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Xbox Support Pledges To Help Customer Reclaim His Hacked Account
Xbox Support has pledged to assist streamer Joshua Khane in recovering his hacked account and data after an initial refusal by Microsoft sparked public outcry. This incident follows recent mass layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division and reports of potential price hikes for Xbox consoles.
Microsoft’s mass layoffs see a fresh management turnover for top MMORPG Elder Scrolls Online
Microsoft has undergone significant management changes at ZeniMax Online Studios following mass layoffs affecting The Elder Scrolls Online team. Studio head Joe Burba, executive producer Susan Kath, production director Alan Diaz, and game director Rich Lambert are departing, with Josh Henderson and Nick Giacomini set to lead a new management team.
Microsoft Says Id Tech Is Safe, Former Staffers Say They’ve Fired Everyone Who Could Save It
Microsoft is facing scrutiny following significant layoffs at id Software, with former employees expressing concern that the studio's proprietary id Tech engine may be discontinued. While Microsoft maintains that id Software has sufficient staff and is committed to id Tech, reports suggest that key personnel responsible for the engine's development were among those let go. This situation raises questions about the future of the engine, which is known for its optimization in first-person shooters, and the broader implications of industry reliance on engines like Unreal Engine 5.
Steam Deck OLED at $789: Should You Still Buy One in 2026?
Valve has significantly increased the prices of the Steam Deck OLED models, with the 512GB version now costing $789 and the 1TB version $949, reflecting global component cost challenges. This article explores whether the three-year-old handheld is still worth purchasing at these new flagship prices, considering alternatives like refurbished units, the used market, and competing devices, while also discussing the broader trend of rising prices in the handheld gaming market.
As Xbox fan goes viral for losing account with games worth "thousands of euros" and their "son's baby pictures," official support says it's "working to restore access"
Streamer Joshua Khane lost access to his Microsoft account, including thousands of euros worth of games and personal photos, after his OneDrive was permanently suspended due to unauthorized access. Xbox Support has acknowledged the issue and stated they are working to restore access to his purchases. This incident highlights the risks associated with digital ownership and account security.
Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Will Probably Look Best On The Console That Costs The Most
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is expected to offer enhanced visual experiences on the PlayStation 5 Pro, leveraging features like PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) for improved graphics and potentially higher framerates. While the PS5 Pro offers the best visual output, its $900 MSRP makes it the most expensive console of the current generation. The game is set to launch on October 23rd, with more details to be revealed at Fanatics Fest.
Report contradicts Microsoft's statements that id Software hasn't been shoved onto Unreal from id Tech: 'It's most likely going to end up in the in the trash can'
A report contradicts Microsoft's statements regarding id Software's engine development, suggesting that the id Tech engine is likely to be abandoned following significant layoffs. An id Software worker claims that the removal of key personnel responsible for maintaining id Tech makes it improbable for the studio to develop future games using it, despite Microsoft's assurances that the engine is still actively supported.
Xbox's gut-wrenching layoffs include the Elder Scrolls Online dev who became studio head around the time of last year's gut-wrenching Xbox layoffs
Microsoft's recent layoffs have impacted the leadership team of The Elder Scrolls Online, including studio head Jo Burba, who recently took on the role. Several key figures have departed, leading to a transition in leadership to Josh Henderson and Nick Giacomini. These changes come after significant job cuts at Xbox and ZeniMax, with concerns raised about the future content output for the MMO.
Xbox layoffs claim leadership of Elder Scrolls Online studio ZeniMax, including a 14-year veteran who was only appointed…
Microsoft's recent Xbox layoffs have significantly impacted ZeniMax Online Studios, leading to the departure of dozens of employees and several key leadership figures, including studio head Joseph Burba. The studio's MMO team has been reduced to a size not seen in over a decade, raising concerns about the future of The Elder Scrolls Online. New leadership, Joshua Henderson and Nick Giacomini, will take over during a transition period.
Xbox laid off hundreds of people in a call that lasted only 60 seconds
Xbox has laid off hundreds of employees across various studios, including id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios, leading to concerns about future game development and the loss of institutional knowledge. Employees report that calls announcing the layoffs were extremely brief, and some feel management is attempting to downplay the severity of the cuts. The future of id Tech, id Software's proprietary engine, is also in question due to the significant talent reduction.
