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Crossfire Developer Lays Off 14 Employees After High-Profile Reveal – Rumor
That's No Moon, the studio developing a new third-person shooter based on Smilegate's Crossfire IP, has reportedly laid off 14 employees. This news follows the game's recent trailer debut at Summer Game Fest. The studio has not officially confirmed the layoffs, which come amid a wave of similar workforce reductions at other gaming companies.
'They Fundamentally Don't Understand Art' — Doom Dev Blasts Xbox After Microsoft 'Gutted' id Software With Layoffs
id Software lead services programmer Chris Hays criticized Xbox and Microsoft following recent layoffs at the studio, stating they "fundamentally don't understand art." The comments highlight ongoing tensions and concerns within the company after significant workforce reductions.
Bethesda 40th anniversary sale knocks 50% off Doom: The Dark Ages - Revelations just a month after launch
Bethesda is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a major sale on Steam, featuring discounts of up to 67% on many of its titles, including subsidiaries id Software and Arkane Studios. Notably, the recently released Doom: The Dark Ages - Revelations expansion is 50% off, just one month after its launch. This sale occurs amidst recent layoffs at Bethesda Game Studios, Zenimax Online, and id Software, and concerns about Arkane Studios' future following Microsoft's acquisition.
Cybersecurity Is Being Rebuilt by AI at Frightening Speed
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming cybersecurity, leading to a significant increase in sophisticated phishing, voice clone, and deepfake attacks. While AI tools empower defenders, they also provide criminals with powerful new methods, democratizing cybercrime and creating an imbalance where attackers need only find one vulnerability. The article discusses prompt injection, data poisoning, and the risks associated with AI agents having high-level system access, urging users to implement strong security practices like multi-factor authentication and restrict AI permissions.
Doom developer slams Xbox after layoffs hit id Software: "They fundamentally don't understand art. They…
A lead services programmer at id Software, Chris Hays, criticized Xbox's management following significant layoffs at the Doom developer, stating they do not understand art or games. Hays expressed concern about the studio's ability to create games of similar scope with a reduced workforce, questioning how essential departments will be maintained. Despite these concerns, Doom: The Dark Ages director Hugo Martin refuted claims that the studio is in no shape to make games.
Stalker 2 is finally letting us explore the Chornobyl Power Plant
GSC Game World has released new footage of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Cost of Hope DLC, showcasing the Iron Forest and Chornobyl Power Plant areas. The expansion, launching August 20th for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, will add dozens of hours of content. Meanwhile, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed no concern over labor disputes at Rockstar Games impacting the launch of Grand Theft Auto 6, highlighting the company's strong employee relations.
How Two Point Studios Repaid Sega in 60 Hours — and Stayed 10 Years
Two Point Studios achieved remarkable financial success with Two Point Hospital, repaying Sega's advance in just two and a half days, far exceeding the initial 18-month projection. The studio, founded by veterans of Lionhead Studios, focused on creating simulation games with charm and depth, a genre they believed was underserved. This success led to a long-term partnership with Sega, with Two Point Studios remaining a valuable first-party developer.
Weekend PC Download Deals for Aug. 7: Steam Cyberpunk Fest
This weekend's PC gaming deals include a Steam Cyberpunk Fest featuring discounts on titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Deus Ex games. Several storefronts like Epic Games Store, GOG.com, and Humble Bundle are also offering significant sales on various games, with some titles available for free. Additionally, Ubisoft is celebrating 25 years of Ghost Recon with deep discounts and a free trial for Ghost Recon Wildlands.
Japan has reportedly asked the US to stop using Mario, Pokemon, and others in social media posts
Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reportedly asked the US government to stop using characters like Mario and Pokémon in social media posts. Concerns were raised over unauthorized use of intellectual property and potential damage to globally recognized brands. This follows several instances of US government agencies using game imagery for political messaging without permission.
