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Xbox Game Pass Removes 8 More Games Very Soon
Microsoft is removing eight more games from Xbox Game Pass on September 30, bringing the total for the month to 18. Titles like Atomfall, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, and Sifu are among those leaving the service. This comes as new additions like Minecraft Dungeons II and Gears of War: E-Day are being added.
No, AI, you are not human: Microsoft's code of practice for artificial intelligence actually gives me some hope for…
Microsoft has published a new code of conduct for artificial intelligence, emphasizing a human-first approach and rejecting the idea of AI personhood or rights. The author expresses hesitant optimism about these guidelines, particularly the stance against AI rights and the focus on human control and safety, while also noting potential philosophical complexities in balancing pluralistic values.
Xbox Game Pass Gets 12 More Games In September
Microsoft has announced 12 new games coming to Xbox and PC Game Pass in September, with some arriving day-one. Titles include Kernel Hearts, Well Dweller, Minecraft Dungeons II, Ninja Gaiden 4, and Dune: Awakening. Several games are also leaving the service on September 30.
Coming to XBOX Game Pass: Gears of War: E-Day, Minecraft Dungeons II, Dune: Awakening, and More
Xbox Game Pass is adding a variety of new titles throughout September and October, including Gears of War: E-Day, Minecraft Dungeons II, Dune: Awakening, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Several games are also leaving the service on September 30th.
Why does this prominent Washington state politician think video games can be 'soft power?'
Washington state Secretary of State Steve Hobbs believes video games can serve as a tool for geopolitical 'soft power,' promoting culture and commerce rather than conflict. He contrasts this with 'hard power' and argues that creative industries are vital to a nation's global standing, citing examples like CD Projekt Red's The Witcher series. The discussion also touches on criticisms of cultural imperialism and the prioritization of hard power by some administrations.
Elder Scrolls lore master and 20-year Bethesda veteran Kurt Kuhlmann can't find a job after being laid off months…
Veteran Bethesda developer Kurt Kuhlmann, known for his work on The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, has been laid off from Lightspeed LA. Kuhlmann, who spent two decades at Bethesda Game Studios, is now seeking new employment, highlighting the current instability in the game development industry. The article notes ongoing layoffs at companies like Microsoft and Xbox, emphasizing that even experienced professionals are not immune to industry downturns.
Amid relentless layoffs at Xbox, Fable lead says "so many people" at the company see the RPG as "vital to the DNA of the platform," which "protected us over a long development cycle"
Despite significant layoffs at Xbox and the cancellation of other projects, the upcoming RPG Fable is considered vital to the platform's identity, which has protected its long development cycle. Director Ralph Fulton believes the game is important to video games as a whole, offering a unique combination of elements. Fable is set to release on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5.
PlayStation boycott made "no significant change at all in player count or engagement" with Sony's media…
A boycott initiated by PlayStation fans against the company's move away from physical disc production has had no significant impact on player count or engagement, according to analyst Mat Piscatella. Despite fan outcry and concerns about digital ownership, Sony appears unaffected by the 'PSBlackout' movement.
Xbox Game Pass Data Shows Price is The Main Cancellation Cause
A recent survey indicates that cost is the primary reason for cancellations of Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, and Nintendo Switch Online, with price increases being a significant factor. While overall cancellation rates haven't necessarily increased, the data suggests consumers are becoming more sensitive to subscription costs. The industry is exploring alternative monetization models like advertising to maintain sustainability.
Games Inbox: Are Jason and Lucia from GTA 6 good characters?
Readers express skepticism about the likability of Grand Theft Auto 6 protagonists Jason and Lucia, contrasting them with Arthur Morgan from Red Dead Redemption 2. Concerns are raised about the characters' dry presentation in recent footage and a perceived lack of memorability. Other topics include dissatisfaction with Mario Kart World's Grand Prix modes, questions about Marvel's Wolverine's accessibility features, and commentary on long game development cycles and Sony's recent fan reception.
PHYSINT – So… What Exactly Is Going On?
