Overwatch
News, coverage and analysis tracking Overwatch across the outlets.
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State of Decay studio Undead Labs potentially up for closure, sources claim, with Bethesda and Blizzard also facing layoffs
Microsoft is reportedly planning significant layoffs across its gaming division, potentially including the closure of Undead Labs, the studio behind State of Decay. Bethesda and Blizzard Entertainment are also expected to face substantial job cuts as part of a company-wide "reset." Union workers are negotiating with management to protect jobs or secure severance packages amid these widespread reductions.
Blizzard’s Unannounced StarCraft Title: The Hard Facts
Evidence suggests Blizzard Entertainment is developing a new AAA open-world shooter set in the StarCraft universe, moving away from its Real-Time Strategy roots. The project is built on Unreal Engine and led by former Far Cry executive producer Dan Hay, indicating a significant shift in franchise direction and development strategy.
Nu är det spelhelg, för bövelen!
Several individuals share their gaming plans for the weekend, covering a diverse range of titles including Assassin's Creed Rogue, 007 Legends, Cyberpunk 2077, and The Last of Us Part II. Some are revisiting classics like Red Faction: Guerrilla and X-COM, while others are trying new addictive experiences like Ball x Pit.
Razer announces Soma Chroma RGB gaming chair
Razer has announced the Soma Chroma, a new gaming chair featuring customizable RGB lighting that can sync with gameplay from over 300 integrated titles. The chair, priced at $499 USD, is designed for immersion and offers a battery power option for unrestricted movement. It is scheduled for release on June 25, 2026.
Issues and Activism
Overwatch players are expressing significant dissatisfaction with the high cost of new in-game skins, leading to a revolt within the community. This backlash highlights ongoing player concerns regarding the monetization strategies employed by Blizzard Entertainment.
MMO Business Roundup: EA’s latest layoffs, Overwatch’s pricy cosmetics, and GAAS nuance
This business roundup covers recent events in the MMO industry, including layoffs at Electronic Arts affecting recruitment, customer support, trust and safety, and IT teams. Former Path of Exile developer Chris Wilson shared nuanced views on live service games, acknowledging drawbacks like problematic monetization and player demands. Additionally, Overwatch's high-priced Nyan Cafe cosmetic skins have drawn community backlash.
Diablo 4's Overwatch crossover skins have been revealed and they are completely cursed: "Mercy looks like a…
Players are expressing dissatisfaction with the new crossover skins in Diablo 4, themed after Overwatch. Many find the skins unappealing and unfitting for Diablo 4's aesthetic, with particular criticism directed at the Mercy skin. Concerns were also raised about the high pricing of past collaborations with World of Warcraft and StarCraft, and the overall store pricing in Diablo 4 compared to other games like Fortnite.
The new Overwatch Nyan Café skins claw their way to eye-watering prices
Overwatch has introduced new 'Nyan Café' cosmetic bundles, featuring 'ultra skins' for Kiriko and Sierra, which are priced significantly higher than previous legendary skins. The community has reacted negatively to the cost, with the full bundle costing 9,900 Overwatch Coins, equating to approximately $100 USD for the highest tier of skins and associated items.
Overwatch charges nearly $100 for cosmetic bundle introducing a new skin rarity, and even cat maid outfits aren't…
Overwatch has introduced a new cosmetic bundle, the Nyan Cafe, priced at 9,900 OW Coins (approximately $100), which includes two new 'Ultra Skins' and three Legendary skins. This pricing, significantly higher than previous bundles, has sparked backlash from players who criticize the rising cost of in-game items and the introduction of a new, more expensive skin rarity. While some players express dismay and call the pricing insulting, others, like Doja Cat, have praised the new outfits.
Diablo 4 finally adds a mode it should have had on day one, but all I can think about is skinny Roadhog
Diablo 4's Season of Death Awakening (Season 14) introduces significant endgame updates including proper leaderboards and the long-awaited Solo Self-Found mode. The season also features new 'Ruptures' mechanic, a free Warlock class trial, and an Overwatch collaboration, though the latter has drawn mixed reactions. The expansion, Lord of Hatred, has been praised for improving the game's structure and story.
