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GTA 6 Developers Are About To Do Something Historic
Workers at Rockstar Games, the developer of Grand Theft Auto 6, are set to vote on union recognition between November 12-26. The IWGB Union at Rockstar aims to give UK-based developers a stronger voice on issues like pay, overtime, and AI policies. This potential unionization, alongside an ongoing employment tribunal regarding alleged firings for union activity, could set a historic precedent for the UK video game industry.
Epic is updating its EULA to allow AI training on outputs from Unreal Engine and MetaHuman
Epic Games is updating its End-User License Agreement (EULA) to remove restrictions on training artificial intelligence using outputs from Unreal Engine and MetaHuman. CEO Tim Sweeney announced the planned change on X, stating that while Epic is removing this restriction, individual game developers will still have the discretion to allow or disallow AI training for their specific titles.
Hasbro games and Wizards of the Coast's new president is a former Halo studio head
Hasbro has appointed Dan Ayoub as the new president of Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro Digital Games, overseeing titles like Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons. Ayoub, formerly of 343 Industries and Certain Affinity, expressed his commitment to fans and creators. This appointment comes amidst ongoing unionization efforts by developers concerned about AI adoption.
Microsoft offers voluntary exit buyouts to more than a quarter of its existing workforce
Microsoft has offered voluntary exit buyouts to over a quarter of its workforce, impacting approximately 60,000 employees. The packages are similar to standard severance, offering base pay based on seniority and tenure. The extent to which Xbox employees are included in these buyouts remains unclear, amidst ongoing job cuts.
Xbox Workers Are Eligible For Buyouts As Part Of Huge Shakeup At Microsoft
Microsoft is offering a Voluntary Exit Offer to thousands of employees across various divisions, including Xbox, as part of a significant shakeup. This program allows eligible workers to leave with a pay package, with over 25% of the company's workforce potentially affected. The announcement comes ahead of Microsoft's earnings report, amidst a massive AI investment push and following previous layoffs and a voluntary retirement program.
Call of Duty passes $40 billion in lifetime revenue, making it one of the most-lucrative videogame franchise ever
The Call of Duty franchise has surpassed $40 billion in lifetime revenue, solidifying its position as one of the most lucrative in gaming history. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced the milestone, highlighting the success of titles like Modern Warfare 2 (2022), which generated $1 billion in its first 10 days. The franchise's consistent annual releases from studios like Infinity Ward and Treyarch have been key to its enduring popularity and financial success.
Call Of Duty Lifetime Revenue Surges Past $40 Billion, Microsoft Confirms
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma confirmed that the Call of Duty franchise has surpassed $40 billion in lifetime revenue. This milestone was announced following the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. The franchise, which debuted in 2003, has seen annual installments and expanded into mobile and battle royale genres.
Sucker Punch Productions reportedly lays off 24 employees following launch of Ghost of Yōtei: Complete Edition
Sucker Punch Productions has reportedly laid off 24 employees, citing market challenges and future project needs. This news comes after the recent launch of Ghost of Tsushima: Iki Island, which followed the successful release of Ghost of Tsushima. Sony Interactive Entertainment has been contacted for comment.
Evening Reading - October 26, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers a variety of industry news, including a review of Phantom Blade Zero, a delay for Emberville's Early Access release, and Skydance launching a voluntary buyout program. It also touches on OpenAI facing a lawsuit from Texas and the bankruptcy of Finnish esports organization ENCE. Microsoft is offering voluntary exit buyouts to employees, while Arrowhead Game Studios is focusing on Helldivers 2 over a potential Helldivers 3.
Games Inbox: Is Marvel's Wolverine an underrated video game?
This collection of reader letters discusses the perceived underappreciation of Marvel's Wolverine, its impact on PlayStation 5 sales, and the rising cost of next-generation hardware and digital games. Other topics include potential new handheld consoles from Sony and Microsoft, the discovery of hidden codes in F-Zero GX, the future of BioWare franchises like Mass Effect and Dragon Age, and speculation about Nintendo's next mainline Zelda title.
Microsoft is Providing a “Voluntary Exit Offer” to Around 60,000 Employees
Microsoft is implementing company-wide cost-cutting measures by offering a "Voluntary Exit Offer" to approximately 60,000 employees across various regions, including those within Xbox. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to increase flexibility and support employees considering career changes. The company has also recently undergone significant layoffs, impacting around 1,600 roles at Xbox, and is divesting four studios while Arkane Lyon faces potential closure.
Xbox staff among up to 60,000 Microsoft employees offered voluntary exit
Microsoft is offering a voluntary exit to eligible employees across various teams in the US, UK, Canada, and India, including those in Xbox and AI divisions. This follows previous layoffs and a voluntary retirement program earlier in the year, with sources suggesting up to 60,000 employees could be eligible for the new offer.
Microsoft is looking to cut over a quarter of the whole company in new voluntary buyout program with 60,000 employees…
Microsoft is reportedly offering a voluntary buyout program to approximately 60,000 employees, representing over a quarter of its workforce, as it continues to focus on AI development. This follows previous rounds of layoffs and buyouts, with the Xbox division being particularly affected.
Microsoft restructuring continues with 60,000 employees given buyout offer to leave now, or probably get laid off later anyway
Microsoft is continuing its restructuring efforts by offering buyouts to approximately 60,000 employees. This move suggests potential future layoffs, as employees are presented with the option to leave now or face probable termination later.
Microsoft offers 'voluntary exit' buyouts to 60,000 employees in US, UK & Canada
Microsoft has offered voluntary exit buyouts to approximately 60,000 employees across the US, UK, and Canada, providing financial support and career planning resources. This move follows recent layoffs within Xbox, which saw 3,200 employees affected and several studios closed.
Microsoft is looking to cut more than 25% of its workforce
Microsoft has announced a voluntary exit offer to its employees in the US, UK, India, and Canada, potentially cutting over 25% of its workforce. This move is part of the company's strategy to balance spending on AI services and adapt its workforce to changing needs. Employees who accept the offer will leave on December 31.
New Windows 11 Insider Experimental build adds the ability to check your internet speed without a browser
The latest Windows 11 Insider Experimental build (26340.9767) introduces a new feature allowing users to test their internet speed directly from Quick Settings without needing to open a web browser. This update aims to provide a more streamlined experience for checking download and upload speeds.
Anthropic files S-1 with SEC, will IPO on NASDAQ and trade with ANT stock symbol
Anthropic, the creator of the AI model Claude, has filed an S-1 with the SEC to go public on the NASDAQ under the stock symbol ANT. The company reported $2.7 billion in profit for the first half of 2026 and had previously proposed a valuation of $965 billion. This move follows other major tech IPOs, including Elon Musk's SpaceX.
"It was a pretty harrowing three months" – Undead Labs head Philip Holt on what happened after Xbox cut the studio loose
Undead Labs CEO Philip Holt details the challenging three months following Xbox's divestment of the studio, which led to significant layoffs and a pivot to employee ownership. Despite the turmoil, the studio secured publishing funding for State of Decay 3, which is now employee-owned and aims for a 2027 release, focusing on player entertainment over investor demands.
Netflix reportedly offered $500m to Microsoft to license Xbox IP for seven years
Netflix reportedly offered Microsoft $500 million over seven years for the rights to adapt Xbox intellectual property for film and television. Xbox executives, including Asha Sharma, allegedly declined the offer and counter-proposed $800 million. The deal appears to have been withdrawn following the departure of Netflix's former chief content officer, Bela Bajaria.
