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Games Inbox: Will the PS6 release be delayed?
Readers discuss the upcoming console generation, with skepticism regarding the PlayStation 6's 2027 release due to cost and component shortages, suggesting a delay to 2028. There's also commentary on Xbox's strategic shifts, potential studio closures, and the future of the Xbox brand as a more PC-centric platform. Additionally, discussions touch on game design choices in Fire Emblem and the importance of character design in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise.
Microsoft's approach to age verification in Australia is further proof that Valve is taking the everloving piss
Valve's new age verification requirements in Australia, which mandate credit card details, are criticized for being ill-suited to the market and potentially malicious compliance. Microsoft's alternative approach, using account history to verify adult status, is presented as a more user-friendly alternative, despite general reservations about age verification systems.
Halo needed to change, but Activision faces a huge challenge to fix it
Microsoft has transferred control of the Halo franchise from 343 Industries to Activision, a move met with skepticism due to Activision's track record with Call of Duty. While 343 Industries had successes like Halo Infinite's multiplayer and art direction, they struggled with campaign storytelling and consistent releases. The author questions Activision's ability to preserve Halo's unique identity while attempting to revitalize its relevance in the current shooter landscape.
Halo Stopped Being Relevant A Long Time Ago
The Halo franchise has been irrelevant for longer than it was ever popular, with its peak relevance ending around 2010. The departure of Bungie and subsequent games imitating trends rather than defining them, such as Halo 4's loadouts and Halo 5's MOBA-like Warzone mode, contributed to its decline. Despite attempts at innovation like Halo Infinite's open-world campaign and battle pass, the series has failed to recapture its former glory and is now seen as a victim of poor management and trend-chasing.
Quake Champions moves from F2P to a paid game & unlocks all content for existing players
Quake Champions has transitioned from a free-to-play model to a paid game for new players, with all content now unlocked. Existing players will retain access to all content for free, and those who purchased Platinum within the last 60 days will receive a refund. The Microsoft Store version is being retired, with players encouraged to migrate to Steam.
As Halo goes to Activision, fans are worried about this year's Halo Fest and a potential lore reboot from the Call of Duty publisher
Activision is set to develop the next Halo game, a move that has sparked significant concern among fans regarding potential lore reboots and the future of the franchise. This development follows widespread layoffs at Xbox Game Studios, including within the Halo development teams, leading to uncertainty about events like Halo Fest and the overall direction of the series.
Obsidian will keep its "creative identity" under Bethesda, Fallout and Elder Scrolls boss says in leaked memo
A leaked memo from Bethesda president Jill Braff suggests Obsidian Entertainment will maintain its creative identity while reporting to Bethesda following Xbox's recent layoffs and restructuring. Despite assurances, concerns remain about Obsidian's future, particularly regarding its original IP development and the shift towards franchise-led projects, especially with reports of layoffs and a new Fallout game collaboration.
Project Helix more powerful than PS6 reveals new leak that implies 2027 launch
A new leak from insider Kepler_L2 suggests Microsoft's next-generation Xbox, codenamed Project Helix, will launch in 2027 with 56 teraflops of power, surpassing Sony's PlayStation 6 which is rumored to have 40 teraflops. While teraflops are an indicator of graphical capability, other factors influence overall performance. The article also notes that a potential cross-generation overlap and high costs could impact the utilization of these new consoles' power.
RTS legend laid off after 16 years at Microsoft as Xbox guts Age of Empires studio World's Edge: "We had some…
Microsoft's ongoing "reset" has led to significant layoffs at the Age of Empires studio World's Edge, with studio creative director Adam Isgreen confirming that "just under half the studio was let go." Isgreen, who spent 16 years at Microsoft working on various titles including Age of Empires 4, expressed disappointment about the unfulfilled plans for the franchise's future. This follows a broader trend of job cuts across Xbox and the integration of some Xbox studios under Activision Blizzard.
Undead Labs confirms indie status, developer layoffs, and continued State of Decay 3 development
Undead Labs has officially separated from Microsoft and is now an independent, employee-owned studio. Development of State of Decay 3 continues, with the game slated for a 2027 release on Xbox, Game Pass, PlayStation 5, and PC. The transition to independence unfortunately involved an undisclosed number of layoffs.
