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BlizzCon 2026 Opening Ceremony live report – all the Blizzard news and announcements as they happen
Blizzard Entertainment's BlizzCon 2026 Opening Ceremony is set to reveal upcoming news and announcements across its major franchises including Diablo, Overwatch, StarCraft, and Warcraft. The event, held on September 12, is particularly anticipated as a show of confidence following recent staff reductions at the company.
Physint Could Be Xbox's Biggest Gamble Yet
Microsoft's 'Physint' initiative is described as a significant gamble that may not guarantee success for Xbox. The article suggests this move represents a high-stakes play for the platform's future.
BlizzCon 2026 Opening Ceremony live report - all the news and announcements as Blizzard's convention returns
BlizzCon 2026 is set to return with its opening ceremony, promising announcements for Blizzard Entertainment's major franchises. Expected reveals include a new StarCraft shooter, a "Classic Plus" version of World of Warcraft, and updates for Diablo 4 and Overwatch. The convention also takes place against the backdrop of recent industry layoffs by owner Microsoft.
Evening Reading - September 11, 2026
This edition of Evening Reading covers various gaming news, including Saudi Arabian investors considering a merger between EA and Savvy Games, EA Sports confirming the use of generative AI voice tech in NHL 27, and PlayStation reportedly shelving Hideo Kojima's Physint. It also notes Stellar Blade developers confirming game card sizes for the Nintendo Switch 2, the closure of Moss developer Polyarc, and Nintendo's legal win against Switch pirates.
PlayStation has had its worst week ever and it deserves it - Reader's Feature
This reader's feature expresses strong criticism towards Sony PlayStation, arguing the company deserves its recent troubles. The author points to the cancellation of Hideo Kojima's Physint game, the poor reception of Marvel's Wolverine, and the shift to live service games as self-inflicted wounds, contrasting Sony's perceived mismanagement with Xbox's current business practices.
Microsoft (MSFT) CCO Frank X. Shaw to leave company after over 17 years
Microsoft Chief Communications Officer Frank X. Shaw will be leaving the company at the end of 2026 after more than 17 years of service. Shaw announced his departure on LinkedIn, thanking the company and its fans. His exit marks another veteran leaving a prominent role in the tech industry.
GTA 6 Developer Is Fighting Drones And Hackers To Keep The Game’s Secrets Safe
Rockstar Games is implementing stringent security measures, including privacy film on windows and a dedicated investigation team, to protect Grand Theft Auto 6's secrets from drones and hackers. This comes amidst a tribunal hearing where the studio is accused of unlawfully firing developers for leaking game information, with Rockstar comparing the need for secrecy to that of Apple or Coca-Cola.
More than 40% of people cancelling Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus and Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions blame rising costs
Rising costs are increasingly cited as the primary reason for cancellations of Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, and Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions in the US. According to analyst Mat Piscatella, over 40% of users cancelling these services now blame cost, a higher figure than earlier in the year. This trend aligns with general price increases across gaming hardware and software.
Goodwill Hunting: Consoles’ brand value and loyalty is being tested | Opinion
The article argues that Sony and Microsoft will need significant customer goodwill to justify the high prices of their upcoming next-generation consoles. Sony's decision to drop Hideo Kojima's game Physint, which was then picked up by Xbox, is presented as a damaging blow to their goodwill reserves, especially in light of past missteps like the pivot to live service games and the cancellation of Concord.
Rykten, skvaller & önskedrömmar - Blizzcon 2026
This article speculates on potential announcements and reveals for Blizzcon 2026, Blizzard Entertainment's upcoming fan convention. Topics include new expansions for World of Warcraft and Diablo IV, potential StarCraft game developments, and updates for Overwatch and Hearthstone, alongside rumors of a combined Xbox Game Pass and Blizzard subscription service.
State of the Unions: the rise of unionisation in games workplaces
The video games industry is experiencing a significant rise in unionization as workers seek better labor rights and protections against harsh working conditions. Unions like SAG-AFTRA, ZeniMax workers, and various groups at major studios have successfully advocated for improved pay, AI protections, and remote work policies. Representatives from IWGB, Solidaires Informatique, and the Polish Gamedev Workers Union highlight global progress and ongoing challenges, emphasizing the growing power of collective bargaining.
