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Microsoft business and news from across the web.
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Xbox just announced its brand new controller, and it's far from the pro pad we all expected
Microsoft has unveiled the Xbox Nano Controller, a compact and portable gamepad priced at $49.99. While not a pro-grade controller, it aims to offer official Xbox connectivity and controls in a pocket-friendly form factor, targeting on-the-go players and children. It will also be bundled with Samsung TVs and Meta Quest devices later this year.
Jeff Kaplan Was An Industry Icon, Now Peers Ignore His Emails: Ex-Overwatch Director Talks “Humbling” Reality Of Indie Dev
Former Overwatch director Jeff Kaplan discusses the humbling transition from AAA development at Blizzard to leading his independent studio, Kintsugiyama, and its debut title, The Legend of California. He reflects on the challenges of indie development, including industry contacts ignoring his emails, and emphasizes the importance of a developer-run studio focused on creative integrity over corporate mandates. Kaplan also shares personal inspirations for The Legend of California, drawing from his upbringing in California and his father's love for Westerns.
Xbox Nano Controller Announced, And It’s So Small
Microsoft has announced the Xbox Nano Controller, a new, smaller, and more affordable controller designed for portability and smaller hands. It features all 18 standard gameplay buttons and a programmable action button, costing $50 USD. Bundles with Samsung TVs and Meta Quest headsets are also planned, though cloud streaming usage may eventually incur additional costs.
Meet the XBOX Nano Controller
Microsoft has unveiled the Xbox Nano Controller, a compact and lightweight accessory designed for portability and accessibility, priced at $49.99 USD. It features all standard gameplay inputs and supports Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth connectivity. Bundles with Game Pass Ultimate are available with select Samsung TVs and Meta Quest purchases.
'AI godfather' worries we're creating 'alien beings' with artificial intelligence, with pesky…
Geoffrey Hinton, a pioneer in AI, expresses deep concerns about the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, likening current models to 'alien beings' and warning of the need for rapid adaptation. He argues that AI models possess a form of understanding and that humanity has a moral obligation towards them, while also criticizing the tech industry's self-regulation efforts. The article also includes commentary from an expert who questions the notion of AI consciousness and suggests that claims of AI sentience may be a tactic to maintain industry momentum.
Asha Sharma announces Xbox Labs project to "explore new technology," which sure sounds like tinkering with old games through AI
Asha Sharma announced the creation of Xbox Labs, a new R&D initiative focused on exploring emerging technologies like AI for game remixing and rejigging. While Microsoft clarified AI usage won't be mandatory, the initiative aims to turn new ideas into player experiences, potentially by decompiling and rebuilding old games or making new ones more moddable. The article expresses skepticism about the initiative's true goals, linking it to recent layoffs and a focus on existing franchises.
Epic says its new 'vibe coded' Epic Games Store launcher is faster than Steam
Epic Games has released a new preview client for its Epic Games Store launcher, claiming it is significantly faster than Steam. The rebuild, which Epic refers to as 'vibe coded,' features a redesigned library and utilizes AI tools for development. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney is bullish on AI's potential to enhance game development across the company.
GTA 6 was delayed partially because the amount of NPCs was 'horrifying' and required a dedicated studio full…
Grand Theft Auto 6 experienced a delay to November due to the 'horrifying' number of NPCs required for its detailed world, necessitating the creation of a dedicated studio. Developers Rob Nelson and Phil Hooker discussed how the scope led to a date shift to ensure the game's quality. The article also touches on the industry's reliance on AI versus human writers for background details.
Former game-seller Zavvi enters administration again and "is unable to fulfil any outstanding orders or pre-orders"
Former game retailer Zavvi has entered administration for the second time, ceasing all trading and stating it cannot fulfill outstanding orders or pre-orders. Customers who have paid for undelivered goods are advised to contact their payment providers. Separately, Microsoft's Xbox division has launched Xbox Labs, a new initiative led by Scott Van Vliet to explore emerging trends in game development and player experiences, particularly in the context of rapid game decompilation and remixing, though it avoids explicit mention of AI.
