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Magic: The Gathering Arena staff unionize with CWA, citing forced RTO, AI use, and crunch culture
Over one hundred Wizards of the Coast employees working on Magic: The Gathering Arena have formed a union called United Wizards of the Coast, partnering with the Communications Workers of America. The union cites issues such as forced return-to-office mandates, pay discrepancies, forced AI use, and crunch culture as reasons for organizing. This effort is part of a growing trend of unionization within the gaming industry.
Xbox has changed its name and backtracked on Game Pass prices, but is it too little too late?
Xbox has reverted its branding to its original name and rolled back recent Game Pass Ultimate price increases, though day-one Call of Duty releases are now excluded. New CEO Asha Sharma aims to re-center the company on its console identity after a period of perceived dilution and unpopular decisions under the previous Microsoft Gaming structure.
In lamenting World of Warcraft’s decline, ex-Blizzard boss is trying to find the guy who did this
Former Blizzard president Mike Ybarra has been critical of World of Warcraft's current state on Twitter, suggesting the game needs a complete reset. This criticism comes despite Ybarra's own tenure being marked by declining player numbers and controversial studio decisions, including a studio meeting that demoralized staff and a handling of profit-sharing bonuses and remote work policies that led to significant talent loss.
OpenAI breaks out of exclusivity agreements in its partnership with Microsoft
OpenAI has amended its partnership with Microsoft, removing exclusivity clauses that previously bound OpenAI to Microsoft's cloud services. OpenAI can now offer its AI models to other companies and use any cloud provider, though Microsoft remains its primary partner. This change allows for greater flexibility and broader distribution of AI benefits.
Microsoft is updating Windows Update, creating a fractal of fixes that target shutdown and reboot settings, scheduling…
Microsoft is implementing significant changes to Windows Update to improve user experience and provide more control over the update process. New features include the ability to skip updates during installation, a calendar interface for pausing updates up to 35 days in advance, and options to shut down or restart without forced updates. These changes aim to reduce the frequency of reboots and address user complaints about update obtrusiveness.
Morning Tech Bits
This article examines the effectiveness of Windows 11 debloat tools in improving system performance. It also touches upon the costs incurred by San Francisco tech companies for police protection.
In Kiln, Creating "Weird Little Guys" Is More Important Censorship
Kiln director Derek Brand discusses Double Fine's approach to player creativity and content moderation in the pottery party brawler. The game prioritizes enabling players to express themselves, offering moderation tools as options rather than limitations. Brand also touches on the game's development, its multiplayer-focused nature, and the support from Microsoft and Rare.
Tre guldkorn från Blizzards tidiga år
This article looks back at the early years of Blizzard Entertainment, when the company was known as Silicon & Synapse. It highlights three Super Nintendo Entertainment System titles: The Lost Vikings, Blackthorne, and Rock n' Roll Racing, showcasing Blizzard's early genre diversity and design philosophy before their major success with PC titles like Warcraft and World of Warcraft.
Gaming Parent Ready to Pass the Controller to Next Generation | HappyGamer
Gaming is evolving into a generational tradition, with parents who grew up playing now sharing the hobby with their children. This shift is recognized by companies like Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft, who are developing family-friendly features and content. While challenges like online toxicity and microtransactions remain, gaming increasingly serves as a powerful tool for intergenerational connection and shared experiences.
Xbox boss: Memory crisis could impact next-gen hardware availability and pricing
Xbox boss Asha Sharma has indicated that ongoing memory chip shortages, driven by AI data center demand, could impact the pricing and availability of next-generation hardware, codenamed Project Helix. While development kits are set to ship in 2027, a consumer launch timeline remains unconfirmed due to the dynamic market conditions. Sharma emphasized a focus on building a great console and offering flexible pricing, despite potential cost increases.
