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Activision pressured Call of Duty studio Infinity Ward to make a game about Iran invading Israel, claims former developer
Former Infinity Ward animator Chance Glasco claims Activision pressured developers to create a Call of Duty game centered on Iran invading Israel, a concept most developers found abhorrent. Glasco, who worked at the studio between 2002 and 2014, stated that the idea was ultimately rejected. He also contrasted this with earlier Call of Duty titles that aimed to depict the grim realities of war.
New Research Proves What We Already Knew: Women Are Underserved By Game Industry
New research from Ampere Analysis indicates that women constitute 48% of the gaming market, yet often cite a lack of suitable games and toxic communities as barriers. While games like The Sims 4 and Animal Crossing: New Horizons are popular for their customization options, they can also feature expensive DLC and monetization schemes. Despite slow progress, some titles like Apex Legends have shown improvements in inclusivity, though challenges with player communities and business practices persist.
Danger Zone
Electronic Arts' Javelin anti-cheat system is expanding to Windows on ARM systems, with a new job listing indicating support for Nvidia's upcoming N1/N1X hardware. This move signifies a potential shift in PC gaming compatibility. Respawn Entertainment is also mentioned in relation to the ongoing development.
Highguard servers to go offline on March 12, 2026
Wildlight Entertainment's game Highguard will cease operations on March 12, 2026, due to an inability to sustain a player base. The studio cited that despite over two million players engaging with the game, it did not meet long-term viability metrics. Reports also suggest layoffs and financing issues tied to Tencent subsidiary TiMi Studio Group.
Apex Legends Gets a Gundam Crossover Event
Apex Legends is collaborating with the Gundam franchise in a limited-time event starting March 10, 2026. The crossover introduces Gundam-themed gameplay, cosmetics, and map changes, including a transformed Broken Moon map and a Buster Rifle weapon. The event will be available on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Apex Legends Gundam Gunpla Kits on the Way
Respawn Entertainment and Bandai Namco are collaborating on an Apex Legends and Gundam crossover event starting March 10, 2026, featuring new in-game abilities, cosmetics, and a map update. The collaboration will also include three Gunpla model kits inspired by Apex Legends characters, with pre-orders beginning March 18, 2026. Apex Legends is available on multiple platforms including PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch.
Jason Zumwalt Fire & Ice RGX 2026 Guest of Honor
Voice actor Jason Zumwalt, known for his role as Roman Bellic in Grand Theft Auto IV, will be a guest of honor at Fire & Ice RGX 2026. The convention will take place from June 20 to June 21. The article also briefly mentions the global release of StoneAge: Idle Adventure, a Gundam x Apex Legends collaboration, Dupli-Kate joining Invincible VS, the Metaphor: ReFantazio Orchestra World Tour, the Nintendo Switch release of Blue Prince, and the upcoming launch of Unrailed 2: Back on Track.
Apex Legends is getting a Gundam collaboration, launching March 10
Respawn Entertainment announced that Apex Legends will feature a Gundam collaboration event starting March 10. The event will introduce Gundam-inspired weapons, abilities, and transform the Broken Moon map with new aesthetics and destructible elements. Limited-edition Gunpla kits will also be available for pre-order.
Highguard Becomes Latest Multiplayer Game to Die
Wildlight Entertainment announced that its raid shooter Highguard will be shut down on March 12th, less than two months after its January 26th release. The studio cited an inability to build a sustainable player base, with Tencent reportedly pulling funding. Despite over 2 million players trying the game and a peak of 97,000 concurrent players at launch, Highguard failed to retain its audience. An update with new content will be released before the servers go offline.
