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"They don't understand art" - id Software lead slams Xbox, says it's "impossible" to make games like 2016's Doom now
id Software lead developer Chris Hayes stated that it is impossible to create triple-A games like 2016's Doom with half the staff, criticizing Microsoft's recent layoffs. Hayes believes the company's leadership does not understand game development or the business, especially regarding the impact of services like Game Pass on sales metrics. He also refuted claims that id Software's developer count remains similar to when Doom (2016) was released.
Australia’s New Age Checks Will Shut Millions Of Xbox Players Out From August 2026
Starting August 2026, Australian Xbox players will need to verify their age using government-issued ID, facial scans, or credit card details to access mature-rated titles. These new regulations, mandated by Australian law, aim to protect minors but have raised concerns among privacy advocates about the security of personal data. Players who refuse to comply will be locked out of restricted games.
Blizzard says Diablo and Overwatch ‘drove exceptional performance’ in 2026
Leaked emails from Blizzard boss Johanna Faries indicate that Blizzard Entertainment achieved exceptional performance in fiscal year 2026, marking its third highest revenue year in history and first back-to-back growth since FY17. Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred and Overwatch were highlighted as key drivers of this success, with Overwatch delivering its strongest quarter since 2022.
Xbox to implement age verification in Australia on console and PC in late August
Xbox will implement age verification for users in Australia starting in late August 2026 to comply with R18+ game access regulations. Users will need to verify their age through methods like email, facial scan, or ID to access rated 18+ content on the Microsoft and Xbox Store for both console and PC. This follows similar age verification rollouts by Sony and Valve in other regions.
Unity credits AI advertising platform for driving its 'best quarter ever'
Unity reported its best quarter ever, with total revenue reaching $546 million, a 24% increase year-over-year, driven primarily by its AI-driven advertising platform, Vector AI. Despite a net loss of $23 million, the company has significantly reduced its losses compared to the previous year. CEO Matthew Bromberg highlighted the company's "ecosystem" strategy and anticipates growth from generative AI's impact on game development.
No, Gears of War: E-Day is not coming to PS5
Gears of War: E-Day will not be released on PlayStation 5, despite earlier rumors. Microsoft confirmed at the Xbox Games Showcase that the game will only be available on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC. An open beta is upcoming for players to experience the game before its release.
Dev at id Software says Microsoft 'burned a lot of bridges' in the industry: 'They fundamentally don't understand art, they don't understand games'
Chris Hays, lead services programmer at id Software, criticized Microsoft's handling of recent layoffs, stating the company "fundamentally don't understand art, they don't understand games." He described the process as "inhumane" and "demoralizing," leading to a significant loss of talent and expertise within the studio. Hays believes Microsoft has "burned a lot of bridges" and damaged its reputation, making future recruitment and trust difficult.
Leaked Emails: Overwatch and Diablo Pushed Blizzard to the Top of Xbox’s Studio Rankings
Leaked emails from Blizzard president Johanna Faries reveal that Blizzard Entertainment was the top-performing studio within Xbox's division in FY26, driven by the success of Overwatch and Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred. This marks Blizzard's first back-to-back years of growth since FY17, despite Microsoft's wider gaming division experiencing significant layoffs.
Why Streaming Your Xbox Game Live Is Now One of the Most Powerful Marketing Tools in the Industry
Streaming Xbox games has become a powerful marketing tool, shifting from a hobby to a significant business channel. Platforms like Twitch and Kick see billions of viewing hours annually, offering players opportunities for income and brand building. Xbox's integrated broadcasting tools and diverse game library, combined with the appeal of Xbox Game Pass, create unique advantages for streamers seeking to engage audiences and for developers looking for real-time exposure.
Doom dev criticises Xbox after studio layoffs: 'Morale has never been lower'
A lead programmer from id Software, Chris Hays, has heavily criticized Microsoft and Xbox following recent layoffs that significantly impacted the studio. Hays described the process as 'inhumane' and stated that morale is at an all-time low, making it impossible to develop AAA games with half the staff. He also criticized Xbox's understanding of the Game Pass business model and its impact on game development.