Zenimax Online Studios leadership included in widespread Xbox job cuts, as concerns around Elder Scrolls Online's longevity persist
Zenimax Online Studios, the developer of The Elder Scrolls Online, has seen several senior leadership members and 379 employees impacted by widespread layoffs at Xbox. This follows similar cuts last year and raises concerns about the longevity of the MMO, though the studio insists it remains committed to the game. A new leadership team will be formed from remaining staff over the coming months.
The future of the Elder Scrolls Online looks rocky after culling of leadership team
ZeniMax Online Studios, the developer of The Elder Scrolls Online, has undergone significant leadership changes and layoffs, with over 200 staff members, including studio head Joseph Burba and executive producer Susan Kath, being let go as part of broader Xbox workforce reductions. This follows previous contractions in the studio's headcount, raising concerns about the future development and growth of the game despite assurances from remaining leadership.
Loss of Institutional Knowledge Due to Xbox’s Layoffs is “Staggering”, Says Former Employee
Former employees from Xbox studios, including Bethesda Game Studios, have expressed concern over the significant loss of institutional knowledge due to recent layoffs. They believe these cuts will hinder the development of core franchises like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, despite company statements about focusing on these titles. Morale is reportedly low, with employees feeling insecure about future job stability following multiple rounds of significant job cuts.
Doom: The Dark Ages | Revelations review – the best DLC of the year
This review praises Doom: The Dark Ages | Revelations as an exceptional DLC expansion, calling it one of the best ever made and potentially the best Doom game since the 90s. Despite the recent layoffs at id Software, the expansion successfully blends elements from Doom Eternal and Doom: The Dark Ages, introducing the versatile Chain Spear weapon and improved level design. The DLC is available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Studio Lead Says He Doesn’t Feel Extra Pressure From GTA 6’s Release
Infinity Ward's co-studio head Mark Grigsby stated that the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6 does not add extra pressure to the development of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. Grigsby believes that competition between major titles like Grand Theft Auto 6, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, and Fortnite is healthy for the gaming industry. Both games are set to release in late 2024 for current-generation consoles and PC.
Beyond the Review Score: The Invisible Grind For Our Collective Attention Span
Modern game reviews increasingly prioritize user experience factors like onboarding, UI design, and customer support over traditional metrics. Factors such as time-to-play, seamless signup processes, and mobile optimization are now critical for player retention and overall game success. Companies like Microsoft are actively refining their platforms, such as the Xbox home screen, to reduce friction and improve user engagement.
Morning Tech Bits
This article provides a brief update on various software versions, including Visual Studio Code 1.128.1, Visual Studio 2026 18.8.0, SQL Server Management Studio 22.8.0, Notepad++ v8.9.7, Evernote 11.25.6, and TeraCopy for Windows 4.0.3.2. It also mentions UniGetUI.
Making Fallout and Elder Scrolls games will "be harder than ever now" following Xbox cuts, say laid-off Bethesda devs calling loss of institutional knowledge "staggering"
Former Bethesda Game Studios developers report that recent layoffs at Xbox, impacting dozens of staff, will make developing core franchises like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls significantly harder. They expressed concern over the staggering loss of institutional knowledge and its potential impact on future projects, including The Elder Scrolls 6.
Laid-off id Software devs "cannot imagine a path forward where they make another game in id Tech," despite the…
Former id Software developers express doubt about the studio's ability to create future games using the id Tech engine following significant layoffs by Microsoft. Despite a statement from id Software claiming they retain sufficient staff, affected employees believe the loss of institutional knowledge makes continued development of the engine unlikely. This comes as Bethesda reportedly plans to focus on major franchises, including those built on id Tech.
Minecraft promo codes for Jul 2026 | 10% OFF
This guide details how to use promotional codes for Minecraft merchandise purchased through the official Minecraft Shop. It clarifies that these codes are not valid for digital products or console store purchases. The article also outlines shipping options, the returns policy, and various saving tips, including sales, volume discounts, newsletter sign-ups, and how PC Gamer sources and tests coupon codes.