Gundam x Apex Legends Collaboration Beginning March 10
Respawn Entertainment and Electronic Arts are launching a collaboration event for Apex Legends starting March 10, featuring Gundam-themed abilities and a transformed Broken Moon map. The event introduces new Wild Cards like Epyon's Lash and Heavyarms Salvo, allowing players to utilize Gundam-inspired powers. Apex Legends is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Marathon is good, actually: the Arc Raiders-rivalling extraction shooter proves Bungie has still got what made Halo and Destiny great
Marathon's Server Slam offered a deep dive into Bungie's upcoming extraction shooter, revealing that despite a shaky initial inventory experience, the core gunplay is exceptionally strong. The game excels in fast-paced sci-fi combat, with satisfying weapon mechanics reminiscent of Bungie's past successes like Halo and Destiny, and fluid movement that keeps players engaged.
Report: Fewer than 20 staff remain at Highguard dev Wildlight Entertainment
Fewer than 20 employees reportedly remain at Highguard developer Wildlight Entertainment following significant layoffs after the game's troubled launch. Sources indicate the studio ran out of money, despite being initially funded by Tencent subsidiary TiMi Studio Group. The free-to-play shooter lost approximately 90% of its player base within a week of its January 26 release.
Sony ditches PC & Stardew Valley News | TAG
Sony is reportedly shifting focus back to console exclusivity for its single-player PlayStation games, potentially limiting future PC releases. Meanwhile, Stardew Valley's upcoming 1.7 update will add new marriage candidates, and Nvidia has recalled a problematic GPU driver.
The 5 Best Star Wars Games Ever: From 16-Bit to Modern Masterpieces
This guide ranks the top 5 Star Wars games, spanning from 16-bit classics to modern titles. The list includes Star Wars Battlefront II (2005), Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Super Star Wars, and Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader, highlighting their unique contributions to the franchise.
Could pre-launch open testing have saved Highguard?
Wildlight Entertainment's live service shooter Highguard failed shortly after launch due to a lack of public testing and a management decision to prioritize secrecy over community feedback. Developers cited hubris and a desire to replicate Apex Legends' secretive launch as contributing factors to the game's rapid player drop-off and the studio's subsequent implosion.
Report: Tencent was Highguard's secret financial backer
A report indicates that Tencent, through its subsidiary TiMi Studio Group, was the primary financial backer for Wildlight Entertainment's hero shooter, Highguard. Neither company has officially confirmed the report, though Wildlight CEO Dusty Welch has previously declined to discuss funding sources. Highguard launched as a free-to-play title in January 2026 but reportedly failed to meet internal expectations, leading to significant layoffs shortly after its release.
Tencent's TiMi Studio Group reportedly funded Highguard dev Wildlight Entertainment
Tencent subsidiary TiMi Studio Group reportedly served as the lead financial backer for Wildlight Entertainment, the developer of Highguard. Wildlight, formed in 2023 by former Respawn Entertainment developers, has not publicly commented on the funding details. This news comes after Wildlight recently laid off an unspecified number of employees.
Industry leaders honour Vince Zampella at DICE Summit
Industry leaders including Todd Howard, Geoff Keighley, and Laura Miele paid tribute to the late Vince Zampella at the DICE Summit. Zampella, co-founder of Respawn Entertainment and co-creator of Call of Duty, was honored for his leadership, talent nurturing, and contributions to the gaming industry. Tributes highlighted his dedication to his teams and putting players first.
Legendary game creator Vince Zampella has passed away
Vince Zampella, a legendary figure in the video game industry known for co-creating the Call of Duty series and founding Respawn Entertainment, has died at the age of 55. Zampella was instrumental in the development of major franchises including Call of Duty, Titanfall, Apex Legends, and the Star Wars Jedi series. His death, resulting from a car crash, has sent shockwaves through the industry, with many mourning his significant contributions to game development.
Save 30% Off The Lego Star Wars 1,555-Piece Imperial Star Destroyer For Amazon Prime Day
Amazon is offering a 30% discount on the 1,555-piece Lego Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer set for Amazon Prime Day, reducing the price from $160 to $112. This set, released in August 2025 as part of the Lego Star Wars 25th Anniversary collection, includes seven minifigures and is based on the ship from Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope. Other Lego Star Wars sets are also available at discounted prices during the sale event.