Vishal Kamal has been covering video games for 7 years, writing about everything from hardware deals and new releases to esports and the business
side of the industry. He runs TheBadGamer, focused on gaming news worth your time.
Microsoft's latest round of layoffs includes spinning off Double Fine Productions, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs from Xbox, with Arkane Lyon exploring strategic options. The affected studios will retain or receive support for their IP and in-development games. This move is part of Xbox's "most significant restructure" in its history, impacting approximately 3,200 employees.
The developers behind State of Decay and Hellblade, Sucker Punch Productions and Ninja Theory, are being sold by their parent company, Sony, amidst a broader restructuring effort. The sale, announced unexpectedly, has left the gaming community speculating about the future of these beloved franchises. Despite the uncertainty, fans can take solace in the fact that both studios will continue working on their respective projects uninterrupted.
Xbox has announced a significant restructuring, including layoffs and studio closures, impacting several of its development teams. The move affects upcoming titles and signals a shift in the company's gaming strategy. Details on affected studios and projects have been disclosed.
Paddle Paddle Paddle, a praised Steam game, faces a 21% refund rate despite its 90% Very Positive reviews, prompting developer Zoroarts to urge a change in Steam's refund policy. The game's short playtime of ~4 hours is cited as the primary reason for refunds, sparking debate on the policy's impact on smaller experiences. Zoroarts argues the policy punishes developers of shorter games.
Valve's latest SteamOS update, version 3.8.14, significantly improves WiFi download speeds by fixing an issue with routers advertising incorrect MCS requirements. Available now for non-Valve machines and in beta for Steam Deck owners, this update promises smoother downloads. The public Steam Deck release is expected within days.
Star Trek 4: The Voyage Home celebrates its 40th anniversary with a UK cinema re-release starting September 4, 2026, featuring a new commemorative poster by artist Matt Ferguson. The 1986 film, directed by Leonard Nimoy, returns to the big screen alongside the franchise's 60th anniversary festivities. Tickets are now available for this limited UK engagement.
Discover the top PlayStation downloads for June 2026 across Southeast Asia, with NBA 2K26 and EA SPORTS FC 26 dominating the sports scene, while Escape the Backrooms and DAVE THE DIVER surprised in different regions. Explore the full rankings for PS5, PS4, and PS VR2 games. From creepy survival games to popular sports titles, June's downloads reveal player preferences.
House of the Dragon's Season 3, Episode 3, plunges Rhaenyra into the challenges of ruling, where every decision threatens her throne. With a surprising twist involving a fake Daeron and Ormund's betrayal, the series escalates tension. As Rhaenyra navigates hunger, rebellion, and dragon politics, her grip on power begins to slip.
Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, set to release on August 6, 2026, for PS5 and PC, has been blocked in 132 countries, likely due to Sony's PSN requirements, mirroring the Helldivers 2 blockage in 177 countries. The game promises exciting tag-team combat with a roster including Captain America, Iron Man, and Deadpool. Fans in affected regions express displeasure over the inaccessibility.
Discover how Killer Instinct Gold on the Nintendo 64 sparked a lifelong passion for videogame music in the author. From repeating console resets to hear its metallic clashes and guitar riffs, to influencing a broader musical taste, this is a story of how one game's soundtrack can shape a gamer's identity. The article explores the author's journey with videogame music, from early memories to lasting impacts.
