Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier revealed on the Triple Click podcast that Xbox studio leadership "absolutely detest" Game Pass, believing the subscription service has destroyed the value of their games. Industry veterans including Raphael Colantonio, Michael Douse, and Shawn Layden have echoed concerns about the model's long-term sustainability and its impact on game development economics.
Valve has broken ten months of silence on the Mann vs. Machine update for Team Fortress 2, confirming the cooperative overhaul remains in active development. The studio cites an overwhelming volume of community map and mission submissions as the primary reason for the extended delay.
Kingdom Hearts 4 is set to receive updates at the upcoming D23 event, two months after Square Enix dropped a surprise new trailer. This "deep dive" into the series promises to reveal more about the game's development and potentially its release window. Fans eagerly await news on the game's progression and gameplay features.
Just days after buying back its independence from Xbox, Compulsion Games, developer of South of Midnight and We Happy Few, is seeking new collaboration opportunities. The studio is open to supporting other projects, indicating a potential shift in its immediate focus. As the gaming industry navigates cost-cutting measures, Compulsion Games' next move is closely watched.
Outer Worlds 2 director Eric Barone addresses the recent Xbox layoffs, reassuring fans about the game's development status. He dispels misinformation circulating online, confirming the project's ongoing progress. The game remains on track despite the industry upheaval.
Ubisoft has removed its controversial claim that monetization makes games "more fun" from its latest annual report, following widespread criticism. The move comes as the publisher faces challenges with lengthy development cycles for titles like Skull and Bones, Prince of Persia remake, and Beyond Good & Evil 2. Average wages at Ubisoft are also down, sparking further scrutiny.
Warframe's developers, Digital Extremes, have shared their somber reactions to the abrupt conclusion of Bungie's Destiny 2, highlighting the unforgiving business side of the gaming industry. Despite being longtime rivals in the MMO shooter space, Digital Extremes expresses no joy in Destiny 2's demise. Warframe, launched a year before Destiny 2, continues to thrive as its competitor's story is left unfinished.
Obsidian Entertainment's Game Director Brandon Adler responds to community concerns that the studio has lost its original talent and identity following recent layoffs and announcements, including a new Fallout project. Adler emphasizes the studio's consistent DNA from Knights of the Old Republic 2 to current games. The comments come as Obsidian navigates mixed reactions to its involvement in a new Fallout game, headed by Josh Sawyer, amidst thousands of layoffs across Xbox's restructured gaming divisions.
Obsidian Entertainment, fresh from releasing Avowed, Grounded 2 (Early Access), and The Outer Worlds 2, addresses the aftermath of Microsoft's 1,600-strong gaming division layoffs, which saw 50 staff cut from the studio. Despite halted Avowed sequel plans in favor of a new Fallout game under Josh Sawyer's leadership, the studio pushes back against claims of a changed identity. Game Director Adler defends Obsidian's "DNA," emphasizing continuity despite external speculation.
Ryse: Son of Rome, a visually stunning Xbox One launch title, had grand plans to evolve into a franchise rivaling Assassin's Creed, with sequels set in diverse historical settings like the Viking era and Feudal Japan. Despite its short campaign and linear design, the team envisioned open-ended sequels with new mechanics. Unfortunately, the series stalled due to underperformance and a rights dispute between Crytek and Microsoft.
