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Memorial Day Safety Dance
The FBI has issued a warning regarding the Kali365 phishing service, which is actively targeting Microsoft 365 accounts. This service aims to compromise user credentials and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.
Games Inbox: Is Destiny 2 a dead game now?
Readers discuss the current state of Destiny 2, with one questioning if it's a 'dead game' due to Bungie's handling of content and vaulting. Other topics include the timing of summer gaming showcases, Nintendo's pricing strategy, Sega's revival of old franchises, and the decline of traditional game announcements.
Forza Horizon 6 Has Sold Almost 5 Million Copies – Rumor
According to estimates from Alinea Analytics, Forza Horizon 6 has sold approximately 4.9 million copies across PC and Xbox Series X/S, generating over $325 million in revenue. Despite being available on Game Pass, the game has seen strong performance on Xbox platforms and Steam, with a significant portion of players utilizing the subscription service. A PlayStation 5 release is anticipated later this year.
Forza Horizon 6 speeds into Steam's top 5 most played games with over 300k concurrent players
Forza Horizon 6 has achieved over 300,000 concurrent players on Steam, placing it among the top 5 most played games. Despite being described as "more of the same," the open-world racing series' success is attributed to its approachable simcade formula and recent content additions. Developer Playground Games is addressing initial issues like drivatar AI difficulty and crash bugs.
Devil May Cry and Bayonetta creator says he'd rather have a game cancelled than release "something…
Devil May Cry and Bayonetta creator Hideki Kamiya stated he would prefer a game to be cancelled rather than released in a subpar state. He emphasized prioritizing creative vision over strict schedules, even if it means projects might not see the light of day. Kamiya also mentioned his work on Okami and reflected on past cancelled projects like Scalebound.
Control Issues
The Steam Controller faces significant competition not from major console manufacturers like Microsoft or Sony, but rather from various third-party vendors in the PC gaming market. This indicates a diverse landscape for PC input devices beyond traditional controllers.
Our readers are clear: They want Destiny 3, which is awkward, because Bungie reportedly isn't making Destiny 3
A PC Gamer poll indicates a strong reader desire for Destiny 3, with 74% of respondents favoring it over new IPs or other franchise continuations. However, reports suggest Bungie is not actively developing Destiny 3 due to budget constraints, with a potential release not expected until the 2030s if it were to enter pre-production now.
Jez Corden believes next Fallout remaster is due in 2027
Microsoft insider Jez Corden suggests that a Fallout remaster, widely believed to be Fallout 3, is targeted for a 2027 release. He also indicated that The Elder Scrolls 6 is still some years away, potentially launching in 2028 or 2029. Bethesda has shown support for the Nintendo Switch with potential remasters of Fallout 4 and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.
Former Activision Blizzard CEO claims Swedish pension fund’s lawsuit against Microsoft-Activision merger was a ploy to strengthen Embracer
Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick alleges that a lawsuit filed by a Swedish pension fund against Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard was a tactic to benefit Embracer Group. The lawsuit reportedly aimed to strengthen Embracer's position during the merger process.
Saturday Tech Bits
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8497 and Preview Build 29595.1000. These builds are part of the ongoing development and testing for future versions of the Windows 11 operating system.
The Steam Controller's main competition isn't from Microsoft or Sony: It's from third-party vendors
This article analyzes the third-party game controller market, arguing that vendors like Victrix, Gamesir, and EasySMX offer superior alternatives to standard controllers from Microsoft and Sony. Despite the quality and features of these third-party options, they are often overlooked in favor of first-party controllers, partly due to platform compatibility issues and historical perceptions of lower quality.
Retro Gaming in 2026: The Complete Guide to Playing Classic Games Legally | TAG
This guide explores legal options for playing retro games in 2026, noting that only 13.27% of classic US games released before 2010 are still commercially available. It details subscription services like Nintendo Switch Online and PlayStation Plus Premium, digital storefronts such as GOG and Steam, and physical collector's options including Analogue and Evercade hardware. The article also addresses the legalities of emulation, emphasizing that while emulators are legal, downloading ROMs for games one does not own is copyright infringement.
Former CEO Bobby Kotick claims lawsuit against Microsoft's acquisition of Activision was only filed to help Embracer
Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick claims a lawsuit filed by Swedish pension fund Sjunde AP-Fonden against Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard was intended to benefit Embracer Group. Kotick alleges the lawsuit aimed to hinder Activision's growth and talent acquisition in California. Embracer Group has denied these claims.
Microsoft (MSFT) to pay out $250 million settlement in Activision Blizzard Swedish pension lawsuit
Microsoft will pay a $250 million settlement in a Swedish pension lawsuit concerning the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The lawsuit alleged that former CEO Bobby Kotick expedited the sale to secure personal benefits and retain his position.
Forza Horizon 6 gives a glimpse at what Xbox should’ve been - Reader's Feature
A reader's feature discusses how Forza Horizon 6, despite its critical and commercial success, highlights Xbox's struggles in the console market. The author argues that while the game is excellent, its multi-platform availability prevents it from being the system seller Xbox desperately needs, contrasting it with past console-defining exclusives.
Evening Safety Dance
Lawmakers are seeking answers from CISA regarding a data leak, while Microsoft has confirmed two significant security vulnerabilities in its Defender software, urging users to update immediately to prevent potential attacks.
Evening Legal Briefs
Microsoft has finalized its acquisition of Activision Blizzard after a four-year regulatory process. Separately, law enforcement announced a successful hack of a VPN service used by criminals, highlighting vulnerabilities in perceived online safety.
Microsoft to pay $250 million settlement over ‘rushed’ Activision purchase
Microsoft has agreed to pay a $250 million settlement related to its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The settlement addresses concerns that the purchase was rushed. This news follows Microsoft's completion of the acquisition.
Four years later, Microsoft finally finishes fighting over the Activision acquisition
Microsoft has settled a lawsuit filed by Swedish pension fund Sjunde AP-Fonden for $250 million, resolving allegations that Activision Blizzard was sold too cheaply during Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition. The settlement also dismisses countersuits filed by former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick and Microsoft. This resolution concludes a legal dispute that arose after the acquisition was finalized.
Forza Horizon 6 sells 4.9 million copies despite Xbox Game Pass "cannibalizing" revenue, says analyst
Forza Horizon 6 has achieved 4.9 million in sales since its launch, generating $325 million, with a significant portion sold through the Xbox storefront and Game Pass. Analyst Rhys Elliott notes that while Game Pass is cannibalizing direct sales, Microsoft may be banking on subscription lifetime value, though subscription growth is stagnating.
