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Rare business and news from across the web.- The $69 Billion Hangover: Every Xbox Layoff Since The Activision Blizzard MergerMicrosoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion has been followed by significant layoffs and studio closures within its Xbox division. These cuts, described by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma as a "reset" due to an unhealthy business, have impacted thousands of employees and led to the cancellation of several game projects across various studios since January 2024.
Microsoft confirms 3200 layoffs and four studio departuresMicrosoft has confirmed significant layoffs affecting approximately 3,200 employees across its Xbox business, including 1,600 on the day of the announcement. Four studios, Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs, will either become independent or find new ownership, while Arkane Studios faces strategic review. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma cited slower-than-expected growth in Game Pass, multi-platform strategies, and content portfolio as reasons for the restructuring, which will also involve reducing management layers.
What was the first videogame song that you ever heard?This article explores the personal impact of videogame music, starting with the author's first memorable experience with Killer Instinct Gold on the Nintendo 64. It discusses how various game soundtracks have shaped musical tastes and invites readers to share their own formative VGM memories.
Get ready to set sail with these 6 games to play before Assassin's Creed Black Flag ResyncedThis article recommends six games to play before the release of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced on July 9. The list includes titles like Windrose, Final Fantasy 12: The Zodiac Age, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, Sea of Thieves, Assassin's Creed Odyssey, and Assassin's Creed 3 Remastered, all of which feature pirate themes, naval combat, or connections to the Assassin's Creed universe.- Rare added to the list of Xbox studios under threatRumors suggest that Microsoft is planning significant layoffs across several Xbox studios, including Rare, Bethesda, and Arkane, with some studios potentially facing closure or sale. This follows recent layoffs at Bungie and Microsoft pulling out of a partnership with IO Interactive. The reported motivation behind these potential cuts is a focus on profitability by new Microsoft management.
Sea of Thieves Developer Rare is “On the Block” Ahead of Xbox’s Mass Layoffs – RumorReports suggest that Sea of Thieves developer Rare may be affected by upcoming mass layoffs at Xbox, potentially impacting over 1,000 staff. While the studio's closure is not confirmed, this follows previous restructuring after the cancellation of Everwild. Layoffs are reportedly expected around July 6th.
Donkey Kong 64 PC recompilation rejects "AI vibe coding" as devs try to build a port of "actually good quality before our competitor releases their poorly made one"Developers working on a PC recompilation of Donkey Kong 64 have announced their project to preempt a potentially lower-quality version being developed by a competitor. The team emphasizes their commitment to high quality, rejecting the use of AI-generated code, and aims to release their version later this summer.
Banjo-Kazooie unreleased music tracks discoveredRare's handheld version of Banjo-Kazooie for the HyperMegaTech Super Pocket Rare Edition includes over 20 previously unreleased beta music tracks. These unused compositions, some of which were later repurposed in Banjo-Tooie, can be unlocked and listened to using the original Nintendo 64 soundfont. The discovery offers a unique glimpse into the development of the classic Nintendo 64 title.
Turns out the Banjo-Kazooie Super Pocket handheld has a secret music player full of never-before-heard tracksThe Rare Super Pocket handheld, featuring Banjo-Kazooie, contains a secret music player with over 20 unreleased tracks from the original game and Banjo-Tooie. These beta tracks, including early level themes, can be unlocked after completing the game or by viewing them on YouTube. The handheld also offers a budget-friendly way to experience the classic 3D platformer.
Feature: 10 N64 Games We Played In A Wondrous Alternate TimelineThis article explores a hypothetical alternate timeline where the Nintendo 64 achieved greater market success, imagining 10 games that could have been released. It speculates on potential N64 entries for series like Fire Emblem, Tekken, Metroid, and Final Fantasy, and discusses what might have been if sequels to GoldenEye 007 and Super Mario 64 were prioritized.
