Raven Software
Raven Software business and news from across the web.- Xbox After The Layoffs: Studios Left And What They’re MakingXbox has undergone significant restructuring, including layoffs and the divestment of five studios, as it aims to increase profitability and focus on major intellectual properties. This shake-up impacts numerous development teams and projects across Xbox Game Studios, Activision, Blizzard, and Bethesda, with a renewed focus on core franchises and a shift in business strategies like the exclusion of Call of Duty from Xbox Game Pass day-one launches.
- 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.
I picked out 31 must-play games going for $5 or less in the Steam Summer SaleThis article highlights 31 must-play games available for $5 or less during the Steam Summer Sale. The curated list includes a variety of genres such as RPGs and first-person shooters, with many titles developed by well-known studios like Larian and BioWare.- Call Of Duty Season 4 Reloaded Patch Notes Detail Major Gameplay Changes For WarzoneThe Season 4 Reloaded update for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Warzone introduces significant gameplay changes, including weapon tuning, Zombies map improvements, and adjustments to Warzone's supply boxes, Hot Zones, and equipment. This midseason update, themed as the Summer of Action, also features a Nicolas Cage operator, new weapons, a Zombies map, and a summer-themed Rebirth Island. Key changes include nerfs to dominant weapons like the Voyak KT-3 and Kogot-7, adjustments to the Totenreich Zombies map, and fixes for Endgame. Warzone's Ranked Play restricts certain weapon attachments, while supply boxes will now disable in the gas, and Gulag wait times are dynamic. Equipment like the Point Turret and Stims receive nerfs, and the Grappling Hook is also adjusted, with some Warzone weapons receiving buffs.
Nicolas Cage becomes a Call of Duty skin in what may be one last hurrah for goofy collaborationsActivision has revealed that actor Nicolas Cage will be added as a playable operator in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Warzone as part of the Season 4 mid-season update. This "Summer of Action" event also includes new maps, modes, and a limited-time event pass, with Cage's skin available on the premium track. While this marks a return for celebrity collaborations, developer Infinity Ward has stated that future Call of Duty titles like Modern Warfare 4 will focus on more authentic cosmetics.
Wizards of the Coast writes to staff to explain "how union representation works" as studio prepares to vote to unionizeWizards of the Coast has communicated with staff about the implications of union representation as employees prepare to vote on unionizing with the Communication Workers of America. The company stated that all current benefits and perks would be subject to negotiation, potentially resulting in changes to existing terms. The vote is scheduled with the National Labor Relations Board for June 2.- Modern Warfare 4 Reveal Looks Imminent As Infinity Ward Teases A “Relentless” ExperienceInfinity Ward has begun teasing its next Call of Duty title, presumed to be Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, promising a "bold" and "relentless" experience. The studio, known for the original Modern Warfare trilogy, is focusing on visceral combat. The game will not be available on Game Pass or PlayStation 4 at launch, and is expected to compete with Grand Theft Auto 6 in November.
Modern Warfare 4 Reveal Looks Imminent As Infinity Ward Teases A “Relentless” ExperienceInfinity Ward has begun teasing its next Call of Duty title, presumed to be Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, promising a "bold" and "relentless" experience. Unlike recent entries, Modern Warfare 4 will not launch on Game Pass or PlayStation 4. The game is expected to launch in November and will compete with Grand Theft Auto 6.
Obituary: Veteran voice actor Tom Kane has passed away at 64Veteran voice actor Tom Kane, known for his extensive work in video games and animation over three decades, has passed away at the age of 64. Kane had a prolific career, with notable roles in the Star Wars franchise, Grim Fandango, Final Fantasy XII, Wolfenstein, and Ghost of Tsushima. He retired from voice acting in 2021 following a stroke.
The Best Star Wars Games Of All TimeThis article ranks the best Star Wars games of all time, spanning various genres from flight simulators to RPGs and VR experiences. It highlights titles like Star Wars: TIE Fighter, Knights of the Old Republic, and Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, discussing their impact and gameplay.
Call of Duty was never the right fit for Game Pass | OpinionMicrosoft 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.
Microsoft reportedly offers voluntary retirement program for 7% of US workforceMicrosoft is reportedly offering a voluntary retirement program to up to 7% of its US workforce, targeting employees at senior level or below with a combined age and service total of at least 70. This initiative follows recent layoffs and restructuring within its gaming division, including studio closures and project cancellations. The company is also adjusting its stock reward structure to provide managers with more flexibility.- From killer monkeys to minigun babies, the funniest cheat codes in gaming, everThis article discusses some of the funniest and most memorable cheat codes in gaming history, ranging from the chaotic angry pedestrian mode in Grand Theft Auto to explosive secrets in Tomb Raider 2. It also highlights unique cheat codes in Age of Empires, Turok, Sonic 3D Blast, Mortal Kombat, and Star Wars Jedi Knight 2, reminiscing about a golden age of harmless and humorous in-game modifications.
Call Of Duty Adds New Accessibility Options, Including Voice And Head CommandsCall of Duty: Black Ops 7 has introduced new accessibility options, including voice and head commands, through a collaboration with AI software platform Cephable. These features allow players to control the game using alternative inputs, offering greater customization for disabled gamers across various modes. The integration was tested with the RICOCHET Anti-Cheat team and members of the disabled community.
IGN Entertainment and Dentsu Gaming announce Women in Gaming UK eventIGN Entertainment and Dentsu Gaming are hosting a Women in Gaming UK networking event on April 17, featuring panels, a headshot studio, and Meta hardware demos. The article also details the retirement of Brian Raffel, co-founder of Raven Software, after 36 years in the industry, highlighting his contributions to titles like Hexen and the Call of Duty franchise. Additionally, it briefly mentions the union contract ratified by Raven Software workers with Microsoft.
Raven Software co-founder Brian Raffel retiresBrian Raffel, co-founder of Call of Duty developer Raven Software, has retired after 36 years in the gaming industry. He co-founded the studio in 1990 and played a key role in its development and eventual acquisition by Activision. Raffel's career spanned numerous titles, and his leadership helped shape Raven Software into a significant contributor to the Call of Duty franchise.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine is "better than the movie," says dev, but "it was harrowing" to make the…Producer Keith Fuller of Raven Software discussed the challenging development of X-Men Origins: Wolverine, noting that the game was created concurrently with the film, making it difficult to adapt. Despite the hurdles, Fuller believes the game surpassed its movie counterpart and still holds up today, influencing Insomniac's upcoming Marvel's Wolverine.
After 36 years at the legendary FPS studio, Raven Software co-founder Brian Raffel is retiringBrian Raffel, co-founder and Vice President of Raven Software, is retiring after 36 years with the studio. Raven Software, known for its work on titles like Heretic, Soldier of Fortune, and multiple Call of Duty games including Warzone, has been a significant FPS developer since its founding in 1990. Raffel also held a Vice President role at Activision following Raven's acquisition.- Raven Software co-founder Brian Raffel retires after 36 yearsRaven Software co-founder Brian Raffel has retired after 36 years in the industry. The studio, which began in 1990, played a key role in the development of the Call of Duty franchise and previously worked on titles like Hexen.
Revisiting the last truly great Call of DutyCall of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) is revisited as the last truly great entry in the series, praised for its atmosphere, sound design, and grounded realism. The article highlights its superior gunplay and attachment customization compared to later titles, lamenting the shift towards cosmetic collaborations and the integration with Warzone.