Mojang
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Minecraft 26.60 update out now, patch notes
Minecraft has released update version 26.60, introducing the new Ice Cave biome with unique blocks like Ice Crystals and Icicles, and adding new mobs such as the Frostbite. The update also addresses over 600 bug fixes across various game systems, including accessibility, gameplay, and graphical elements. New features and improvements are detailed for multiple platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Android.
Minecraft Nintendo Switch 2 launch trailer
Mojang Studios has released a new launch trailer for Minecraft on the Nintendo Switch 2, featuring a dedicated version for the console. The update includes "Vibrant Visuals" for enhanced graphics and a "Super Mario Mash-Up Pack" with Mario-themed content. The article highlights the game's sandbox nature, exploration, survival elements, and cross-platform play options.
Netflix reportedly offered $500m to Microsoft to license Xbox IP for seven years
Netflix reportedly offered Microsoft $500 million over seven years for the rights to adapt Xbox intellectual property for film and television. Xbox executives, including Asha Sharma, allegedly declined the offer and counter-proposed $800 million. The deal appears to have been withdrawn following the departure of Netflix's former chief content officer, Bela Bajaria.
Xbox Veteran Who Just Got Promoted Under Asha Sharma Promptly Leaves Amid Mysterious Circumstances
Xbox's first Chief Operating Officer, Helen Chiang, has departed the company shortly after her promotion under CEO Asha Sharma. While the exact reasons remain unclear, sources suggest termination for policy violations. Chiang had a 20-year tenure at Microsoft, playing a role in Xbox Live and Mojang. Her exit follows a period of poor performance for Xbox hardware and services.
Xbox Chief Operating Officer Departs After 3 Months
Helen Chiang has departed from her role as Xbox chief operating officer after only three months. Her departure follows a 21-year tenure at Microsoft, during which she was involved with titles like Minecraft and led Mojang. This exit is part of a broader trend of leadership changes and layoffs within Xbox.
Xbox's Helen Chiang exits after 21 years, but only 3 months as COO
Helen Chiang has departed Xbox after over 21 years with Microsoft, having recently been appointed as Xbox's first Chief Operating Officer just three months prior. Chiang previously led the Minecraft division for over a decade. No specific reason was given for her departure, and Xbox CEO Asha Sharma indicated that the future of the COO position would be announced later.
Xbox is crazy if it thinks making Fallout and Minecraft exclusive will work - Reader's Feature
A reader argues that Microsoft's consideration of making major franchises like Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, and Minecraft exclusive to Xbox consoles is a desperate and flawed strategy. The author criticizes Xbox's inconsistent decision-making and believes such exclusivity would alienate players and fail to revive the brand's former glory.
Celebrating the Next Generation of Latin American Game Creators
Xbox is actively supporting and highlighting the vibrant game development scene across Latin America through initiatives like the ID@Xbox Developer Acceleration Program and Xbox Game Camp. The article showcases six upcoming games from the region, including Mariachi Legends, Colorbound, Sky Dust, Treetopians, GHOSTLESS, and Greak 2: Alliance of the Storms, emphasizing their unique cultural integrations and innovative gameplay.
Trollheim: Gnomes Announced, Survival Crafting In Nordic Folklore
Trollheim: Gnomes, a survival crafting game set in Nordic folklore, has been announced by former Mojang developers. The game aims to foster curiosity and collaboration within its Dark Forest setting.
Trollheim: Gnomes Aims to Bring the Mystery and Whimsy of Nordic Folklore to a Survival Crafting Game
Trollheim: Gnomes is a new PC survival crafting game inspired by Nordic folklore, developed by former Mojang employees. The game aims to differentiate itself in a crowded genre by making combat optional, focusing on mystery and whimsy.
New Minecraft update adds extra danger to the Ice Caves, and a handy music playlist
A new Minecraft update introduces Brittle Ice blocks to the Ice Caves biome, which break when players or mobs stand on them, with a special exception for the Frostbite Zombie. The update also enhances Jukeboxes by allowing them to play music discs from an adjacent chest in sequence. Additionally, Zombies, Drowned, and Husks are now immune to the Freezing status effect.
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.
MMO Business Roundup: EU cash shop currency crackdown, Nvidia’s GPU halt, and Steam’s player numbers
This MMO industry roundup covers several key developments: the EU is investigating Activision Blizzard, Mojang, Riot Games, and Ubisoft over cash shop currency practices. Steam has set new player concurrency records, exceeding 43 million users online. Additionally, unconfirmed reports suggest Nvidia is halting production of the RTX 5090 GPU to prioritize AI hardware, potentially increasing prices and making the RTX 5080 the top consumer card.
The EU Is Coming For Gaming’s Most Manipulative Monetization Tactics
European consumer protection authorities are taking action against 10 video game companies, including Activision Blizzard and Ubisoft, for employing "dark patterns" and manipulative monetization tactics. These practices, such as selling in-game currency in fixed bundles that force overspending and obscuring real-world costs, are accused of putting minors and vulnerable individuals at risk of gaming addiction. Some games like Fortnite are beginning to offer exact currency purchases, but many still rely on exploitative bundle deals.
Xbox CEO unveils 'new Xbox division' for game-adjacent ventures named 'XP'
Xbox has launched a new division named XP, which will manage non-gaming ventures such as film and TV production, live events, and product creation. The division, led by Mojang's Kayleen Walters, aims to expand the Xbox brand's reach through transmedia projects like the upcoming Minecraft movie sequel and physical events like Blizzcon. This announcement comes amidst recent layoffs and a strategic "reset" initiative within the Xbox division.
Xbox puts former Reddit and Facebook exec in charge of Minecraft studio Mojang
Xbox has appointed Maria Angelidou-Smith, formerly of Meta and Reddit, as the new CEO of Mojang Studios, the developer behind Minecraft. This change occurs amidst broader restructuring within Xbox and raises concerns about a potential shift towards user retention and monetization strategies over community focus.
As it lays off developers and closes studios, Xbox gets into the movie business
Xbox has launched a new division called Xbox XP, focusing on film, television, merchandise, partnerships, and live experiences, headed by former Mojang president Kayleen Walters. This move comes as Xbox is undergoing significant layoffs and studio closures, drawing criticism for prioritizing expensive new ventures over game development staff.
Xbox’s XP Is A Fancy New Name, But We’re Failing To See What’s Really Different Here
Xbox has announced a new division called XP, overseeing investments in media, products, places, and partnerships, led by Kayleen Walters. Despite the rebranding, the article suggests this is largely a reshuffling of existing efforts with no new concrete investments in film or TV announced, and questions the timing given recent studio closures and layoffs. This announcement comes as Xbox hardware sales reportedly declined significantly.
Xbox XP is the company’s new film and TV division
Xbox has launched a new division called Xbox XP, which will focus on film, television, live events, and consumer products related to its gaming franchises. The division aims to bring Xbox properties to wider audiences through various media and experiences, led by Kayleen Walters.
Xbox aim to wring more cash out of the games they've not cast into oblivion by launching new licensing arm and handing Minecraft to ex-Meta monetisation lead
Xbox is launching a new licensing division, Xbox Products (XP), to generate more revenue from its major game franchises through film, TV, merchandise, and events. This initiative comes as Xbox undergoes significant layoffs, with a total of 3200 employees being let go. Mojang, the developer of Minecraft, has appointed Maria Angelidou-Smith, formerly of Meta, as its new CEO, bringing extensive experience in product and monetization but no direct gaming industry background.
