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Jeff Kaplan Discusses His Departure from Blizzard - GameHaunt
Jeff Kaplan detailed his departure from Blizzard Entertainment in April 2021, citing pressure from a senior finance executive to meet revenue targets or face 1,000 layoffs. He described a significant cultural shift at Blizzard from a creative environment to a profit-driven one, culminating in a "f&ck you moment" with the CFO. Kaplan has since founded Kintsugiyama and is working on The Legend of California.
Everything That Happened in Gaming While You Were Busy... | TAG
Phasmophobia 1.0 is on track for release this year with improved graphics and new content, despite developer Kinetic Games exploring other projects. Elden Ring is reportedly receiving a good port for the Nintendo Switch 2, maintaining stable performance and visuals. Nintendo detailed the satisfying destruction mechanics in Donkey Kong Bananza, while Natsume announced Harvest Moon: Echoes of Teradea, featuring survival elements like wild animals that can cause item loss.
MMO Week in Review: Pre-seasoning Elder Scrolls Online
This week's MMO news roundup covers updates for Elder Scrolls Online, World of Warcraft's Midnight expansion, and previews for Final Fantasy XIV and Palia. The article also discusses player tendencies to rush MMORPG expansions and features opinions on various titles and industry issues, including comments from Jeff Kaplan regarding Activision Blizzard.
Overwatch co-creator claims he was told if game didn’t hit certain revenue goals “we’re gonna lay off a 1000 people and it’s gonna be on you”
Overwatch co-creator Jeff Kaplan revealed that he was threatened with layoffs of 1,000 employees if Overwatch 2 did not meet specific revenue targets. Kaplan stated that unreasonable expectations placed on the Overwatch League contributed to his departure from Blizzard Entertainment.
Fortnite Community Puzzled by Cryptic Message Sparking Wild Theories
A cryptic message posted on Reddit has sparked widespread speculation and theory crafting within the Fortnite community. This event highlights Epic Games' effective marketing strategy of engaging players through mysteries and encouraging community-driven hype building. While some players enjoy the speculation, others express frustration with the lack of concrete information.
Something for the Weekend – 14/03/26
This week's gaming news includes updates on Resident Evil Requiem DLC, Fortnite Save the World going free-to-play, Epic Games increasing V-Bucks prices, and layoffs at EA's Battlefield Studios. New releases and DLCs like Dave the Diver: In the Jungle, Adorable Adventures, and Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core are also highlighted, alongside a closed beta for Tropico 7. Reviews were published for Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, Laysara: Summit Kingdom, and Fatal Frame II: The Crimson Butterfly Remake, among others. Early impressions of Bungie's Marathon and Ready or Not's Boiling Point DLC were shared, along with an interview about Rainbow Six Mobile.
Today's Games Can Feel "Soulless," But Can Punch The Monkey Change That?
Richie Branson, founder of FanArcade, discusses the creation of the game Zoo Fighter, inspired by the viral 'Punch the monkey' story, and its message about animal welfare. Branson also shares insights from his time at Epic Games working on Fortnite and his broader vision for FanArcade to create culturally relevant and meaningful interactive experiences.
If all video games were free what would people really play? - Reader’s Feature
This reader's feature explores what video game consumption would look like if all games were free and microtransactions were eliminated. It argues that despite the removal of financial barriers, player behavior would likely remain similar, with a continued focus on popular, easily accessible online multiplayer titles like Fortnite and Rocket League, rather than a significant shift towards niche genres.
GTA Online’s $1.5M Community Showcase Reveals Rockstar’s Creator Economy Strategy
Rockstar Games is implementing a new strategy for GTA Online by heavily featuring its Community Series Showcase, offering substantial in-game bonuses to players and spotlighting user-generated content. This approach emphasizes the creator economy, mirroring trends seen in games like Fortnite and Roblox, and suggests a long-term plan for player engagement and content creation within the GTA ecosystem, potentially influencing future titles.
Epic design lead says V-Bucks price increase is a necessary evil, but players aren’t impressed: ‘We need to fight this hard’
Epic Games is increasing the price of V-Bucks, Fortnite's premium currency, by approximately 20%, a move defended by lead designer Andre Balta as necessary for continued development. Players have reacted negatively, with some calling for a boycott and expressing concerns that the focus has shifted from gameplay to microtransactions and collaborations.
