Sledgehammer Games
Sledgehammer Games 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.
After playing Modern Warfare 4 I'm pretty certain that Call of Duty multiplayer is firing on all cylinders once…Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is a polished first-person shooter that significantly improves upon previous entries by dropping support for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Developed by Infinity Ward, the game features enhanced movement, weapon handling, and visual detail, with a focus on balanced firefights and refined TTK. The multiplayer experience includes new features like the Apex Attachment system and a redesigned Gunsmith, alongside a campaign and a returning DMZ mode, aiming to revitalize the franchise.
Call of Duty: Vanguard Releases on Xbox Game PassCall of Duty: Vanguard is now available on Xbox Game Pass for Cloud, Console, and PC, starting June 17, 2026. The addition includes the full campaign, over 20 multiplayer maps, and the Zombies co-op mode. This move by Microsoft follows their acquisition of Activision Blizzard, expanding the Game Pass library with older Call of Duty titles.
Game Pass adds EA Sports FC 26, RV There Yet?, Winds of Arcana: Ruination, and more in late June to early JulyMicrosoft has announced new titles coming to Game Pass between late June and early July, including EA Sports FC 26, RV There Yet?, and Winds of Arcana: Ruination. Several other games like Junkster, Call of Duty: Vanguard, and Abyssus are also being added. Additionally, the article lists games that will be leaving the Game Pass library on June 30.
Xbox Game Pass lineup for late June 2026 announcedMicrosoft has revealed the upcoming games for Xbox Game Pass in late June 2026, including day-one releases like Junkster and Abyssus. Notable additions include Call of Duty: Vanguard, EA Sports FC 26, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4. Several titles are also departing the service at the end of June.
Coming to XBOX Game Pass: EA Sports FC 26, RV There Yet?, Winds of Arcana: Ruination, and MoreXbox Game Pass is adding several new titles throughout June and July, including EA Sports FC 26, RV There Yet?, and Winds of Arcana: Ruination. The service will also see the addition of Call of Duty: Vanguard, Abyssus, and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4. Several games are also leaving the Game Pass library at the end of June.
I played Modern Warfare 4 at Infinity Ward, let's talk about itInfinity Ward's upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, set in South Korea, aims to revitalize the series with a focus on exceptional gunplay, innovative 'apex attachments' that alter weapon identity, and fluid movement. While the campaign and DMZ mode are returning, the preview highlights the multiplayer's refined mechanics and a dynamic 10v10 Gunfight mode with changing maps, suggesting it will be the best-playing Call of Duty in years despite some familiar map design.
The next Call of Duty is Modern Warfare 4, Infinity Ward's first game in 4 yearsActivision has announced that this year's Call of Duty title is Modern Warfare 4, developed by Infinity Ward and set to release on October 23. The game will feature a campaign focused on North and South Korea, a return to Infinity Ward's signature multiplayer style, and a sequel to the DMZ extraction mode. This marks Infinity Ward's first lead development role in four years.
Call of Duty 2026 is reportedly another Modern Warfare game from Infinity WardReports suggest that Infinity Ward is developing the Call of Duty game for 2026, which is expected to continue the rebooted Modern Warfare series. While not officially confirmed by Activision, the game is rumored to be a successor to Modern Warfare 3 and may release on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Despite Microsoft's ownership of Activision, the game is not expected to launch day one on Game Pass.
"Be creative 99% of the time" – Glen Schofield on how creativity can help fix AAA industry woesGlen Schofield, director of The Callisto Protocol, argues that the AAA industry's woes stem from inexperienced individuals being placed in leadership roles due to excessive funding, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He believes the solution lies in identifying and empowering true creative talent, leveraging AI as a tool rather than a replacement for human creativity, and optimizing release timing to avoid market saturation. Schofield emphasizes that while AI can enhance efficiency, it cannot replicate the nuanced creative process essential for developing innovative AAA titles.
As Fable Is Rumored To Be Delayed, Let's Read Too Much Into This Social Media ChangeThe Fable reboot's social media accounts have stopped mentioning a 2026 release date, fueling speculation of a delay following a report that the game was internally pushed back. While unconfirmed, this change occurred after a report suggested the game might slip to 2027 to avoid launching near Grand Theft Auto 6. Developers are reportedly concerned about releasing games close to Grand Theft Auto 6's November 19 launch.
Major 2021 PS5 Game Loses Multiplayer Feature, Trophies SafeSledgehammer Games has retired the Clans feature for Call of Duty: Vanguard, a game that was a best-seller on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 in 2021. In a notable change, the "Hello There" trophy, previously tied to joining a clan, has been updated to unlock simply by starting the game's campaign, ensuring players are not locked out of Platinum trophies.
The rise, fall, and resurgence of Australian game developmentThe Australian game development industry has experienced a significant resurgence, transitioning from major studio closures after the 2008 financial crisis to a thriving indie scene supported by government tax incentives and funding. Despite challenges like a smaller talent pool, government initiatives like the Digital Games Tax Offset have made Australia an attractive investment destination, fostering growth for both indie and larger studios.
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.
The Call of Duty schism: Why fans are trapped in a forever war with each otherThe Call of Duty series is experiencing a significant schism among its player base, driven by creative differences between its primary development studios, Infinity Ward and Treyarch. This divide manifests in player preferences for distinct gameplay styles, such as Infinity Ward's grounded realism versus Treyarch's faster-paced, more experimental approach. The article examines how this long-standing conflict, exacerbated by Activision's demanding release schedule and studio roles, impacts the franchise's direction and player loyalty.
Call of Duty: Vanguard – Ultimate Edition Review (Xbox Series X)Call of Duty: Vanguard Ultimate Edition on Xbox Series X offers a gritty World War II campaign with stunning visuals and cinematic action. The game features a robust multiplayer suite with numerous modes and maps, alongside an overhauled Zombies experience. While it delivers expected Call of Duty thrills, some occasional performance stutters and repetitive MVP cutscenes are noted.