PlayStation has canceled its partnership with Hideo Kojima's Kojima Productions for the upcoming game Physint, citing a difficult decision after three decades of collaboration. Kojima Productions has since partnered with Xbox for the project, which is described as an 'action espionage game' and also working on the horror title OD. The article speculates on the reasons for PlayStation's decision, including high budgets and a potential shift towards live-service games, while highlighting Xbox's eagerness to support Kojima's ambitious vision.
Xbox Game Pass to Lose Day-One Games, Split Into Two Tiers in 2027 – Rumor
A rumor suggests Xbox will restructure Game Pass in 2027 into two tiers, one with ads for $12.99 and one without for $19.99, both losing day-one first-party releases and cloud streaming. Cloud gaming will be a separate $5.99 bundle, and console multiplayer access will be unbundled at $10.99 per month. These potential changes come amid internal criticism of Game Pass's business model and past publisher objections to features like a family plan.
More than 40% of people cancelling Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus and Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions blame rising costs
New data from Circana indicates that over 40% of US consumers cancelling Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, and Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions cite rising costs as the primary reason. While the overall number of cancellations may not be increasing, the perceived value for money is declining for many users, leading them to discontinue their subscriptions.
The internet's new obsession: Gabe Newell explaining why Valve defied big tech by staying a private company and…
Valve co-founder Gabe Newell's past comments on why the company remains privately held have resurfaced, resonating with a modern audience disillusioned by tech layoffs and 'enshittification.' Newell argued that private ownership allows Valve to prioritize employees and create value by hiring expensive talent, contrasting with the cost-cutting measures often seen at public companies like Microsoft and Meta.
Sega and Netflix partner for a "cute yet cool" Sonic TV Show, a Crazy Taxi film, and a "badass action" Stranger Than Heaven adaptation
Netflix and Sega have partnered to create multiple adaptations, including a new animated Sonic the Hedgehog TV show, a film based on Crazy Taxi, and a movie adaptation of the upcoming game Stranger Than Heaven. The deal aims to leverage popular Sega franchises for streaming content.
Blizzard isn't "trying to do the Steam or Epic Games Store thing" by putting Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3 Remastered on Battle.net, says exec
Blizzard Entertainment executive Andrew Guerrero stated that the company is not aiming to replicate Steam or the Epic Games Store with its Battle.net platform. While Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3 Remastered are being added, the focus remains on curated, high-quality experiences that align with their core player base's interests.
Redfall co-director Harvey Smith thinks Arkane 'never should have been working on a games-as-a-service game'
Former Arkane Austin creative director Harvey Smith believes the studio should never have worked on Redfall, a games-as-a-service title. He reflects on the game's failure, the closure of Arkane Austin, and the team's efforts to salvage the game. Smith and other former Arkane developers are now focusing on creating immersive sims with their new company, Black Pony.
Thief designer Randy Smith Evergreen refused to work for Xbox because it would be like 'walking past some stakes with human skulls on them' and pretending 'it's probably fine in this direction'
Thief designer Randy Smith Evergreen explains his decision to refuse an opportunity to work for an Xbox-funded studio due to Microsoft's history of studio closures, likening it to ignoring obvious danger. He discusses the challenges of AAA development for immersive sims and his preference for smaller, more focused indie projects.
Xbox Cloud Gaming Changes Are an Unintentional Own Goal in Console Wars
Microsoft has announced new monthly hour limits for Xbox Cloud Gaming, which will arbitrarily restrict play time for subscribers. This move is seen as an "own goal" that alienates consumers, especially when compared to Sony's controversial decision to discontinue disc-based gaming. The new limits range from 5 hours for Game Pass Essential to 15 hours for Game Pass Ultimate, with the cost of additional hours unconfirmed but expected to be a significant drawback for players of long, open-world games.
Resident Evil Movie Director Comments On Physical Media Debate
Resident Evil movie director Zach Cregger shared his views on the debate surrounding physical media, stating he is no longer a proponent due to losing or damaging discs and space constraints. While acknowledging the convenience of digital downloads, he expressed concern over companies' ability to delete purchased digital games.
