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'This is the bit where the comet hits the earth and the dinosaurs die:' Tim Sweeney revisits scathing 26-year-old eulogy for beloved studio Looking Glass
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney's 2000 statement on the closure of Looking Glass Studios, which described the event as an 'economically realistic day' and criticized the studio's overhead and niche appeal, has resurfaced. While Sweeney stands by his assessment that game businesses must be profitable, industry figures have criticized his 'asshole CEO' mindset, highlighting the artistic impact of studios like Looking Glass and the often illogical reasons behind modern studio shutdowns and layoffs.
Ghostwire: Tokyo joins GOG Preservation Program, which means you don't have to deal with Bethesda.NET anymore
Ghostwire: Tokyo has been added to GOG's Preservation Program, removing its Bethesda.NET integration and ensuring future stability patches. This move is notable given the recent closure and potential acquisition of developer Tango Gameworks. The game has achieved over 6 million players since its release.
I got my start writing for a PlayStation 2 magazine: These are my 12 PS2-pilled recommendations from the Steam Autumn…
This article recommends 12 games available on Steam, inspired by or ports from the PlayStation 2 and Dreamcast era. It highlights six modern titles that draw inspiration from the 'sixth generation' of consoles, such as Promise Mascot Agency and Hi-Fi Rush, alongside six classic ports like Metal Gear Solid 3 and Final Fantasy 10.
As Xbox swings the axe, Gears of War: E-Day developers fear they'll be laid off straight after launch - and right before they'd be due their bonuses
Developers at The Coalition, the studio behind Gears of War: E-Day, are increasingly fearful of imminent layoffs following recent waves of job cuts at Microsoft and Xbox. The departure of the game's story director has heightened anxiety, particularly concerning potential loss of Metacritic bonuses tied to the game's launch.
Microsoft CEO says Xbox is simply 'streamlining' after cutting over 5,750 jobs in three years
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella described the company's extensive layoffs, which have affected over 5,750 employees since October 2023, as 'streamlining' under new Xbox boss Asha Sharma. Despite significant studio closures and job cuts, Nadella expressed confidence in Xbox's intellectual property and its ability to produce great games and achieve growth.
What the hell are you guys doing?
The author expresses strong criticism towards Microsoft's decision to place Obsidian Entertainment under Bethesda Softworks, questioning the logic and potential negative impact on both studios' legacies and developers. The move is seen as a baffling addition of bureaucracy and a sign of executive incompetence, especially following other industry layoffs and the closure of Tango Gameworks.
Shinji Mikami to join AIAS Hall of Fame at 2026 DICE Awards
Prolific game developer Shinji Mikami, known for pioneering the Resident Evil series, will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 30th annual DICE Awards on February 18, 2026. The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) is honoring Mikami for his over 30-year career, which includes founding Tango Gameworks and establishing Unbound. Goichi Suda will present the award.
Kemuri’s Latest Trailer Showcases Combat, Traversal, and a Furniture Golem
A new trailer for Unseen's co-op action game Kemuri was showcased at Tokyo Game Show 2026, highlighting combat, traversal abilities, and a unique furniture golem boss. Developed by a team led by Ikumi Nakamura, the game is set for a 2027 release on PlayStation 5, with PC and Xbox Series X/S versions unconfirmed. The trailer also offered glimpses into the game's characters and semi-open world exploration.
id Software dev says mass layoffs like Microsoft's are weakening the games industry, because developers 'don't have the incentive to care anymore'
id Software lead services programmer Chris Hayes argues that mass layoffs, like those seen at Microsoft's Xbox division, are detrimental to the games industry. He believes these actions weaken the industry by removing developers' incentive to care about their craft and the long-term quality of games, ultimately leading to mediocre products and a less healthy creative environment.
Dev at id Software says Microsoft 'burned a lot of bridges' in the industry: 'They fundamentally don't understand art, they don't understand games'
Chris Hays, lead services programmer at id Software, criticized Microsoft's handling of recent layoffs, stating the company "fundamentally don't understand art, they don't understand games." He described the process as "inhumane" and "demoralizing," leading to a significant loss of talent and expertise within the studio. Hays believes Microsoft has "burned a lot of bridges" and damaged its reputation, making future recruitment and trust difficult.
