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"If you don't own it, then what are you buying?": Ex-PlayStation boss says Sony killing discs raises the "insidious" discussion of game ownership
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden expressed concern over Sony's move away from physical discs, arguing it shifts the focus from game ownership to mere access. He believes this decision alienates dedicated players and could negatively impact the PlayStation brand, despite acknowledging he lacks insight into Sony's financial data.
Ninja Theory begins laying off staff, according to employee posts
Ninja Theory, the developer behind the Hellblade series, has begun laying off staff. Xbox had proposed closing the studio in September after two separate sale agreements fell through. Employees have expressed sadness on social media about not being able to finish their current projects.
Hello from Seattle: XBOX FanFest Comes Home November 12
Xbox is bringing its FanFest Tour to Seattle's Museum of Pop Culture on November 12, 2026, to celebrate its 25th anniversary. The event will feature gameplay, historical artifacts, and opportunities to connect with developers and fellow players. Fans can enter sweepstakes for a chance to win tickets or a trip to attend the celebration.
Hideo Kojima Is Keeping OD A Mystery To Make Its Horror Hit Harder
Hideo Kojima is intentionally keeping his upcoming horror game OD shrouded in mystery to enhance the player's experience with fear. He stated on his radio show that unlike his usual marketing approach, he wants to reveal very little about OD to maximize the shock value. The game, which explores the concept of 'overdosing on fear,' is supported by Xbox and features actors Hunter Schafer and Sophia Lillis, with the late Udo Kier also appearing.
How Bill Skarsgard Became The Face Of Hideo Kojima’s Physint
Bill Skarsgard has been cast as the lead protagonist in Hideo Kojima's upcoming game, Physint, which is now in development with Xbox. Kojima expressed his long-held desire to work with Skarsgard, facilitated by Death Stranding 2 composer Yoann Lemoine. Skarsgard, a fan of Metal Gear Solid, has already undergone motion capture for the role and is reportedly very eager to begin preparing.
Ninja Theory developers announce they are facing redundancy, as the studio starts laying off staff following widespread Xbox cuts
Ninja Theory developers are facing redundancy as the studio begins layoffs following widespread cuts at Xbox. Despite attempts to sell the studio, proposed sale agreements fell through, leading to a consultation process and eventual job losses. This news comes after Xbox announced a major restructuring and 3,200 planned job cuts.
'It’s Incredibly Sad Knowing That We Won’t Get to Finish What We Were Working on' — Hellblade Staff Bid Farewell to Ninja Theory as Layoffs Begin
Staff at Ninja Theory are beginning to say their goodbyes as layoffs commence following Xbox's announcement of the studio's closure. The news has led to expressions of sadness from employees who will not be able to finish their current projects.
Physint is a “Different Kind of Spy Action,” Says Kojima, and Its Plot is “Ready”
Hideo Kojima revealed new details about his upcoming game, Physint, now published by Xbox after PlayStation withdrew. He described it as a "different kind of spy action" and confirmed the plot is ready, with filming set to begin next year. Kojima also discussed casting Bill Skarsgård as the protagonist and the importance of actor chemistry, noting the game marks his 40th anniversary in the industry.
Hellblade Developer Ninja Theory Has Begun Layoffs
Ninja Theory, the developer behind Hellblade, has begun layoffs following the failure of two agreements with Xbox. Several developers have announced their departures on LinkedIn, with some expressing sadness over unfinished projects. This follows a pattern of recent layoffs within Xbox, impacting studios like Halo and Turn 10.
The Elder Scrolls 6 Adding Boats and Naval Combat Would be “Natural,” Says Former Skyrim Lead
Former Skyrim lead designer Bruce Nesmith believes boats and naval combat would be a natural addition to The Elder Scrolls 6, offering significant gameplay opportunities. He suggests potential features like skill trees for seafaring and new enemy types, while ruling out underwater exploration due to complexity.
