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Meet GigaWiper, a tricksy new malware that can wipe your PC's storage drives squeaky clean and spy on your desktop…
Microsoft has analyzed GigaWiper, a new malware capable of wiping PC storage drives at the physical disk level and spying on desktops. This multi-faceted malware can irreversibly destroy data through multiple overwrites and partition metadata removal. While seemingly targeted towards organizations, users are advised to keep security software updated.
The 7/10 Game Is Quietly the Best Thing on Game Pass
This article argues that the true value of services like Xbox Game Pass lies not in its blockbuster day-one releases, but in its vast library of "7/10" games. These competent, enjoyable titles offer a low-stakes way to discover new experiences without the commitment of a full-price purchase, making the subscription worthwhile even after recent price increases.
No new Halo games are currently in production for any console reveals insider
According to insider reports, no new Halo games are currently in full production beyond the upcoming remake Halo: Campaign Evolved. Halo Studios is reportedly focusing on early concepts for future projects, with plans for a sequel to Halo Infinite and other titles being delayed or cancelled. This comes amid concerns about the franchise's direction and Microsoft's broader gaming strategy, including potential multiplatform releases for future titles.
Two thirds of remaining Doom (2016) devs laid off during latest round of Xbox cuts
Despite id Software co-director Hugo Martin's claims that the studio is the same size as it was during Doom (2016)'s development, current and former employees allege that approximately two-thirds of the Doom (2016) development team was laid off during recent Xbox cuts. These sources feel Martin's statement misrepresents the impact of losing significant talent and institutional knowledge, potentially affecting future game development.
Unofficial fan port of Gears of War 2 finally comes to PC – for now at least
An unofficial fan-made PC port of Gears of War 2, titled 'Hollow', has been released by developer Helios. This community build includes the full single-player campaign, cooperative play, and all original multiplayer and DLC maps, running natively on PC without emulation. While offering modern features like higher resolutions and uncapped frame rates, its continued availability is uncertain as it is an unauthorized project.
There's an unofficial PC port of Gears of War 2 based on a leaked build from 2008
An unofficial PC port of Gears of War 2, based on a leaked 2008 build, has been created by developer xHeliosx. This port includes the Road to Ruin DLC and allows for single-player progression, though multiplayer functionality is not guaranteed. The release highlights the lack of official PC versions for Gears of War 2 and 3, a decision potentially influenced by then-current views on PC piracy.
Games Inbox: What new Fallout game will be the best?
Readers discuss the future of the Fallout franchise, expressing excitement for potential remasters and a sequel to Fallout: New Vegas, while also lamenting the long wait for new entries. The conversation touches on Microsoft's influence, studio management, and the broader state of game development and preservation.
MMO Week in Review: Lament for Elder Scrolls Online
Microsoft's decision to lay off a significant portion of The Elder Scrolls Online team has led to further management turnover and a restructuring of the studio. This week's MMO news also covers the early access launch of SpiritVale, the cancellation of Final Fantasy XIV Mobile, and discussions on lessons for Guild Wars 3.
Bethesda’s Layoffs Were “Really Tough”, Lets It “Focus Best” On its Franchises, Says Todd Howard
Bethesda's Todd Howard described the company's recent layoffs as a difficult experience, stating that the studio will now focus on its core franchises like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout. He also expressed excitement about working with Obsidian Entertainment again on new Fallout projects, including remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, while confirming Fallout 5 remains a long-term goal. The article also touches on industry-wide layoffs affecting Xbox and its studios.
Fallout 5, Remasters and New Games Confirmed, But Can They Save Bethesda?
Bethesda has outlined its future game development plans, confirming Fallout 5 is in pre-production and remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas are coming. The Elder Scrolls 6 remains the primary focus, with Starfield set to receive ongoing updates and new content. The studio also addressed recent layoffs and fan concerns about its direction.
Sunday Consolidation
This article analyzes Microsoft's recent shifts in console exclusivity strategy for its Xbox platform. It explores the implications of these decisions and the potential impact on the gaming market.
PC Game Pass takes a fresh blow with eight big losses, including Crusader Kings 3
Eight games are leaving PC Game Pass on July 31, including popular titles like Crusader Kings 3, Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord, Celeste, and Rain World. Microsoft and Paradox Interactive are offering discounts on Crusader Kings 3 for players who wish to purchase it before it departs. New titles such as The Planet Crafter and Halo: Campaign Evolved will be added to the service in the coming weeks.
How Nintendo will beat PlayStation and Xbox to win the console wars - Reader's Feature
A reader argues that Nintendo is poised to win the console wars by avoiding the mistakes of PlayStation and Xbox, who are criticized for focusing too much on power and expensive hardware. The author believes Nintendo's focus on gameplay, creative freedom for developers, and more affordable pricing will attract a larger player base and developers, leading to their eventual dominance.
Bethesda confirms new Fallout 76 expansion, closer partnership with ZOS on Elder Scrolls franchise
Bethesda Game Studios and ZeniMax Online Studios have confirmed a major expansion for Fallout 76 titled Raven Rock, serving as a prequel to Fallout 3. The studios are also entering a closer partnership on the Elder Scrolls franchise, with The Elder Scrolls VI being a priority. Additionally, Fallout 5 is in pre-production, and Bethesda is collaborating with Obsidian Entertainment on a new Fallout project and remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas.
Saturday Tech Bits
This article discusses the nonsensical minimum system requirements for Windows 11, as accidentally proven by Microsoft itself. It also touches on SQL Server 2016 reaching its end of support from a customer engineer's perspective.
I'm not worried about Fallout: New Vegas 2, because Obsidian knows how to make the best out of a bad situation
Despite recent layoffs and a history of challenging publisher relationships, Obsidian Entertainment is well-positioned to create a successful Fallout: New Vegas sequel. The studio has a proven track record of delivering excellent RPGs, even under difficult circumstances, and has demonstrated its ability to capture the essence of Fallout with games like The Outer Worlds. The author expresses confidence that Obsidian's talent and experience will allow them to overcome current instability and deliver another acclaimed title.
Evening Consolidation
This opinion piece from GamesIndustry.biz suggests that high console prices are hindering growth in a struggling market. It also briefly mentions an Xbox Update Alpha Skip-Ahead Ring preview release note.
I’m giving up on modern gaming and I know I’m not the only one - Reader’s Feature
A long-time gamer expresses disillusionment with the modern gaming industry, citing the shift from complete, creative experiences to live service models, microtransactions, and endless monetization. The author feels current trends alienate veteran players and that younger generations are indoctrinated into a system that prioritizes profit over artistic integrity. This sentiment leads the author to abandon modern gaming in favor of retro titles and physical media.
Does anyone know how to drive this thing?
The article critiques the current state of the video game industry, highlighting a perceived lack of direction and a focus on short-term profits over sustainable development. It points to Sony's struggles with live-service games and Microsoft's costly acquisition spree and subsequent layoffs as examples of poor management. The author argues that this trend of layoffs and uncertainty is detrimental to game development and player experience, contrasting it with companies like Capcom and Larian that have maintained stability and achieved success.
"Don't fall for it": Union says Fallout 5 and Elder Scrolls 6 news shouldn't distract you from huge Bethesda layoffs as Xbox CEO praises the series' "remarkable" achievements
The United Videogame Workers-CWA union claims Bethesda's announcements about Fallout 5 and The Elder Scrolls 6 are a deliberate distraction from recent mass layoffs at Bethesda and Obsidian Entertainment. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma praised the franchises' achievements, while unions filed unfair labor practice complaints against Microsoft regarding the layoffs.