Here’s A Chance To Get Ghostwire: Tokyo And Two Other Games For $5
A new Mystery VIP Bundle from Fanatical offers three Steam games for $4.99, including a chance to get Ghostwire: Tokyo. Other potential games include Doom Eternal and Pathologic 3, with rarer VIP Packs containing titles like Gothic 1 Remake. Developed by Tango Gameworks, Ghostwire: Tokyo is a first-person action game set in a supernatural Tokyo.
Saudi-led EA buyout receives EU approval, Xbox trials ad-supported game streaming, and Poinpy is eternal - Patch Notes #62
The European Commission has approved the Saudi-led buyout of Electronic Arts, while Xbox is trialing ad-supported game streaming for select titles. Separately, the mobile platformer Poinpy has returned, and news emerges about a revived Kinect game, scrapped Pokémon designs, and legal disputes involving Nintendo and Bethesda employees.
Alpha Dog Games returns to independence two years after being shuttered by Xbox
Alpha Dog Games, the developer of Mighty Doom, has returned to independent ownership two years after being shut down by Microsoft. Studio founder Shawn Woods confirmed the transition, expressing gratitude to Microsoft for enabling the return. The studio is updating its Unity-based engine and is in discussions with partners, though specific projects remain undisclosed.
Another former Xbox studio is "independently owned, again" after Microsoft shut it down in 2024
Alpha Dog Games, a studio previously shut down by Microsoft in 2024, has reemerged as an independently owned entity. Studio founder Shawn Woods updated his LinkedIn profile to reflect the change, indicating the studio regained independence in May 2025. This follows a trend of studios becoming independent after Microsoft's recent closures and layoffs.
Is Game Pass Still the Right Strategy for Xbox?
This article analyzes the current state and future strategy of Xbox Game Pass, questioning its sustainability and impact on game value. Despite initial excitement and acquisitions to bolster its library, internal sentiment appears negative, with reports of studios detesting the service and subscriber growth falling short of projections. While Game Pass remains a key, albeit paradoxical, component of Xbox's offerings, its future is uncertain amidst internal challenges and a need for renewed growth.
Does anyone know how to drive this thing?
The article critiques the current state of the video game industry, highlighting a perceived lack of direction and a focus on short-term profits over sustainable development. It points to Sony's struggles with live-service games and Microsoft's costly acquisition spree and subsequent layoffs as examples of poor management. The author argues that this trend of layoffs and uncertainty is detrimental to game development and player experience, contrasting it with companies like Capcom and Larian that have maintained stability and achieved success.
KRAFTON UNVEILS ITS GAMESCOM 2026 BOOTH EXPERIENCES
KRAFTON has revealed its plans for gamescom 2026, featuring five upcoming titles with playable demos, themed missions, and exclusive merchandise. The booth will showcase an unannounced title from PUBG STUDIOS, NO LAW, Project ZETA, Age Twisters, and TARAE: The Unbound, offering interactive experiences beyond traditional game demos. The event will take place at Koelnmesse from August 26-30.
Warframe creative director says Destiny 2's end is tragic, because even with hard work 'the business side of this industry always gets the last remark'
Warframe's creative director Rebecca Ford expressed that the recent layoffs at Bungie and cessation of updates for Destiny 2 are tragic, highlighting how the business side of the industry often dictates outcomes despite developers' hard work. She noted that such decisions are existentially threatening to developers, as seen with Microsoft's closure of Tango Gameworks and other industry-wide cuts.
Doom dev Id is now "about the same size we were when making Doom 2016" after layoffs
Id Software has addressed recent layoffs, stating that the studio remains adequately staffed to continue developing games and technology. Despite significant job cuts impacting over half the team, the developer confirmed its current size is comparable to when it was developing Doom 2016. The studio emphasized its commitment to its core philosophy and supporting affected employees, while looking forward to future projects and QuakeCon.
Xbox needs to make a choice, says former PlayStation leader Shawn Layden: be a publisher or a platform, but you can't be both
Former PlayStation leader Shawn Layden argues that Xbox must choose between being a major game publisher or a platform holder, stating it cannot effectively be both. He highlights the need for exclusive content to support a platform, contrasting it with the multiplatform approach required for a top publisher, a dilemma exacerbated by recent Xbox layoffs and strategic shifts.
