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Elder Scrolls Online director says his cancelled MMO was a "missed opportunity" for Bethesda and Xbox, but "a giant successful video game" isn't enough for Microsoft's higher-ups
Elder Scrolls Online director Matt Firor described his cancelled MMO, Project Blackbird, as a "missed opportunity" for Bethesda and Xbox, but understood Microsoft's decision to cancel it due to its large investment risk. Firor explained that while the game was in development for seven years, it wasn't in full production for that entire duration, and the cancellation was a business decision driven by the need for reliable, forecastable revenue streams.
Xbox CEO knows there's "work to do" to win players back, as Microsoft boss recommits to "core" fans
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma acknowledges that Microsoft has work to do to regain player trust and revenue growth, despite recent positive steps like a Game Pass price reduction and setting new records for monthly active users. Microsoft boss Satya Nadella reaffirmed the company's commitment to its core fans and players, with plans to focus on affordability, PC-console hybrid projects, and expanding its franchise portfolio.
Subnautica 2 Is the Biggest Game Around Right Now, But When Is It Coming to PS5?
Subnautica 2 has achieved significant success in Early Access on PC and Xbox Series X, with nearly 500,000 concurrent players on Steam. A PlayStation 5 release is uncertain due to Sony's current lack of a formal Early Access program, though the game is expected to eventually launch on the platform in its complete form. The game's development was also marked by a legal dispute between developer Unknown Worlds and former publisher Krafton.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Releases Sim Update 5 - Microsoft Flight Simulator
Microsoft Flight Simulator has released Sim Update 5, bringing significant performance improvements, optimizations for AMD hardware, and new features for virtual reality users including PlayStation VR2 support. The update also unlocks all career modes, enhances ATC queueing, and improves ground services reliability.
PSVR2 Just Got Its Killer App with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, Free Update Out Today
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has received a free update adding PlayStation VR2 support, available today on PlayStation 5. Developed by Asobo Studio, the simulation game was praised upon its initial release for its ambition and polish. A review of the VR implementation is forthcoming.
April Xbox Update: Customize Your Console, Manually Add Your Favorite Games on PC, and More.
Microsoft has released its April update for Xbox, introducing new customization options for consoles and PC. Console users can now pin more groups to Home, customize colors, and disable Quick Resume on a per-game basis, alongside a new Play History tab. PC users gain the ability to manually add games to their Xbox library and pin favorites to Home, with improved gamepad cursor functionality.
New ROG Xbox Ally Updates: Docking Improvements, Auto SR Preview, Collective Library, Enhanced Vibration, and More
Microsoft and ASUS have released significant updates for the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X handheld PCs, focusing on improving docked play experiences with features like automatic TV display switching and enhanced smart TV compatibility. The updates also introduce a new Display Widget in Game Bar for easier setting adjustments, improved controller pairing, and a preview of Auto Super Resolution technology for sharper visuals on external displays.
Morning Tech Bits
The ASUS ROG Astral RTX 5090 graphics card has achieved three world records by reaching 3.7 GHz on a single 16-pin connector. In separate news, Microsoft has open-sourced early DOS source code.
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition Coming to macOS May 28th
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is set to release on macOS via Steam on May 28th. The acclaimed real-time strategy game will feature 4K resolution, a remastered soundtrack, and include three major expansions. Feral Interactive and World's Edge are bringing the title to Mac gamers with additional DLC and multiplayer options.
'Motivated by jealousy...' OpenAI lashes out at Elon in blog post claiming the billionaire 'spent years harassing OpenAI through baseless lawsuits and public attacks'
OpenAI has responded to Elon Musk's lawsuit, alleging that Musk spent years harassing the company and attempted to take control of it. OpenAI claims Musk's lawsuit is an attempt to undermine its non-profit mission and that he is misrepresenting past agreements regarding its for-profit ventures. The company also stated its continued focus on developing Artificial General Intelligence for humanity's benefit.
