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Over 4,500 Google workers have signed a petition calling for layoff protections: 'These layoffs and cuts are not difficult decisions, but simply profit being put over the people that make this company run'
Over 4,500 Google workers have signed a union-led petition demanding layoff protections, including guaranteed severance and buyouts, citing profit over people. The petition was delivered to CEO Sundar Pichai's office amidst ongoing tech industry layoffs attributed partly to AI advancements. Google parent company Alphabet's market cap has quadrupled, yet workers feel their contributions are undervalued.
After 15 years, I've got Microsoft's shunned Fable 3 port to work on PC – and it feels like a new RPG
Despite being 16 years old, the PC version of Fable 3 offers a surprisingly fresh RPG experience, especially when run at 4K resolution. The author argues that this version surpasses the current Xbox Game Pass streaming option and advocates for its preservation, suggesting it could serve as a suitable replacement for fans awaiting Fable 4.
New PC tech can turn your digital games into physical cartridges
New PC technology called Kazeta allows users to convert digital PC games into physical cartridges, addressing concerns about digital ownership. While Sony is phasing out physical PlayStation games, independent projects like Kazeta and a Reddit user's Steam game cartridge system offer alternatives. Microsoft is reportedly exploring a feature to convert physical games to digital for future consoles.
Unions accuse Microsoft of having "unlawfully fired people" in unfair labor practice complaints filed over Xbox layoffs
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) and CWA Canada have filed unfair labor practice complaints against Microsoft, alleging unlawful firings and bad-faith bargaining during recent Xbox layoffs. The unions accuse Microsoft of failing to notify or discuss layoffs with them, despite ongoing collective agreement negotiations. An Xbox spokesperson stated the company respects employees' rights and is committed to the bargaining process.
Develop:Brighton showed the UK games industry is done with hand-wringing and is determined to save itself | Opinion
The UK games industry, facing significant layoffs and funding challenges, is shifting from hand-wringing to proactive self-preservation through increased collaboration. Developers are exploring regional hubs, studio collectives, and cross-industry opportunities to ensure resilience and sustainability in a difficult economic climate. While government and private funding initiatives show some promise, securing early-stage prototype funding remains a critical hurdle.
"Id Tech is there, the Doom team is here": Doom: The Dark Ages director pushes back against idea studio have been "nerfed into the ground" by Xbox layoffs
Doom: The Dark Ages director Hugo Martin pushed back against reports that Id Software has been significantly weakened by recent Microsoft layoffs, stating the studio is the same size as when it developed Doom 2016. He emphasized that the id Tech engine is alive and well, with engineers at both Id Software and MachineGames collaborating. Martin also highlighted the commercial success of the Revelations DLC and expressed gratitude for fan support during a difficult time for affected employees.
Grieving Destiny 2 players on Steam boosted the game from 32nd place all the way up to 5th for US active users last…
Destiny 2 experienced a significant surge in player engagement on Steam, climbing from 32nd to 5th place in monthly active US users according to data from Mat Piscatella. This boost occurred following Bungie's final update for the game, despite recent layoffs impacting the Destiny 2 team as Bungie shifts focus to Marathon.
Games Inbox: Are you playing EA Sports FC more because of the World Cup?
Readers discuss their current engagement with EA Sports FC, with some playing less due to the lack of an official World Cup license and the team's performance. Other topics include potential Grand Theft Auto 6 boycotts, Xbox's mobile gaming strategy, the future of console design, and the impact of industry layoffs on studios like id Software.
Grand Theft Auto 6 Hacker Has Been Moved to Prison to Await Retrial
Arion Kurtaj, the hacker responsible for the Grand Theft Auto 6 leak in September 2022, has been moved to a prison to await a retrial in November. Kurtaj, a member of the Lapsus$ hacking group, was previously deemed unfit to stand trial due to acute autism. The leak resulted in 90 videos of an early build of Grand Theft Auto 6 being released online.
Microsoft accused of unfair labor practices by US and Canadian video game unions
Microsoft is facing accusations of unfair labor practices from video game unions in the US and Canada. Charges filed with the National Labor Relations Board specifically allege that Xbox engaged in bad-faith bargaining.
