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Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Microsoft.
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The GeForce RTX 5090 isn't a "gaming GPU" if AI companies are buying them by the pallet
The author argues that the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 is no longer a gaming GPU due to AI companies purchasing them in large quantities for data centers, driving up prices beyond what most gamers can afford. This trend, exacerbated by the lack of AI-specific deterrents like those seen with crypto mining, suggests Nvidia's focus has shifted from gaming to AI and high-performance computing.
"What's the harm in asking?" – Dlala Studios on taking a big swing to get comedy legend Bob Mortimer for the upcoming game Murals
Dlala Studios discusses the surprising process of securing British comedy legend Bob Mortimer for their upcoming game, Murals. The studio founder shares how they took a chance by asking Mortimer's representatives, leading to him voicing the character 'Magic Dave'. The interview also touches on Dlala's journey from work-for-hire on titles like Battletoads and Disney Illusion Island to self-publishing their own original IP, Murals, highlighting the risks and rewards of independent development.
We tested the simple Windows 11 account bypass and it works. Just no-one tell Microsoft
A new method has been discovered to bypass the mandatory Microsoft account requirement during the setup of Windows 11 Home Edition. By clicking a specific 'learn more' link, users can proceed to create a local account instead of signing in with a Microsoft account. This bypass has been confirmed on non-Insider builds, despite Microsoft's efforts to make local account creation more difficult.
A StarCraft open-world shooter that's "Deadwood in space", Diablo 5, and a new classic-ish World of Warcraft branch out this year make up Blizzard of reveals
Blizzard Entertainment revealed several upcoming titles at BlizzCon, including a StarCraft open-world shooter set for 2030, Diablo 5 in 2029, and World of Warcraft: Forever, a new branch of the MMO launching November 4th. The StarCraft game, led by former Far Cry producer Dan Hay, is described as "Deadwood in space," while Diablo 5's announcement aims to gather early fan feedback. Support for Diablo 4 will continue, but no further expansions are planned.
Blizzard explains why it's revealing StarCraft and Diablo 5 release dates so far away: "We want to convey confidence in some of our biggest bets"
Blizzard Entertainment has announced release dates for Diablo 5 (spring 2029) and a new StarCraft open-world shooter (2030), a departure from their usual 'done when it's done' approach. President Johanna Faries stated this is to "convey confidence in some of our biggest bets." The company also revealed World of Warcraft: Forever, a Diablo Netflix series, and other updates, amidst ongoing Microsoft layoffs.
Cyberpunk 2077 is coming to Battle.net for some reason, and Geralt will be in Diablo 4
Cyberpunk 2077 and its expansion will be released on Blizzard's Battle.net digital storefront later this year, joining other non-Blizzard titles. Additionally, Geralt from The Witcher series will appear as a barbarian skin in Diablo 4 for players who pre-purchase The Witcher 3's Songs of the Past DLC on Battle.net. The collaboration also includes Edgerunners-themed cosmetics for Overwatch next year.
MMO Week in Review: Foreverrrrr
BlizzCon 2026 saw major announcements including a new open-world StarCraft shooter, Diablo V for 2029, and World of Warcraft Forever launching soon. The event also revealed World of Warcraft's next retail expansion, The Last Titan, and sparked controversy over World of Warcraft Forever's monetization. Other news included the sunsetting of Ship of Heroes, layoffs at Pantheon Rise of the Fallen, and business dealings involving ArcheAge.
StarCraft, Diablo 5 and WoW Forever Define BlizzCon 2026
Blizzard Entertainment unveiled a significant lineup of new games and updates at BlizzCon 2026, including a new StarCraft open-world shooter targeting 2030 and Diablo 5 for 2029. World of Warcraft Forever, a remastered version of the original game, will launch November 4. The event also featured new content for Diablo 4, Overwatch, Warcraft 3, Hearthstone, and Heroes of the Storm, alongside a Diablo animated series.
After announcing StarCraft and Diablo 5 years in advance, Blizzard president promises "to ship, and ship big, and…
Blizzard Entertainment president Johanna Faries expressed confidence in the long-term development of StarCraft and Diablo 5, despite their distant release windows of 2030 and 2029 respectively. Faries stated the company's commitment to shipping games on time and emphasized preserving Blizzard's unique culture amidst Microsoft's ownership and recent layoffs.