Matt Firor laments Project Blackbird’s cancellation as ‘a number on a ledger’ to Microsoft
Former ZeniMax Online Studios president Matt Firor expressed his disappointment over Microsoft's cancellation of the MMO Project Blackbird, describing the decision as purely financial. He believes the game's cancellation was a loss for the entertainment industry, highlighting the cyclical nature of game development revenues for publicly traded companies.
Microsoft's latest PowerToys tool brings control of your monitor into Windows: a must-have for anyone with lots of…
Microsoft's PowerToys utility has received an update, version 0.99.1, which includes new features like Grab and Move for window manipulation and Power Display for monitor control. These tools are particularly beneficial for users with multiple large monitors, offering enhanced customization and convenience for managing their desktop environment.
Former ESO boss Matt Firor talks about the death of unrealised MMO Project Blackbird: 'Microsoft is Microsoft'
Former Elder Scrolls Online director Matt Firor discussed the cancellation of Project Blackbird, an unreleased MMO from Zenimax Online Studios. Firor expressed disappointment, calling it a missed opportunity for all involved, and reflected on how Microsoft's business priorities led to the project's demise.
Xbox Games Showcase 2026: What to Expect From the Biggest Xbox Event in Years
The Xbox Games Showcase 2026 is set to be a pivotal event for Microsoft, featuring new game announcements and a deep dive into Gears of War: E-Day. The showcase will also highlight the company's new direction under leadership of Asha Sharma, following Phil Spencer's retirement. Potential teases for next-generation hardware and updates on titles like Fable, Forza Horizon 6, and remakes of Halo: Combat Evolved and Fallout 3 are expected.
Sony confirms DRM policy on PS4 and PS5 is a "one-time check"
Sony has clarified that the Digital Rights Management (DRM) check for newly purchased digital games on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 is a one-time requirement after purchase. This addresses concerns that players might lose access to their games if a console remained offline for an extended period. The clarification follows reports of a 30-day timer that had caused user apprehension.
Monument Valley CEO Calls Job Security 'Too Romantic' | HappyGamer
The CEO of Ustwo, the studio behind Monument Valley, has sparked controversy by calling job security 'too romantic' amidst industry-wide layoffs. This statement contrasts with the current climate of mass job cuts at companies like Microsoft and Sony Interactive Entertainment. The article argues that prioritizing shareholders over employees is a shortsighted business practice that damages the industry's reputation and talent retention.
MMO vet Matt Firor was going to make Fallout Online in 2007, but Interplay 'went totally dark on me' and he…
MMO veteran Matt Firor revealed in an interview that he was close to developing Fallout Online in 2007, having secured investment and a publisher in Brash Entertainment, but Interplay, who held the IP rights, went silent. This project ultimately never materialized as Bethesda later acquired the Fallout IP wholesale and engaged in legal battles with Interplay over the rights to create a Fallout MMO. Firor instead went on to found ZeniMax and develop The Elder Scrolls Online.
Microsoft has an ambitious plan to win users back, and go toe-to-toe with Valve's SteamOS for gaming — but…
Microsoft is reportedly working on a project codenamed 'K2' to significantly improve Windows 11's gaming performance and reduce bloatware, aiming to compete directly with Valve's SteamOS. This initiative focuses on enhancing performance, craft, and reliability to regain user trust and optimize the operating system for gaming.
Xbox Revenue Falls as Microsoft Bets Big on Cloud Gaming | HappyGamer
Microsoft's Xbox division is experiencing declining hardware revenue as the company strategically shifts its focus to cloud gaming. While console sales have stalled due to competition and supply chain issues, Xbox Cloud Gaming is experiencing significant growth, offering a more accessible and subscription-based model for players. This pivot aims to increase recurring revenue and reach a wider global market, potentially redefining the future of gaming beyond traditional hardware.
Japanese developer says they don't make games for Xbox because the console is 'not even stocked in major…
A Japanese developer for Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin stated that their company cannot justify developing for Xbox due to the console's lack of stock and demand in major Japanese retail stores. This reflects Microsoft's ongoing struggle to gain traction in the Japanese market, with significantly lower sales figures compared to PlayStation and Nintendo consoles.