Call of Duty was never the right fit for Game Pass | Opinion
Microsoft has reversed its strategy of including Call of Duty titles on Game Pass at launch and has rolled back recent subscription price hikes. The company realized that the franchise's core audience is not primarily interested in subscription services, and the inclusion of Call of Duty did not drive expected growth or justify lost sales revenue. This move aims to correct a strategic misstep by better aligning Game Pass value with its existing subscriber base and acknowledging the distinct market segments within gaming.
People Can Fly acquires Cooldown Games to establish dedicated publishing vertical
People Can Fly has acquired Texas-based publisher Cooldown Games, which was founded by former Gearbox Publishing veterans. This acquisition establishes a dedicated publishing vertical for People Can Fly, allowing them to internalize their go-to-market strategy and pursue third-party publishing agreements. Cooldown Games will operate as an independent division within the People Can Fly Group.
Valve could sell the Steam Machine at a loss, and that would be a win for everyone
Valve may sell the Steam Machine at a loss initially to encourage lower MSRPs from console makers. Rumors suggest the Steam Controller will launch on May 4 for $99, potentially helping to recoup hardware losses. This strategy mirrors traditional console makers who sell hardware at a loss to drive game and add-on sales.
You can save £100 on this Ryzen Z2 Extreme-powered MSI Claw A8 handheld from Cyberpower
Cyberpower is offering a £100 discount on the MSI Claw A8 handheld PC, reducing its price to £749. This model features AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, 24GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and an 8-inch 1920x1200 IPS touchscreen. While capable of running demanding games at lower settings, it offers a more affordable entry point for high-end handheld gaming.
Games Inbox: Which is better out of Pragmata and Saros?
Readers debate the merits of new sci-fi third-person shooters Pragmata and Saros, with one reader expressing difficulty choosing between them due to simultaneous release and cost. Other topics include the potential impact of Grand Theft Auto 6, the value of Vampire Survivors, Microsoft's Xbox strategy, and recommendations for games similar to Mad Max.
MMO Week in Review: Evercold, Aion 2, and EQ Legends
This week in the MMORPG genre saw the reveal of Final Fantasy XIV's 'Evercold' expansion for January 2027, alongside confirmations for Aion 2's global launch this year. Several other titles like Embers of the Uncrowned, RF Online Next, Palia, EverQuest Legends, and Loftia also had significant updates or beta launches.
Xbox CEO Wants the Platform to be “Open for More People to Create”
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and Chief Content Officer Matt Booty discussed their vision for making the Xbox platform more open for creators and players, aiming for greater affordability in hardware and services. While specific plans for devices like the ASUS ROG Ally are not yet concrete, Sharma emphasized a commitment to performance and accessibility. Booty also touched on adapting to changing player expectations regarding social features and game approachability.
Forced Windows updates can now be paused forever
Microsoft is implementing significant changes to Windows Update, allowing users to indefinitely pause updates for up to 35 days at a time. These updates, which can now be reset as often as desired, are a response to user feedback regarding disruptive update schedules. The company is also ensuring users can shut down or restart their devices without installing updates, with these features currently rolling out to Windows Insiders.
Erik Wolpaw, co-writer of Portal and Portal 2 adores Burnout Paradise and has 1,500 hours in Slay the Spire: 'This…
Writer Erik Wolpaw, known for his work on Portal and Portal 2, discusses his extensive gaming history and current preferences. He expresses a deep affection for Slay the Spire, having accumulated over 1,500 hours, and also highlights Burnout Paradise as a game he will never uninstall. Wolpaw also touches on his experiences with Soulslike games like Nioh and Dark Souls 3, and his appreciation for the strategic depth of Slay the Spire.
Xbox Makes Comeback Play, Drops Microsoft Gaming Rebrand Under New Chief | HappyGamer
Microsoft has reinstated the Xbox name for its gaming division, abandoning the 'Microsoft Gaming' rebrand. New Xbox chief Asha Sharma announced the decision, emphasizing that 'Xbox needs to be our identity.' The move includes updating logos across all console generations. Sharma is also reportedly re-evaluating the company's exclusive games strategy and windowed releases.