Blizzard is Microsoft's "top performing" studio, thanks largely to Diablo 4 and Overwatch
Blizzard Entertainment has been recognized as the top-performing studio within Xbox's division for the past fiscal year, driven significantly by the success of Diablo 4 and Overwatch. Blizzard President Johanna Faries highlighted that this performance marks the third highest fiscal year for top-line revenue in the company's history, with Overwatch achieving its strongest quarter since 2022.
Xbox now requires Australians to prove their age to access games rated 18+, though "games you already own won't be affected"
Microsoft's Xbox platform is implementing mandatory age verification for users in Australia to access games rated 18+ on the Xbox and Microsoft Stores. This new policy, which begins in late August 2026, requires users to verify their identity through methods like email, credit card, government ID, or facial verification to comply with Australian regulations. Games already owned by users will not be affected by this change.
Australians must now prove their age to buy R18+ games on the Xbox store
Microsoft will implement age verification for R18+ games on the Xbox and PC stores in Australia starting August 2026 to comply with new regulations. Users may need to verify their age using methods like a selfie, credit card, or government ID. This change comes as both Australia and the UK introduce stricter age verification requirements, while platforms like Steam and PlayStation have not yet implemented similar measures in Australia.
Games Inbox: Is Final Fantasy 7 still the most popular JRPG?
Readers discuss the perceived lack of hype for the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy, questioning if the original game's age hinders its popularity as a JRPG. Other topics include reader interest in Take-Two's post-Grand Theft Auto 6 plans, the potential for a live-action Zelda movie, and the future of digital distribution versus physical media.
Blizzard Was “Top-Performing” Studio at Xbox in Q4 FY26 – Rumor
A report suggests Blizzard Entertainment was the top-performing studio at Xbox in Q4 FY26, with Blizzard president Johanna Faries congratulating staff on growth and record fiscal performance. This success, driven by Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred and Overwatch, contrasts with Xbox's overall revenue decline and recent layoffs.
Blizzard Reportedly Leads Xbox as 'Top-Performing' Studio Thanks to Overwatch and Diablo
Blizzard Entertainment is reportedly Microsoft's top-performing studio, largely due to the success of Overwatch and Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred. This indicates strong performance within the Xbox gaming division.
Blizzard is now reportedly Microsoft's top studio, according to leaked email
A leaked email reveals that Blizzard Entertainment was Microsoft's top-performing studio within the Xbox division for fiscal year 2026, driven by strong revenue from Diablo 4 and Overwatch. Despite industry-wide layoffs and ongoing protests, Blizzard achieved significant growth, with Overwatch experiencing its best quarter since 2022. The company is reportedly preparing for Blizzcon 2026 with potential new game announcements.
Hit markers are an FPS crutch
This opinion piece argues that hit markers, while providing clear feedback in multiplayer first-person shooters, have become an overused crutch that detracts from immersion, particularly in single-player experiences. The author contrasts the effectiveness of intuitive visual and audio feedback in older titles like Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and Left 4 Dead 2 with the modern prevalence of hit markers in games like Halo and Back 4 Blood, suggesting a decline in immersive design.
Minecraft for Switch 2 has a closed beta available to selected players
A closed beta for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 version of Minecraft is currently underway, allowing selected players to test the game. Mojang Studios and Microsoft are using this beta to identify and fix bugs before the game's official release in October.
EA selling BioWare and Mass Effect would be the best news ever - Reader's Feature
A reader expresses concern over Electronic Arts' financial situation and its potential impact on BioWare and the Mass Effect franchise. The author suggests that EA selling BioWare would be beneficial, allowing the studio to regain independence and potentially revive the Mass Effect series, which they believe is unlikely to continue under EA's current management due to financial pressures.
