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State of Decay 3 Team is “Pretty Close to Finishing” Development, Says Studio Boss
Undead Labs studio boss Philip Holt stated that State of Decay 3 is nearing completion, with development picking up significantly in 2022-2023. He addressed changes made due to recent layoffs, assuring that scope is not dramatically impacted. Holt also discussed the studio's decision to accelerate full production due to concerns about Microsoft's acquisition strategy.
Bobby's back
Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick has joined the board of Skydance as an independent director, marking his return to the gaming industry after leaving Activision Blizzard following its acquisition by Microsoft. Skydance praised Kotick's leadership in building Activision Blizzard into a successful company, despite his controversial tenure marked by allegations of harassment and discrimination lawsuits.
What’s Next For Halo Under Activision? Probably Not The Endless
Halo is transitioning to Activision's management, with a new team taking over development while 343 Industries is significantly downsized. The article reveals details about the alien faction known as the Endless, which may not feature in future Halo titles under Activision. This shift occurs as Microsoft emphasizes major franchises amidst widespread layoffs and studio divestitures.
Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick named to the board of post-merger Skydance
Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick has been appointed to the board of directors for the newly formed Skydance company, which resulted from the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Skydance's media conglomerate includes a video game division that will merge Paramount Games Studio with WB's internal developers. Despite past controversies surrounding Activision Blizzard, Skydance chairman David Ellison praised Kotick's leadership and ability to build enduring franchises.
State of Decay 3 Layoffs Wil Cause Major Changes
Undead Labs, now an independent studio after leaving Xbox, has undergone layoffs impacting the development of State of Decay 3. Studio head Phillip Holt stated that while the game's overall scope remains, adjustments are necessary due to the workforce reduction. The title is currently in alpha, expected in 2027, and will launch on Game Pass.
Here are our Xbox Game Pass games for October 2026
Microsoft has announced the first wave of games coming to Xbox Game Pass in October, with Battlefield 6 being the headline addition. Several new titles, including Valor Mortis and Bluey's Happy Snaps, will launch directly into the service. However, popular titles like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Pacific Drive will be leaving Game Pass on October 15th.
Xbox Game Pass Gets Gears Of War: E-Day And These 11 Games In October
Microsoft has announced the latest lineup of games coming to Xbox Game Pass for October, led by Gears of War: E-Day. The subscription service will also add Minecraft Dungeons 2, Battlefield 6, Valor Mortis, and several other titles throughout the first half of the month, including multiple day-one releases across cloud, console, and PC.
Forza Horizon 6 For PS5 Apparently Delayed To 2027, And It’s Getting A Disc Release
A new report suggests Forza Horizon 6 for PlayStation 5 has been delayed to January 26, 2027, contradicting Microsoft's previous statement of a 2026 release. The game is also confirmed to receive a physical disc edition. This news comes as Forza developers Turn 10 and Playground Games are merging into a single studio.
Coming to XBOX Game Pass: Battlefield 6, Valor Mortis, Forever Ago, and More
Xbox Game Pass is adding several new titles in October, including Battlefield 6, Valor Mortis, and Echo Weaver, all available on day one. The service also highlights recently added games like Gears of War: E-Day and Minecraft Dungeons II. Several games, including A Plague Tale: Requiem and Evil West, will be leaving the Game Pass library on October 15.
Steam discoverability is "the big issue" in gaming right now, Peter Molyneux says. "There's just too much choice."
Veteran developer Peter Molyneux believes Steam's discoverability is the biggest issue facing the gaming industry today, citing an overwhelming amount of choice that buries good games. He also expresses concern over the rapid pace of development from Chinese studios and the pervasive influence of AI, contributing to a challenging environment for indie developers.
Former Halo art director claps back at founding Xbox member for implying 343 Industries had a "laziness"…
Former Halo art director Glenn Israel responded to claims made by founding Xbox member Laura Fryer, who described Halo Studios (formerly 343 Industries) as a "ghost town" during the development of Gears of War 2. Israel refuted Fryer's recollection, stating that while the studio had "systemic issues," it was not "rife with laziness" and that Fryer's timeline and observations were inaccurate.