Gears of War: E-Day Team Says Series is “Part of Xbox’s DNA,” Proud to be One of Its “Main Titles”
The Coalition's creative director Matt Searcy stated that the Gears of War series is integral to Xbox's identity and that Gears of War: E-Day is a "main title" for the platform. The article also touches on the controversy surrounding the game's exclusivity, which The Coalition denies was a last-minute decision, and mentions its upcoming release on Xbox Series X/S and PC.
Gears of War: E-Day Devs 'Proud to Be One of Xbox's Main Titles' Amid Newfound Focus on Exclusivity
Developers at The Coalition, working on Gears of War: E-Day, expressed pride in being a primary title for Xbox amidst the company's renewed emphasis on exclusive content. This statement highlights the studio's commitment to delivering a key exclusive experience for the platform.
"Fable's original combat has a legacy of being quite approachable," so the RPG's devs don't want to change that with the new game
Developers for the upcoming Fable game aim to maintain the series' legacy of approachable combat, while still incorporating depth through mechanics like targeted limb damage and unique spell interactions. The team also emphasizes a variety of activities beyond fighting, including dialogue choices and exploration, to create a more engaging player experience.
Evening Reading - October 2, 2026
This Friday reading covers a variety of gaming news including updates on The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Fortnite, Minecraft, and Monster Hunter Wilds. It also touches on the cancellation of PUBG's Black Budget, Deadlock's Rat King, and Team Fortress 2's Scream Fortress event. Additionally, there are mentions of game deals, a review of Star Wars: Galactic Racer, and updates for World of Warcraft and Marvel Snap.
"This is your Dreamcast moment": Former PlayStation boss thinks Xbox needs to "pick a lane" with exclusive games to fix itself
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden believes Xbox needs to commit to a clear strategy regarding exclusive games to improve its standing. He argues that a platform without exclusives lacks meaning, and that trying to be both a platform and a major third-party publisher is unsustainable. Layden compares Xbox's current situation to Sega's Dreamcast era, suggesting a pivot to publishing is possible.
In 5 Years, Will Netflix Still Be In Gaming? Here’s What The CEO Said
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos expressed optimism about the company's future in gaming, particularly in cloud gaming, which he sees as a gateway from their current mobile offerings. He believes cloud gaming will become more prevalent in a post-console world and offers opportunities for IP extension and brand value. While Netflix has scaled back ambitions for AAA game development, Sarandos indicated the company is open to acquiring studios if they align with business goals, though organic growth is preferred.
Xbox is "in a pickle" because "Microsoft never really picked a lane" says ex-PlayStation boss
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden believes Xbox is in a difficult position due to Microsoft's inconsistent strategy regarding game exclusivity and its subscription service model. Layden suggests that Microsoft's inability to commit to a clear lane, whether as an exclusive platform or a multi-platform publisher, has hindered its progress against PlayStation.
Evening Reading - October 1, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers new additions to Street Fighter 6, reviews for Dragon Quest Heroes and End of Abyss, and a demo for Castlevania: Belmont's Curse. It also mentions AI upscaling for PlayStation 5, a new Fortnite item, and Creative Assembly's focus on atmosphere for Alien: Isolation 2. News includes Xbox stating it is not for sale and Grasshopper Manufacture separating from NetEase Games.
'Xbox is not for sale,' CEO Asha Sharma says
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the division is not for sale, despite ongoing struggles and rumors of restructuring or spin-offs. Sharma emphasized a commitment to finding the right partnerships and operating model for success, while acknowledging the need for industry disruption. The comments come after significant layoffs and studio closures within Xbox.
Xbox CEO says working with PlayStation is on the table even after Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear successor Physint swaps publishers: "Competition and collaboration can coexist"
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that collaboration with PlayStation is still possible, even after Hideo Kojima's new game, Physint, switched publishers to Xbox. Sharma emphasized that competition and collaboration can coexist, noting ongoing projects like Forza Horizon 6 and Fable are still planned for PlayStation 5. The article also touches on the financial details of the Physint deal and the shifting strategies of both Xbox and PlayStation regarding multiplatform releases.