Why GTA 6 Doesn’t Have Early Access, According To Take-Two
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick explained that Grand Theft Auto 6 will not feature an early access option, stating that Rockstar Games prioritizes delivering value to consumers. While the company could have implemented paid early access, similar to its sports titles, Rockstar chose not to. Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to launch on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Gears of War: E-Day multiplayer beta blows past series' records on Steam
The multiplayer beta for Gears of War: E-Day has set a new record for the series on Steam, with a peak of 14,331 concurrent players in its first 24 hours. This figure surpasses previous entries like Gears of War 5 and Gears of War: Tactics, though the article notes context regarding PC availability and alternative storefronts. The beta includes both PvP versus and Horde modes, with further player engagement expected as the weekend progresses and the free-to-play period begins.
Funny that, Microsoft no longer recommends 32GB RAM for gaming laptops
Microsoft has quietly removed its recommendation for 32GB of RAM for high-end PC gaming setups from its documentation. This change comes as older gaming laptops with 8GB RAM are becoming more prevalent, and while 32GB is still considered ideal for future-proofing and demanding titles, the company's shift suggests a move towards lower-memory configurations in the market.
LG responds to gaming monitor adware criticisms
LG has responded to criticism regarding its Monitor App Installer, which was found to promote third-party applications like McAfee without clear user consent. Following feedback and direct contact from Microsoft, LG has removed the McAfee pop-up, stating it was an optional prompt for a limited period in the US. The company will no longer recommend third-party applications and will give users the choice to install the companion app.
Nintendo’s Physical Releases Accounted for 38.5 Percent of Game Sales in the Latest Quarter
Nintendo reported that physical game sales accounted for 38.5 percent of its total game sales in the latest quarter, a figure significantly higher than Sony and Microsoft. This comes as Sony plans to end PlayStation disc production in 2028, a move that has sparked industry discussion and antitrust lawsuits concerning digital storefronts and game ownership.
Halo Co-Creator Says Issues With Campaign Evolved Are Taking “A Back Seat to the Fun”
Halo co-creator Marcus Lehto believes criticisms of the Halo: Campaign Evolved remake are overblown, stating that the game's fun factor outweighs its issues. Lehto praised the remake's lighting, animations, cinematics, and movement, while acknowledging minor gripes, including some cringe-worthy cinematics and overly heavy-handed hints for new players. The remake has been released on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, though initial sales on PlayStation 5 were reportedly overshadowed by other releases.
30 years after it 'ruined id Software,' Quake gets another big update while the studio once again grapples…
MachineGames has released a new update for id Software's 1996 game Quake, titled 'Dawn of the Machine,' adding a new chapter with 19 levels and new weapon variants. The update also includes archival development materials and previously unfinished levels. The announcement coincided with the 30th anniversary of John Romero's departure from id Software, a period that saw several key figures leave the company after Quake's development.
Indie Game Bundle Aiding Laid-Off Developers Is Nearing $200,000 Raised
A Game Industry Hardship Fund bundle on Itch.io, created by Necrosoft Games director Brandon Sheffield and the United Videogame Workers, has raised nearly $200,000 to assist laid-off developers with living expenses. The bundle features 127 games, including titles like Skatebird and A Short Hike, with all proceeds going to affected individuals in the US and Canada. This initiative comes in response to widespread layoffs within the industry, with funds being distributed by the union.
All Of 2027’s RAM Could Already Be Gone As Major Manufacturers Sell Out
Major PC component manufacturers Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron have reportedly sold out of all Random Access Memory production for 2027, driven by high demand from AI companies. This shortage is expected to lead to increased prices for consumers across PCs, laptops, and gaming consoles, with Microsoft already warning of significant price hikes for Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5.
Free Play Days – NBA 2K26, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint, Wax Heads, and More
Xbox is offering Free Play Days featuring NBA 2K26, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Breakpoint, Sports Renovations, and Wax Heads. These titles are available for various durations and membership tiers, with options for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and Essential members, as well as all Xbox members.
Big Walk has dethroned Forza Horizon 6 as top rated game of 2026
The indie game Big Walk has claimed the top spot as the highest-rated game of 2026 on Metacritic, surpassing titles like Forza Horizon 6 and Mina The Hollower. Launched on August 4 for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, Big Walk's PC version currently holds a score of 94 based on 19 reviews. The article also notes other contenders and the lowest-rated games of the year so far.