Diablo 4's next season has been fully detailed and dated, and there's a free Warlock trial on the way and an Overwatch collab coming
Blizzard Entertainment has detailed Diablo 4's upcoming Season of Death Awakening, launching June 30th, which introduces 'Mythic Uniques 3.0', a new questline, a Ruptures mini-activity, and a Solo Self Found Mode. A free Warlock class trial will be available from June 30th to July 7th for players on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, excluding Steam. Additionally, an Overwatch collaboration will offer earnable cosmetics through the 'Eye of the Overwatch' currency.
Sony’s Best-In-Class ANC Headphones Are $82 Off For Prime Day
Sony's WH-1000XM6 active noise-canceling headphones are on sale for Prime Day, reduced from $460 to $378. These headphones feature exceptional sound quality, a comfortable design, and advanced ANC technology with 12 microphones. They offer up to 32 hours of battery life and can be used wirelessly via Bluetooth or with a 3.5mm audio jack. Older models like the WH-1000XM5 and earbuds like the WF-1000XM6 and WF-1000XM5 are also discounted.
Prime Day: Save $150 On The Apple AirPods Max 2
Amazon's Prime Day event, running from June 23-26, features a significant discount on Apple AirPods Max 2 headphones, dropping the price from $549 to $399. This deal, available on multiple colors, highlights features like improved noise cancellation and personalized spatial audio. Competitors like Sony and Bose also have discounted models available for Prime members.
Diablo IV’s Season of Death Awakening claims you on June 30 – here’s the trailer and patch notes
Blizzard Entertainment is launching the Season of Death Awakening for Diablo IV on June 30, introducing new mechanics like Pandemonium Ruptures and Mythic Uniques 3.0. The season also features a free trial for the Warlock class up to level 30 and a limited-time collaboration with Overwatch.
Diablo 4’s Next Crossover Goes In A Much Different, “Lighter” Direction
Blizzard Entertainment is launching a crossover event between Diablo 4 and Overwatch in Diablo 4's Season 14, Death Awakening, starting June 30. While primarily shop-focused, the collaboration will offer free Overwatch-themed weapon cosmetics, a mount trophy, player emblems, and an armor dye. This marks a shift towards broader, lighter-toned collaborations for Diablo 4 as it matures as a live-service game.
Blizzard Knows Diablo 4 Season 14’s Mythic Changes Are Controversial, But It’s For The Game’s “Long-Term Health”
Blizzard Entertainment is implementing significant, albeit controversial, changes to Mythic items in Diablo 4 Season 14, titled Death Awakening. These changes aim to increase build diversity and ensure the game's long-term health by making more Unique items viable and reducing the dominance of existing best-in-slot Mythics. The developer is adjusting the system based on player feedback, including ensuring Mythic items now have two set affixes and improving crafting.
MMO Week in Review: ArcheAge’s revival, Guild Wars’ CCG
This week's MMO news roundup covers a variety of topics including Guild Wars receiving a CCG in China, ArcheAge's revival, and Richard Garriott's efforts to regain Ultima copyright. It also features updates on Tomo Endless Blue's Kickstarter success, Embers of the Uncrowned, and Diablo Immortal's new Warlock patch.
Official PlayStation Podcast Episode 544: Vesper Underground
The Official PlayStation Podcast episode 544 covers recent gaming adventures including 007 First Light, Mina The Hollower, and Overwatch. Upcoming releases highlighted are Dead or Alive 6: Last Round and Abyssus for PlayStation 5, alongside updates for Assassin's Creed Shadows. New details are also shared for The Planet Crafter and Granblue Fantasy: Relink's Endless Ragnarok expansion.
World of Warcraft players will never have to leave the MMO once Blizzard adds Discord chat for guilds in the next update
Blizzard Entertainment is integrating Discord chat directly into World of Warcraft guilds in an upcoming update, allowing players to communicate between the game and Discord. This feature requires linking Battle.net and Discord accounts and will offer options for combined or separate chat channels. The integration aims to simplify communication for guilds, especially those with members across different time zones.
Dual-mode monitors have changed the way I PC game, and grabbing one could save you from thinking about new screens again…
Dual-mode gaming monitors offer a solution for PC gamers who want both high refresh rates and high resolutions without compromise. These displays can switch between different native resolutions and refresh rates, allowing players to prioritize speed for fast-paced games or fidelity for visually demanding titles. Models from LG and Sony are highlighted as examples of this versatile technology.
