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Why the publisher of Nintendo Life is launching a new PC gaming site
Hookshot Media, the publisher behind Nintendo Life and Push Square, has launched Steam Hype, a new website dedicated to PC gaming on Valve's platform. The site aims to provide human-led curation and recommendations for both AAA and indie titles, differentiating itself from established PC gaming outlets. Despite a downturn in the games media industry, Hookshot CEO Anthony Dickens expressed confidence in the company's independent ownership model to adapt and succeed.
Experiencing BlizzCon 2026 and the returns of Starcraft, Diablo, and Warcraft
Blizzard Entertainment celebrated the return of BlizzCon with numerous announcements, including World of Warcraft: Forever, a new Starcraft open-world shooter, Diablo 5, and updates for Warcraft 3 and Overwatch. The event also highlighted the company's integration as a Microsoft subsidiary and celebrated anniversaries for Overwatch and Diablo.
Xbox Doesn’t “Have Any Changes to Announce” For Game Pass Following Leak About Losing Day-One Games
Xbox has stated that there are no immediate changes planned for its Game Pass subscription service, despite rumors of significant alterations. These rumors suggested a consolidation into two tiers, removal of day-one game releases, and separate charges for cloud gaming and multiplayer access. Xbox confirmed it regularly tests offerings to maintain value for subscribers.
Xbox Game Pass is "extremely poorly managed" and Doom should never have been part of it, says former producer
Former id Software producer Andrew Willis describes Xbox Game Pass as "extremely poorly managed" with a lack of foresight and understanding of the consumer market. He argues that Doom should not have been included on the service, suggesting its inclusion negatively impacted sales and contributed to id Software's layoffs. Willis believes Microsoft struggles to define and measure the success of Game Pass, leading to flawed business decisions.
Microsoft Reacts To Xbox Game Pass Rumor That Could Change The Service In A Big Way
A recent rumor suggests Microsoft is planning a significant overhaul of Xbox Game Pass in 2027, potentially introducing tiered pricing with ads and removing day-one releases for some titles. Microsoft has responded by stating they regularly test offerings but have no finalized plans to announce. The article also touches on recent changes made by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, including price adjustments and the removal of new Call of Duty games from day-one access.
Laying off the people making The Elder Scrolls 6 while desperately trying to get The Elder Scrolls 6 finished "doesn't make any sense," says former Bethesda dev
Former Bethesda lore expert Kurt Kuhlmann criticizes Xbox owner Microsoft's decision to lay off veteran developers working on The Elder Scrolls 6, stating it makes no business sense. The layoffs, which impacted experienced creators rather than management, follow reports of pressure to speed up production for The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout.
Microsoft Flight Simulator Announces a Marketplace Exclusive: The Airbus A380
Microsoft Flight Simulator has announced a new marketplace exclusive: the Airbus A380. This addition will be available through the in-game marketplace, offering players a new aircraft to experience.
Blizzard says it announced some major games early in order to ‘convey confidence’ in its releases
Blizzard Entertainment president Johanna Faries explained that the company announced major upcoming games like StarCraft and Diablo V early to convey confidence in their releases and commitment to shipping on time. This strategy aims to reassure fans and employees amidst recent layoffs and create a healthier company environment.
Xbox Game Pass September 2026 Wave 2 Lineup Announced
Microsoft has revealed the second wave of games coming to Xbox Game Pass in September 2027. The lineup includes Dune Awakening, Minecraft Dungeons 2, and Gears of War: E-Day for Ultimate and PC subscribers.
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.
