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Microsoft's CEO insists that Xbox, 'at its best, lifts the entire company' and that it will 'always' invest in gaming
Microsoft's CEO stated that the Xbox brand, when performing at its peak, benefits the entire company. He emphasized that Microsoft will consistently invest in its gaming division.
EA laid off staffers across Battlefield studios to 'better align' its teams
Electronic Arts has laid off an undisclosed number of employees across its Battlefield studios, including Dice, Criterion, Ripple Effect, and Motive Studios, as part of a "realignment" to "better align" teams. Despite these cuts, EA stated that Battlefield remains a priority and that they are continuing to invest in the franchise, guided by player feedback.
Hyper Light Drifter studio workers form union after rounds of layoffs
Workers at independent game studio Heart Machine, known for Hyper Light Drifter, have formed a union with Communications Workers of America Local 9003. This move follows multiple rounds of layoffs at the studio, including the discontinuation of Hyper Light Breaker. The union aims to protect workers in the face of industry instability and increasing demands for employee voices to be heard.
Unbound is Shinji Mikami's new studio, and it's developing an "original IP" triple-A project
Resident Evil director Shinji Mikami has launched a new independent studio named Unbound, which is developing an original triple-A project. The studio, established in late 2022 and operational since May 2023, currently has around 50 employees with plans to expand to 150. The team is targeting high-end consumer games for platforms including PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC.
"If we love this work, we have to protect it" - Hyper Light studio Heart Machine is now a "wall-to-wall" union
Developers at the indie studio Heart Machine, known for games like Hyper Light Drifter and Solar Ash, have unionized with the Communications Workers of America. This move follows recent layoffs and aims to protect workers' rights and workplace conditions. The studio has voluntarily recognized the union, and negotiations for a first contract are expected.
Morning Consolidation
A report suggests that Microsoft's upcoming Xbox Project Helix could be priced between $999 and $1,200. The project has reportedly been in development for over a decade, with Microsoft denying rumors about a new Xbox CEO having a 'blank check'.
AI Yi-Yi!
Microsoft is concerned about ungoverned AI agents acting as corporate 'double agents' in cybersecurity. The company is offering a solution for $99 per month to address these emerging security challenges posed by AI.
Xbox-fans röstar om gamla Xbox-spel de vill ge nytt Xbox-liv på Series och Helix – The Simpsons i topp
Fans on XboxGamePreservation.com are voting on which original Xbox and Xbox 360 games they want to see made backward compatible on modern Xbox consoles like the Series X|S. The Simpsons: Hit & Run is leading the vote, followed by Silent Hill 4: The Room and Burnout 3: Takedown, with seven out of the top ten games being from the original Xbox era.
Xbox Full Screen Experience, Windows 11's gaming UI overhaul, is available to try now on Legion Go handhelds
Microsoft's Xbox Full Screen Experience, a gamepad-friendly interface for Windows 11 handheld PCs, is now available in a preview build for Lenovo Legion Go devices. While not as polished as SteamOS, it offers improved controller navigation and potential performance optimizations. The feature is expected to see a full rollout soon and may influence future Xbox console operating systems.
The Best Game Keys and Software Deals on G2A.COM – March 2026
G2A.COM is featuring deals on various PC games and software in March 2026. Notable discounts include Resident Evil Requiem, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and HELLDIVERS 2. Software deals are available for Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, Adobe Creative Cloud, and CCleaner Professional.
'If we love this work, we have to protect it:' Heart Machine workers secure voluntary union recognition
Employees at Heart Machine, the studio behind Hyper Light Drifter and Solar Ash, have successfully unionized with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and received voluntary recognition from the company. This move follows recent layoffs and aims to secure better work-life balance, creative autonomy, and job security for developers. The unionization effort at Heart Machine is part of a broader trend of increasing labor organizing within the game industry.
PS6 Rival Xbox Helix Could Cost as Much as $1,200
Speculation suggests Microsoft's next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, could cost between $1,000 and $1,200, potentially reaching up to $1,500 due to component costs. This pricing strategy is intended to emphasize performance advantages over the PlayStation 6, which is also expected to be expensive. The new Xbox is anticipated to launch in 2027.
How AI Moderation Catches Toxic Gamers in Real Time
This article analyzes how AI moderation systems are being used in real-time to detect and flag toxic behavior in multiplayer games, moving beyond simple keyword filters. Companies like Modulate, Activision, and Microsoft are employing sophisticated AI models that analyze voice tone, context, and player history to identify problematic interactions, with data from Call of Duty showing significant reductions in toxicity exposure and repeat offenses. While not perfect, these systems are improving game safety and player retention, with further advancements and wider adoption expected due to technological progress and regulatory pressures.
Master Chief actor calls out White House's use of Halo footage in "disgusting and juvenile war porn" propaganda
Steve Downes, the voice actor for Master Chief in Halo, has demanded the removal of his voice from a White House propaganda video that glorified the war in Iran. Downes stated he was not consulted and does not endorse the video's message, calling it "disgusting and juvenile war porn." The Pokémon Company also recently objected to the White House's use of its intellectual property in political content.
Xbox Project Helix price could be up to £1,100 claims insider
An insider suggests Microsoft's next-generation Xbox, codenamed Project Helix, could cost between $900 and $1,500 (£700-£1,100) due to its high-end components and current RAM shortages. This potential price point aims to surpass Sony's PlayStation 6 in power, though it raises concerns about market competitiveness compared to existing consoles and upcoming PC gaming hardware like the Steam Machine.
15 Petite Female Celebrities Who Made It Big in Hollywood
This article highlights fifteen petite female celebrities who have achieved significant success in Hollywood, proving that talent and impact are not determined by height. It features individuals from music, television, and film, showcasing their diverse careers and lasting influence in the entertainment industry.
Microsoft boss Satya Nadella says it will "always" invest in gaming after Xbox shakeup sparks concern
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that the company will continue to invest in gaming following recent changes within Xbox. Nadella's comments were made during a town hall meeting with new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, indicating a long-term commitment to the gaming sector.
A Steam Machine update reignited release date fears, but Valve say the new hardware is still shipping this year
Valve has clarified its commitment to shipping the new Steam Machine, Steam Controller redesign, and Steam Frame VR headset in 2026, addressing fears of further delays. Despite ongoing component shortages, the company assures customers that all three products will be released this year, though the exact timing within 2026 remains unspecified.
This week in PC games: John Carpenter's Toxic Commando, Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake, and a myth-inspired match-3 game where you combine three dogs into Cerberus
This week's PC game releases include John Carpenter's Toxic Commando, a four-player co-op shooter, and the Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake. Other notable titles are Mythmatch, a match-3 game where combining three dogs creates Cerberus, and Iter-8, a tower defense game with mining elements.
Nintendo sues Donald Trump's government over illegal tariffs
Nintendo has filed a lawsuit against the US government, seeking refunds for tariffs imposed by the Trump administration that impacted the import of its products, including the Nintendo Switch. The lawsuit claims these tariffs were unlawful and have caused substantial harm to the company. While Nintendo manufactures its consoles in China and Vietnam, the tariffs affected accessory prices and led to delays in pre-orders.