Looks like Xbox is about to add its own version of PlayStation's Platinum Trophy: the Mythic Achievement
Xbox is reportedly introducing 'Mythic Achievements,' a system similar to PlayStation's Platinum Trophy, to reward players for 100% game completion. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma had previously confirmed work on such a feature, and recent updates to the Xbox PC app reveal the 'Mythic Achievement' symbol and sound effect. These achievements will be worth 0 Gamerscore and will not include DLC.
Console rumour time #235
A rumor from leaker KeplerL2 suggests the PlayStation 6 will have 40 teraflops of performance, while the next Xbox, codenamed Project Helix, will boast 56 teraflops. This indicates a potential 40% performance advantage for Microsoft's console, though teraflops are not a perfect measure of relative performance.
Xbox Cuts Several Studios & Staff in Restructuring
Xbox is undergoing a significant restructuring, involving the elimination of 268 roles and the reorganization of several first-party studios. Activision will now oversee the next Halo game, while Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios will merge. Bethesda is absorbing Obsidian Entertainment, and Ninja Theory faces a proposed closure. These changes aim to reduce organizational complexity and concentrate resources on key franchises.
Activision’s Halo Game: Everything We Know So Far
Microsoft is assigning Activision to develop the next mainline Halo game, a move that has resulted in significant layoffs at 343 Industries, now renamed Halo Studios. While the future of the Halo franchise is uncertain, Microsoft aims to revive its popularity, though some industry figures express skepticism about the cost and efficiency of such an endeavor.
Gears of War: E-Day Story Director Laid Off Just Before Launch
Juan Vaca, the story director for Gears of War: E-Day, was laid off from The Coalition as part of recent Xbox job cuts. Vaca announced his departure after the game reached its gold milestone, stating he is seeking new opportunities. This follows a larger wave of layoffs impacting Xbox Game Studios, with further cuts expected at Blizzard.
Former Halo leaders lament effective closure of Halo Studios, as one employee finds themselves promoted and fired in same week
Microsoft has drastically downsized Halo Studios, leading to significant layoffs and the effective closure of the studio, with major Halo development shifting to Activision. Former leaders Bonnie Ross and Kiki Wolfkill expressed their dismay, while employee Josh Daniels described being promoted and laid off in the same week. The cuts impact hundreds of employees across various roles, with only a small support team remaining at Halo Studios.
Age of Empires studio World's Edge reportedly lost "nearly half" of its staff during yesterday's Xbox cuts and move to Activision
The Age of Empires studio World's Edge has reportedly lost nearly half of its staff following an Xbox restructuring that moved the studio under Activision's control. Former creative director Adam Isgreen confirmed his own departure and that of many colleagues. This news comes amidst broader layoffs and studio consolidations within Xbox, though the article also notes the success of Star Wars Zero Company, which has sold over a million copies despite its development team facing furlough.
Microsoft want to record your face and feed it to a generative AI, telling it to go off and design a game from your frown
Microsoft has patented a system that uses generative AI to design game content, potentially incorporating player facial expressions and actions. The patent describes how AI could create narratives, quests, NPCs, and even game assets based on player feedback and developer prompts. While the technology is not yet implemented, it raises concerns about privacy and the future of game development.
Gears Of War: E-Day story director laid off as Halo Studios is reduced to scraps
Xbox Game Studios has implemented significant layoffs, impacting multiple first-party studios including Halo Studios and The Coalition. The story director for Gears Of War: E-Day, Juan Vaca, was laid off from The Coalition, while Halo Studios' cinematic director, Josh Daniels, experienced a promotion and layoff in the same week, with the studio reportedly reduced to a skeleton crew. These cuts are part of a larger restructuring effort by Microsoft, affecting other developers like Undead Labs and Double Fine Productions.
Halo Co-Creator Reacts To Franchise Moving To Activision: “Shocked But Not Entirely Surprised”
Halo co-creator Marcus Lehto expressed shock but not surprise regarding the franchise's move to Activision following Microsoft's restructuring of its Xbox studios. Lehto, who was affected by layoffs at Halo Studios, wished well to the developers impacted by the decision. Activision will form a new team for Halo, while Halo Studios will focus on supporting existing titles and the community.
