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The Sunday Papers
This week's gaming news roundup highlights multiple laptop thefts at Gamescom 2026, impacting indie developers. Articles also explore the narrative depth of Grand Theft Auto 6's character dynamics, the evocative soundtrack of Disco Elysium, and a memorable performance in Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3.
Games Inbox: Are you playing EA Sports FC more because of the World Cup?
Readers discuss their current engagement with EA Sports FC, with some playing less due to the lack of an official World Cup license and the team's performance. Other topics include potential Grand Theft Auto 6 boycotts, Xbox's mobile gaming strategy, the future of console design, and the impact of industry layoffs on studios like id Software.
'The entire thing is going to fall apart:' Inside the latest round of mass layoffs at Xbox
Microsoft's Xbox division has conducted its fifth round of mass layoffs since 2023, impacting 3,200 employees across studios like Bethesda, ZeniMax Online Studios, and id Software. Employees describe the process as cruel and self-defeating, with swift video calls and disabled communication channels. The cuts have led to significant loss of institutional knowledge, particularly concerning id Software's proprietary id Tech engine and the development teams for major franchises like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls.
Games Inbox: What will be the next Nintendo remake after Zelda: Ocarina Of Time?
Readers discuss potential future Nintendo remakes following the success of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Resynced and the anticipated Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake. There is also speculation about FromSoftware's next project and a desire for id Software to perfect its modern Doom titles. The discussion also touches on the shift to digital distribution and the future of physical media.
Games Inbox: Will there ever be a Nintendo Switch 2 Lite?
Readers discuss the potential for a Nintendo Switch 2 Lite, with concerns about component costs and Nintendo's future hardware strategy. The discussion also touches on the high cost of AAA game development, the future of Sony and Microsoft, and skepticism surrounding the release of The Elder Scrolls 6 and Grand Theft Auto 6.
Games Inbox: Is The Elder Scrolls 6 going to be worth the wait?
Readers express concerns about the lengthy development of The Elder Scrolls 6, criticizing Bethesda's recent game output and treatment of developers. The discussion also touches upon the shift to digital-only distribution, the impact of layoffs at Microsoft and Bethesda, and the future of subscription services like Game Pass.
Obsidian was also hit by "the Microsoft sacrificial rituals," says laid-off RPG veteran who previously worked…
Obsidian Entertainment has reportedly been affected by recent Xbox layoffs, with narrative designer Jay Turner and other developers confirming their departure. These cuts are part of a larger "reset" by Microsoft, which aims to reduce its workforce by 3,200 by fiscal year 2027. Reports suggest around 25% of Obsidian's staff, approximately 60-70 individuals, were impacted.
Games Inbox: Will this be the biggest week for gaming in 2026?
Readers discuss the potential for the upcoming week to be the biggest in gaming for 2026, with events like State of Play, Summer Game Fest, and Xbox presentations. There's a mix of anticipation for new game reveals and hardware, alongside concerns about the industry's overall direction and the impact of major releases like Grand Theft Auto 6 on other titles such as Call of Duty.
Saturday Consolidation
Xbox CEO Phil Spencer has stated that the decision to use the PlayStation 5 logo was a 'miss' and indicated that the company will re-evaluate its policies regarding its own Games Showcase. This comes as the company considers its branding and presentation strategies in relation to competitors.
Games Inbox: Is Destiny 2 a dead game now?
Readers discuss the current state of Destiny 2, with one questioning if it's a 'dead game' due to Bungie's handling of content and vaulting. Other topics include the timing of summer gaming showcases, Nintendo's pricing strategy, Sega's revival of old franchises, and the decline of traditional game announcements.
Blood pressure too low? Try our quiz about the most freakishly out-of-touch things tech CEOs have ever said
This article presents a quiz featuring controversial and out-of-touch quotes from various tech and gaming CEOs. It highlights statements on topics ranging from game pricing and AI's impact on jobs to corporate responsibility and the nature of development.
Games Inbox: What new characters will be in the next Smash Bros.?
Readers discuss potential new characters for a future Super Smash Bros. installment, suggesting characters from Resident Evil and other franchises. The discussion also touches on Nintendo's upcoming Direct presentations and the potential for lower-budget sequels for lapsed franchises like Star Fox and F-Zero.
Shuhei Yoshida claims Jim Ryan forced his job shift at PlayStation because 'I didn't listen to him'
Shuhei Yoshida claims that Jim Ryan's decision to move him to PlayStation Indies in 2019 was a result of Yoshida refusing to comply with 'ridiculous things' Ryan asked him to do. This indicates internal friction at Sony Interactive Entertainment regarding leadership directives.
Ubisoft union workers agree settlement, legal advice for game devs, and is Xbox Game Pass too expensive? - Patch Notes #48
Union workers at the shuttered Ubisoft Halifax studio have reached a confidential settlement. Xbox's new gaming chief, Asha Sharma, reportedly believes Xbox Game Pass has become too expensive. Additionally, the article touches on the winding down of Ludum Dare, a potential Fortnite extraction shooter with Disney characters, Roblox's new age-based accounts, Among Us surpassing one billion downloads, legal advice for game developers regarding generative AI and IP, and the upcoming Playdate Season 3.
Morrowind helped Bethesda to "stay in business" but Skyrim was the "holy sh*t" moment, says former boss
Former Bethesda publishing head Pete Hines stated that The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind was crucial for the company's survival, while The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim represented a major breakthrough that allowed for creative freedom. Skyrim's massive success introduced role-playing games to a wider audience and solidified Bethesda's position in the industry.
Ghost of Yotei star: 'workers need more protections' in game development
Erika Ishii, lead actor for Ghost of Yotei, used her acceptance speech at the DICE awards to call for better worker protections and fair pay in the game development industry. Ishii highlighted that despite the industry's lucrative status, the people who create games deserve recognition and fair treatment, drawing parallels to her parents' experiences as below-the-line workers in Hollywood.
