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Halo Studios seemingly cut staff after Halo: Campaign Evolved launch, including a 6-year veteran producer
Halo Studios has reportedly let go of an unspecified number of contract workers following the launch of Halo: Campaign Evolved. Producers Nick Treitman and Paul Morris confirmed their departures on LinkedIn, citing the challenging current job market in the gaming industry. This follows earlier layoffs at Microsoft, which impacted several of its studios.
Halo Studios hit by layoffs after release of Halo: Campaign Evolved
Halo Studios has reportedly experienced layoffs shortly after the release of Halo: Campaign Evolved. Developers have shared their departures on social media, citing the challenging current job market in the games industry. This follows a broader wave of job cuts at Microsoft's Xbox division.
Minecraft Is Coming To Switch 2 In October, With An Upgrade Path For Switch Owners
Minecraft is set to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 on October 27, featuring enhanced 'Vibrant Visuals' with improved lighting and shadows. Original Nintendo Switch owners will have an upgrade path to the new version, and save data will carry over. Mojang, now reporting directly to new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, is focusing on Minecraft amidst recent organizational changes at Microsoft.
Xbox Version Of PlayStation Platinum Trophy Teased For Later This Year
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has teased that an equivalent to PlayStation's Platinum trophy system for Xbox achievements could arrive later this year. An update to the Xbox achievement system is also rolling out, allowing users to sort games by name, completion percentage, Gamerscore, and achievement count. Sharma's comments come as she works to "reset" the Xbox business for profitability and growth.
We May Already Know One Major Diablo 4 BlizzCon Announcement
A Nintendo Switch 2 version of Diablo 4 is reportedly planned for release around September 15 or 18, with a $70 price point. This port is expected to be officially announced at BlizzCon in September, alongside other Diablo-related news. Blizzard has previously released Diablo 3 and Diablo 2: Resurrected on Nintendo platforms.
Xbox's devastating July was inevitable
The article suggests that Xbox's strategy of acquiring numerous independent studios was an inevitable and potentially unsustainable approach. It implies that owning every great indie studio is neither possible nor desirable in the long term.
Gears of War: E-Day's upcoming weekend beta suddenly gets PvP due to fan demand
The Coalition has announced that Player vs Player (PvP) versus modes will be added to the upcoming Gears of War: E-Day open beta due to fan demand. Initially planned to focus solely on Horde mode, the beta will now include PvP for limited periods starting this weekend. The beta will have two waves, with the first wave for early access players beginning August 6th and the second wave open to all players from August 13th.
Jobs roundup: August 2026 | Paramount Games appoints Nate Nanzer as EVP, head of commercial & marketing
This article rounds up recent appointments and transitions within the gaming industry. Notable moves include Nate Nanzer joining Paramount Games, Julia Gutnik heading media at Amazon Gaming, and Tracey Thompson returning to Bethesda as VP of communications. Several other companies like Epic Games, Studio MDHR, Games Workshop, and Blizzard Entertainment also saw new hires or promotions.
Jobs roundup: August 2026 | Frontier Developments appoints Dan Lazarides as CMO
Several key figures have moved into new roles within the gaming industry. Dan Lazarides is the new Chief Marketing Officer at Frontier Developments, while Tracey Thompson returns to Bethesda as VP of Communications. Maddie Richter joins Nintendo of America as Social Media Marketing Manager, and Steffen Holm and Chris Kruger join Roblox to support AI tool development.
Jobs roundup: August 2026 | Tim Coombs rejoins Amazon as head of brand marketing for Luna
This article rounds up various industry hires and transitions in August 2026. Notable appointments include Tim Coombs rejoining Amazon as head of brand marketing for Luna, Dan Lazarides becoming Chief Marketing Officer at Frontier Developments, and Tracey Thompson returning to Bethesda as VP of Communications. Several other individuals have also moved into new roles across companies like Blizzard Entertainment, Netflix Games, and Riot Games.
Jobs roundup: August 2026 | CodeDev Group appoints Ben Board as CEO of The Performance Guys
This article rounds up recent hires and promotions across the gaming industry. Key appointments include Ben Board as CEO of The Performance Guys, Nate Nanzer as EVP at Paramount Games, and Tracey Thompson returning to Bethesda as VP of communications. Several other companies like Epic Games, Amazon, and Microsoft also saw personnel changes.
There are a few gooduns in August's Xbox Game Pass line-up, including a surprisingly sexy, and funny, furniture dating sim
Xbox has announced its Game Pass additions for early August, featuring new titles like the action RPG Beast of Reincarnation and the unique furniture dating sim Date Everything!. The lineup also includes the Gears of War: E-Day open beta and other games such as Grounded 2 and PowerWash Simulator 2. This comes amidst significant restructuring within Microsoft's Xbox division, with new Xbox boss Asha Sharma recently reducing Game Pass prices to boost subscriber numbers.
Xbox 360 games coming to PC allege leaked documents
Leaked documents suggest that Xbox is planning to bring Xbox 360 games to PC, with a gradual rollout expected between 2027 and 2028. The documents also indicate plans for a full launch of original Xbox games on PC by October and a disc-to-digital program for Xbox One and Xbox Series discs.
007 First Light, Nintendo Switch Sports Resort and More Playable on Switch 2 at Gamescom
Nintendo, Sega, and Xbox will be present at Gamescom, showcasing titles like Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, Splatoon Raiders, and Pokémon Pokopia’s Expansion Pass. Attendees can also expect to play third-party games such as 007 First Light, Minecraft Dungeons 2, Metaphor: ReFantazio, EA Sports FC 27, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, the latter being the first Call of Duty title for the Nintendo Switch. Other potential reveals include a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and FromSoftware's The Duskbloods.
Blacks Ops 1 & 2 Sold 11.2 Million Copies On PlayStation Alone
Ports of Call of Duty: Black Ops and Call of Duty: Black Ops II released on PlayStation 5 by Xbox have sold over 11.2 million copies, generating $435 million in revenue. This represents a successful collaboration between Xbox and PlayStation.
Evening Consolidation
Xbox is offering free 25th-anniversary gifts, including a dynamic theme and avatars, to celebrate the milestone. This promotion is part of the ongoing celebrations for the company's quarter-century in the gaming industry.
Leak Reveals Xbox’s Bigger Plan For Backwards Compatibility On PC And Next-Gen Hardware
A leak suggests Xbox is planning a significant expansion of its backwards compatibility program, starting with four original Xbox games on PC and aiming to include Xbox 360 titles. The initiative aims to create a large gaming library accessible across multiple devices by 2026.
Devs raise $130,000 in just five days to support laid-off peers
A charity bundle organized by Necrosoft Games has raised over $130,000 in five days to support game developers who have been laid off. The bundle, featuring over 100 games, surpassed its initial goal and is now aiming for $200,000. Funds are distributed by the United Videogame Workers union to provide financial assistance to affected workers.
Subscriptions, Clouds, and Streams
Xbox has announced its upcoming lineup of 11 titles for Game Pass, which will include a beta for Gears of War E-Day. The article also touches upon the broader trends of cloud gaming and subscription services within the industry.
Morning Consolidation
Xbox is reportedly planning to launch a 'disc to digital' feature as early as this month, allowing users to convert physical game discs to digital purchases. Separately, Final Fantasy XIV Complete Edition is available on Nintendo Switch with a limited-time 30% discount.