Forza Horizon 6 on PS5 release date leaked and it will come on a disc
A leak suggests Forza Horizon 6 will be released on PlayStation 5 on January 26, 2027, with a physical disc version available for £59.99. This delay is reportedly to align its release with the game's first expansion. Developer Playground Games recently apologized for a lack of communication regarding updates.
Xbox GTA 6 Cloud Gaming Deal - What Is Unsaid About the Deal
Microsoft has clarified its deal for Grand Theft Auto 6 on Xbox Cloud Gaming, confirming it will be available at launch but not exclusively and not on PC. The agreement focuses on streaming to Xbox consoles, with details on browser and app support still undisclosed. This comes as Microsoft prepares to implement new monthly usage limits for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers.
State Of Decay 3 Was Announced Early To Keep Undead Labs On Microsoft’s Radar
State of Decay 3 developer Undead Labs announced the game early in 2020 to keep the project on Microsoft's radar during an acquisition spree, according to studio boss Philip Holt. The studio has since become independent and employee-owned. Holt explained that the early announcement was a strategic move to prevent the studio from being overlooked amidst Microsoft's acquisitions of companies like Bethesda and Activision Blizzard.
Alleged footage of Xbox's cancelled Perfect Dark reboot shows a parkour-heavy chase scene and the summary execution of fruit
Alleged footage of Microsoft's cancelled Perfect Dark reboot has surfaced, showcasing chase sequences and shooting mechanics. The game, developed by The Initiative, was cancelled as part of mass layoffs at Microsoft, with attempts to revive it by Take-Two Interactive reportedly falling through. Several other studios, including Crystal Dynamics, Double Fine, Undead Labs, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Arkane Studios, were also affected by these layoffs.
GTA 6 won't be playable on PC at launch via Xbox's cloud streaming services, Microsoft exec indicates while refuting exclusivity deal report
Microsoft executive Matthew Ball refuted reports that Xbox secured exclusive cloud streaming rights for Grand Theft Auto 6 on PC. While the game will launch on Xbox consoles on November 19, it will not be available via PC cloud streaming at launch, a decision seemingly driven by business strategy rather than technical limitations. Rockstar Games is also facing an employment tribunal regarding the firing of developers.
Asha Sharma reportedly informs staff that Xbox has "started to return to growth" during internal town hall
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced during an internal town hall that the company has begun to return to growth after reaching an all-time low, with significant improvements in its first-party segment and user engagement. Sharma also discussed plans to evolve Game Pass, introduce a family of next-gen hardware devices under Project Helix, and continue investing in console features despite current market stagnation.
No, GTA 6 won't be playable on PC via Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Microsoft doesn't have exclusive streaming rights…
Xbox chief strategy officer Matthew Ball clarified that Grand Theft Auto 6 will not be playable on PC via Xbox Cloud Gaming and that Microsoft does not hold exclusive streaming rights. This debunks earlier reports suggesting such an arrangement, which would have limited streaming access to Xbox Cloud Gaming. The game is confirmed for an Xbox release on November 19.
GTA 6 PC Release Date Estimate, Rumors, And News
Grand Theft Auto 6 is slated for a November 19, 2026 release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a PC version estimated for Q1 2028. This estimate is based on Rockstar Games' historical release patterns for PC versions of their titles, which often follow console launches by 12-19 months. While Rockstar has not officially announced a PC version, Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick has emphasized the growing importance of the PC market.
Games industry investors are "sitting on the sidelines waiting for obvious slam dunks", says Undead Labs boss, with labour costs a key worry
Undead Labs studio boss Philip Holt believes investors are hesitant to fund game development projects unless they are 'obvious slam dunks,' citing high labor costs, particularly in expensive regions like Seattle, as a major concern. He also discussed the studio's successful management buyout from Microsoft and its implications for the future of State of Decay 3.
