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Fortnite Dev Lays Off Staff, Shutting Down Games
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney announced significant layoffs affecting over 1,000 employees, citing a decline in Fortnite's player engagement and overall industry challenges. This restructuring includes shutting down several games like Rocket Racing and Festival Battle Stage, while raising the price of in-game currency V-Bucks to improve revenue. Sweeney emphasized these cuts are for sustainability and unrelated to AI development.
New Xbox CEO Could Make Game Pass Less Expensive, Report Says
Asha Sharma, the new CEO of Microsoft Gaming, is reportedly considering changes to Xbox Game Pass pricing to make it more appealing to a wider audience, potentially including lower-priced tiers or an ad-supported option. Sharma has also discussed potential subscription bundle ideas with Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters. Additionally, Sharma has reportedly discontinued the 'This Is An Xbox' marketing campaign.
Capcom Draws Hard Line on AI: No Generated Art, Yes to Dev Tools
Capcom has announced a strict policy against using AI-generated assets in its games, while still embracing AI technology for development efficiency. This decision aims to preserve the company's distinct artistic vision and human creativity. The policy takes effect immediately and may influence industry standards as other major publishers face similar pressures regarding AI adoption.
Minecraft Dungeons 2 is finally happening, and in fact it’s happening this year
Microsoft and Mojang Studios have confirmed that Minecraft Dungeons 2 is scheduled for release in 2026. The sequel to the action RPG dungeon crawler will be available on PC, Xbox, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch, featuring new challenges and locations.
Steam Dominance Sparks Reddit Debate: Why Valve Still Rules PC Gaming
A Reddit discussion highlights Steam's continued dominance in PC gaming, attributing its success to a robust ecosystem of community features, library management, and social integration rather than just free games or exclusives. Despite competition from Epic Games Store, GOG, and subscription services, Steam's long-standing user satisfaction and consistent service have fostered strong loyalty. The platform's evolution, including the Steam Deck and features like Proton, further solidifies its position, though it faces ongoing challenges from cloud gaming and evolving industry trends.
The Rise of Tech Startups in the Caribbean: Innovation Beyond Tourism
The Caribbean is experiencing a significant economic transformation driven by the rise of technology startups, moving beyond its traditional reliance on tourism. Sectors like fintech, AI, blockchain, and e-commerce are rapidly growing, fueled by improved digital infrastructure, a young tech-savvy workforce, and a focus on solving local challenges with scalable solutions. While challenges in funding and regulation persist, the region is increasingly attracting international investment and positioning itself as a global hub for innovation.
Billionaire OnlyFans owner Leonid Radvinsky has died from cancer at 43
Leonid Radvinsky, the billionaire owner of OnlyFans, has died at the age of 43 after a battle with cancer. Radvinsky purchased OnlyFans in 2018 and is credited with transforming it into a major platform, reportedly earning nearly $2 million daily in 2024. His past business ventures included controversial websites like MyFreeCams and Cybertania.
Capcom says it will use generative AI to speed up production
Capcom plans to actively utilize generative AI to improve game development efficiency and productivity, while assuring that no AI-generated assets will be implemented into game content. The company is currently testing various usage methods across graphics, sound, and programming departments. This follows discussions from last year where a Capcom technical director showcased a system using AI models to generate and evaluate ideas for in-game environments.
Xbox Partner Preview Announced For Thursday, March 26, Includes Stranger Than Heaven and The Expanse: Osiris Reborn | Console Creatures
Microsoft has announced an Xbox Partner Preview event scheduled for Thursday, March 26th, at 1 pm EST. The showcase will feature new looks at RGG Studio's Stranger Than Heaven, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl, along with updates from third-party partners like Sega and Owlcat Games, many of which are coming to Game Pass.
Union workers send a message to game industry execs: 'Let go of the power now, or be forced to let go of it later.'