Sony reportedly ditched Hideo Kojima's Physint following missed deadlines, bloated budgets, and Death Stranding 1&2 missing sales expectations
Sony has reportedly dropped Hideo Kojima's upcoming game Physint due to concerns over budget, profitability, and exclusivity. The decision is attributed to the underperformance of Death Stranding and Death Stranding 2, along with Physint exceeding its budget and missing deadlines. Xbox has since picked up the project, seeing value in its PC presence and multimedia rights.
After Death Stranding missed expectations, Sony reportedly axed Physint because Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear successor is over budget, years away, missing deadlines, and not a true exclusive
Sony Interactive Entertainment has reportedly canceled Hideo Kojima's action-espionage game, Physint, due to budget overruns, missed deadlines, and its perceived lack of true exclusivity. The project has since been picked up by Microsoft and Xbox. This decision follows disappointing sales for Kojima's previous titles, Death Stranding, and a shift in Sony's strategy away from PC releases and towards console exclusivity.
Getting into DCS World in 2026 is easier than you think – here’s what you actually need
This guide explains how to get started with DCS World in 2026, emphasizing that the complex military flight simulator is more accessible than its reputation suggests. It covers the free base game, module purchases, the choice between Steam and standalone versions, and recommends essential hardware like a joystick and head tracking, while noting VR as an option for those with capable PCs.
EA's Saudi Arabian owners are reportedly considering forming an ubermegacorp by merging them with Savvy Games
Following the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund's $55 billion takeover of Electronic Arts, the PIF is reportedly considering merging EA with its existing firm, Savvy Games Group. This potential 'ubermegacorp' aims to better coordinate the PIF's gaming investments, though no decision has been made. Concerns exist regarding potential layoffs and the influence of the Saudi government's human rights record on creative decisions.
GTA 6 Is Going To Be Huge. So Why Is Take-Two’s Stock Having Such A Bad Year?
Despite immense hype for Grand Theft Auto 6, Take-Two Interactive's stock has declined significantly over the past year. Factors contributing to this include investor concerns over AI technology, a high price-to-earnings ratio, and the impact of leaks, which have rattled confidence in the company's control over its flagship product. While analysts remain largely bullish on the stock's long-term potential, citing the expected success of GTA 6 and its online component, the market's short-term reaction has been negative.
Sony has topped a generational run of self-owns: abandoning Hideo Kojima's next Metal Gear right as Marvel's…
Sony Interactive Entertainment is facing criticism for its strategic decisions during the PlayStation 5 generation, including abandoning Hideo Kojima's new game 'Physint' to be published by Xbox and the middling reception of Insomniac Games' 'Marvel's Wolverine'. The article argues that Sony's focus on live service games has depleted its first-party development resources and led to a lack of system-selling titles, resulting in a negative overall business strategy.
'Ship a good game, learn from it, and build from there:' Lessons from going indie after a decade at id Software
Former id Software developers Tony Garza and Richard O'Neal discuss the lessons learned from leaving a major studio to found their own indie company, Turnkey Games. They emphasize realistic scope, bootstrapping, and focusing on core gameplay to overcome the challenges of independent development, especially in light of industry layoffs.
Saudi Arabia reportedly looking at merging Electronic Arts with Savvy Games Group
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is reportedly considering merging Electronic Arts with its other gaming subsidiary, Savvy Games Group. This potential merger, which would consolidate significant gaming assets under one umbrella, is said to be contingent on the PIF's acquisition of Moonton and would likely face regulatory scrutiny. The move could also lead to cost-saving measures, including layoffs at Electronic Arts, which recently incurred substantial debt from the PIF's acquisition.
Potential EA and Savvy Merger Would Create Gaming Giant
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is reportedly exploring a merger between Electronic Arts and Savvy Games Group to create a major player in the global gaming industry. The potential deal aims to consolidate PIF's investments and improve coordination, though no final decision has been made and regulatory hurdles are anticipated. This move would combine EA's console and PC presence with Savvy's mobile gaming operations and could serve as a vehicle for future acquisitions.
