Sea Of Thieves
News, coverage and analysis tracking Sea Of Thieves across the outlets.
Latest coverage
From Slots to Skill Trees: Where Xbox and Casino Games Meet
This article analyzes the intersection of Xbox games and casino mechanics, particularly focusing on how elements like wheelspins in Forza Horizon 6 borrow from slot machines. It contrasts these with progression systems in games like Starfield and Sea of Thieves, which lack random elements. The piece clarifies that while games may use casino-like staging, they are not gambling products unless real money can be withdrawn, a distinction highlighted by regulatory frameworks in places like Ontario.
Sea of Thieves talks up late October’s events including its Festival of the Damned and community weekend
Sea of Thieves is preparing for a series of in-game events to close out October, including a community weekend from October 23rd to 26th featuring Twitch Drops and unique cosmetic rewards. The Festival of the Damned Halloween event returns on October 27th, offering login goodies, daily voyages, and opportunities to earn special cosmetics by participating in activities.
Evening Reading - October 19, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading highlights the release of a documentary on Mina the Hollower, reviews for Steam Frame and Stupid Never Dies, and a discussion about potential characters in the next Street Fighter movie. It also touches on immigration policy impacting Umamusume: Pretty Derby's US concert and Konami's president's views on AI in gaming.
The MOP Up: A RuneScape animated show is in the works
Jagex is developing a RuneScape animated series in partnership with creator Charlie White and Lyrical Media. The article also rounds up other recent MMO news, including updates for Sea of Thieves, MapleStory Classic World, and Riders Republic, as well as a new client for The Elder Scrolls Online on Apple Silicon and a delay for Forza Horizon 6 on PlayStation 5.
Arc Raiders’ Huge Update Introduces Its Best Gadget Ever
Embark Studios has released a significant update for Arc Raiders, titled 'Frozen Trail,' introducing a new frosty map, a challenging raid-like event, new weapons, an overhauled skill tree, and customization options. The update also adds innovative gadgets like a Tether Launcher and a versatile grappling hook, reinforcing the game's 'tools, not rules' design philosophy and aiming to re-engage players with its co-op experience.
Xbox CEO says Battle.net isn't turning into Steam after The Witcher 3 deal: "We will do it the right way"
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that Blizzard's Battle.net storefront will not become a direct competitor to Steam, despite adding titles like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Sharma emphasized a selective, curated approach for Battle.net, focusing on games that align with its existing player base, and assured that the platform will be developed "the right way."
Sea of Thieves shares work on Last Ship Standing, server tech, and file size ensmallening
Sea of Thieves developers shared updates on server technology experiments, including a 'Last Ship Standing' mode that faced performance issues with multiple galleons. Efforts to significantly reduce the game's file size for PC and Xbox users are showing positive results, with goals to halve installs for 4K users. The studio also briefly acknowledged recent changes at Rare Ltd. with Microsoft placing the studio under Activision's control.
Latest Xbox layoffs reportedly devastated Age of Empires developer and canceled its next game
Xbox's recent "reset" significantly impacted World's Edge Studio, the developer of the Age of Empires series, with nearly half the studio laid off, including former creative director Adam Isgreen. A new project was canceled, and a large portion of the studio was let go, according to former employees. This news comes as the studio now answers to Activision, alongside Sea of Thieves developer Rare.
Rare being controlled by Activision could actually be a good thing - Reader's Feature
A reader suggests that Activision's supervision of Rare, following Microsoft's struggles in managing the studio, could be a positive development. Despite concerns about Activision's business practices and potential for Rare to become a support studio, the author believes Activision's experience in managing developers might lead to more finished games than Microsoft's tenure.
Games Inbox: What is the best Rare game?
Readers discuss Rare's best game, with opinions ranging from GoldenEye 007 and Banjo-Kazooie to the more modern Sea of Thieves and Blast Corps. Other topics include criticism of the Grand Theft Auto 6 collector's edition, Microsoft's corporate strategy, and the perceived decline of Xbox first-party software.
Xbox’s “Aggressive” Revenue Goals Were “Unrealistic” Even Before Layoffs, Says id Software Dev
An id Software developer revealed that Xbox's aggressive revenue goals are considered unrealistic and contributing to ongoing chaos and layoffs within the company. Despite attempts at communication, management's vision is perceived as lacking, with a strong focus on immediate profit increases. This sentiment is shared across studios, with morale sinking due to perceived incompetence.
State of Decay 3 Studio Was Going to Be Acquired by Splash Damage Before Deal Fell Through – Rumor
Xbox is reportedly divesting four studios, including Undead Labs, developer of State of Decay 3. A rumored acquisition of Undead Labs by Splash Damage fell through, as did potential deals for Ninja Theory. These moves are part of a larger business "reset" by Xbox, which has also involved significant layoffs and studio reorganizations.
"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.
It's 24 years since Xbox bought Rare and things have only got worse for everyone
This article analyzes the 24th anniversary of Microsoft's acquisition of Rare, arguing it was an ominous sign for Xbox's current struggles. The piece details Rare's history, its shift from Nintendo exclusivity to Xbox, and the subsequent decline in quality and sales, culminating in its current state under Activision and focus on Sea of Thieves.
Xbox Cuts Several Studios & Staff in Restructuring
Xbox is undergoing a significant restructuring, involving the elimination of 268 roles and the reorganization of several first-party studios. Activision will now oversee the next Halo game, while Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios will merge. Bethesda is absorbing Obsidian Entertainment, and Ninja Theory faces a proposed closure. These changes aim to reduce organizational complexity and concentrate resources on key franchises.
Xbox is Avoiding its Layoff Target of 1,600 More Cuts by End of Fiscal Year – Rumor
A report suggests Xbox will miss its target of 1,600 layoffs by restructuring divisions and divesting studios instead. Companies like Double Fine, Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, and Compulsion Games are becoming independent or being sold. This comes after 268 roles were eliminated, with further consolidation and potential studio closures, including Ninja Theory, being discussed.
Rare & World's Edge will now report to Activision following Xbox layoffs
Following recent Xbox layoffs, developers Rare and World's Edge will now report to Activision. This change impacts the studios behind franchises like Sea of Thieves and Age of Empires, with Activision also overseeing the next Halo game. The future for these studios appears uncertain amidst ongoing restructuring.
Sea of Thieves Fans Fear for Rare's Future as Studio Gets Put Under Activision Following Xbox Reset
Fans of Sea of Thieves are expressing concern over the future of developer Rare following its consolidation under Activision as part of a broader Xbox restructuring. This move has led to worries about the studio's independence and future projects.
Call Of Duty creators Activision to make next Halo game as Xbox confirm layoffs
Microsoft has confirmed significant layoffs and studio restructuring within its Xbox division, including the closure of Ninja Theory. Activision will now develop the next Halo game, while 343 Industries will focus on supporting existing titles. This move comes amidst broader industry trends of layoffs and consolidation, with other studios like Rare and Bethesda also undergoing shifts in oversight.
Activision was playing the long game – the Call of Duty dev lost a bidding war to acquire Rare over 20 years ago,…
Activision is now the home of Rare, 24 years after Xbox outbid the publisher for the studio in 2002. This move comes as part of Microsoft's recent reshuffling and job cuts. Rare, known for titles like Sea of Thieves and the Banjo-Kazooie series, now falls under the Activision banner alongside other classic platforming icons.