Xbox Regional Pricing Explained: Why Game Prices Differ Between Countries
This article explains why Xbox game prices and Game Pass subscriptions vary significantly between countries. Microsoft sets base prices, which are then adjusted for local currency, taxes, competition, and player purchasing power. While regional pricing can offer savings, attempting to exploit it through region-hopping carries risks like account restrictions and revoked codes.
Why is Blizzard still announcing games years ahead of release? 'We want to convey confidence in some of our biggest…
Blizzard Entertainment's strategy of announcing games years before their release, exemplified by StarCraft and Diablo 5, is questioned as a potentially outdated marketing approach. President Johanna Faries stated the company wants to convey confidence in its major projects and ensure they ship on time, aiming to create a healthy Blizzard culture amidst potential future layoffs.
BlizzCon 2026 Opening Ceremony live report – all the Blizzard news and announcements as they happen
Blizzard Entertainment's BlizzCon 2026 Opening Ceremony is set to reveal upcoming news and announcements across its major franchises including Diablo, Overwatch, StarCraft, and Warcraft. The event, held on September 12, is particularly anticipated as a show of confidence following recent staff reductions at the company.
Physint Could Be Xbox's Biggest Gamble Yet
Microsoft's 'Physint' initiative is described as a significant gamble that may not guarantee success for Xbox. The article suggests this move represents a high-stakes play for the platform's future.
BlizzCon 2026 Opening Ceremony live report - all the news and announcements as Blizzard's convention returns
BlizzCon 2026 is set to return with its opening ceremony, promising announcements for Blizzard Entertainment's major franchises. Expected reveals include a new StarCraft shooter, a "Classic Plus" version of World of Warcraft, and updates for Diablo 4 and Overwatch. The convention also takes place against the backdrop of recent industry layoffs by owner Microsoft.
Evening Reading - September 11, 2026
This edition of Evening Reading covers various gaming news, including Saudi Arabian investors considering a merger between EA and Savvy Games, EA Sports confirming the use of generative AI voice tech in NHL 27, and PlayStation reportedly shelving Hideo Kojima's Physint. It also notes Stellar Blade developers confirming game card sizes for the Nintendo Switch 2, the closure of Moss developer Polyarc, and Nintendo's legal win against Switch pirates.
PlayStation has had its worst week ever and it deserves it - Reader's Feature
This reader's feature expresses strong criticism towards Sony PlayStation, arguing the company deserves its recent troubles. The author points to the cancellation of Hideo Kojima's Physint game, the poor reception of Marvel's Wolverine, and the shift to live service games as self-inflicted wounds, contrasting Sony's perceived mismanagement with Xbox's current business practices.
Microsoft (MSFT) CCO Frank X. Shaw to leave company after over 17 years
Microsoft Chief Communications Officer Frank X. Shaw will be leaving the company at the end of 2026 after more than 17 years of service. Shaw announced his departure on LinkedIn, thanking the company and its fans. His exit marks another veteran leaving a prominent role in the tech industry.
GTA 6 Developer Is Fighting Drones And Hackers To Keep The Game’s Secrets Safe
Rockstar Games is implementing stringent security measures, including privacy film on windows and a dedicated investigation team, to protect Grand Theft Auto 6's secrets from drones and hackers. This comes amidst a tribunal hearing where the studio is accused of unlawfully firing developers for leaking game information, with Rockstar comparing the need for secrecy to that of Apple or Coca-Cola.
More than 40% of people cancelling Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus and Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions blame rising costs
Rising costs are increasingly cited as the primary reason for cancellations of Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, and Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions in the US. According to analyst Mat Piscatella, over 40% of users cancelling these services now blame cost, a higher figure than earlier in the year. This trend aligns with general price increases across gaming hardware and software.
Goodwill Hunting: Consoles’ brand value and loyalty is being tested | Opinion
The article argues that Sony and Microsoft will need significant customer goodwill to justify the high prices of their upcoming next-generation consoles. Sony's decision to drop Hideo Kojima's game Physint, which was then picked up by Xbox, is presented as a damaging blow to their goodwill reserves, especially in light of past missteps like the pivot to live service games and the cancellation of Concord.
