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Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Microsoft.
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Halo Studios jettisons long-serving contractors after launch of Halo: Campaign Evolved
Halo Studios has eliminated an unknown number of contract roles following the launch of Halo: Campaign Evolved. Several long-serving contractors have been let go, though no full-time employees were affected. This follows Microsoft's broader decision to cut 3,200 roles across its Xbox division.
The Call of Duty: Black Ops 1&2 PS4 and PS5 ports sold more than 11 million copies in under a month
The PlayStation ports of Call of Duty: Black Ops and Call of Duty: Black Ops II have achieved significant sales, with combined figures exceeding 11.2 million units across PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 within their first month. Black Ops II was the stronger performer, accounting for 8.2 million of the total sales, with the majority of purchases for both titles being on PlayStation 5.
Halo Studios seemingly cut staff after Halo: Campaign Evolved launch, including a 6-year veteran producer
Halo Studios has reportedly let go of an unspecified number of contract workers following the launch of Halo: Campaign Evolved. Producers Nick Treitman and Paul Morris confirmed their departures on LinkedIn, citing the challenging current job market in the gaming industry. This follows earlier layoffs at Microsoft, which impacted several of its studios.
Microsoft quietly deletes 32 GB RAM recommendation, which I'm sure has nothing to do with it bringing back 8 GB…
Microsoft has quietly removed support documents that recommended 32 GB of RAM for serious PC gamers. This change coincides with the reintroduction of 8 GB Surface laptops and the high cost of devices with 32 GB, potentially due to AI demands and a looming memory supply crisis. The article suggests Microsoft is downplaying higher RAM requirements to align with its less powerful, more affordable Surface offerings.
Halo Studios hit by layoffs after release of Halo: Campaign Evolved
Halo Studios has reportedly experienced layoffs shortly after the release of Halo: Campaign Evolved. Developers have shared their departures on social media, citing the challenging current job market in the games industry. This follows a broader wave of job cuts at Microsoft's Xbox division.
Minecraft finally has a Switch 2 release date, but there may be bad news for Switch 1 owners
Mojang has announced an October 27th release date for Minecraft on the Nintendo Switch 2. While existing owners of the game on the original Nintendo Switch will be able to upgrade, it will not be a free upgrade. The Switch 2 version will include visual enhancements called Vibrant Visuals, though these may not be available with all gameplay features.
Xbox ser ut att lägga till Platinum-achievements i år
Xbox is reportedly planning to introduce a 'Platinum' achievement system later this year, similar to PlayStation's Trophies. This feature, long requested by players, would award a special achievement for unlocking all other achievements in a game. Xbox's new head, Asha Sharma, confirmed that the team is working on something for later in the year.
Minecraft’s Switch 2 Edition Lands October 27 With Vibrant Visuals Turned On
Minecraft is launching a native edition optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 on October 27, featuring 'Vibrant Visuals' with enhanced lighting and reflections. Existing owners on the original Switch will be eligible for an upgrade path. The update also introduces new furniture items and follows the recent announcement of Minecraft Dungeons 2.
PS5 Packaging With Warning About End of Disc Production Spotted at Stores – Rumor
New PlayStation 5 console boxes spotted in stores include a warning that Sony will end physical disc production for games in January 2028, shifting entirely to digital formats. Company CFO Lin Tao confirmed the decision, citing the progression of digitalization in content consumption, while acknowledging community concerns. Former Valve writer Chet Faliszek suggested the move aligns with consumer purchasing trends favoring digital convenience.
RAM, SSDs to Face “Significantly Reduced” Supply Throughout 2027 – Rumor
A rumor suggests that RAM and SSD supply will be significantly reduced through 2027, with major manufacturers Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron reportedly selling out their fabrication capacity. This scarcity is expected to prioritize AI companies and potentially lead to price increases for consumer products and next-generation consoles like the PlayStation 5 and future Xbox models. While Sony has secured enough RAM for PlayStation 5 production until fiscal year 2027, future price hikes are possible.
AI Yi-Yi!
Several major technology companies are navigating changes in the artificial intelligence landscape. Google has reorganized its AI leadership, with the head of DeepMind shifting roles, while Microsoft's AI sales are largely attributed to its partnership with OpenAI. Additionally, a new California AI law has taken effect.
MMO Business Roundup: Roblox claims it’s safe, dev charity bundle, and Xbox 360 games on PC
This MMO business roundup covers several key developments, including Microsoft's alleged plans to bring Xbox 360 games to PC and future consoles. Roblox Corp asserts its platform is safe for users despite ongoing allegations, while the World of Warcraft union highlights developer struggles with RTO mandates. Additionally, a charitable game bundle for laid-off developers has raised over $146,000.
Minecraft Is Coming To Switch 2 In October, With An Upgrade Path For Switch Owners
Minecraft is set to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 on October 27, featuring enhanced 'Vibrant Visuals' with improved lighting and shadows. Original Nintendo Switch owners will have an upgrade path to the new version, and save data will carry over. Mojang, now reporting directly to new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, is focusing on Minecraft amidst recent organizational changes at Microsoft.
King declines collective bargaining agreement with Swedish unions
King, the developer of Candy Crush, has decided not to enter into a collective bargaining agreement with Swedish trade unions Unionen and Sveriges Ingenjörer. The company stated that its existing benefits and operating structure are better suited for its employees and operations in Sweden. This decision follows nearly a year of negotiations and comes despite employee interest in the security and influence a CBA could provide.
Candy Crush maker King has declined staff's collective bargaining agreement
King, a Microsoft-owned studio known for Candy Crush, has declined its staff's collective bargaining agreement after a year of negotiations with Swedish trade unions. The company cited its current benefits and operating model as reasons for the decision, stating they are better for employees and the company's operations in Sweden. Union representatives expressed disappointment but remain committed to supporting King's staff.
"Believable and consistent up close": What the dinosaurs of The Lost Wild share with Microsoft’s cancelled Everwild, according to the designer who worked on both
Gary Napper, who worked on both the cancelled Microsoft title Everwild and the upcoming dinosaur survival game The Lost Wild, discusses the design similarities between the two. He notes that both games aim to portray creatures realistically and with believable behaviors, a challenge he found more complex than designing the alien in Alien: Isolation. Napper emphasizes that The Lost Wild focuses on 'animals, not monsters,' encouraging players to respect and coexist with the dinosaurs rather than simply hunt them.
Morning Consolidation
Microsoft is reportedly aiming for its next-generation Xbox, codenamed 'Helix,' to support all previous Xbox games through backward compatibility. The company is also said to be working on bringing Xbox 360 titles to PC soon.
Available for XBOX Insiders: More Control Over Captures, Saves, and Wishlists
Xbox Insiders can now test new updates that enhance gameplay capture, including chat audio inclusion, and improve achievement sorting. The program also introduces greater control over cloud saves, with Forza Horizon 6 being the first supported title, and expands wishlists to accommodate up to 1,000 games.
So far, 20% of GamesRadar+ readers think the SNES is the greatest retro console of all time, but 80% of you would crown…
A poll conducted by GamesRadar+ reveals that 20% of readers currently consider the Super Nintendo Entertainment System the greatest retro console of all time, with the PlayStation 2 closely following. The article discusses the enduring appeal of retro consoles, the impact of modern emulation and hardware, and encourages readers to cast their votes.
Saudi-acquired EA is reportedly planning to make massive cuts after taking $18 billion of debt, and we all know what…
Electronic Arts has officially gone private under the ownership of the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners. This transition involves taking on $18 billion in debt, leading to a reported $700 million in annual cost-cutting measures, which are expected to result in significant layoffs across the company.
