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Halo Studios Eliminates 268 Roles, Activision Working on Next Halo Amid Xbox’s Reorganization
Xbox has confirmed significant layoffs and studio reorganizations, with 268 roles eliminated at Halo Studios. Activision is now developing the next Halo title with a new team, while Halo Studios will maintain a small support team. Other studios like World's Edge, Rare, Obsidian, Playground Games, Turn 10 Studios, and King have also been affected by the restructuring.
Activision’s Goal is to “Make the Greatest Halo Game Ever,” Says President
Activision will now develop the next Halo game following significant layoffs at Xbox's Halo Studios. Activision president Rob Kostich stated the company's goal is to "make the greatest Halo game ever." The article notes the troubled legacy of the franchise under 343 Industries, citing issues with Halo 4, Halo 5: Guardians, and Halo Infinite.
2 billion years of Minecraft running in a simulation finds that the game can roll credits all on its own: "The same…
A simulation by YouTuber RedLogic has determined that Minecraft could theoretically complete itself by defeating the Ender Dragon in approximately 2 billion years. The experiment used a Monte Carlo simulation to model the complex chain of mob behaviors required for this to occur without player intervention.
Kojima Productions' survival story may sound strikingly familiar to struggling devs
Hideo Kojima revealed that Kojima Productions faced a significant funding crisis for its game Physint after Sony Interactive Entertainment withdrew support. The studio secured a new deal with Microsoft's Xbox, avoiding layoffs and continuing development. This situation highlights the broader financial struggles and funding challenges faced by many developers in the current industry climate.
Microsoft file patent for a machine learning system that would "train" itself on your playtime to work out when you'll be least annoyed by in-game ads
Microsoft has filed a patent for a machine learning system designed to optimize in-game advertising delivery. The system aims to analyze player behavior and game state to serve ads during moments least likely to disrupt the user experience, potentially using a credit system to manage ad frequency. This development is seen as a potentially intrusive step in game monetization, contrasting with current practices like ad billboards.
Microsoft’s latest patent could mean the arrival of in-game ads that play during downtime
Microsoft has filed a patent for a system that would display advertisements during moments of downtime in free-to-play games. The system would monitor gameplay activity and present video or static ads during loading screens or after completing objectives, with options for ad-free time and rewards for watching ads. This development raises concerns for players, particularly those subscribed to services like Xbox Game Pass.
Hideo Kojima Doesn’t Know If Physint Will Be Xbox Exclusive
Hideo Kojima has stated that he does not know if his new spy game, Physint, will be exclusive to Xbox, despite Sony reportedly dropping the title. Xbox is now publishing the game, and Kojima mentioned Microsoft's ambition to reach the largest possible audience. Physint, along with Kojima's horror game OD, are both in early development with no release dates announced.
"I thought people would leave": Hideo Kojima offers his account of Physint's switch from PlayStation to Xbox, as his studio insist they're in a "healthy, profitable state"
Hideo Kojima and Kojima Productions have detailed their account of the action espionage game Physint switching publishers from Sony Interactive Entertainment to Microsoft. Kojima stated that Sony informed him they could no longer fund the project, a decision he found shocking. The studio has also issued a statement refuting claims of financial instability and asserting that development for Physint continues with Xbox, while their relationship with PlayStation remains strong.
The Witcher 3 will be free on PC for Xbox players next week, CD Projekt Red confirms, all thanks to the RPG's new…
CD Projekt Red has confirmed that The Witcher 3 Remastered will be available via Xbox Play Anywhere on September 29, allowing Xbox players to receive the PC version for free. This remaster is also a free upgrade for existing owners of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. The article also briefly mentions upcoming titles like The Witcher 4 and a Cyberpunk 2077 sequel.
Xbox plans to interrupt video games with ads according to new patent
A newly published Microsoft patent suggests Xbox is considering implementing ad breaks directly into video games, potentially for a cheaper tier of Xbox Game Pass. While the patent aims to avoid interrupting gameplay during critical moments, the prospect of ads within paid games is expected to be highly controversial.