Xbox has over a dozen film and TV adaptations in the works, including a Sea of Thieves movie from Spider-Man's…Xbox is developing a live-action movie based on the pirate adventure game Sea of Thieves, in partnership with Destin Daniel Cretton's production company Hisako Films. This adaptation is part of Xbox's broader slate of video game-to-screen projects, which includes upcoming films for Gears of War and Death Stranding, and a TV show for Wolfenstein. No director or writer has been attached to the Sea of Thieves movie yet.
They're making a Sea of Thieves movie and the more I think about it, the more I'm into itA movie adaptation of the video game Sea of Thieves is in early development, with Destin Daniel Cretton set to produce. While a director has not yet been attached, Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty highlighted the game's social and cooperative community as key elements. The article contrasts this with the announcement of a Call of Duty movie, suggesting Sea of Thieves has a stronger premise due to its less defined narrative.
Sea of Thieves live action movie is in developmentA live-action movie based on the video game Sea of Thieves is in development, with Destin Daniel Cretton's production company Hisako Films attached. While Cretton is not directing, the project is moving forward with a focus on the game's distinct tone and social community aspects. Xbox is actively pursuing video game adaptations, having already seen success with properties like Halo and Fallout.- Sea of Thieves Live-Action Movie in Development, Microsoft ConfirmsMicrosoft has confirmed that a live-action movie based on the pirate adventure game Sea of Thieves is in development. The adaptation is being handled by Microsoft, with Rare's popular title serving as the source material.
5 promising games recently cancelled by MicrosoftMicrosoft has recently cancelled several promising game projects, including 'Odyssey,' 'Everwild,' 'Perfect Dark,' 'Contraband,' and 'Project Blackbird,' as part of a broader cost-cutting strategy under new CEO Asha Sharma. These cancellations have led to studio closures and significant layoffs, with former employees expressing disappointment over the loss of potentially exciting titles and the shift away from riskier, ambitious projects.
What we've been playing - "And no I don't mean sexy Barry White songs"This week's "What We've Been Playing" feature highlights several games. Victoria shares her experience finishing Split Fiction on Xbox Series X, praising its unique boss encounters. Bertie discusses Bio Eden on PC, a game combining elements of Viva Piñata and Terra Nil, developed by Broken Arms Games. Sherif expresses reservations about the Onimusha: Way of the Sword demo on PC due to its lengthy animations and minimal challenge.- Sea of Thieves ‘custom seas’ system has arrived to let you create your own modes and worldsRare has launched the 'Custom Seas' feature for Sea of Thieves, allowing players to create and customize their own game modes and private worlds. This update, part of Season 20, provides tools for players to shape their gameplay experiences and save them as presets. The season also includes a streamlined 50-level free pass with player choices at key points.
Sea of Thieves is Handing Players the Keys to the SeasSea of Thieves Season 20 introduces Custom Seas, a new mode offering players extensive control over their private game sessions. This feature allows for the creation of custom game modes with adjustable rules for creatures, time of day, player loadouts, and scoring systems. The update also includes a revamped Season Pass with new rewards and upcoming in-game events.
Yes, I know you want the Banjo-Kazooie handheld, but there's a Super Pocket flavor that could save you a few…While the new Banjo-Kazooie edition of the Super Pocket retro handheld is appealing, alternative versions like the TECHNOS edition can be purchased for less and later combined with a physical Banjo-Kazooie collection. This approach offers a cost-saving opportunity for those not prioritizing the specific Rare branding or its included back-catalog.
The Super Pocket Rare edition reeled me in with Banjo-Kazooie goodness, but the retro handheld also boasts one of my…The Super Pocket Rare Edition offers a compelling retro handheld experience, particularly for fans of Banjo-Kazooie and Solar Jetman. Despite its budget price and compact size, it successfully emulates N64 titles with impressive frame rates and includes a collection of 14 other classic Rare games. While some control customization options are limited, the ability to play Banjo-Kazooie on the go makes it a worthwhile purchase.