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I've spent 30 years with Microsoft but Linux and Pop! OS might have converted me
After 30 years of using Microsoft Windows, the author details their experience switching to Pop! OS, a Linux distribution. While praising Pop! OS for its responsiveness and customization, the author notes challenges with app availability and performance in certain games compared to Windows. Despite these drawbacks, the author expresses a continued interest in exploring Linux further.
Mixtape is at the center of another tedious culture war discourse, and I think I know why
The game Mixtape has become a focal point for online discourse and culture war debates, despite receiving widespread critical acclaim. The author argues that the game's focus on nostalgia and its publisher's ties to tech billionaire Larry Ellison have fueled these discussions, rather than any perceived insincerity in reviews or developer intent. The article suggests that the varied reception of Mixtape is a natural consequence of its nostalgic themes, which can resonate differently with players based on their own experiences.
Gears of War: E-Day-datumet kan ha antytts
A trailer for the WWE wrestling event Triplemania 34, sponsored by Microsoft, may have hinted at a September release for Gears of War: E-Day. The event takes place from September 11-13, suggesting a potential release window to avoid the November launch of Grand Theft Auto VI. An official release date may be revealed during the Xbox Games Showcase on June 7.
Microsoft Israel boss leaves after investigation into whether IDF contracts broke Microsoft's code of ethics
Alon Haimovich, the general manager of Microsoft Israel, has departed following an internal investigation into the company's contracts with the Israeli Defense Forces' intelligence units. The investigation reportedly found breaches of Microsoft's code of ethics, extending beyond initial concerns about Unit 8200. This departure follows protests and boycotts against Microsoft's work with the IDF.
SEGA Has Cancelled Its Super Game Project, And Is Moving Away From Live-Service
Sega has officially canceled its five-year-old Super Game Project, reallocating resources from free-to-play and live-service development to focus on full game releases. The company plans to launch eight full games by fiscal year 2028, shifting approximately 100 employees from F2P to full game development teams. This strategic shift comes after significant investment in the Super Game project, which aimed to blend arcade expertise with emerging trends like cloud gaming and NFTs.
Sega kills ‘super game’ initiative and abandons live service plans
Sega has officially scrapped its 'super game' initiative and abandoned its broader live service plans, citing struggles with free-to-play titles like Sonic Rumble Party and the unsuccessful integration of Rovio. While the future of projects like Jet Set Radio and Crazy Taxi remains uncertain regarding their live service elements, Sega is reallocating over 100 developers to focus on mainstay IPs and traditional game development.
Jobs roundup: May 2026 | Two Point Studios appoints Jo Koehler as COO
This article rounds up recent executive appointments and transitions within the gaming industry. Jo Koehler has been promoted to COO at Two Point Studios, Joshua Yguado is stepping down as CEO of Jam City, and Alset Studio has expanded its leadership team with several new appointments. Other notable moves include Ed Nightingale's promotion at Premier PR and Daniela Pietrosanu joining Electronic Arts.
Microsoft Flight Simulator Australia update brings Aussie landmarks, bushfires and more
The latest world update for Microsoft Flight Simulator focuses on Australia, introducing over 30 new handcrafted points of interest, discovery flights, and legendary aircraft. A special firefighting mission, developed in partnership with the NSW Rural Fire Service, is also included. The update highlights Australia's significant aviation presence and features photogrammetry for 40 major cities.
Psychonauts developer Double Fine will unionise with CWA
Double Fine, the studio behind Psychonauts, is unionizing with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) alongside other Microsoft game studios. The CWA confirmed that Double Fine workers are forming a union to preserve commitments to creative excellence, diversity, inclusion, and worker quality of life. Microsoft has adopted a neutral stance regarding the unionization efforts.
Games Inbox: What Nintendo Switch 2 games will be announced in June?
Readers speculate on upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 game announcements, potential price increases, and the possibility of a FromSoftware pirate game. Discussions also touch on game review scores, saving for next-generation consoles like the PlayStation 6, and the potential for director's cuts of games like Resident Evil Requiem.
We Loved Oblivion Remastered, But One Year Later, It Still Has Big Problems
One year after its release, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, despite initial praise for its overhauled visuals and gameplay fixes, continues to suffer from significant bugs and performance issues. Post-launch support from Virtuos was minimal, with only two updates addressing crashes before the studio seemingly abandoned the game, leaving players dissatisfied and questioning Microsoft and Bethesda's commitment to supporting their remasters.
Tokyo Game Show 2026 Gets New Teaser Video Showcasing its Key Visuals
The Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association has released a teaser video for Tokyo Game Show 2026, which will run from September 17th to 21st and celebrate the event's 30th anniversary. The longest TGS to date will feature five days of activities, with applications for exhibitors closing on May 22nd. The association aims to maximize exhibition space and attract a wider range of participants, including international press and influencers.
Discord Nitro subscriptions now come with a 'starter edition' of Xbox Game Pass
Discord Nitro subscribers will now receive a 'starter edition' of Xbox Game Pass, granting access to over 50 PC and console games. This partnership between Discord and Microsoft aims to add value to the Nitro subscription service with a rotating library of titles.
Issues and Activism
Electronic Arts' headquarters in Redwood was reportedly 'raided' as a protest against a potential takeover by Saudi Arabia. Separately, Microsoft fired the head of its Israeli subsidiary and other managers due to allegations of surveillance on Palestinians.
Fallout 4 and Stardew Valley lead new Xbox Game Pass "starter edition" tier for Discord Nitro subscribers
Xbox Game Pass is now available in a limited capacity for Discord Nitro subscribers, featuring games like Fallout 4 and Stardew Valley. This partnership aims to make Game Pass more flexible and accessible, following recent price adjustments and statements from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma about the service being too expensive.
Minecraft Safety Score: Java vs Bedrock Edition (2026) | TAG
This analysis compares the safety features of Minecraft's Java and Bedrock Editions, assigning Bedrock a score of 70/100 and Java 58/100. Bedrock benefits from Microsoft's Xbox ecosystem safety infrastructure, offering robust parental controls and centralized moderation, while Java's safety is highly dependent on individual server operators. Both editions would benefit from greater transparency in moderation data.
Microsoft fires head of Israeli subsidiary and other managers over surveillance of Palestinians
Microsoft has dismissed the general manager of its Israeli subsidiary, Alon Haimovich, and other managers following an internal investigation. This action is a consequence of a report detailing Israel's use of Microsoft Azure cloud services for surveillance in the occupied West Bank, raising concerns about legal liability in Europe and human rights issues.
Double Fine petitions to unionize
Double Fine Productions, a Microsoft-owned studio, has filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to unionize with the Communication Workers of America. Approximately 42 employees are included in the union effort, which aims to preserve the studio's commitments to creative excellence and worker quality of life. Microsoft has stated a neutral approach to the organizing efforts.
The Forza Horizon 6 ban reminds us that Playground Games hates modding
A player has reportedly received a ban in Forza Horizon 6 until the year 9999, citing modding as the reason. This incident highlights Playground Games' strict stance against modding, a sentiment echoed from previous titles like Forza Horizon 5. The ban may also be related to the game being played via a pirated copy, which was accidentally leaked online.
How to get Xbox Game Pass free with Discord Nitro
Subscribers to Discord Nitro can claim a free Starter Edition of Xbox Game Pass, which includes over 50 games and 10 hours of cloud gaming monthly. The promotion is part of Discord's Nitro Rewards program. Users can claim the offer through the Nitro Home page in the Discord app by linking their Microsoft account.