Microsoft patents idea for in-game PC and Xbox adverts shown during downtime "trigger events"
Microsoft has patented a system for displaying in-game advertisements during downtime on PC and Xbox. The technology aims to show ads during loading screens or end-of-round moments without disrupting gameplay, potentially impacting subscription services like Xbox Game Pass.
I tried to make a jpg bigger than mathematically possible out of an entire year's worth of PC Gamer magazine pages
A writer for PC Gamer created a large photo mosaic using digitized pages from the magazine's archives, spanning from its inception to 2008. The mosaic, built from individual magazine pages acting as pixels, was created using Python scripts and image analysis tools, though the author emphasizes it is not AI-generated. The process involved overcoming technical limitations of the JPG file format and PC memory capacity.
How to Stay Relevant as a Developer in the Age of AI
The rapid advancement of AI tools is fundamentally changing software development, prompting developers to focus on skills beyond routine coding to remain relevant. Key areas for growth include systems and architecture design, problem framing, technical judgment, security and risk management, communication, and effectively directing AI.
Monsters are Coming! Review | TheXboxHub
Monsters are Coming! is a hybrid roguelite and tower defense game that blends survival elements with strategic building. While the core gameplay loop of protecting a moving town hall and upgrading buildings offers replayability, the game suffers from generic stage design and uninspired boss battles. Despite its flaws, the art style, presentation, and soundtrack are appreciated, making it a flawed but enjoyable experience.
Hideo Kojima says he was 'shocked' after Sony cut ties with Physint over a Zoom call: 'Nothing could’ve prepared me for their decision to step away from the project'
Hideo Kojima expressed shock and surprise after Sony abruptly canceled their funding for his new game project, Physint, during a Zoom call. After a three-month search, Kojima Productions secured a new publishing deal with Microsoft for Physint, which Kojima plans to develop as a multimedia intellectual property.
The Sunday Papers
This article rounds up several disparate pieces of gaming-adjacent news, including discussions on safety protocols in live-action role-playing games, critical reports on generative AI's impact on journalism and labor, and a nostalgic look at the early days of MicroProse. It also touches on a player's difficult experience with the game Wardogs.
Brainrot Kart Review | TheXboxHub
Brainrot Kart is a kart racer that attempts to blend Mario Kart-style gameplay with internet memes, but fails due to a lack of polish and conflicting design elements. The game suffers from acceleration bugs, intrusive meme overlays that obscure gameplay, ineffective weapons, and uninspired track design. The AI is also extremely poor, and multiplayer functionality is non-existent despite being advertised.
'The largest theft of labor in human history:' Court docs reveal Microsoft exec predicted AI 'doom…
Court documents reveal internal concerns at Microsoft and OpenAI regarding the impact of AI models on journalistic work. Microsoft executive Brent Hecht described the AI's scraping of content as a 'doom loop' and 'the largest theft of labor in human history,' while OpenAI president Greg Brockman showed enthusiasm for AI's news-gathering capabilities. The New York Times is suing both companies for copyright infringement.
Över 1 miljon väntar på svenska HELA
Windup Games' upcoming title, HELA: Of Mice & Magic, is set to release on December 1st and has garnered significant attention with over one million wishlists. The game emphasizes cooperative play, exploration, and a narrative inspired by Swedish nature, drawing parallels to the studio's previous work on Unravel. The developers are focusing on creating an immersive experience with a strong visual identity and emotional storytelling, aiming to appeal to a broad audience including Game Pass subscribers.
MMO Business Roundup: GTA 6 multiplayer, King employee strike, and Xbox Game Pass rumors
Twitch CEO Dan Clancy anticipates Grand Theft Auto VI multiplayer will significantly boost the platform upon its release next year. Meanwhile, Microsoft has addressed rumors about potential Xbox Game Pass changes, stating that no definitive plans have been finalized. Additionally, unionized employees at King are planning a strike due to the rejection of a collective bargaining agreement.
