.62 billion in Q2 2026, an increase from the previous quarter's $4.028 billion loss. Despite significant financial losses, Meta continues its investment in virtual and augmented reality technologies, including its Meta Glasses and VR headsets. The company's overall revenue for the quarter reached $60.80 billion.
Evening Metaverse
Roku has increased the prices of its streaming sticks by up to 60 percent. Meanwhile, Facebook is shifting its classic feed to a TikTok-style format, a move that is unlikely to significantly impact TikTok's user base.
Facebook is cloning TikTok, Craigslist and Reddit to keep users from walking out [2026]
Meta is reportedly cloning features from TikTok, Craigslist, and Reddit to combat a significant user loss, with Facebook alone seeing 20 million users depart in early 2026. The company plans to introduce a full-screen video feed similar to TikTok and has launched "Seller" and "Forum" apps mimicking Craigslist and Reddit functionalities, respectively. This strategy follows Meta's previous attempt to counter TikTok with Instagram Reels.
Facebook (META) suspends Instagram Muse AI image feature after three days of backlash
Meta has suspended its new AI image generation feature for Instagram, called "Muse," after only three days due to widespread backlash. Critics, including the Creative Artists Agency and SAG-AFTRA, raised concerns about users being opted-in by default to have their images used for AI manipulation. Meta acknowledged the feature "missed the mark" and is no longer offering it.
EU says Facebook and Instagram's 'addictive' design is illegal
The European Commission has determined that Meta Platforms' social media services, Facebook and Instagram, are in violation of the Digital Services Act due to their 'addictive' design elements. This ruling indicates that the platforms' user interface and engagement strategies are considered illegal under the new EU regulations.
UK to ban social media and streaming platforms for under 16-year-olds, but the full impact on games and the gaming industry remains unclear
The UK government plans to ban social media access for individuals under 16, with legislation intended for spring 2027. Similar restrictions are being considered for undisclosed streaming platforms, potentially impacting gaming sites like Twitch and YouTube. The ban aims to protect children online, though its full implications for the gaming industry and advertising remain unclear.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer targets online gaming in under-16 social media ban
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to ban social media and restrict online gaming features for individuals under 16. The proposed legislation aims to prevent children from communicating with strangers through in-game chat or livestreams, with specific measures to be implemented by game developers and regulated by Ofcom. The government intends to pass these regulations before the end of 2026, with enforcement expected in early 2027.
Facebook and Instagram appear to be down
Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp experienced widespread outages this morning, affecting many users. The cause of the service disruption for Meta Platforms' social media and messaging applications is currently unknown.
Evening Metaverse
Meta is introducing 'Plus' subscription features to Instagram and Facebook, mirroring a strategy previously implemented by Snapchat. These new features aim to offer enhanced functionalities and benefits to users who subscribe.
Gears Of War Creator Lays Out Vision For A New Game, And It Sounds Intriguing
Gears of War creator Cliff Bleszinski has outlined his vision for a new game called "Hollow Point." The proposed two-player cooperative title would blend elements of John Wick, Carrie, and Lovecraft Country, featuring an ex-Marine with guns and a young woman with psychic powers battling Lovecraftian monsters in a New England town during a hurricane.
The FTC says Americans lost at least $2.1 billion to social media scams in 2025
Americans lost at least $2.1 billion to social media scams in 2025, an eightfold increase since 2020, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Investment and shopping scams were prevalent, with Facebook being the primary platform, followed by WhatsApp and Instagram. The FBI also reported significant losses to internet-related crimes, including cryptocurrency and AI scams.
Would you quit? Meta will put keyloggers on employee PCs for AI training
Meta will reportedly track US-based employees' keystrokes, mouse movements, and screenshots on work-issued PCs for the purpose of training its AI models. This initiative, which may be limited to the US due to stricter European privacy laws, aims to gather data for AI development, including their new Muse Spark model.
