Grounded
News, coverage and analysis tracking Grounded across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – October 24, 2026 – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on top
The Nintendo Switch eShop charts for the week of October 24, 2026, show Super Smash Bros. Ultimate reclaiming the number one spot. Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse drops to second, while Final Fantasy Resonance debuts with two editions in the top ten.
The Xbox Nano Controller is a compact, 'entry-level, rechargeable controller' launching next month —…
Microsoft has announced the Xbox Nano Controller, a compact and rechargeable gamepad launching on November 4 for $49.99. Designed to be pocketable and affordable for families, it features all standard Xbox inputs and supports Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth. Special holiday bundles with Samsung TVs and Meta Quest devices will also be available.
Weekend PC Download Deals for Oct. 2: Steam Autumn Sale and friends
The annual Steam Autumn Sale has begun, offering discounts on a wide range of PC games, including recent releases and older titles. Several other digital storefronts like GOG.com, Epic Games Store, and Fanatical are also hosting their own autumn sales, providing various deals and free games.
"It genuinely breaks my heart"- Confusion and frustration reign as gaming communities react to Xbox's drastic restructuring this week
Xbox has undergone a significant restructuring this week, leading to widespread layoffs and the impending closure of Ninja Theory. Studios like Obsidian Entertainment, Rare, and World's Edge have been re-assigned to different publishing arms within Xbox's ecosystem, causing confusion and frustration among players and developers regarding future game development and monetization strategies.
Bethesda boss confirms Obsidian will remain a "distinct" team
Bethesda boss Jill Braff confirmed that Obsidian Entertainment will remain a distinct studio with its existing leadership following Xbox's recent studio reorganisation. This move places Obsidian under Bethesda's reporting structure, though its creative identity and strengths will be preserved. The teams will continue to collaborate on new Fallout projects.
Obsidian will keep its "creative identity" under Bethesda, Fallout and Elder Scrolls boss says in leaked memo
A leaked memo from Bethesda president Jill Braff suggests Obsidian Entertainment will maintain its creative identity while reporting to Bethesda following Xbox's recent layoffs and restructuring. Despite assurances, concerns remain about Obsidian's future, particularly regarding its original IP development and the shift towards franchise-led projects, especially with reports of layoffs and a new Fallout game collaboration.
Halo Moves to Activision as Xbox Cuts 268 More Jobs
Microsoft has confirmed another 268 layoffs across Xbox, impacting Halo Studios and other first-party teams, as part of a significant reorganization. Development of the next Halo game will move to Activision, while studios like Rare and World's Edge will now fall under Activision's remit. Ninja Theory is facing proposed closure.
Obsidian Will Retain Leadership and “Creative Identity” Under Bethesda – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Obsidian Entertainment will maintain its leadership and creative identity while reporting to Bethesda under a new organizational structure within Xbox. This change comes amidst significant layoffs and restructuring within Xbox, raising concerns for Obsidian's future despite assurances of continued creative independence and ongoing work on a new Fallout project.
Obsidian Entertainment to fall under Bethesda's authority following Xbox layoffs
Obsidian Entertainment is now under the authority of Bethesda Game Studios following recent Xbox layoffs and organizational changes. Obsidian will continue its current projects, including Grounded, and is working on new Fallout titles with Bethesda, including a remaster of Fallout: New Vegas. The article suggests this consolidation implies Bethesda will take on responsibility and control of Obsidian's operations.
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.
Obsidian’s New Fallout Game Is Still Coming, As The Studio Moves Under Bethesda’s Umbrella
Obsidian Entertainment will now operate under Bethesda Softworks as part of Xbox's ongoing restructuring. This change aims to integrate Obsidian more closely with Bethesda's business unit while allowing Obsidian to continue its current projects, including Grounded and a new Fallout game.
Xbox lays off 268 more employees, merges Obsidian into Bethesda, and puts Activision in charge of Halo
Xbox has announced another round of layoffs, cutting 268 employees and reorganizing several studios. Activision will now oversee the development of the next Halo game, while Obsidian Entertainment is being merged into Bethesda. Other studios like Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios are also being formally merged.
Dune Awakening is slick on PS5, but it's still a Paul of all trades rather than a survival messiah
Dune Awakening has arrived on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, offering a visually impressive survival experience on Arrakis. While the game excels in atmosphere and capturing the essence of the Dune universe, its core survival mechanics, combat, and user interface remain unpolished, particularly on consoles. The PS5 version suffers from a cumbersome UI and controls, detracting from the overall experience despite its graphical fidelity and 60fps option.
Activision tar över Halo och Bethesda börjar bossa över Obsidian
Microsoft has announced a significant restructuring of its gaming division, including the closure of Ninja Theory and the merger of Playground Games with Turn 10 Studios. Activision will take over development of the Halo series, while Bethesda Softworks will oversee Obsidian Entertainment. This follows recent layoffs and studio departures within Xbox.
Xbox confirms 268 more layoffs, further studio closures, and Obsidian's shift to Bethesda as major restructuring continues
Xbox has confirmed 268 additional layoffs and further studio closures as part of its ongoing restructuring. This follows previous significant job cuts, with some studios facing proposed closure and others being reorganized under different leadership, including Bethesda overseeing Obsidian Entertainment.
Xbox continues 'reset' with Halo Studios layoffs and Undead Labs divestment
Xbox has announced further layoffs, cutting 268 employees from various first-party studios including Halo Studios. This is part of a larger restructuring plan that has already seen divestments of studios like Undead Labs and Compulsion Games, and the proposed closure of Ninja Theory. Xbox is also consolidating internal studios and shifting development responsibilities, with Activision now set to develop the next Halo title.
All The Major Xbox Changes Microsoft Announced Today: Layoffs, Halo Goes To Activision, And Lots More
Microsoft announced significant restructuring within its Xbox division, including 268 layoffs affecting various first-party studios like Halo Studios. Activision will now develop the next Halo game, while Bethesda expands to oversee Obsidian Entertainment. Several studios face potential closure or consolidation, such as Ninja Theory and the merging of Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios.
Continuing Our Reset
Xbox is undergoing a significant restructuring, eliminating 268 roles across its first-party studios and management. The company is also reorganizing its studios, with Activision taking on new responsibilities and developing the next Halo title, while Bethesda will now oversee Obsidian. Several studios are being divested, though plans for Ninja Theory and Arkane are still being determined.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – September 12, 2026 – Metroid Dread makes a comeback
The Nintendo Switch eShop charts for the week of September 12, 2026, show a resurgence for Metroid Dread following the announcement of Metroid Ravenous. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream remains the top seller, while the new release Dragon Quest Heroes: Torneko’s Mystery Dungeon – Classic HD also charted.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – September 5, 2026 – Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream on a crazy run
The Nintendo Switch eShop charts for the week of September 5, 2026, show Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream continuing its strong performance with nearly eight million copies sold. The game remains at the top of the overall charts, followed by other popular titles like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Minecraft.
