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Uproar as Halo PS5 Demands 2 PS Plus Subscriptions for Local Co-Op
Halo: Campaign Evolved on PlayStation 5 is facing backlash for requiring two PlayStation Plus subscriptions for local split-screen co-op, despite being an offline mode. Players also need separate Microsoft accounts linked to their PSN profiles. This requirement is unusual for PS5 local co-op titles and has led to significant player criticism and discussion about whether Microsoft or Sony is responsible for the policy.
Halo PS5 Backtracks PS Plus Co-Op Demands, Says They Were a Mistake
Developer Halo Studios has backtracked on its previous statement, clarifying that Halo: Campaign Evolved on PlayStation 5 will not require a PlayStation Plus membership for local split-screen co-op. While each player will need a PlayStation account and a linked Microsoft account, the PS Plus subscription is no longer mandatory for offline co-op play, a change that has been met with significant player criticism.
Microsoft researcher builds goat-powered neural network in Age of Empires 2 to show why we should 'stop assuming that LLMs behave like humans just because they were trained with natural language'
Microsoft researcher Adrian de Wynter created a neural network within Age of Empires 2 using goats and grass to represent binary data, demonstrating that complex systems can be built from simple components. This experiment aims to highlight how easily humans anthropomorphize large language models, arguing against assuming human-like behavior simply because they are trained on natural language.
Something for the Weekend – 20/06/26
This week's gaming news highlights a turbulent period for Xbox, with reports of layoffs at Zenimax and uncertainty surrounding game studios. Grand Theft Auto VI preorders are set to go live on June 25th, while Unreal Engine 6 is integrating generative AI tools. Several games received reviews, including The Adventures of Elliot and Constance, and previews for Control Resonant and Hot Wheels: Infinite Rush were also featured.
We are watching the end of Xbox in real-time and it’s heartbreaking - Reader’s Feature
A reader expresses concern over the current state of Xbox, suggesting Microsoft's management and strategy, including the costly Game Pass model and lack of console exclusives, have led to significant studio closures and layoffs. The author fears this marks the beginning of the end for the Xbox brand as a major console player, drawing parallels to Sega's transition to a third-party publisher.
Betawatch: EverQuest Legends’ preorders, ArcheAge’s reboot
This week's Betawatch covers several MMORPGs, including EverQuest Legends opening preorders for its July 28th launch and ArcheAge receiving a reboot for Chinese players. The article also highlights ongoing beta tests and demos for games like Embers of the Uncrowned and RF Online Next, while noting delays for Outward 2 and providing updates on Guild Wars 3's business model.
3D Realms co-founder reveals more about Zenimax redundancies
3D Realms co-founder George Broussard revealed details about impending layoffs at Zenimax, suggesting that studios not directly working on Fallout or The Elder Scrolls are at risk. He indicated that new Microsoft management is prioritizing profitability, potentially leading to significant job losses across various Zenimax-owned studios like Arkane and Machine Games. While initial reports suggested closures, further information points to layoffs occurring after the fiscal year ends on June 30.
The greatest FPS mode of all time is endangered
The article discusses the decline of the Capture the Flag (CTF) game mode in modern first-person shooters, highlighting its historical significance and unique appeal. While CTF was once a staple, its rarity in current titles is attributed to the rise of service games and genre specialization, with few developers offering the variety that supported CTF's prominence.
As AI costs rise, there’s little evidence of major utility in game development | Opinion
The article analyzes the increasing costs and limited utility of Artificial Intelligence in game development. While AI tools offer some productivity gains, they are inconsistent, task-specific, and require significant human supervision, making higher costs difficult to justify. The initial hype surrounding AI has subsided as companies face actual expenses, leading to a more realistic assessment of its impact.
The Outer Worlds 2 studio Obsidian accused of "violating state wage and hour laws" for profit in California lawsuit
Obsidian Entertainment, the developer of The Outer Worlds 2 and Avowed, is facing a lawsuit in California for alleged violations of state wage and hour laws. Plaintiff Victoria Turner accuses the company of failing to pay minimum and overtime wages, provide breaks, and reimburse business expenses. Obsidian Entertainment has denied all allegations and is seeking to have the case dismissed.