Microsoft reveals Xbox Labs and it's desperately pretending it's not about AI
Microsoft has announced the formation of Xbox Labs, a new division focused on experimenting with 'emerging ideas' in response to AI-driven game modding and browser-based games. Led by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, who previously worked on AI at Microsoft, the division aims to explore new possibilities in game accessibility and player creation without explicitly mentioning generative AI. The initiative, headed by CTO Scott Van Vliet, is intended to leverage Xbox's expertise in game development to shape future technologies, though the article expresses skepticism about the venture's tangible outcomes and potential monetization.
The Best Gaming Options For Gen X
This article explores the best gaming options available for Generation X, highlighting how the hobby has evolved from arcade cabinets and early home computers to fit modern lifestyles. It covers retro classics that still hold up, modern adventures for longer sessions, family-friendly titles, and popular slot games.
Xbox announces what sounds like a generative AI-focused game-making department, Xbox Labs, while avoiding mentioning AI
Xbox has launched Xbox Labs, a new initiative led by CTO Scott Van Vliet, to explore emerging trends in game development, particularly those related to generative AI and code manipulation. CEO Asha Sharma announced the initiative, emphasizing its role in understanding how players and developers interact with new technologies, while notably avoiding direct mention of AI in the announcement.
Xbox CEO reportedly warns firm will "not survive" if it only relies on existing franchises
Xbox boss Asha Sharma reportedly warned that the company will not survive if it solely relies on existing franchises, emphasizing the need for new intellectual property to reach new audiences. This comes amid recent cancellations of new IP projects like Everwild and Project Mara, and proposed studio closures. Sharma also noted that Xbox is beginning to see growth after a period of decline and announced the creation of Xbox Labs to test new ideas and technologies.
Xbox Nano Controller Announced, Launches in November for $50
Microsoft has announced the Xbox Nano controller, its smallest controller ever, designed for portability and priced at $49.99. It features wireless and Bluetooth support, making it compatible with PC and consoles. The announcement comes as Xbox Cloud Gaming prepares to implement hour caps for Game Pass subscribers, a change that has been met with negative reception.
Xbox Labs is a New Team That Will Turn “Emerging Ideas” Into Things That Can be Experienced
Xbox has launched a new initiative called Xbox Labs, led by CTO Scott van Vliet, to explore making older console games accessible in web browsers. CEO Asha Sharma stated the team will focus on emerging ideas, leveraging advancements in game decompilation and AI, with a commitment to transparency and sharing tools with the industry.
Rockstar’s Next Game Won’t Take 8 Years, as GTA 6 Tools Allow Team to “Do Things More Quickly”
Rockstar Games technical director Phil Hooker stated that the development tools and team built for Grand Theft Auto 6 will allow for quicker content creation in future projects, potentially reducing the long wait times between major releases. The game is set to launch on November 19th for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5, with a PC version reportedly planned for early 2027.
Microsoft Flight Simulator Releases National Championship Air Races and New Aircraft Pack Today
Microsoft Flight Simulator has released its National Championship Air Races content and a new aircraft pack today. The update introduces air racing elements to the simulation.
Xbox is forming a whole division in response to the vibe-coded game recomp explosion – "These are unmistakably good outcomes for players"
Microsoft has launched Xbox Labs, a new division focused on exploring emerging ideas inspired by community game recompilation projects. Led by Xbox boss Asha Sharma, the initiative aims to leverage technologies like AI coding to improve game accessibility and give old games new life, even if it challenges existing business models. This move comes amid a surge in community-driven recomps for classic titles.
Xbox announces Xbox Labs, a new initiative to trial emerging ideas and "new technology"
Xbox has announced the creation of Xbox Labs, a new internal unit focused on testing emerging ideas and new technologies, with a particular emphasis on user feedback. Led by CEO Asha Sharma, the initiative aims to rapidly develop and iterate on tools, products, and features, potentially leveraging AI and other advancements to enhance game accessibility and creation.
Introducing XBOX LABS
Microsoft has announced the formation of Xbox Labs, a new initiative focused on exploring emerging technologies and their potential impact on gaming. Led by Scott, the group will investigate areas like AI, cloud gaming, and game preservation, aiming to make games more accessible and empower players as creators.