Former PlayStation boss says Sony needs 'more games for more people' to justify a $1,000 PS6
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden believes Sony needs to innovate with game content to justify the projected $1,000 price tag for the PlayStation 6. He argues that focusing on a narrow range of popular titles like Grand Theft Auto 6 limits the industry's reach, and developers should create more diverse games to attract a wider audience.
The team behind Windows NT sent 'black cardboard coffins' and fake dog poop to their rivals back in the 90s,…
Former Microsoft engineer Dave Plummer interviewed Dave Cutler, the chief architect of Windows NT, who recounted aggressive tactics used against rivals like Sun Microsystems and IBM in the 1990s. These included sending black cardboard coffins with a 'Death March' birthday card and fake dog poop to executives.
GOG veterans thank Microsoft and Windows 11 for finding "spectacular ways" to break classic games they're…
GOG's publishing technical manager, Michał Obuchowski, highlights how Windows 11's security changes, such as Administrator Protection and regressions in Directshow, are breaking classic PC games. He emphasizes the importance of DRM-free distribution and preservation initiatives as Microsoft's updates can render older titles unplayable.
Unions take legal action against Microsoft for allegedly mishandling Xbox layoffs
Labor unions in the United States and Canada have filed unfair labor practice charges against Microsoft and its subsidiaries, including Xbox, ZeniMax Media, id Software, and Bethesda Game Studios. The Communications Workers of America (CWA) and CWA Canada allege that Microsoft failed to provide necessary information and engaged in bad faith bargaining regarding recent layoffs, which impacted studios like Bethesda Game Studios and id Software. Legal actions claim Microsoft made unilateral changes and unlawfully terminated employees without proper discussion with the unions.
"It has to make sense for the game" - EA sees a "huge opportunity" for in-game advertising "but it has to be done properly"
Electronic Arts sees a significant opportunity for in-game advertising, provided it is implemented authentically and makes sense within the game's context. EA's Alexander Dao highlighted sports games as a prime area for replicating real-world advertising experiences, but also noted successful non-sports integrations like Coach-branded items in The Sims 4. The company believes designing advertising experiences early in development, especially for free-to-play titles, will lead to more native and flexible integrations.
ZeniMax Online Studios leadership included in Xbox mass layoffs
ZeniMax Online Studios, the developer of The Elder Scrolls Online, is experiencing significant layoffs affecting 379 employees across ZeniMax, including senior leadership. This is part of broader job cuts at Xbox and Microsoft, with some affected employees represented by the Communications Workers of America union. Labor unions have filed unfair labor practice charges against Microsoft for alleged mishandling of these layoffs.
Elder Scrolls Online is "not going to be able to put out the amount of content at the speed" it was, former…
Former Zenimax Online Studios employees report that recent layoffs have significantly reduced the studio's capacity to produce content for The Elder Scrolls Online at its previous pace. Devs estimate some departments are now at a quarter of their former size, impacting the ability to maintain content cadence. The studio's executive producer, studio game director, and production director are among those reportedly let go.
Turns out Microsoft's Secure Boot was little better than a busted lock for about a decade
Microsoft's Secure Boot system has been vulnerable for approximately a decade, allowing malicious code to execute during boot and persist even after OS reinstallation or drive swaps. ESET researchers identified 11 vulnerable UEFI shim bootloaders, which Microsoft has now revoked permissions for. This oversight allowed for potential firmware exploits on both Linux and Windows devices.
Report paints a picture of brutal cord-cutting inside Xbox layoffs: 'Many of us did not know what was happening for…
A report details the chaotic and reportedly "brutal" implementation of recent layoffs at Xbox, with employees being informed via brief, impersonal video calls and having their access revoked swiftly. This has led to significant distress and speculation among remaining staff, exacerbated by a stated intention for further layoffs by 2027.
Counter-Strike 2 for Console Gamers: What Xbox Players Need to Know
Counter-Strike 2, a major PC title, is not planned for a native console release on Xbox due to its design favoring keyboard and mouse input and historical issues with console ports. While direct play on Xbox is unavailable, players can access it via PC Game Pass on a Windows PC or through cloud streaming services like GeForce NOW using the Xbox's Edge browser, though the latter may introduce input lag unsuitable for competitive play.