MMO Business Roundup: Global games revenue, Sony’s store lawsuit, and Microsoft’s impending ‘bloodbath’
This industry roundup covers several key topics: Sony faces a lawsuit over its PlayStation Store "buy now" buttons, global games revenue reached $201.6 billion in 2025 with mobile dominating sales, and Microsoft is reportedly preparing for significant layoffs within its Xbox division.
Surprise, surprise, Minecraft players are already using mods to bypass Xbox's new age restrictions
Minecraft players on PC are using mods to bypass Xbox's new age verification restrictions in the UK, which were implemented due to the Online Safety Act. These restrictions prevent players from chatting if they haven't verified they are over 18. Players are reportedly finding ways to circumvent these measures, though it is suggested these bypasses may be short-lived.
Rockstar's legal setback, Final Fantasy tax incentives, and PlayStation swaps 'PC' for 'AI' - Patch Notes #57
This week's gaming news includes Rockstar Games facing a trial date for union busting allegations, Sony Interactive Entertainment shifting its business strategy focus from 'PC' to 'AI' in SEC filings, and Microsoft's Xbox division reportedly preparing for studio closures. Additionally, Don't Nod is seeking new financing after Tencent withdrew short-term investment, Shibuya ward is offering Final Fantasy 14 in-game items for tax donations, and Epic Games is merging Unreal Engine 5 and UEFN into a unified Unreal Engine 6. The UK government is also set to implement a ban on social media for under 16s, impacting high-risk features in games.
Roblox details how much creators will pay for brand integrations
Roblox has announced its new monetization policy for brand integrations, which will take effect on January 1, 2027. Creators will be charged on a cost-per-mille (CPM) basis, with rates varying by region. The company aims for transparency and precision in pricing for brands and creators. Separately, Sony Interactive Entertainment is reportedly shifting its strategy for PC releases, prioritizing PlayStation exclusivity for single-player narrative games while continuing to release live-service titles on both PC and PlayStation 5.
Report: PlayStation changed first-party single-player PC strategy due to lack of revenue
Sony Interactive Entertainment has reportedly shifted its strategy for releasing first-party single-player games on PC, with CEO Hideaki Nishino confirming that such titles will now be exclusive to PlayStation platforms due to insufficient revenue. Live-service games, however, will continue to be released on both PC and PlayStation 5 to reach a wider audience.
Evening Reading - June 18, 2026
Shacknews' Evening Reading for June 18, 2026, highlights that Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders will begin on June 25th with the cover art revealed. The article also touches on reviews for The Adventures of Elliot and UFC 6, new Pokémon content, Apple's price increases, Epic Games' use of AI in Unreal Engine, and various other internet curiosities including custom game art and mods.
EA Has Started Informing Staff of Layoffs, Will Affect Multiple Divisions – Rumor
Electronic Arts has reportedly begun informing staff of layoffs across multiple divisions, though the initial round may be small. This news comes amid wider industry trends of job cuts, with Microsoft also expected to implement significant layoffs, particularly affecting studios not directly tied to major franchises like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls. Developers at BioWare had already expressed concerns following EA's acquisition by an investor consortium.
How Ninja Theory Paved A Way For The Elden Ring Movie
Despite potential closure, Ninja Theory's legacy in game development and its influence on filmmaking are highlighted, particularly its collaboration with Alex Garland on titles like Enslaved: Odyssey to the West and DmC: Devil May Cry. This experience is credited with Alex Garland's approach to writing and directing the upcoming Elden Ring movie adaptation.
PlayStation CEO responds to reports Sony is abandoning PC, seemingly confirms big single-player games will be PS5…
PlayStation CEO Hideaki Nishino has indicated that Sony will prioritize PlayStation 5 exclusivity for its in-house developed single-player games, while live-service titles will continue to be released on both PS5 and PC. This strategy shift suggests a move away from the multiplatform releases previously seen with titles like Horizon and The Last of Us, aligning with reports that PlayStation is re-evaluating its PC release strategy for major first-party games.
The Steam Machine and GTA 6 pre-orders may happen at the same time, but it won't be on Valve's box
Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders are set to go live on June 25, potentially coinciding with the release of Valve's Steam Machine. However, the highly anticipated game will not be available on PC at launch, launching instead for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on November 19. The article speculates on potential performance for Grand Theft Auto 6 on the Steam Machine, comparing it to the base PlayStation 5's 4K 30fps capabilities.