Unionized video game workers attending the GDC Festival of Gaming sent a strong message to industry executives regarding power dynamics and recent mass layoffs. Speakers urged leaders to address worker concerns and consider the human impact of business decisions, warning that resistance to change will ultimately be futile.
Xbox Partner Preview March 2026 Is A First With The New CEO
Microsoft will livestream the Xbox Partner Preview on March 26, 2026, showcasing upcoming games from third-party developers like Sega, GSC Game World, and Owlcat Games. The event will feature in-depth looks at Stranger Than Heaven, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, alongside new reveals. This marks the first preview under new Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma, following recent leadership changes.
"Man up": Former Microsoft and Blizzard exec calls out Crimson Desert devs for apologizing over AI art, because it'll "be in every single video game" someday
Former Microsoft and Blizzard executive Mike Ybarra criticized Pearl Abyss for apologizing over the use of AI in Crimson Desert's development, stating that AI will become ubiquitous in all video games. Pearl Abyss had acknowledged unintentional AI asset usage and apologized, initiating an audit. Ybarra's comments have drawn backlash from some industry figures and players.
Xbox showcase is happening this week with the latest from Sega and The Expanse
Microsoft has announced an Xbox Partner Preview showcase scheduled for March 26, featuring games from third-party partners like The Expanse: Osiris Reborn and Stranger Than Heaven. The broadcast will also include updates on S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl and new Xbox Game Pass announcements.
Microsoft Reportedly Offering Up to 50% Off Xbox Series X/S to Select Xbox One Users
Microsoft is reportedly offering select Xbox One users discounts of up to 50% on new Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles. These limited-time offers are being distributed through in-store promotions.
Minecraft Dungeons 2 Is Coming To PC and Consoles This Year
Mojang Studios and Microsoft have announced Minecraft Dungeons 2, the sequel to the dungeon crawler, set to release this year on PC and multiple consoles including PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. The announcement trailer showcased new locations, challenges, and a brewing threat to the Minecraft universe, promising an all-new action-RPG adventure.
Two more leadership exits take place at Xbox
Two more leadership figures have departed Xbox: VP of partnerships, business development, and marketing, Lori Wright, and general manager of gaming AI, Haiyan Zhang. These departures follow recent exits from other high-ranking executives at Microsoft Gaming. Haiyan Zhang will be joining Netflix's gaming team.
Microsoft announces Xbox Partner Preview for this week, with Ryu Ga Gotoku's Stranger Than Heaven finally making a showing
Microsoft has announced an upcoming Xbox Partner Preview showcase scheduled for Thursday, March 26th, focusing on third-party titles. The 30-minute stream will feature updates on Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's Stranger Than Heaven, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, and The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, alongside new reveals and Game Pass information.
Microsoft Reportedly Offering Up to 50% Off Xbox Series X/S to Select Xbox One Users
Microsoft is reportedly offering significant discounts of up to 50% on Xbox Series X and S consoles to select Xbox One users. Separately, a graphics comparison for Crimson Desert highlights the visual advantages of the PlayStation 5 Pro and stable performance across current-generation consoles.
Xbox lines up a Partner Preview showcase for March 26
Microsoft announced an Xbox Partner Preview showcase for March 26, featuring upcoming games from third-party partners. The stream will include in-depth looks at Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, and The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, along with world premieres. The showcase will be available on YouTube and Twitch in 4K at 60fps with extensive language and accessibility options.
Minecraft’s Tiny Takeover Gets Xbox Game Pass Baby Mob Names
Xbox Game Pass has announced a collaboration with Mojang Studios for an upcoming 'Tiny Takeover Game Drop' in Minecraft, featuring unique "baby mob names." This partnership highlights Xbox's ongoing integration of Minecraft into its ecosystem since the 2014 acquisition and positions Game Pass as a creative contributor rather than just a distribution platform. The collaboration is expected to be released soon and could set a precedent for future creative partnerships within the Game Pass service.