Epic Games defends Fortnite's controversial V-Bucks price hike, insisting it's in "direct correlation to the operating costs" and teasing "amazing things" are coming that'll make you "understand what's been going on"
Epic Games has announced an upcoming price increase for Fortnite's V-Bucks currency, citing "direct correlation to the operating costs" of running the business. This change, effective March 19, will reduce the amount of V-Bucks players receive for their money. Epic Games is also teasing significant new content and features expected within the next six to twelve months.
Larry Hryb joins Commodore International Corporation as community development consultant
A Newzoo report indicates a significant lack of overlap between players of Roblox and Minecraft and those who play traditional AAA titles like Assassin's Creed: Shadows. These younger players are more likely to engage with live service games such as Fortnite and Grand Theft Auto V, or games that resemble Roblox experiences. This trend raises questions about the future evolution of the gaming audience and the market for AAA games.
Roblox and Minecraft players are less likely to play traditional AAA video games
A Newzoo report indicates that players of Roblox and Minecraft have significantly less overlap with traditional AAA game audiences compared to live service titles like Fortnite and Grand Theft Auto V. This trend is attributed to a shift away from graphical fidelity as a primary driver of popularity and the younger demographic's preference for free-to-play models. The analysis questions whether these players will transition to AAA games as they age or continue to favor sandbox and live service experiences.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 remains on course to match Baldur's Gate 3's GOTY record as it secures GDC win and…
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is on track to replicate Baldur's Gate 3's historic achievement of winning all five major 'Big Five' game awards. The game has already secured a win at the Game Developers Choice Awards and is a contender for the remaining accolades, including the upcoming BAFTA Games Awards.
Fortnite Chapter 7, season 2 countdown: Exact start time and date
Fortnite Chapter Seven, season two, titled "Showdown," is set to launch on Thursday, March 19, with downtime expected to begin around 3am CT and the season going live at approximately 6am CT. This new season will introduce new locations, loot, quests, characters, and cosmetics, focusing on rivalries and clashes between opposing characters, and is expected to run for approximately 79 days.
Fortnite players revolt over V-Bucks changes as Epic devs appeal for calm: 'Paying the bills frees up our teams to continue driving stories and building stuff you love'
Fortnite players are expressing anger over an upcoming price increase for V-Bucks, the game's primary in-game currency. Epic Games stated the price hike is necessary to cover rising operational costs. Design director Ted Timmins attempted to reassure players that the focus remains on gameplay development, but a player boycott is being organized.
Fortnite Players Are Done With Crew Subscriptions — Here’s Why
A Reddit discussion highlights growing player dissatisfaction with Fortnite Crew subscriptions due to subscription fatigue in the gaming industry. Players are questioning the value of monthly fees compared to purchasing full games like Resident Evil, signaling a potential shift towards game ownership over continuous engagement models.
Every Game on EGS That Comes With A Fortnite Skin Or Accessory
Epic Games is significantly increasing its promotions where purchasing games on the Epic Games Store grants players cosmetic items in Fortnite. Titles like Resident Evil Requiem, Crimson Desert, Honkai Star Rail, and Borderlands 4 are among those offering skins, emotes, or accessories. These deals are exclusive to PC and mobile purchases made through the Epic Games Store.
How to help Hope forge an alliance with The Elites by completing her quests in Fortnite Chapter 7, season 1
This guide details how to complete Hope's quests in Fortnite Chapter 7, Season 1 to help her forge an alliance with The Elites. Players must complete six out of ten available quests, which include tasks like scouting locations, collecting items, eliminating opponents, and dealing damage with specific weapons. The final quest involves talking to Hope about recruiting The Elites.
How to talk to Hope about recruiting The Elites in Fortnite Chapter 7, season 1
This guide explains how to find and talk to the NPC Hope in Fortnite Chapter 7, Season 1 to recruit The Elites. Hope is located at Classified Canyon in a building with a helipad. Players must complete at least six of her quests before selecting the 'The Elites' dialogue option to progress.